16 weekend events like Red Mountain Theatre’s Holiday Spectacular—Dec. 19-21

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. 19—Sunday Dec. 21

1. 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

2. 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

3. The Magic of Model Trains @ McWane Science Center

• What: The beloved event chugs into McWane for its 20th year, 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.
• 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

4. 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

5. Alabama Ballet presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® @ BJCC

• 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.
• When: Fri, Dec. 19-Tues, Dec. 23 | Time varies by performance
  • Friday, December 19, 2025 | 7PM
  • Saturday, December 20, 2025 | 1:30PM + 6PM
  • Sunday, December 21, 2025 | 1:30PM
  • Monday, December 22, 2025 | 1:30PM
  • Tuesday, December 23, 2025 | 1:30PM
• Cost: $66.75+

• Details

6. 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 18 | 7:30PM
  • Fri, Dec. 19 | 7:30PM
  • Sat, Dec. 20 | 2:30PM
  • Sun, Dec. 21 | 2:30PM
• Cost: Adults $50 | Students $25
• Details

7. Red Mountain Theatre’s Holiday Spectacular @ Red Mountain Theatre

• What: Red Mountain Theatre’s Holiday Spectacular rounds out this weekend, 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
• Cost: $40+ with discounts for kids ages 2-12
  • BONUS: Bham Now readers save $7 on adult tickets with code at checkout: NOWSAVE7
• Details

8. Magic of Lights @ Alabama Adventure

• What: Magic of Lights at Alabama Adventure is a drive-through holiday display featuring a mile-long route of illuminated scenes and themed light installations. The event runs from November through early January and allows visitors to enjoy the lights from their car.
• When: Dec. 12-Jan. 3 | 5:30PM-10PM
• Cost: $30+
• Details

Friday Dec. 19—Saturday Dec. 20

9. Handel’s Messiah with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra @ UAB’s Alys Stephens Center–Jemison Concert Hall

• 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
• Cost: $12-$90
• Details

Friday Dec. 19 

10. Santa was Sleighed Murder Mystery Party @ Arlington Historic House & Gardens

• What: Oh no—Santa was sleighed, and you’re invited to help solve the crime at a fun, interactive Christmas-themed murder mystery dinner at the beautifully decorated 1840s Arlington Historic House in Birmingham, featuring a festive meal by Chef Matthew Murphee, mansion tours filled with historic antiques, a lively party atmosphere perfect for friends, dates, families or team events.
• When: Friday, Dec. 19 | 6:30-9:30PM
• Cost: $65.86
• Details

11. Candlelight: Christmas Special featuring “The Nutcracker” and More @ Birmingham Museum of Art

• What: Experience the magic of Candlelight Concerts—an enchanting, multi-sensory live music event set in one of Birmingham’s most stunning venues. Discover Christmas-inspired music at Steiner Auditorium, illuminated by the warm glow of candlelight.
• When: Friday, Dec. 19 | 6:30PM + 8:30PM
• Cost: $40+
• Details

Saturday Dec. 20 

12. Polar Express Pajama Night @ Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort

• 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

13. City of Chelsea Christmas Parade @ Chelsea Middle School

• What: Plan to attend the annual Chelsea Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 20. Beloved for more than 25 years, it’s a must-see for families and for kids hoping to wave at Santa and Mrs. Claus.
• When: Sat, Dec. 20 | 10AM-12PM
  • Parade begins: Chelsea Middle School
  • Parade ends: ALDI
• Cost: Free
• Details

14. Reindeer Dash 5k + Fun Run @ Olde Town Plaza

• What: Ready, Set, Dash! Come out this Saturday for the 9th Annual 5k and 1-mile fun run at Pure Fitness in Vestavia Hills. Come dressed in your favorite holiday attire and bring your family and friends!
• When: Sat, Dec. 20 |
  • 5k 7:30-9AM
  • Fun Run 7:30-9AM
• Cost:
  • 5k $40
  • Fun Run $30
• Details

Sunday Dec. 21

15. Car Menorah Parade + Vestavia Menorah Lighting @ Chabad of Alabama + Vestavia City Center

• What to expect: Chabad of Alabama is bringing Chanukah joy to the streets of Birmingham with its annual Car Menorah Parade. Participants will receive a magnetic car menorah or Chanukah flag to proudly display along the route. The parade begins at Chabad of Alabama and wraps up at the Vestavia Menorah Lighting at City Hall, complete with music, kids’ activities and sweet holiday treats.
• When: Sun, Dec. 21 | Parade begins at 5PM | Vestavia Menorah Lighting begins at 5:30PM
• Where:
  • Car Parade: Chabad of Alabama
  • Menorah Lighting: Vestavia City Hall
• Cost: $25 suggestion donation per car
• Details + RSVP for Car Parade | Vestavia Menorah Lighting details

16. Winter Solstice Hike @ Ruffner Mountain

• 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
• Cost: Members, free admission | Nonmembers $5
• Details

Coming Soon Events:

• Dec. 22—White Christmas Sing-along @ Alabama Theatre
• Dec. 24—Christmas Eve 🎄
• Dec. 25—Christmas Day 🎄
• Dec. 26-27—Cirque Dreams: Holidaze @BJCC Concert Hall
• Dec. 29—Matt Mathews: Boujee On A Budget Tour @ Legacy Arena at the BJCC
• Dec. 31—New Year’s Eve: A Viennese Celebration @ UAB Alys Stephens Center
• Dec. 31—New Year’s Eve ⭐️
• January 1—New Year’s Day ⭐️
• Keep your eye out for the January event guide coming soon!

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.