16 Birmingham Events & Happenings: December 2025
From lively theater performances to immersive light displays, make the most of the season with these festive Birmingham events! Image: Facebook / INBirmingham
December in Birmingham shines with festive cheer and a full calendar of can’t-miss events — from family-friendly traditions and holiday markets to nights out filled with music and merriment. Here’s a round of local events that have everything you need to make the season bright.
Through January 4, 2026: Lights of Noel
This glowing holiday tradition transforms the season into a spectacular drive filled with twinkling tunnels, festive music, and whimsical, larger-than-life displays. Perfect for families and friends, it’s a magical experience that turns an ordinary night into a joyful holiday adventure — all from the cozy comfort of your car. For additional details and to purchase tickets, visit lightsofnoel.com.
Through January 4, 2026: Glow Wild
This annual tradition welcomes guests to explore the Birmingham Zoo after dark, where oversized animal lanterns and artistic light installations illuminate the pathways. With countless twinkling details, it’s an evening that captures the wonder of the season — made even sweeter with hot cocoa, festive bites, and the joyful sounds of the holidays. Learn more about the event or purchase your tickets at birminghamzoo.com.
December 4, 2025: Mountain Brook Village Holiday Open House
The charming streets of Mountain Brook Village come alive for the annual Holiday Open House, brought to you by the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce. Local shops offer promotions, seasonal treats, and an atmosphere filled with holiday cheer — perfect for checking off your gift list while soaking in a true sense of community. mtnbrookchamber.org
December 5, 2025: Holiday Scramble Kick-Off
Hosted by Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema, this 48-hour filmmaking challenge invites teams to write, shoot, and edit a short film from scratch over the weekend. With cash prizes and a chance to screen in the 28th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival, it’s a thrilling mix of innovation, teamwork, and celebration of storytelling. sidewalkfest.com
December 6, 2025: Holidays on the Mountain
From 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., guests can sip complimentary hot cocoa, browse local vendor booths, and enjoy sweet treats and seasonal beats from a live DJ. Be sure to stop for a photo with Santa (and meet the mascot, “V”), then gather as the night sky transforms into a spectacle while the towering Vulcan statue lights up in a dazzling display. visitvulcan.com
December 6, 2025: CahaBAZAAR Holiday Market
Looking for a festive outing that blends shopping, local flavor, and holiday fun? The 2025 CahaBAZAAR Holiday Market at Cahaba Brewing Company is just the ticket. With more than 150 local artists and makers on hand, food trucks, craft beer, free hot chocolate and coffee, and live music, this event is joyful, community-driven, and perfect for families and friends alike. facebook.com
December 7, 2025: Wreath-Making with Sybil Sylvester
This workshop invites guests to craft their own evergreen masterpiece, guided by the expert touch of floral artist Sybil Sylvester. With all materials provided, it’s an opportunity to slow down, create something beautiful, and bring a bit of holiday magic home with you — all while supporting a great cause. bbgardens.org
December 10, 2025: Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
Get ready for an electrifying holiday night out when the Trans‑Siberian Orchestra hits the stage at Legacy Arena at the BJCC. Their show, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, combines rock anthems with glittering lights, epic storytelling, and jaw‑dropping pyrotechnics — all wrapped in a festive holiday package. bjcc.org
December 11, 2025: Mariah Carey Holiday
Add some glam to your December calendar with Art After 5: Mariah Carey Holiday at the Birmingham Museum of Art. With a nod to “Queen of Christmas,” this event features festive cocktails, upbeat music, and a look-alike costume contest where you can channel your inner diva for a chance to win a prize. artsbham.org
December 11 – 21, 2025: To Kill a Mockingbird
Experience a beloved classic brought to life with Christopher Sergel’s dramatization of Harper Lee’s iconic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. Running from December 11 to 21 at the Virginia Samford Theatre, the production tells the story through the eyes of young Scout Finch, exploring themes of justice, compassion, and moral courage in 1930s Alabama. virginiasamfordtheatre.org
December 12 & 13: So So Spiffy Christmas Shopping Sale
For two days only, shop So So Spiffy’s expertly curated indoor and outdoor collections — including rugs, sofas, chairs, dining tables, art, accessories, and more. Expect brand-new, out-of-the-box luxury pieces priced below retail, alongside thoughtfully reduced items sourced from recent design projects. Event hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. facebook.com
December 12 – 22, 2025: Alabama Theatre Holiday Film Series
There’s nothing quite like a night at the Alabama Theatre during the holidays — it’s why their annual Holiday Film Series has become such a cherished tradition. From December 12 through 22, take the opportunity to cozy up in this historic venue and watch your favorite holiday classics on the big screen. Whether you’re making it a family outing, a date night, or a fun friends’ night out, this series is a must for your holiday to-do list. Check out the lineup at alabamatheatre.com.
December 13 – 23, 2025: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Alabama Ballet is one of only eight companies in the world licensed by the George Balanchine Trust® to perform The Nutcracker. Hosted at the BJCC Concert Hall, this masterpiece brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, lavish sets, and magical scenes, making it a truly captivating experience for guests of all ages. alabamaballet.org
December 14, 2025: Sounds of the Season
Opera Birmingham presents an uplifting, family-friendly concert featuring beloved holiday tunes and Christmas carols. What makes the event truly special is how it balances timeless, sacred pieces with festive secular songs to lift you right into the heart of the season. Purchase tickets at operabirmingham.org.
December 18, 2025: Pentatonix
Mark your calendar for Pentatonix’s “Christmas in the City” tour at the Legacy Arena at the BJCC. This GRAMMY‑winning a cappella sensation has become a holiday tradition, wowing audiences with its mesmerizing harmonies and inventive takes on seasonal favorites. bjcc.org
December 19, 2025: Handel’s Messiah with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra
There’s no better way to embrace the holiday season in Birmingham than by attending the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s presentation of Handel’s Messiah. This cherished annual tradition brings together the full might of the orchestra and a powerful chorus. Whether it’s your first time or a yearly tradition, it’s an event that epitomizes the spirit of Christmas. alabamasymphony.org
Here’s to a festive and fun-filled December, Birmingham!
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Looking for more great Birmingham events? Visit our Happenings calendar!
Paige Townley
Paige Townley is a Birmingham native with a soft spot for good stories, interesting people, and beautifully made things. When she's not writing about places that inspire or people who shine, she's likely spending time with her family, planning her next adventure, or cheering on the Crimson Tide.