As the holiday season arrives, downtown Huntsville transforms into a festive wonderland of lights, trees, music, and family-friendly events. From hundreds of beautifully decorated Christmas trees in Big Spring Park to festive-themed parades to family-friendly holiday spectaculars, the city offers something special for everyone during this time of year.
Whether you're looking to kick off the season with a skating session under the stars, catch a live performance at the Von Braun Center, or stroll through the historic streets of Twickenham by candlelight, downtown Huntsville is brimming with holly jolly Christmas cheer. Here are the top holiday events to enjoy this year in the heart of Rocket City.
Discover even more Huntsville holiday events and sign up for the free Holiday Magic Pass here!
Photo credit: Sparrow Digital Media
Skating in the Park
Dates: November 21-January 4
Skating in the Park returns for another holiday season this year on November 21. Put on by the Huntsville Museum of Art and Downtown Huntsville, Inc., the skating rink opens daily in Big Spring Park in front of the museum, including Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The admission price includes skate rentals and come-and-go skating for the whole day. You can purchase snacks and drinks like hot chocolate and soft pretzels from an onsite vendor.
Keep an eye on the Facebook page for Skating in the Park for special events and visits from Santa!
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Date: November 26 at 7 p.m.
Grab your tickets for the one-night holiday spectacular at the Cirque Dreams Holidaze production at the Von Braun Center. The Broadway-style show blends music, dancing, and circus arts into a dazzling festive experience full of acrobats, jugglers, and more.
The family-friendly performance includes classic Christmas tunes and characters like toy soldiers and reindeer.
Downtown Huntsville Tinsel Trail
Dates: November 28-December 31
Mark your calendars for the downtown Huntsville tree lighting and Tinsel Trail kick off on November 28! The Tinsel Trail fills Big Spring Park with hundreds of trees decorated by local businesses, organizations, and families.
The trail is open to the public all day long throughout the event and brings twinkling lights and holiday cheer to downtown Huntsville.
Huntsville Christmas Parade
Date: December 2 at 6 p.m.
Downtown Huntsville springs to life with sights and sounds of holiday cheer for the 11th annual evening Christmas Parade on December 2. Marching bands and dozens of floats decorated with the theme “A Very Merry Christmas” will gather near the Post Office on Clinton Avenue and parade east along the downtown street.
For even more festive fun, follow the @HSVChristmasParade Facebook page for announcements about a Pre-Parade Party full of food, activities, and photos with Santa.
Photo credit: Jeff White Photography
A Christmas Carol
Dates: December 5-7 & 11-14
The beloved holiday play "A Christmas Carol" put on by the Fantasy Playhouse hits the stage for its 35th year in Huntsville this holiday season. Catch this adaptation of Charles Dicken's classic tale of Mr. Scrooge and the Christmas Spirits for two weekends in December at the VBC Playhouse downtown.
NEACA Christmas Craft Show
Dates: December 5-7
Get ready to do some serious holiday shopping at the NEACA Christmas Crafts Show at the VBC’s South Hall. Put on by the North East Alabama Craftsmen's Association, the free shopping extravaganza is the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts while supporting small, local businesses.
With everything from pottery and home decor to kid's toys and clothing for sale, you’ll be able to cross off your Christmas shopping list in one weekend!
12 Nights of Santa
Dates: December 12-23
The big guy in red takes a seat at EarlyWorks Children's Museum downtown for 12 Nights of Santa, beginning December 12. During the event, kids can write letters to the North Pole, play in snow, decorate cookies, make ornaments, and take photos with Santa.
Spirit of Christmas Past Homes and Luminary Tour
Date: December 13 at 5-9 p.m.
What’s even more beautiful than a stroll through the Twickenham Historic District? A holiday season stroll during the Spirit of Christmas Past Homes and Luminary Tour!
During this special evening event in December, Twickenham streets light up with luminaries, inviting the public to come enjoy the festive decor on the old homes. The Weeden House will also be open to visitors for walk-throughs and live Christmas music.
