37 things to do in Birmingham this December—parades, concerts + more

December is packed with festive fun across the Greater Birmingham Area, from holiday markets and parades to concerts, light shows and family-friendly outings. Whether you’re planning ahead or looking for something spontaneous, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the season.

Read on for this month’s top events—fair warning, you might need a bigger calendar.

Want quick access to holiday guides? Check these out:

• Local Christmas tree lightings
• Greater Birmingham parades
• Local makers gift guide

Arts events

1.. Holiday POPS! for Kids & Famiies

• What: Get ready to fa-la-la your way into the season. The ASO is pulling out all the stops for this festive spectacular, featuring beloved favorites and merry melodies. You’ll hear catchy, toe-tapping tunes like “Sleigh Ride,” “White Christmas” and “Winter Wonderland.” Plus—there will be a spirited sing-along, so prepare to join in.
• When: Tues, Dec. 2 | 7PM
• Where: UAB’s Alys Stephens Center–Jemison Concert Hall
• Cost: General admission $25 | Students $15
• Details

2. Truman Capote’s A Christmas Memory

• What: Settle in at the Virginia Samford Theatre (VST) for a staged reading of Truman Capote’s autobiographical short story “A Christmas Memory.” Featuring local theatre talents Suzanne and Philip Mann, the performance captures the warmth and melancholy of the holiday season.
• When: 
  • Thurs, Dec. 4-Fri, Dec. 5 | 7:30PM
  • Sat, Dec. 6-Sun, Dec. 7 | 2:30PM
• Where: Virginia Samford Theatre
• Cost: $32.50
• Details

3. Red Mountain Theatre’s Holiday Spectacular

• What: Red Mountain Theatre’s Holiday Spectacular returns this December, and if you’ve never seen it, this is your year to discover why it’s a Birmingham favorite. The annual event celebrates everything you love about the season with 75 performers taking to the stage with classic carols and modern music, plus lots of special surprises you won’t want to miss.
• When: Thurs, Dec. 4-Sun, Dec. 21 | Wed-Fri 7:30PM | Sat-Sun 2PM
• Where: Red Mountain Theatre
• Cost: $40+ with discounts for kids ages 2-12
• Details

4. Magic City Nutcracker 

• What: Join Clara on a magical journey as she battles the Rat Queen, visits the Land of Snow + meets the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Kingdom of Sweets. What’s unique: An original version of the Nutcracker ballet featuring 260+ community dancers and guests from Mauro Ballet from Puerto Rico as the Sugar Plum Fairy + Cavalier
• When:
  • Fri, Dec. 5 | 7PM
  • Sat, Dec. 6 | 2PM + 7PM
  • Sun, Dec. 7 | 1PM + 5PM 
• Where: The Lyric Theatre
• Cost: $37-$65
• Details

5. Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol—Live in Concert

• What: Birmingham, get ready for a sprinkle of Yuletide excitement—Muppet-style! On December 7, you’ll have the chance to watch “The Muppet Christmas Carol” on the big screen at the BJCC, while the talented ASO performs the full score live. In this heartwarming tale, Kermit plays the lovably frazzled Bob Cratchit, Michael Caine is the grumpy Scrooge and the rest of the Muppets deliver laughs, chaos and good cheer.
• When: Sun Dec. 7 | 2:30PM
• Where: BJCC Concert Hall
• Cost: $31.50-$71.50
• Details

6. To Kill a Mockingbird

• What: Birmingham’s beloved Virginia Samford Theatre celebrates Harper Lee’s 100th birthday with Christopher Sergel’s adaptation of the seminal Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Seen through the eyes of Scout Finch, the play explores themes of racial injustice and moral growth in 1930s Alabama.
• When: 
  • Thurs, Dec 11 + 18 | 7:30PM
  • Fri, Dec. 12 +  19 | 7:30PM
  • Sat, Dec. 13 + 20 | 2:30PM
  • Sun, Dec. 14 + 21 | 2:30PM
• Where: Virginia Samford Theatre
• Cost: Adults $50 | Students $25
• Details

