21 weekend events in Birmingham including Vulcan’s Holidays on the Mountain—Dec. 5-7

This weekend 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.

• Looking for December concerts? Check here.
• Want a full list of December events? Click this.
• Planning for the holidays? Look ahead for these events.

Have an event you’d like to promote? Add it for free to our calendar.

Friday, Dec. 5—Sunday, Dec. 7

1. 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
  • BONUS: Bham Now readers save $7 on adult tickets with code at checkout: NOWSAVE7
• 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. 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

4. 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 Wed, Dec 24 + Thurs, Dec. 25.
• Where: Birmingham Zoo
• Cost: Adults $18.95+ | Kids (2-17) $11.95+
• Details

5. 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

6. 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

7. Tamale sale benefiting the 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

8. 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

Friday Dec. 5 

9. 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

10. Birmingham Bulls vs Huntsville Havoc + Teddy Bear Toss

• What: See the Birmingham Bulls take on cross-state rival Huntsville Havoc. 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

Saturday Dec. 6 

11. Vulcan’s 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

12. CahaBAZAAR Holiday Market

• What: 
Knock out your holiday shopping in one stop while supporting 150+ local artists and makers around Birmingham. Enjoy food trucks, craft beer, festive cocktails, coffee and free hot chocolate from Kyle’s Cool Beans, free caricatures, live music and plenty of holiday cheer—all in one place!
• When: Sat, Dec. 6 | 12-5PM
• Where: Cahaba Brewing Company
• Cost: Free admission
• 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. 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

15. 2025 Jingle Bell Run benefiting the Arthritis Foundation

• 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

Sunday Dec. 7

16. 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

17. 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

18. A Very Electric Christmas

• What: Lightwire Theater brings some serious holiday magic to the Alys Stephens Center on December 7 with their hit show A Very Electric Christmas. Mixing classic holiday tunes with glowing puppetry, high-energy dance and eye-popping electroluminescent tech, it’s a must-see story about hope, friendship and family.
• When: Sun, Dec. 7 | 4PM
• Where: UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, Jemison Concert Hall
• Cost: $15+ | Free for UAB students + Senior Citizens with valid ID
• Details

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

Coming Soon Events

• Dec. 8-9: Alabama Founder Fest @ Innovation Depot, Inc + Regions Field
• Dec. 11-21: To Kill a Mockingbird @ Virginia Samford Theatre
• Dec. 11: Art After 5: Mariah Carey Holiday @ Birmingham Museum of Art
• Dec. 11: Jeff Dunham: Artificial Intelligence @ BJCC
• Dec. 12-13: The Black Jacket Symphony presents Pink Floyd’s ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ live @ McWane Science Center
• Dec. 13-23: Alabama Ballet presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® @ BJCC
• Dec. 13: Ursula Smith’s The Brown Sugar Nutcracker® @ Dorothy Jemison Day Theatre
• Dec. 19-20: Handel’s Messiah with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra @ UAB’s Alys Stephens Center–Jemison Concert Hall
• Dec. 20: Polar Express Pajama Night @  Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort

Did we forget your event? Let us know at gracegarrison@bhamnow.com, and I’ll add it to our list! Have an event you’d like to promote? Add it for free to our calendar.