A charming winter getaway awaits with cozy fireside dining and holiday shopping filled with handcrafted treasures. Discover a holiday experience unlike any other in Huntsville, AL, where innovation meets Southern hospitality to bring winter magic to life.
Huntsville offers easy access, walkable streets, and winter surprises waiting around every corner. Enjoy romantic ice skating in the park or the lively Huntsville Christmas Parade. There’s no better time to visit than now!
Can’t-Miss Holiday Attractions in Huntsville
Seasonal exhibits like Galaxy of Lights at the Huntsville Botanical Garden are beaming with holiday magic. Exquisite displays of twinkling lights create wonder for all ages. Walk or drive through animated winter scenes at this beloved holiday attraction, now celebrating its 30th anniversary.
Looking for more places to see Christmas lights in Huntsville? The Tinsel Trail at Big Spring International Parkfeatures hundreds of live Christmas trees adorned in children’s art and pop culture decor. Stroll through a dazzling, walk-through light experience inside Toyota Field, as the Trash Pandas Christmas Light Show transforms every corner of the ballpark into a sparkling winter wonderland.
Don’t miss the Twickenham Spirit of Christmas Past Homes and Luminaries Tour. For one magical evening each year, a handful of private residences, along with the historic Weeden House Museum, open their doors, each decked out in festive holiday finery. The neighborhood glows with the warm light of hundreds of luminaries, creating an atmosphere that feels straight out of a Christmas storybook.
And speaking of storybook Christmas events, Burritt on the Mountain hosts Candlelight Christmas - A Touch of Christmas Past. On these nights in December, the mountain comes alive with the glow of the holidays. Roast chestnuts, string popcorn and cranberries, visit animals, taste figgy pudding, hear stories, create a handmade ornament, visit Kris Kringle, enjoy traditional music, and celebrate the season with an unforgettable evening at Burritt on the Mountain.
Huntsville also has an outdoor ice rink just behind the Huntsville Museum of Art. Grab a piping hot chocolate and head to Skating in the Park for this family-favorite winter pastime.
Seasonal Eats & Cozy Dining
There’s nothing quite like cozying up by a roaring fireplace as you enjoy warm winter bites, festive drinks and treats. The Nook makes an ideal stop after experiencing the Galaxy of Lights, offering cozy fire tables and heaters on its enclosed patio. Stovehouse hosts several dining spots, including a coffee shop and creperie, that serve up warm treats around firepits complete with live music and entertainment.
Of course, you can’t go wrong with grabbing a winter-inspired beverage at one of our many coffee shops brimming with comfy hygge vibes. Honest Coffee Roasters offers a flavor-packed winter menu featuring notes of cinnamon, brown sugar, and peppermint. Rooster’s Crow Coffee Roastery serves espresso blends and teas in a variety of holiday flavors.
Holiday Shopping: Support Local While You Gift
Lowe Mill ARTS and Entertainment is the nation’s largest privately owned art center with plenty of options for gifts and holiday shopping. Stop by their Yule Y’all Christmas Market and Spirit Sampling for extra special crafts and wares. The Mill’s Winter Solstice Market is perfect for finding last-minute gifts, or head to one of Huntsville's many craft and holiday markets like Piper & Leaf Holiday Market, Christkindlmarket Huntsville at the Orion, the Holiday Market at MidCity, Holiday on Gates at Constitution Hall Park and NEACA Christmas Craft Show for handcrafted treasures created by the area’s most talented vendors and artisans. d artisans.
Josie's Gift Shop at Burritt on the Mountain is open year-round, but they also offer seasonal handmade items from their Burritt Folk School artists, making the holiday season a little brighter for someone on your shopping list.
Then head downtown to discover curated specialty goods at Huntsville boutiques. Shop for stylish men’s and women’s clothing, jewelry, handbags, and other accessories. Some boutiques even have personal consultants to help you pull together the perfect look. Beyond clothes, you can also find global textiles, artisan products, and eclectic items that have been collected from far-flung regions around the world.
Holiday Events & Entertainment
Christmas events in Huntsville include hometown traditions and must-see celebrations. The annual Huntsville Christmas Parade features dozens of floats, animals, and marching bands, while Von Braun Center boasts holiday performances with classics like A Christmas Carol.
Catch a sweeping performance of The Nutcracker at Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, or attend local shows filled with towering Christmas displays at Huntsville-area churches.
Outdoor Adventures with a Holiday Twist
Get outdoors and discover winter magic at Monte Sano State Park. Winter walks along peaceful trails and cabin stays make for an unforgettable experience.
Birding enthusiasts can traverse the flat trails of Hays Nature Preserve for panoramic views and birdwatching opportunities for all ages. The crisp air and leafless views are perfect for photographers and hikers searching for a natural escape in Huntsville.
Make Huntsville Your New Holiday Tradition
Huntsville’s mix of space-age cool and timeless charm makes it the perfect winter escape. Come for the dazzling lights, festive flavors, and a relaxed pace as you enjoy a holiday experience unlike any other. Choose a mid-week visit for a quieter getaway or a weekend stay to soak up the buzz of holiday spirit of Huntsville.