7. Handel’s Messiah with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra

• What: The holidays wouldn’t be complete without this special tradition. The ASO and Chorus, led by Daniel Cho, are back at UAB’s Alys Stephens Center to perform “Handel’s Messiah,” and it’s as moving as it gets. You’ll hear soprano Helen Huang, contralto Alissa Anderson, tenor David Tayloe and baritone Hadleigh Adams bring every note to life, from the triumphant “Hallelujah” chorus to the peaceful “He Shall Feed His Flock.”

• When:
  • Fri, Dec. 19 | 7PM
  • Sat, Dec. 20 | 2:30PM
• Where: UAB’s Alys Stephens Center–Jemison Concert Hall
• Cost: $12-$90
• Details

8. New Year’s Eve: Viennese Celebration

• What: Grab your friends, raise a glass and step into 2026 with romance, joy and Old-World Vienna charm—Birmingham style. The ASO, led by Chris Confessore, brings back the cherished Viennese New Year Concert, inspired by the world-famous Vienna Philharmonic. You’ll be swept off your feet by the waltzes of Johann Strauss Jr., lively polkas and timeless melodies you’ll be humming after the night ends. Bonus: Joining the celebration is Soprano Laura Corina Sanders, whose stunning voice brings even more sparkle to the New Year.
• When: Wed, Dec. 31 | 6PM
• Where: UAB’s Alys Stephens Center–Jemison Concert Hall
• Cost: $39-$82
• Details

Entertainment events

9. Glow Wild–A Holiday Lantern Festival for Everyone

• What: The Birmingham Zoo lights up this holiday season with the return of Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration. This year’s dazzling display will show off hundreds of larger-than-life installations and more than one million lights. Add in hot chocolate, rides on the Red Diamond Express Train, live entertainment + more and it’s a must-experience for all ages.
• When: Now-Sun, Jan. 4, 2026 | 5-9PM
  • The Birmingham Zoo is closed on Thurs, Nov. 27, Wed, Dec 24 + Thurs, Dec. 25.
• Where: Birmingham Zoo
• Cost: Adults $18.95+ | Kids (2-17) $11.95+
• Details

10. Lights of Noel

• What: If you love dazzling light displays, this drive-thru holiday light show at the Birmingham Race Course is a must-experience. As you enter the race course, you’ll tune your car radio to the provided channel, then watch as each light display blinks and flashes along with the music. It’s perfect for families, date nights or anyone looking for something festive to do this season.
• When: Now-Sun, Jan. 4, 2026 | Nightly 5PM-12AM
• Where: Birmingham Race Course
• Cost:
  • Mon-Thurs: $25 per car
  • Fri-Sun: $35 per car
• Details

11. The Magic of Model Trains

• What: As we roll into the holiday season, the Magic of Model Trains is a delightful first stop to help you get into the festive spirit. The beloved event chugs into McWane for its 20th year this November, with over a dozen displays featuring model trains of every shape and size—all meticulously designed to scale. You’ll also discover a miniature, true-to-life city with everything from covered bridges and downtown storefronts to a drive-in theatre and people waiting for a train. Bonus: All trains included in the exhibit really work! You can even pretend to be a conductor and operate a few of them.
  • Extra event: “The Polar Express” will be on the big screen at McWane’s IMAX Theatre on Dec 14th at 1:30PM + 3:30PM. Be sure to grab your tickets—and snacks—for one of the most magical movies of the season.
• When: Now-Jan. 2026 | Wed-Fri, 9AM-5PM | Sat, 10AM-5PM | Sun, 12PM-5PM | Mon-Tues Closed
• Where: McWane Science Center
• Cost: Included in general admission to McWane.
• Details

12. Birmingham-Southern Alumni Choir Carols

• What: Birmingham-Southern College’s Alumni Choir comes together on December 5 for its annual service of Lessons and Carols. The choir has put on this service almost every year since 1930 and is considered a musical fixture in the Birmingham community. This year’s theme: “Forward, Ever—Always.” 
• When: Fri, Dec. 5 | 7PM
• Where: Canterbury United Methodist Church
• Cost: Free
• Details

13. The Vendors Wonderland

• What: Calling all sneaker heads, vintage lovers and culture curators! This is the ultimate holiday event to buy, sell and trade this season. Check it out to discover a one-of-a-kind marketplace featuring rare kicks, throwback streetwear, collectibles and more. 

