Christmas Village Festival

While some jump into the holiday spirit the moment the last Halloween costume is packed away (or even before), generations of Birmingham families mark the true start of Christmas cheer with a trip to the Christmas Village Festival. This beloved shopping tradition and local favorite returns to The BJCC November 4-8, 2026, featuring more than 700 local, regional, and national vendors offering one-of-a-kind holiday finds.

Now in its 45^th 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 unique children’s toys and games.

“We love bringing the holiday cheer to Birmingham every year. The BJCC is transformed into a winter wonderland for our 45^th year celebration,” said Kelsey Jackson, Show Manager. “We’ve been running for more than four decades, and so the show is part of annual holiday tradition for families and friend groups. We love that they can leave the rest of the world behind and enjoy the holiday spirit with the seasonal music, gorgeous décor, gift ideas and the Christmas trees and holiday lights.”

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. And one lucky winner will get $100 Grand Prize Daily. 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 shopping list by checking out deals in the link: Show Specials | Christmas Village Festival.

Give Back. *New* to the show this year is a Festive Cheer Booth from Jimmie Hale Mission. Guests can share the gift of hope by entering the phone booth and recording an inspirational video message for those navigating recovery. Additionally, Make A Wish Alabama is sponsoring package check.

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

VIP Shopping Experience. Wednesday, November 4 is VIP Day, an exclusive shopping experience without strollers and be the first to access the show without walk-ins – only attendees with the special ticket will be allowed in. A limited number of tickets for VIP Day available until October 1 at Show Info | Christmas Village Festival and at retail locations Oh My Sole and 1971 Clothing.

The following ticket levels are also available:

• Advance online general adult admission (ages 13+) $16 + $1 service fee
• Box Office online child’s admission (ages 6-12)                               $5
• Box office general adult admission (ages 13+) $18
• Box office general child’s admission (ages 6-12)                $7
• Children ages five and under Free (box office only)

VIP Day is Wednesday, November 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Early Shopper hours are Thursday hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9 a.m.–7 p.m. and Sunday 11am to 5 p.m.  General Show hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.–7 p.m. and Sunday Noon to 5 p.m. For more information on the show, please visit Christmas Village Festival | November 4-8, 2026 | The BJCC.