It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Get in the holiday spirit with these fantastic winter festivities, from mesmerizing musical performances and bustling holiday markets to visits with Santa and more. Grab your calendar and save the dates for these December events in Birmingham!
Through December 17: Red Mountain Theatre’s Holiday Spectacular
Looking for a holiday event that the whole family can enjoy? Prepare to be enthralled by Red Mountain Theatre Company’s annual Holiday Spectacular. This Birmingham Christmas tradition is back for another year with new surprises in store! The family-friendly show features all of your favorite music of the season. Showtimes vary based on the day, and tickets start at $39, with discounts for children under 12. redmountaintheatre.org
Through December 24, 2023: Santa at The Summit
The Jolly Man is back from the North Pole and ready to meet your family! Visits and photos with Santa Claus at The Summit can be booked online, and walk-ins are always welcome. Event hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. thesummitsanta.com
December 2, 2023: CahaBAZAAR Holiday Market
Attend Cahaba Brewing Company’s CahaBAZAAR Holiday Market on Saturday, December 2! Featuring over 150 local businesses, the free event also offers delicious food, craft beer, specialty cocktails, and live music. The fun starts at noon. facebook.com
December 2, 9 & 16, 2023: Christmas at the Station
Climb aboard the train at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum to celebrate the holiday season. Tickets to Christmas at the Station include a ride on the Calera & Shelby train, a ride along the Shelby & Southern railroad, and a photo opportunity with Santa Claus. Offering games and activities, hot chocolate, food trucks, and more, this event makes memories for years to come. Ticketed event times are 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.; admission is $20. hodrrm.org
December 3, 2023: Mountain Brook Holiday Parade
Save the date for the Mountain Brook Holiday Parade! In addition to creative floats, the event includes thousands of twinkling lights and beautifully decorated storefronts as its backdrop. The fun begins at 3 p.m. in Mountain Brook Village. mtnbrookchamber.org
December 7, 2023: Samford Legacy League Christmas Home Tour
This season, find decor inspiration and holiday cheer during the 2023 Samford Legacy League Christmas Home Tour. Presented by ARC Realty, the tour takes you through five stunning homes expertly decorated for the holidays. Proceeds from the event help provide scholarships to Samford students with significant financial needs. Tours begin at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; tickets are $40 until Thursday, November 30, then they increase to $45. samford.edu
December 8, 2023: Dinner with Duckhorn Vineyards at Pursell Farms
Celebrate the Christmas season with a beautiful dinner experience provided by Chef Sean Butler and Duckhorn Vineyards. Savor five delicious courses with wines displaying the power and grace that have made Napa Valley one of the world’s greatest wine regions. The dinner begins at 7 p.m. For additional information and to reserve your spot, visit pursellfarms.com.
December 8 – 22, 2023: Holiday Film Series at the Alabama Theatre
One of Birmingham’s longest-running and most beloved Christmas traditions is back! Enjoy classics like Elf, White Christmas, The Santa Clause, and SO many more at Birmingham’s most historic theater. This event is ideal for those looking for a calm yet festive night with the family. Shows begin at 7 p.m. each night, with matinee showings at 2 p.m. on select dates. Tickets are $10 each, with the exception of The Polar Express showing ($12). alabamatheatre.com
December 8 & 9, 2023: So So Spiffy’s Shopping Shindig
Attend your favorite once-a-month warehouse sale! Access So So Spiffy’s curated collections of rugs, sofas, chairs, dining tables, accessories, art, and more — all priced at up to 60% off! Event hours are Friday, noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Don’t miss out on this amazing holiday shopping event! sosospiffy.com
December 9, 2023: 74th Annual IPC Holiday House Tour & Tea
Independent Presbyterian Church’s annual Holiday House Tour & Tea returns for another year of fun! This year’s event returns to an in-person format and raises funds for the programs of IPC Community Ministries that serve women and children. Tickets are $40 for the tour, or you can purchase tickets to enjoy both the tour and the tea event for $75. ipcholidayhouse.com
December 9, 2023: Breakfast with Santa
Bring the whole family to a pancake breakfast with Santa at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center! This yuletide tradition is sure to put a smile on every child’s face and make memories that will last a lifetime. The breakfast is free to attend and begins at 7:30 a.m. business.vestaviahills.org
December 9, 2023: Jingle Bell Run
It’s time to strut your stuff in your favorite holiday costume! Be the jolliest jogger in the Magic City as you run (or walk) to raise funds and awareness for the Arthritis Foundation. This family-friendly event takes place at Veterans Park, and registration starts at $40. A virtual race option is also available for $30. events.arthritis.org
December 10, 2023: Sounds of the Season
Kick off the holidays with Sounds of the Season. Featuring guest artists and drawing on the talent of members of the Opera Birmingham Studio at Samford University and the Opera Birmingham Chamber Chorus, this family-friendly concert is an audience favorite, jam-packed with classic Christmas carols and beloved holiday songs! The show begins at 2:30 p.m. at Samford’s Brock Recital Hall. Tickets are $10 for students and $25 for the general public. operabirmingham.org
December 12, 14, 19 & 21, 2023: Wacky Tacky Christmas Light Tour
Embrace your inner tackiness! Climb aboard a family-friendly tour bus and see the best (and wackiest!) holiday light displays. This annual event is hosted by Fresh Air Family, a nonprofit dedicated to environmental and scientific education, strengthening families, youth, and communities through a connection to nature. Buses depart from the Levite Jewish Community Center every 10 minutes from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $47.50. wackytacky.org
December 15 – 17 & 20 – 23, 2022: Alabama Ballet presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition that sets the tone for the season. As one of only eight ballet companies in the world licensed by The George Balanchine Trust to perform this show, the extraordinarily talented ballerinas at the Alabama Ballet are sure to transport you to a magical world full of sugarplums and snowflakes. Showtimes vary depending on the day, and tickets start at $48. Performances take place at the BJCC Concert Hall. alabamaballet.org
December 31, 2023 – January 1, 2024: Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Tupelo
This year, take a road trip to Tupelo, MS, to ring in the new year. The city’s annual celebration includes a diverse lineup of bands on two different stages in downtown Tupelo. Offering fun for all ages to celebrate the start of 2024, KidsFest kicks off the night, and the fun continues with live music, fireworks, and a countdown to midnight from the BNA Bank Fairpark Stage. You can find the complete schedule at tupelo.net.
Happy holidays, Birmingham!
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Looking for more great Birmingham events? Visit our Happenings calendar!