• When: Sat, Dec. 6 | 10AM-6PM
• Where: BJCC, Forum Conference Center
• Cost: General Admission $7.18
• Details

14. Holidays on the Mountain

• What: Get ready to step into a delightful wonderland filled with twinkling lights, festive music, photos with Santa and more. This holiday season, Vulcan Park & Museum is introducing an all-new event—Holidays on the Mountain—and it’s shaping up to be Birmingham’s next great holiday tradition. Expect photos with Santa, a live DJ playing festive favorites, complimentary hot cocoa + sweet treats, local vendors offering holiday gifts and goodies + more family fun.
• Where: Vulcan Park & Museum
• When: Sat, Dec. 6 | 4PM-8PM
• Cost:
  • Adults: $10
  • Members, Seniors + Military (with valid ID): $8
  • Children (5-12): $6
  • Children 4 and under: Free admission
• Details

15. Alabama Founder Fest  

• What: Birmingham’s startup scene is buzzing as always, and December 8-9, founders from across the state are gathering in the Magic City for this celebration of innovation, big ideas and Alabama-grown talent. This is Alabama Founder’s Fest second event and your chance to take part in high-energy pitch competitions, networking and more. 
• When: Mon, Dec. 8-Tues, Dec. 9
• Day 1: Deal Flow Day (Invite-Only)
• Day 2: Pitch Blitz + Startup Showcase (Open to the Public)
• Where: Innovation Depot, Inc + Regions Field
• Details

16. Art After 5: Mariah Carey Holiday

• What: Mark your calendar for an evening of holiday glam with the Birmingham Museum of Art (BMA). December’s Art After 5 event will sparkle with iconic Mariah Carey hits, festive cocktails, late-night access to the BMA’s exhibitions and themed art activities. Bonus: Dress up as Mariah Carey and enter the look-alike costume contest for a chance to win a prize.
• When: Thurs, Dec. 11 | 5PM-9PM
• Where: Birmingham Museum of Art
• Cost: Free admission | Register to attend
• Details

17. Jeff Dunham: Artificial Intelligence

• What: Traditional ventriloquism meets modern storytelling in this must-see show featuring renowned stand-up comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham. He’s bringing lots of laughs to the BJCC with his sharp humor and unforgettable puppets—Walter, Peanut + more. 

• When: Thurs, Dec. 11 | 7PM
• Where: Legacy Arena at the BJCC
• Cost: $78.30
• Details

18. The Black Jacket Symphony presents Pink Floyd’s ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ live

• What: Make plans to attend this epic show live at McWane Science Center’s IMAX Theater. The Black Jacket Symphony will blow you away as they perform Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon album and other hits—all set to curated lighting and video to match the original album and era.
• When:
  • Fri, Dec. 12 | 7:30PM
  • Sat, Dec. 13 | 4PM + 7:30PM 
• Where: McWane Science Center’s IMAX Dome Theater
• Cost: $48.50+
• Details

19. Alabama Ballet presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®

• What: Grab the family for one of the holiday season’s most beloved events—George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®. Alabama Ballet is one of only eight companies in the world licensed to perform this holiday masterpiece. Expect beloved melodies and a magical world on stage. Bonus: The first three performances of the season feature live accompaniment by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.

