16 Christmas weekend events like Cirque Dreams Holidaze—Dec. 26-28

This weekend is packed with festive fun across the Greater Birmingham Area, from markets 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 last of 2025.

• Looking for December concerts? Check here.
• Want a full list of December events? Click this.
• Last-minute shopping? Go here.

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

Friday Dec. 26—Sunday Dec. 28

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. 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

4. 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

5. The Magic of Model Trains @ McWane Science Center

• What: This 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

Friday Dec. 26—Saturday Dec. 27

6. Cirque Dreams Holidaze @ BJCC Concert Hall

• 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
• Cost: $54.20+
• Details

Friday Dec. 26

7. Birmingham Bulls Kids Hat Giveaway + Church Night @ Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena

• What: Bring the whole family out to the Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena for a fun-filled night with the Birmingham Bulls! Kids will receive a free Birmingham Bulls hat while supplies last and fans can enjoy an exciting evening of hockey and community fun.
• When: Friday, December 26 | 7PM
• Cost: $21+
• Details

8. Space of a Day @ True Story Brewing Company

• What: Celebrate the Friday after Christmas with a night of classic rock at True Story Brewing Company! Space of a Day brings the energy with a set of ’70s rock classics, joined by special guests Amanda Willis-Brice and Ken Gilmer. Grab a drink, bring friends and enjoy a high-energy evening of great music and good vibes.
• When: Friday, December 26 | 8PM
• Cost: $10
• Details

9. Little Raine Band @ Saturn

• What: Catch Little Raine Band live at Saturn for an unforgettable night of music and atmosphere. Known for their dynamic sound and engaging performances, Little Raine Band brings energy, emotion and groove to the stage—perfect for a night out with great music and great company.
• When: Friday, December 16 | 8PM
• Cost: $22.73
• Details

10. Paint a Sweater Ornament @ Artsy Studio

• What: Get into the holiday spirit with a paint-your-own sweater ornament experience! All paints and brushes will be provided—just bring creativity and design a festive ornament to hang at home or give as a gift. Participants will also have the option to personalize their ornament with a name or special saying, making it a one-of-a-kind holiday keepsake.
• When: Friday, December 16 | 8PM
• Cost: $20+
• Details

Saturday Dec. 27

11. Mighty Bulls Night with the Birmingham Bulls @ Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena

• What: Get ready for Mighty Bulls Night with the Birmingham Bulls at the Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena! Fans can enjoy an action-packed night of hockey with a special theme celebrating strength, spirit and Bulls pride. It’s a fun, high-energy event for fans of all ages—don’t miss this exciting night on the ice.
• When: Saturday, December 27 | 7PM
• Cost: $21+
• Details

12. Merry After Christmas Tour with Billy Batts and the Made Man @ True Story Brewing

• What: Shake off the after-holiday blues with a night of high-energy punk rock at True Story Brewing! Billy Batts and the Made Men return to Birmingham on their Merry After Christmas Tour, joined by local support from No Asylum, The Atomic Kids and Lars Sanchez.
• When: Saturday, December 27 | 7PM
• Cost: $12
• Details

13. Maverick Lounge Series – The History, Music and Story of Steely Dan @ WorkPlay

• What: The Maverick Lounge Series presents The History, Music, and Story of Steely Dan at WorkPlay. This special evening explores the legacy of one of rock’s most influential bands, blending live music with storytelling and insight into Steely Dan’s sound, songwriting and lasting impact. A must-see experience for longtime fans and music lovers alike.
• When: Saturday, December 27 | PM
• Cost: $70.76
• Details

Sunday Dec. 28

14. Saturn’s Country Karaoke @ Saturn

• What: Head to Saturn for Country Karaoke, a night dedicated to country classics and crowd favorites. Step up to the mic, sing along to your favorite songs and enjoy a laid-back evening of music and fun in a welcoming atmosphere.
• When: Sunday, December 28 | 7PM
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

15. New Edition, Boyz II Men & Toni Braxton @ The BJCC Legacy Arena

• What: Experience an unforgettable night of R&B as New Edition, Boyz II Men and Toni Braxton take the stage at The BJCC Legacy Arena. This powerhouse lineup brings together legendary voices and timeless hits for an evening of iconic performances and classic songs that span generations.
• When: Sunday, December 28 | 8PM
• Cost: $140+
• Details

16. Skate Through the Decades @ CityWalk BHAM

• What: Roll into fun every Sunday in November at CityWalk Bham! When you strap on your roller skates, you’ll get to glide under the open sky while enjoying music that spans the decades. Bring your friends and family along—it’s the perfect way to get moving.
• When: Sunday, Dec. 28 | 4PM-6PM
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

Coming soon Events:

• Dec. 29—Matt Mathews: Boujee On A Budget Tour @ Legacy Arena at the BJCC
• Dec. 31—UAB Blazers vs Wichita State Shockers @ Bartow Arena
• 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.