Editor's Note: Information has been updated to accurately reflect 2017 events.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. All over the Rocket City, lights and trees and stars and Santas deck the halls, streets, parks, museums and more. Even if you live here, it’d be tough to take in everything, and if you’re only in Huntsville for a visit, there’s way too much to possibly see it all. So here is your guide to your personal top choice for the one Huntsville Christmas thing you simply must do, whenever during the holiday season you’re here and for whatever type of activity you’re looking for.
If You’re Here With The Family
Santa’s Village
Cost: Tickets $5 per person (children under one year old, free)
Hours: November 24 – December 23, 5 – 9 p.m.
GPS Address: 109 Gates Ave. Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: (256) 564-8100
Website: Click here
Kids can write letters to Santa, decorate gingerbread cookies, watch a blacksmith, play in fake snow, and more before having their picture made with the Man in Red himself. You won’t find more Christmas per square foot anywhere, or at a better price than $5 per person. Get there early to beat the lines, and take advantage of the Alabama Constitution Village gift shop for some unique Southern-style Christmas shopping, including handmade gifts. Insider Tip: Even light drizzles will sometimes discourage crowds because you have to walk outdoors between buildings, but the activities are all inside, making it a great time to enjoy short lines.
The Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau has joined together with its partners throughout the community to put together 7 special discounts to holiday events and activities, including Santa’s Village. See the coupon by clicking here or pick it up in person at the Huntsville/Madison County Visitor Center located at 500 Church Street in Downtown Huntsville.
If You Want To Enjoy Christmas In Comfort
Galaxy of Lights - Driving Nights
Cost: Passenger Car - $25 per car up to 10 people with $3.00 each additional person.
At the gate discounts are $5.00 off military discount with ID.
Online ticket purchase here. *if purchasing a ticket online, print out e-ticket for admission.
Vans - $25 for 10 people and $3 for each additional person except when discounts apply
Tour buses - $25 for 10 people and $3 for each additional person (tour bus driver is free) except when discounts apply
Please note: Admission fees may be changed without notice. Please have cash or a check for admission!
Hours: 5:30 – 9:00 p.m., November 24 - December 31
GPS Address: 4747 Bob Wallace Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35805. From there, the entrance is off of Bob Wallace near I565 on Phantom Rd. Just look for the BIG “Enter Here” signs.
Phone: 256-830-4447
Website: Click here
If you’re one of those Scrooges who thinks the worst thing about the holidays is that it always falls every year during the coldest months of the year, Galaxy of Lights – Driving Nights is one of the best way to enjoy an outdoor Christmas inside. Galaxy of Lights is an incredible collection of holiday light displays at the Huntsville Botanical Garden that you can enjoy seated… and heated in the comfort of your own car.
If You’re Looking for A Christmas Date Night
Tinsel Trail & Skating in the Park
Cost:
Skating in the Park:
$10 Ages nine and up
$5 Ages eight and under
$8 Groups of 10 or more
$3 Skate rental
$5 Scooter rental
Tinsel Trail: Free
Hours:
Skating in the Park: November 17 –January 7
Monday –Thursday 4p.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday – 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Saturday – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m
Tinsel Trail: November 24, 2017 and last's through January 3, 2018. The Tinsel Trail is open to the public daily until midnight. Trees are lit from dusk until midnight each night.
Location:
Skating in the Park: Behind the Huntsville Museum of Art – Downtown Huntsville, AL
Tinsel Trail: The Trail extends throughout Big Spring International Park in Downtown Huntsville. Metered street parking is available along Williams Avenue and Church Street. Parking garages are located at: Summit/PNC building (Church St.), Von Braun Center (Monroe St).
Phone:
Skating in the Park: 256-529-7995
Tinsel Trail: No phone number but here’s a handy “Contact” form. Here’s the link!
Website: Click here for the Tinsel Trail website and here for the Skating in the Park website
My wife and I went to Big Spring Park on our first date, and now we’re married. And there weren’t even any Christmas trees when we went. Stroll through a free display of live trees downtown, decorated in a variety of themes. And, then, when you’re done there, head over to the Museum of Art. Remember that scene in “Rocky” where Rocky and Adrian go ice-skating outdoors? You can relive that yourself with Huntsville’s own outdoor ice-skating rink. And, you gotta admit, of all the things that happened in Rocky movies, that’s definitely one of the most romantic.
The Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau has joined together with its partners throughout the community to put together 7 special discounts to holiday events and activities, including Skating in the Park. See the coupon by clicking here or pick it up in person at the Huntsville/Madison County Visitor Center located at 500 Church Street in Downtown Huntsville.
If Your Favorite Holiday Figure is The Ghost of Christmas Past
Burritt on the Mountain
Cost:
$10.00 per adult;
$9.00 per senior (age 60+) and military personnel;
$8.00 per child and students (age 3 - 18)
NO ADMISSION CHARGED for toddlers (age 2 and under) or Burritt Museum Members.
Hours: Winter Hours (November - March):
Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
GPS Address: 3101 Burritt Drive SE
Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: (256) 536-2882
Website: Click here.
Check the Burritt on the Mountain calendar, and you’ll find that they do have some great Christmas events at the museum grounds, but, really, there’s something said for going anytime. The decorations stay up until December 23, and it’s a great place to enjoy a quiet, simple and beautiful holiday excursion. Leave the flashing lights and dancing characters to others, and enjoy a throwback to the days when Christmas didn’t start with Jingle Bells at Wal-Mart on the day after Halloween.
Special note: The Burritt holiday event to remember is Holiday Magic Dinners December 7-9.
The Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau has joined together with its partners throughout the community to put together 7 special discounts to holiday events and activities, including Kris Kringle’s Candlelight Christmas. See the coupon by clicking here or pick it up in person at the Huntsville/Madison County Visitor Center located at 500 Church Street in Downtown Huntsville.