• When: Sat, Dec. 13-Tues, Dec. 23 | Time varies by performance
• Where: BJCC Concert Hall
• Cost: $66.75+

• Details

20. Polar Express Pajama Night 

• What: Wear your coziest PJs for movie night, filled with a cookie-decorating activity and the holiday classic “The Polar Express” on screen.
• When: Sat, Dec. 20 | 6-8:30PM
• Where: Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort
• Cost: Free
• Details

21. Cirque Dreams Holidaze

• What: For an experience all ages will love, this is it! It combines one of the world’s finest contemporary artists, dynamic choreography and whimsical storytelling, all in an epic performance you’ll never forget. 
• When:
  • Fri, Dec. 26 | 7PM
  • Sat, Dec. 27 | 3PM
• Where: BJCC Concert Hall
• Cost: $54.20+
• Details

Educational events

22. Tea & Origami

• What: Add some magic to your holidays by learning how to make lucky star origami with metallic paper. While you sip on tasty tea from Cha House and enjoy good company from local crafters, you’ll be able to make enough stars to fill a whole jar.
• When: Sun, Dec. 7 | 12:30PM-2:30PM
• Where: Cha House Bham
• Cost: $20
• Details

23. Lillie’s Cup Tea Blending 

• What: Gather your friends for a cozy afternoon learning about the art and history of tea blending. Taking place at Birmingham’s beautiful Arlington historic House & Garden, you’ll get to create your own custom tea blend and hear fascinating stories about tea’s rich traditions. All materials are provided + light refreshments served. 
• When: Sun, Dec. 7 | 2-3:30PM
• Where: Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens
• Cost: $25
• Details

24. Nonna’s Christmas Cookies

• What: Love Italian Christmas cookies but don’t have an Italian grandmother to teach you how to make them the proper way? This is your chance to learn how to make them! Join Chef Nonna Tamburello in this special cooking class as she guides you through the process of crafting these traditional, buttery and sweetly decorated cookies using time-honored techniques. Lunch is included with every ticket purchase + served during class. Wine, beer and specialty sodas are available for an additional charge.
• When: Sat, Dec. 6 | 10AM-12PM 
• Where: Vecchia Pizzeria & Mercato
• Cost: $45
• Details

25. Wreath Making Workshop

• What: The holiday season is a great time to learn the art of wreath-making. In this workshop, led by Lynn Dickinson from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, you’ll discover how to turn kudzu vines into wreath forms to take home and decorate. Hot chocolate and coffee will be served.
• When: Sat, Dec. 6 | 10AM-12PM
• Where: Turkey Creek Nature Preserve Pavilion
• Cost: Preserve Members, free | Nonmembers $5
• Details

Good cause events

26. Tamale sale benefiting Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama (¡HICA!)

• What: DYK the ritual of preparing and sharing tamales at Christmas goes back centuries for Latino cultures? Join the fun by ordering this special cuisine during ¡HICA!’s annual tamale sale. Along with enjoying a great meal, you’ll be supporting ¡HICA!’s mission of empowering Latinos in Alabama.
• When:
  • Order online: Now-Sun, Dec. 7
  • Order pickup: Wed, Dec. 10 + Thurs, Dec. 11 between 8AM-6PM
• Pickup Location: 117 Southcrest Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209
• Cost: Varies by order
• Details

27. Pecans for Autism benefiting Glenwood

• What: Give a little, get a little when you shop Glenwood’s Pecans for Autism fundraiser this season. When you purchase, you aren’t just buying delicious snacks—you’re helping make a difference in others’ lives. Whether you purchase them as a gift or for yourself, your holiday snacking will be extra meaningful this year. 
• When: Now-Sun, Jan. 11
• Where: Participating locations + online
• Cost: Varies on purchase
• Details

28. Cobb Lane Benefit ft. Dead for Love + more

• What: Show your support for those affected by the Cobb Lane fire in Birmingham’s Five Points South. On December 3, The Upstairs at Avondale hosts a benefit concert featuring live music from Dead for Love, Star Witness and Buckle Bunny.
• When: Wed, Dec. 3 | 7PM
• Where: Avondale Brewing Company
• Cost: $10
• Details

