Holiday Events in Huntsville, AL
Capture the magic of the holiday season in Huntsville, where twinkling light shows, dazzling performances, and sightings of Santa await for you to make memories to last a lifetime. Throughout November - December, there's lots to do in Huntsville that's sure to get you in the holiday spirit. *Due to COVID-19, some 2020 events may have altered hours, limited capacity, or require pre-purchased tickets. Please be sure to confirm details with host organizations.
Download the Holiday Magic Pass for discounts to select holiday events and more!
Galaxy of Lights
Huntsville Botanical Garden
A milestone for this Huntsville staple, the Galaxy of Lights is celebrating 25 years! Join the tradition of this winter light extravaganza with thousands of twinkling lights and animated displays. Enjoy the lights in a variety of ways, including Walking Nights and Dog Nights! Share your photos using the hashtag #GalaxyofLights25.
Walking Nights
- November 13 - 25
- 5:15 - 8:30 pm (last admission). Admission to Walking Nights will use timed tickets that must be reserved in advance online.
Driving Nights
- November 27 - January 2
- 5:30 - 9:00 pm (last admission)
Dog Walking Nights
November 16 and 23
Ten Nights of Santa
EarlyWorks Children's Museum
December 13 - 23 each night at 5:00 p.m.
Even jolly old Saint Nicholas is changing with the pandemic in 2020. One of Huntsville's favorite holiday traditions, Santa's Village, is turning into Ten Nights of Santa inside the EarlyWorks Children's Museum. Starting December 13 - 23 each night at 5:00 p.m., guests can see Santa's magic wonderland and even the head elf himself.
Thanks to someone spilling "magic elf dust" at the North Pole, Santa will be inside a magic snow globe to visit with all the children. You are sure to find plenty of Christmas cheer inside the decorated museum. There will be a limited capacity to ensure the safety of all. The tickets will all be timed and will need to be pre-purchased online. The cost is $10 per person over the age of one.
Downtown Huntsville Tinsel Trail
Big Spring International Park
A festive display of live Christmas trees in downtown Huntsville decorated by individuals, non-profits and corporations. Located in Big Spring International Park.
Opens November 27
Skating in the Park
Huntsville Museum of Art in Big Spring International Park
Grab your friends, family and skates then head downtown to enjoy outdoor ice skating behind the Museum. Admission charged and rental skates available. Warm up by heading inside the Museum of Art to check out the spectacular Gloria Vanderbilt: An Artful Life exhibit, currently on display through January 24.
November 20 - January 10
Rocket City Trash Pandas Christmas Spectacular
Toyota Field
November 13 - January 3, 5:00 p.m. nightly. $25 per car. Hours have been extended Friday and Saturday nights to 10 p.m.!
Hundreds of thousands of lights will be on display for all to safely enjoy this holiday season. Guests can drive through the magical “Santa’s Mountain” themed light show around Toyota Field. Visitors can tune into their vehicle’s radio and experience a spectacular synchronization of music and lights. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or on the day of the event – credit cards and mobile pay are encouraged.
Winter Wonderland - November 13 - December 24, regular Christmas Spectacular hours.
Guests can also park their car after driving through the lights and enter the winter wonderland within the stadium at no additional cost. Inside the ballpark will feature numerous holiday activities for all ages, including hot chocolate stations, cookie decorating, s’mores making, character visits, shopping, and more!
Candlelight Christmas and Holiday Magic Dinners
Burritt on the Mountain
The star-lit mountain will be mirrored by more than 600 flickering candles, adding to the dreamy, nostalgic feel of Candlelight Christmas. You'll find music everywhere on the Mountain. Cider, cookies and tasty figgy pudding will warm you up.
Candlelight Christmas: December 4-6 (5:00 pm - 9:00 pm)
Burritt's Holiday Magic Dinners: December 10-12 and 17-18
Enjoy a holiday dinner in the upscale atmosphere of the Burritt Mansion or the family style warmth of the cabins in the Historic Park.
Miracle at MidCity
The Camp
Miracle at MidCity is a temporary, Christmas-themed “bar within a bar” pop up that takes over The Camp from Friday, November 27 - Sunday, December 27. During Miracle, enjoy a special menu of Christmas-themed cocktails, holiday music, festive events, and enough holiday décor to cure any Resting Grinch Face.
November 27 - December 27
Santa Train Ride
North Alabama Railroad Museum
Ride with Santa, gifts for the children and candy canes for everyone. Take the museum's free walking tour. See historic railroad equipment & the Chase Depot. The train will operate rain or shine.
December 5-6
Saturday, December 5: 12:00 and 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 6: 3:00 p.m.
December 12-13
Saturday, December 12: 12:00 and 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 13: 3:00 p.m.
Yule, Yall: Christmas Market and Spirit Sampling
Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment
Show your spirit early this year at ‘Yule Y’all’, the Christmas Market with a southern twist and twinkle. Discover the work of hand picked makers from across the south who will peddle their unique crafts and wares. Inside, keep your eyes peeled for unique seasonal artwork from participating Lowe Mill A&E studios. You’ll be sure to find that one of a kind gift or stocking stuffer. Regional distillers will be on site to sample their crafted spirits in limited quantities.
Live music, holiday themed entertainment and overall cheer will be sprinkled high and low from floor to floor, culminating under the iconic water tower for a lighting ceremony like no other.
December 5 - Free admission with $5 parking fee
Join us for our Annual Christmas Parades
The annual Huntsville Christmas Parade looks a bit different this year! In place of the traditional parade, Mix 96.9 and the Von Braun Center will present the Christmas Fireworks Spectacular on Friday, December 4, in the parking lot of Joe W. Davis Stadium. The parking lot will open at 6:00 p.m. for assigned parking, with the show beginning at 7 p.m. Cars will be parked with one spot between one another to accommodate for social distancing for those who wish to sit outside their vehicles to enjoy the show.
The Madison Annual Christmas Parade has been cancelled out of precaution for public health. For updates on Madison Historic District walking tours and the Polar Express Christmas Tree Trail, visit madisonal.gov.
Catch a Show, Enjoy a Meal, and More...
Savor a delicious meal with family and friends at one of our area's exclusive restaurants. Pause to listen to a children's choir at one of our many shopping centers. Enjoy one of Huntsville's favorite traditions, Fantasy Playhouse's presentation of A Christmas Carol, virtually this year.
Visit area attractions like the U.S. Space & Rocket Center,
Huntsville Museum of Art, and more to tour special exhibitions.
