This month, Birmingham hosts lots of fun-filled events and holiday shopping. From community gatherings to fall festivals and more, November is jam-packed with festive soirées and jubilees. Enjoy Thanksgiving’s harvest and get out on the town!

November 1 – 5, 2023: Christmas Village Festival

A beloved tradition returns to Birmingham this month! The Christmas Village Festival is back and better than ever, so grab your friends and get your Christmas shopping done early at the BJCC. Peruse hundreds of vendors and stock up on specialty food items, holiday decor, clothing, accessories, gifts, and more. Adult tickets are $15, and children’s tickets (ages 6-12) are $5. Event hours are Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. christmasvillagefestival.com

November 2, 2023: 25th Annual Homewood Holiday Open House

It’s time to come Homewood for the holidays. Celebrate the jolliest season of the year with the Homewood Chamber of Commerce at its annual Holiday Open House! Shop amazing local boutiques and shops and enjoy refreshments, discounts, and more. This is a great way to support local businesses while crossing everyone off your holiday shopping list! The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. homewoodchamber.org

November 2 & 3, 2023: 21st Annual Día de los Muertos Festival

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, celebrates life in the most colorful and festive way. Make plans to visit several beautiful altars to pay your respects to loved ones who have passed. The community is invited to celebrate this incredible tradition at National Historic Landmark, Sloss Furnaces. The festival is complete with artists, live music, and a parade procession with puppets. Plus, food vendors are open each night, so come ready to eat! The event begins at 4 p.m., and tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the gate. barehandsinc.org

November 3 – 5, 2023: 4th Annual Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival

As always, this year’s Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival promises to be an unforgettable experience for music lovers. The lineup is packed with 50+ talented songwriters, including David Lee Murphy, Rob Williford, Leslie Satcher, and many more. Tickets begin at $40. mssongfest.com

November 4, 2023: 17th Annual Bark in the Park

Make plans to attend this annual event benefiting Shelby Humane. Bark in the Park includes adoptable pets, a kids’ zone, a pet costume contest, food trucks, and more! The free event takes place at Veterans Park and begins at 9 a.m. cityofalabaster.com

November 4, 2023: BTC Vulcan Run 5K & 10K

Break out your favorite running shoes and join fellow runners for the annual Vulcan Run 5K & 10K, hosted by the Birmingham Track Club. This is the ideal event for the active Birminghamian hoping to connect with the local running community. Registration begins at $40, and races start at 8 a.m. along Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Boulevard. runsignup.com

November 4, 2023: Walk to END EPILEPSY

Grab your family and make a difference as you walk to end epilepsy this month. On Saturday, November 4, at 10 a.m., head to Railroad Park to support the Epilepsy Foundation. While registration is free, fundraising is still encouraged. Participants who raise $50 or more receive a free t-shirt. donate.epilepsy.com

November 4 & 5, 2023: 18th Annual Moss Rock Fall Fusion Festival

Mark your calendar for the annual Moss Rock Festival at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex. This outdoor, eco-creative festival invites visitors to explore nature, art, and design. The fall event includes a main stage with live music, hundreds of tents featuring artisans and makers, food vendors, a beer garden, and a kids’ area with interactive activities. The festival begins at 10 a.m. each day. Tickets purchased in advance are $11, and day-of tickets are $15. Kids 16 and under are free. mossrockfestival.com

November 11, 2023: National Veterans Day Parade

Salute and honor those who deserve it most at this year’s Veterans Day Parade. Established in 1947 and located in downtown Birmingham, this festive parade has become a beloved tradition that celebrates those who have fearlessly served our country. The parade begins at 1 p.m. nationalveteransday.org

November 12, 2023: 6th Annual Magic City Mac + Cheese Festival

Support Community Grief Support at the annual Magic City Mac + Cheese Festival. Bring the whole family to Back Forty Beer Company and enjoy fun activities, tasty food, live music, and refreshing beverages. Tickets purchased in advance are $20, or tickets can be purchased at the door for $25. This event runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. macfestbhm.com

November 12, 2023: Alabama Bridal & Wedding Expo

Turn your dream wedding into a reality with a bit of help from the Alabama Bridal & Wedding Expo! Meet with amazing wedding companies and an incredible selection of wedding professionals to help plan your big day. Find the perfect gown, photographer, reception venue, and so much more! The Alabama Bridal & Wedding Expo takes place at the BJCC, and admission is free with online registration. Doors open at 1 p.m. bridalshowsal.com

November 15 – 18, 2023: Market Noel

Market Noel is Birmingham’s premier holiday shopping event hosted by the Junior League of Birmingham. The annual three-day shopping fundraiser showcases over 100 regional and national vendors, perfect for shoppers seeking the latest fashion, home decor, jewelry, holiday items, children’s clothes, gourmet food, art, and more. In addition to shopping, the JLB hosts special events like Preview Noel (which includes first dibs on shopping and opportunities to win great prizes) and Brunch with the Big Guy. General admission tickets are $15.53. Event hours are Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  marketnoel.net

November 17-18, 2023: The Spiffy Shopping Shindig

Your favorite once-a-month warehouse sale is back and November promises amazing finds! From Spiffy’s curated collections of rugs, sofas, chairs, dining tables, art, and accessories, you will save up to 60% off on everything! Just in time for all your holiday gatherings – make your home the best it can be. 1218 2nd Ave North. sosospiffy.com

November 18, 2023: 4th Annual Christmas on the Farm

For an exciting and family-friendly day on the farm, mark your calendars for Medders Family Farm’s annual Christmas event on Saturday, November 18. Enjoy shopping from local vendors, eat and drink from delicious food trucks, and listen to live Christmas music. Make the trip to Montevallo for a day full of festive fun. Entry and parking are free. Gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 3 p.m. facebook.com

November 19, 2023: 13th Annual Magic City Half Marathon & 5K

The Magic City Half Marathon & 5K is back for another year! The marathon has become one of the fastest-growing running events in the South, and this year is no different. On Sunday, November 19, lace up your running shoes and head to Regions Field for an incredible experience. Participating in this run benefits the Ruben Studdard Foundation for Advancement of Children in the Music Arts. Registration fees start at $20, and t-shirts are included. Races begin at 8 a.m. magiccityrun.com

Happy November, Birmingham! 

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Looking for more great Birmingham events? Visit our Happenings calendar!

Anne Henley Walker
About the Author
Anne Henley Walker

Anne Henley is Blueprint.Inc's Content Marketing Assistant. She is a University of Georgia graduate, (Go Dawgs!) and is always on the hunt for her new favorite restaurant.