29. Toast to Clean Air benefiting GASP

• What: Don’t miss GASP’s (Greater Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution) end-of-year fundraising celebration honoring climate champions and the future of clean air and environmental justice in Alabama. The event takes place at Birmingham’s historic Sloss Furnaces and includes keynote remarks from Catherine Coleman Flowers and Cliff Villa. 
• When: Thurs, Dec. 4 | 6-10PM
• Where: Sloss Furnaces
• Cost: $39.19
• Details
  

30. 2025 Jingle Bell Run

• What: Get ready for this year’s Jingle Bell Run benefiting the Arthritis Foundation. This fun and festive race for charity is a wonderful reason to dress up in Christmas attire, spend time with your family and friends and support a great cause.
• When: Sat, Dec. 6 | 5K starts at 9AM | 1 Mile Fun Run starts at 9:05AM
• Where: Patriot Park
• Cost: $55 in advance | $60 day of event
• Details

Nature events

31. Mindful Nature Walk

• What: Slow down and be present during this mindful walk focused on meditation, observation and intentional connection to the natural world at beautiful Red Mountain Park. The walk is led by Ashley Clarke, a certified mindful outdoor guide and yoga teacher in Birmingham. Note: Participants should wear comfortable layered clothes and be prepared to walk up to two miles. 
• When: Sun, Dec. 7 | 9AM
• Where: Red Mountain Park
• Cost: Members, free admission | Nonmembers $5
• Details

32. House Plant Collective 5-Year Anniversary

• What: House Plant Collective is turning five, and you’re invited to celebrate at their anniversary party on December 13. There will be plant giveaways, beer, freebies from brands you love, raffles, a DJ and a small vendor market. Don’t miss out!
• When: Sat, Dec. 13 | 11AM
• Where: House Plant Collective
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

33. Caring for Your Gardening Tools

• What: Restore your well-loved gardening tools this winter during this helpful class at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Horticulturist Katelyn Bahr takes the lead in this hands-on workshop, demonstrating how to properly clean, sharpen and store your hand tools.
• When: Thurs, Dec. 18 | 10:30AM-12PM
• Where: Birmingham Botanical Garden, Adventure Classroom
• Cost: Members $25 | Nonmembers $30
• Details

34. Winter Solstice Hike

• What: Ring in the winter solstice with a guided hike through Ruffner Mountain. Jefferson County Greenways will lead you on a family-friendly adventure highlighting how local flora and fauna tough out winter. Cap it off with hot cocoa, coffee and a meet-and-greet with Ruffner’s animal ambassadors.
• When: Sun, Dec. 21 | 10AM
• Where: Ruffner Mountain
• Cost: Members, free admission | Nonmembers $5
• Details

Sporting events

35. Birmingham Bulls vs Huntsville Havoc + Teddy Bear Toss

• What: See the Birmingham Bulls take on cross-state rival Huntsville Havoc on December 5. Along with an exciting hockey match, this particular game includes something special: a Teddy Bear Toss. This must-see event lets fans throw stuffed animals onto the ice, which are then donated to our local Salvation Army. Last year, 1,300 teddies were tossed!
• When: Fri, Dec. 5 | 7PM
• Where: Pelham Civic Complex
• Cost: Varies by seat
• Details

36. Birmingham Squadron vs Texas Legends

• What: Grab your pom poms and cheer on the Birmingham Squadron during their game against the Texas Legends.
• When: Sun, Dec. 7 | 3PM
• Where: Legacy Arena at the BJCC
• Cost: Varies by seat
• Details

37. UAB Blazers vs Witchita State Shockers

• What: Spend the last day of 2025 with the UAB Blazers! The men’s basketball team hits the Bartow Arena court on December 31 in a must-see match against the Witchita State Shockers.
• When: Wed, Dec. 31 | 3PM
• Where: Bartow Arena
• Cost: Varies by seat
• Details

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