The festive season is here, Birmingham! Explore our guide for all the must-see holiday events and activities. For lifelong locals and first-time visitors, our guide reveals the holiday magic of Birmingham.
Popular events include the Birmingham Christmas Village Festival, a charming marketplace filled with handcrafted gifts and local art that captures the spirit of the season. With stunning choreography and classic music, the Magic City Nutcracker offers a delightful performance for families and dance enthusiasts alike. And the Alabama Theatre's Holiday Film Series is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing classic films in a historic setting. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Birmingham
- Birmingham Christmas Village Festival
- Alabama Theatre's Holiday Film Series
- Magic City Nutcracker
- Red Mountain Theatre Holiday Spectacular
- Christmas on the Mountain
- Mountain Brook Village Holiday Parade (Mountain Brook)
- Art After 5: The Grinch
- Experience Christmas, Asbury United Methodist
- Candlelight: Holiday Special
- Chelsea Christmas Parade (Chelsea)
See these and even more events listed below!
Birmingham Holiday Light Displays
Christmas on the Mountain
What to Expect:
Annual holiday celebration with a vendor fair and tree lighting.
Description:
Celebrate the holidays at Heardmont Park with an annual Christmas on the Mountain event featuring a vendor fair and beautiful tree lighting.
Where: Birmingham | More Info: Christmas on the Mountain
Birmingham Holiday Markets and Shopping
Birmingham Christmas Village Festival
What to Expect:
Unique gifts and local artisan creations.
Description:
The Birmingham Christmas Village Festival is a premier holiday shopping event featuring over 700 booths with local artisan vendors offering unique gifts, apparel, jewelry, home décor, and more.
Where: Birmingham | More Info: Birmingham Christmas Village Festival
Birmingham Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Magic City Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Community-driven ballet performance with local talent.
Description:
The Magic City Nutcracker is a volunteer-based community ballet celebrating its 11th annual production at the historic Lyric Theatre. This event features a live show with professional dancers and local community cast, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the ballet.
Where: Birmingham | More Info: Magic City Nutcracker
Alabama Theatre's Holiday Film Series
What to Expect:
Classic holiday movies with live organ accompaniment.
Description:
The Alabama Theatre's Holiday Film Series features a lineup of classic holiday movies, including "White Christmas," "The Polar Express," and "Elf," with screenings accompanied by the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ.
Where: Birmingham | More Info: Alabama Theatre's Holiday Film Series
Red Mountain Theatre Holiday Spectacular
What to Expect:
Vibrant holiday celebration with over 75 performers.
Description:
Red Mountain Theatre's Holiday Spectacular is a vibrant celebration featuring over 75 performers, including Birmingham's best professional talent and young conservatory members. The show includes showstopping dance numbers, beautiful solo moments, and music that captures the essence of the holiday season. It is an extravaganza perfect for the whole family, with accessible performances including ASL interpretation and live audio description.
Where: Birmingham | More Info: Red Mountain Theatre Holiday Spectacular
Art After 5: The Grinch
What to Expect:
Special appearance by the Grinch and themed festivities.
Description:
Join the Birmingham Museum of Art for Art After 5: The Grinch, where the whimsy and wonder of Dr. Seuss's classic tale come to life. Enjoy themed drinks, a film screening of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," and a special appearance by the Grinch himself. Dress as your favorite Whoville character for a chance to win a special prize.
Where: Birmingham | More Info: Art After 5: The Grinch
Mountain Brook Village Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Santa's arrival on a fire truck
Description:
The Mountain Brook Village Holiday Parade is a festive event featuring floats, fire trucks, bands, choral groups, dancers, and Santa Claus. Local schools and businesses participate, culminating in Santa's arrival atop a Mountain Brook Fire Department truck. Activities include photo opportunities with Santa and children's village activities.
Where: Mountain Brook | More Info: Mountain Brook Village Holiday Parade
Candlelight: Holiday Special
What to Expect:
Live string quartet performance of holiday and ballet classics.
Description:
Immerse yourself in a live, multi-sensory musical experience featuring holiday classics and Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" under the gentle glow of candlelight at the Steiner Auditorium in Birmingham, AL.
Where: Birmingham | More Info: Candlelight: Holiday Special
Tree Lighting at Linn Park
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities and festive food options.
Description:
The Birmingham Holiday Block Party features a free concert, food trucks, and the lighting of the Christmas tree at City Hall. Attendees can enjoy face painting, meet the Coca-Cola Polar Bear, and take photos in a life-sized snow globe. The event includes a keepsake ornament station and holiday music by DJ Rod Parker.
Where: Birmingham | More Info: Tree Lighting at Linn Park
Live on 20th Holiday Series
What to Expect:
Live street performances by buskers.
Description:
Live on 20th Holiday Series brings buskers and street performers to 20th Street North, infusing downtown with vibrant energy and entertainment.
Where: Birmingham | More Info: Live on 20th Holiday Series
Holiday Tree Lighting Block Party
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities with festive food and entertainment.
Description:
The Holiday Tree Lighting Block Party in Birmingham features food trucks, a free concert, and the lighting of the Christmas tree. Attendees can enjoy activities like visiting Olaf and the Grinch, taking photos in a life-sized snow globe, and meeting the Coca-Cola Polar Bear. The event also includes face painting, making keepsake ornaments, and live music from DJ Rod Parker.
Where: Birmingham | More Info: Holiday Tree Lighting Block Party
Birmingham Other Holiday Activities
Experience Christmas, Asbury United Methodist
What to Expect:
Live nativity and local artisan gift sale.
Description:
Join Asbury United Methodist Church for a heartwarming celebration of Christmas, featuring a live nativity, festive activities, and a gift sale with local artisans.
Where: Birmingham | More Info: Experience Christmas, Asbury United Methodist
Chelsea Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Official Santa-led parade with amateur and professional floats.
Description:
The Chelsea Christmas Parade is an annual family event held on the third Saturday of December. It begins at Chelsea Middle School and ends at Winn Dixie. Amateur floats are encouraged, and a limited number of professional floats can be purchased. Only the official Santa is allowed in the parade. Safety concerns prohibit motorcycles and ATVs. Parade placement is determined at the staging area to reduce traffic congestion. In case of inclement weather, refer to the event website for updates.
Where: Chelsea | More Info: Chelsea Christmas Parade
Christmas at Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens
What to Expect:
Historic home and gardens transformed for the holiday season.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens with a festive atmosphere, historic charm, and elegant decorations.
Where: Birmingham | More Info: Christmas at Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Mountain Brook (3 miles)
- Homewood (3 miles)
- Vestavia Hills (5 miles)
- Hoover (8 miles)
- Bessemer (12 miles)
- Trussville (13 miles)
- Pelham (16 miles)
- Dixiana (18 miles)
- Alabaster (19 miles)