20 weekend events like parades, performances + C.M. Newton Classic—Dec. 12-14

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. 12—Saturday Dec. 13

1. The Black Jacket Symphony presents Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon” live @ McWane Science Center’s IMAX Dome Theater

• 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 
• Cost: $48.50+
• Details

Friday Dec. 12—Sunday Dec. 14

2. Glow Wild @ The Birmingham Zoo

• 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.
• Cost: Adults $18.95+ | Kids (2-17) $11.95+
• Details

3. Lights of Noel @ The Birmingham Race Course

• 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
• Cost:
  • Mon-Thurs: $25 per car
  • Fri-Sun: $35 per car
• Details

4. The Magic of Model Trains @ McWane Science Center

• 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
• Cost: Included in general admission to McWane.
• Details

5. Pecans for Autism benefiting Glenwood @ Across Birmingham

• 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
• Cost: Varies on purchase
• Details

6. Alabama Ballet presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® @ BJCC Concert Hall

• 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
  • Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 1:30PM +
• Cost: $66.75+

• Details

7. To Kill a Mockingbird @ Virginia Samford Theatre

• 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
• Cost: Adults $50 | Students $25
• Details

Friday Dec. 12

8. Pell City Christmas Parade: Lights, Camera, Christmas @ Pell City High School

• What: The Pell City Christmas Parade is a joyous time for anyone seeking some seasonal wonderment. You’ll see floats transform into scenes from beloved holiday movies—complete with film reels, spotlights, snowflakes, ornaments and more. 
• When: Fri, Dec. 12 | 7-9PM
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

9. Leeds Christmas Parade @ Leeds Main Street

• What: Grab your family and friends for a jolly evening in downtown Leeds. Kick off the night with the annual Mistletoe on Main event hosted by Leeds Main Street from 4-6PM. This exciting event is filled with games, food trucks, live music, horse + carriage rides, a kiddie train and more. Local businesses will also have sales going on, so be sure to swing by and take advantage. 
• When: Fri, Dec. 12 | 7PM
  • Parade begins: Parkway Drive, Leeds
  • Parade ends: 6th Street
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

Saturday Dec. 13 

10. C.M. Newton Classic—Alabama vs Arizona @ BJCC Legacy Arena

• What: The top-ranked team in men’s college basketball is in town this weekend as Arizona visits Legacy Arena to take on No. 12 Alabama in the annual C.M. Newton Classic. The Crimson Tide is riding a 4-game winning streak + has already beaten two top-10 teams this season.
• When: 8:30PM | Sat. Dec. 13
• Cost: Tickets start at $31
• Details

11. House Plant Collective 5-Year Anniversary @ House Plant Collective

• 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
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

12. Trussville Christmas Parade @ Across Trussville

• What: Gather your family and some chairs, too—this annual Christmas Parade travels through Trussville on Saturday, December 13. This year’s theme is “The Greatest Gift.” Expect all the bells and whistles from festive floats to Santa Claus.
• When: Sat, Dec. 13 | 2-4PM
  • Parade begins: Parkway Drive, Trussville
  • Parade ends: Historic Trussville Mall
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

13. Ursula Smith’s The Brown Sugar Nutcracker® @ Dorothy Jemison Day Theatre

• What: This must-see show features a vibrant cultural twist to the beloved holiday classic, “The Nutcracker.” This version blends reimagined storytelling with show-stopping choreography for a feel-good production that delivers all the festive magic of the season.
• When: Sat, Dec. 13 | 2:30PM + 7PM
• Where: Dorothy Jemison Day Theatre
• Cost: $48-$68
• Details

14. The City of Bessemer’s Christmas Parade @ Downtown Bessemer

• What: Leave the Santa hats at home—you’ll want to wear your cowboy/girl hats for the City of Bessmer’s parade this year. Follow a “Western Christmas” theme; the afternoon will be filled with local vendors, parade entertainment and more.
• When: Sat, Dec. 13 | 2PM
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

15. Winter Wonderland @ Monday Night Brewing

• What: Join us on Saturday, December 13 as our taproom transforms into a cozy Winter Wonderland filled with Santa photos, ornament decorating, seasonal drinks, holiday movies and festive surprises—perfect for families, friends and anyone eager to soak up some holiday cheer.
• When: Dec. 13 | 11AM-5PM
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

16. Art and Antiques on the Bluff @ Shades Mountain Plaza

• What: Experience a unique art show inside an antique mall, featuring a vibrant blend of art and antiques with works from over 30 talented artists and craftsmen.
• When: Dec. 13 | 10AM-5:30PM
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

17. Moody Christmas Parade @ Downtown Moody

• What: Moody is rolling out the fun this year with a community parade built around its charming “A Marvelous Christmas” theme.
• When: Sat, Dec. 13 | 5PM
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

18. Springville Christmas Parade @ Downtown Springville

• What: Make your way to downtown Springville for this year’s Christmas Parade, where lights, music, hot chocolate and small-town charm come together for the most vibrant event yet.
• When: Sat, Dec. 13 | 6PM
  • Parade begins: Main Street, Springville
  • Parade ends: Springville Middle School
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

19. Rockin’ Around The Roller Rink: Santa and Skating Night @ City Walk

• What: Celebrate the season on wheels at Santa and Skating Night. Santa will make a special appearance at the Roller Rink for festive photo opportunities. Enjoy a skate-rental special, seasonal music, and a tasty visit from a featured food truck. It is a cheerful, family-friendly way to spend the afternoon and capture a holiday memory at City Walk BHAM.
• When: Dec. 13 | 4-6PM
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

Sunday Dec. 14 

20. Troy Trojans vs. UAB Blazers @ Bartow Arena

• What: It’s time to Black Out Bartow as the UAB men’s basketball team hosts Troy for an in-state, non-conference battle in Birmingham. The Blazers are 7-3 so far this season, winning their last three games at home. The Trojans have only beaten UAB once in 13 all-time meetings, winning at Bartow Arena by one point in 2018.
• When: 2PM | Sun. Dec. 14
• Cost: Tickets starting at $16
• Details

Coming Soon Events

• Dec. 18: Caring for Your Gardening Tools @ Birmingham Botanical Garden, Adventure Classroom
• Dec. 18: Pentatonix: Christmas in the City Tour @ The BJCC Legacy Arena
• 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
• Dec. 21: Winter Solstice Hike @ Ruffner Mountain
• Dec. 26-27: Cirque Dreams Holidaze @ BJCC Concert Hall
• Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve: Viennese Celebration @ UAB’s Alys Stephens Center–Jemison Concert Hall
• Dec. 31: UAB Blazers vs Wichita State Shockers @ Bartow Arena

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.