Christmas Village Festival

For some (you know who they are, or they are you), the holiday season begins on November 1, as soon as the calendar flips and the final Halloween trick-or-treater rings the doorbell. For generations of families in Birmingham, the official holiday kick off to Christmas merriment is a visit to the Christmas Village Festival. The popular consumer shopping event and local tradition returns to The BJCC November 5-9, 2025, with more than 700 local, regional and national vendors showcasing unique holiday items.

Now in its 44th year, this year’s edition transforms The BJCC into a festive wonderland filled with decorations and brimming with holiday spirit. Guests can expect to find a wide range of holiday gifts, décor, gourmet food and handcrafted items, from personalized ornaments and jewelry to one-of-a-kind children’s toys and games.

The long-running Alabama tradition starts the countdown to December 25 clock, opening exactly 50 days before Christmas.

To help guests shop for those perfect gifts, Christmas Village Festival includes Merry Money. Guests can register for $25 in Merry Money that can be used at the show like cash toward purchases at any show vendor. One winner will be drawn every hour during show hours. Merry Money is presented by Champion Windows.

In addition to Merry Money, other show highlights include:
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town. One of the season’s biggest celebrities appears at the show daily to hear children’s holiday wishes and to capture classic Christmas memories with photos. Santa Claus appears daily during Christmas Village Festival hours. Upgraded photo packages are available for a fee with Backroad Pix.

Christmas Village Exclusives. Here’s a show hack for festive and frugal shoppers: many of the vendors extend exclusive show offers for guests. Pre-plan your day at the show and cross items off the guest list by checking out deals in the link: Show Specials | Christmas Village Festival.
Party Season Prep. With both Thanksgiving and Christmas on the horizon, the show provides entertaining inspiration and décor items to deck those halls and ‘scape those tables in advance of visiting family and friends.

Early Bird Entry. One of the greatest presents is the gift of time – a gift showgoers can give themselves with Advance Early Bird entry. Advance Early Bird tickets are available, allowing admission one hour before doors open to the public. These tickets can be purchased online at Birmingham Christmas Village Festival 2025. Get a head start on your list and bank the extra hour for enjoying the holiday spirit – or spirits.

Commemorative Shopping Tote. Guests can purchase a limited edition “Winter Wonderland” themed shopping bag, only available at the event for $5 (cash only).

General adult admission (ages 13+) purchased online are $17, children (ages 6-12) are $5 and children ages five and under are free. Box office general adult admission is $19, children (ages 6-12) are $6 and children ages five and under are free. A limited number of tickets for VIP Day on Wednesday, November 5 are available until October 1 at Birmingham Christmas Village Festival 2025.