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Auburn + Opelika — Experience the magic of the holidays in Auburn + Opelika. (Visit Auburn Opelika)

Looking to add a little extra jingle to your plans this holiday season? From iconic campus traditions to small-town celebrations straight out of a Christmas movie, Auburn and Opelika’s holiday calendar is packed fuller than Santa’s sleigh.

Keep reading for seven can’t-miss holiday happenings on The Plains that are worth the drive.

1. Collegiate Hotel Boozie Bubble: now through mid-January

Enjoy views of Auburn from your own Boozie Bubble. (Visit Auburn Opelika)

Enjoy twinkling lights, live music, holiday cocktails and unbeatable rooftop views of downtown Auburn from the only rooftop bar in town during Christmas at the Collegiate Hotel. To help with the winter chills, guests 21+ can reserve a “Boozie Bubble” on the Wittle Rooftop Bar.

What: Collegiate Hotel Boozie Bubbles
When: Now through mid-January
Where: The Collegiate Hotel | 205 S Gay St, Auburn, AL 36830

Reservations are required—click here to learn more.

2. Hey Day Holiday: Nov. 28 – Dec. 31

Kick off the holiday season at one of Auburn’s most popular concepts—the Hey Day Market! Lace up your skates and hit the ice rink, or sip hot cococa on the sidelines while meeting The Grinch and Santa Claus himself. Opening night starts at 5PM on Friday, November 28.

What: Hey Day Holiday
When: Friday, November 28 — Wednesday, December 31
Where: Hey Day Market | 211 S College St, Auburn, AL 36830

3. Auburn University Holiday Lighting Ceremony: Nov. 30

Each year, crowds flock to historic Samford Hall to celebrate the start of the holiday season at the Auburn University Holiday Lighting Ceremony. With family activites, performances by local choirs and students and a big countdown to light the Christmas Tree and Menorah, this is the perfect way to see Auburn light up for the holidays.

What: Auburn University Holiday Lighting Ceremony
When: Sunday, November 30, 2025 | 4:30PM to 6:00PM
Where: Samford Lawn | 182 S College St, Auburn University, AL 36849

4. Snopelika Parade & Tree Lighting: Dec 5

One of Opelika’s most beloved holiday traditions, Snopelika kicks off with a Christmas Parade with 120+ floats leading straight into Courthouse Square. Afterward, Courthouse Square will transform into a snowy winter wonderland—complete with snow.

That’s not all—stick around to see the Snopelika Tree Lighting. Adorned with 4,232 ornaments and 106,200 LED lights, this 72-foot-tall tree is the tallest Christmas Tree in Alabama and can be seen within a 50-mile radius!

What: Snopelika Parade & Tree Lighting
When: Friday, December 5, 2025 | 5:30PM to 8PM
Where: Opelika Courthouse Square | 215 S 8th St, Opelika, AL 36801

5. Jingle Jog 5K & Santa Stroll Fun Run: Dec 6

Lace up those running shoes—the annual Jingle Jog 5K and Santa Stroll Fun Run is back! The one-mile Santa Stroll Fun Run kicks off at 6:30AM, and the Jingle Jog 5K race begins at 7AM.

P.S. Tacky costumes are encouraged at the Jingle Jog!

What: Jingle Jog 5K & Santa Stroll Fun Run
When: Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 6:30AM
Where: Toomer’s Corner | 112 S College St, Auburn, AL 36849
Registration

6. Auburn Gingerbread Village: Dec 7 – Jan 1

Check out the largest Gingerbread Village in East Alabama at The Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center! Displayed in the pre-function foyer, the Gingerbread Village features more than a dozen intricate gingerbread houses. The Gingerbread Village will be unveiled following the Auburn Christmas Parade and remain on display until New Year’s day.

What: Auburn Gingerbread Village
When: Sunday, December 7, 2025 — Thursday, January 1, 2026
Where: The Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center | 205 S College St, Auburn University, AL 36849

7. Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour: Dec 10-14

Celebrate Christmas like it’s 1899! Held in Opelika’s Northside Historic District, the Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour features 60 historic and Victorian-era homes decorated with life-size Santas, angels, toys, carousel horses and Christmas-themed fixtures. The Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour has been voted one of the southeast’s top-rated tourism events, so you don’t want to miss it.

What: Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour
When: Wednesday, December 10, 2025 — Sunday, December 14, 2025
Where: Opelika’s Northside Historic District, 8th and 9th Street N

Which of these holiday events do you plan to see in Auburn + Opelika? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!

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