Ho, ho, ho, y'all! It's that magical time of year when Huntsville, Alabama transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and festive decorations around every corner. If you're in the Rocket City and looking for the best places to see Christmas Lights and Holiday Decorations, we've got you covered.
Downtown
Twickenham Historic District
Step back in time as you stroll through Huntsville's Twickenham historic district, where charming 19th-century homes adorn their facades with wreaths, garlands, and thousands of shimmering lights. It's like a page out of a storybook!
Need to Know
- Start your search for decorations at the Weeden House Museum - 300 Gates Ave SE, Huntsville, AL
- Although night is best to see the lights, the daytime reveals wreaths, garlands, and the beauty of the homes.
- If it isn't too chilly, park the car and walk down the neighborhood streets
Tinsel Trail in Big Spring Park
Hundreds of trees adorned with unique and creative decorations line the pathways of Big Spring Park, creating a glittering forest of holiday magic.
Need to know:
- Address: Tinsel Trail within Big Spring International Park - 200 Church St SW, Huntsville, AL
- Dates: November 24, 2023- December 31, 2023
- Times: Open 24/7 - Lights turn off at midnight
- Cost: FREE
- Wear comfortable shoes as the trail extends to the east and west side of Big Spring International Park (benches are located throughout the park)
- There are several parking lots located around Big Spring Park
- Parallel parking on Church Street NW + Williams Avenue SW - Monday - Friday meters enforced 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. & Free on weekends
- Downtown Square - Parallel parking around the square - then walk down the large staircase on the westside square
- Parking Lots throughout downtown with 5 - 10 minute walk times HERE
Madison
Rocket City Christmas Light Show
Prepare to be awed by a dazzling light show that syncs to your favorite holiday tunes. It's a drive-through experience you won't want to miss.
Need to know:
- Address: Rocket City Trash Pandas - 500 Trash Panda Way, Madison, AL 35758
- Dates: Light Show: November 17 - December 31 - Winter Wonderland Dates vary - dates HERE
- Times: 5 PM - 9 PM Daily
- Cost: $30 per car - $60 per 15 Passenger van or larger vehicle. Ticket price includes admission into the Winter Wonderland
- Purchase tickets HERE
MidCity District
Galaxy of Lights at the Huntsville Botanical Garden
Venture into the Galaxy of Lights, a mesmerizing wonderland with larger-than-life light displays sprawling throughout the garden grounds.
Need to know:
- Address: Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville, AL
- Dates: November 17 – December 31
- Walking Nights: November 17-26 (Closed Thanksgiving Day), November 29-December 3, and December 16-24 (Closed Christmas Day)
- Dog Walking Nights: November 20 & 21, December 18 & 19. Mondays and Tuesdays during Walking Nights
- Driving Nights: December 4-15 and December 26-31
- Times: 5:15 PM - 10:00 PM (Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)
- Cost: Varies - Purchase Tickets HERE
- Wear comfortable shoes as the path extends 1.5 miles
- Dogs are welcome on designated Dog Walking Nights and costs $5 to participate
- See a full list of FAQS HERE
Orion Amphitheater Winter Park
Glide through a magical winter wonderland at the Orion Amphitheater. Enjoy ice skating, train rides, twinkling lights, holiday decorations, and more!
Need to know:
- Address: Orion Amphitheater - 701 Amphitheater Dr NW, Huntsville, AL
- Dates: November 30 - January 1, 2024 - Closed: December 7 & December 25
- Santa's Workshop & Winter Park Express dates & times HERE
- Times:
- Thursdays: 4 PM - 9 PM
- Fridays: 4 PM -10 PM
- Saturdays: 12 PM - 9 PM
- Sundays: 12 PM - 9 PM
- Starting December 19
- Open Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 4 PM - 9 PM
- Christmas Eve: 12 PM - 4 PM
- New Year's Eve: 11 AM - 1 PM
- New Year's Day: 4 PM - 9 PM
Bridge Street Town Centre Holiday Light Show
The Bridge Street Town Centre is a hub for holiday cheer, with dazzling decorations, a massive Christmas tree, and various holiday events throughout the season.
Need to know:
- Address: Bridge Street Town Centre - 365 The Bridge St, Huntsville, AL
- Dates:
- Saturday, November 18 | 6, 6:30, 7 + 7:30 PM
- Friday, November 24 | 6, 6:30, 7 + 7:30 PM
- Saturday, November 25 | 6, 6:30, 7 + 7:30 PM
- Friday, December 1 | 6, 6:30, 7 + 7:30 PM
- Saturday, December 2 | 6, 6:30, 7 + 7:30 PM
- Friday, December 8 | 6, 6:30, 7 + 7:30 PM
- Saturday, December 9 | 6, 6:30, 7 + 7:30 PM
- Friday, December 15 | 6, 6:30, 7 + 7:30 PM
- Saturday, December 16 | 6, 6:30, 7 + 7:30 PM
- Friday, December 22 | 6, 6:30, 7 + 7:30 PM
- Saturday, December 23 | 6, 6:30, 7 + 7:30 PM
- Times: 6:00 PM - 7 PM - 7:30 PM
- Cost: FREE
- Furry friends are always welcome at Bridge Street
Miracle at MidCity
This enchanting Christmas-themed "bar within a bar" pop-up will take over The Camp, casting a magical spell of holiday spirit. Step inside to savor a special menu of Christmas-themed cocktails, while holiday tunes dance through the air. Be ready for delightful festive events and the kind of holiday décor that can even melt away the most stubborn Resting Grinch Face.
Need to know:
- Address: The Camp at MidCity - 5909 University Dr NW, Huntsville, AL
- Dates: November 24 - December 24 - Closed: December 25
- Times:
- Tues-Thurs: 4-9 PM
- Fri - Sat: 11 AM -11 PM
- Sun: 11 AM - 8 PM
- Mon: Closed
- Closed On Christmas Day
- Cost: FREE to enter
South Huntsville
Christmas on the River
Experience Christmas At Ditto by strolling a Tennessee River-adjacent greenway trail, aglow with festive lights, serenaded by nostalgic Christmas music, and passing artful, life-sized Christmas cards.
Need to know:
Christmas Card Lane Walking Nights
- Address: Ditto Landing - 293 Ditto Landing Rd SE, Huntsville, AL
- Dates: December 1st - 6th | 8th - 13th | 15th - 20th | 22nd - 27th | 29th - 31st
- Time: 7 AM to 10 PM
- Cost: FREE
Christmas Card Driving Nights
- Address: Ditto Landing - 293 Ditto Landing Rd SE, Huntsville, AL
- Dates: December 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
- Time: 10 AM to 8 PM
- Cost: FREE
Holiday Fireworks by Redstone Gateway
(weather permitting) Celebrate the season with fireworks over the waterfront.
- Address: Ditto Landing - 293 Ditto Landing Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803
- Dates: December 8th & 22nd
- Time: 7 PM to 8 PM
- Cost: FREE
Deck the Docks
Boats will line the Ditto marina with lights and decorations for the holiday season
- Address: Ditto Landing - 293 Ditto Landing Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803
- Date: December 15th
- Time: 4 PM to 8 PM
- Cost: FREE
Image: Cyle Augusta
