christmas light tour birmingham al

Best places to see Christmas lights around Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and what better way is there to get into the holiday spirit than gazing at the sparkling lights?

Grab your winter gear and load the family up to spot some of this season’s most festive displays.

Magic of Lights

4599 Splash Adventure Pkwy, Bessemer

Debuting on Nov. 17, you and your family can enjoy the holiday-themed light show until Dec. 31. Magic of Lights shines from 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday ($27 per vehicle) and from 5:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. Friday-Sunday ($30 per vehicle).

Oxford Festival of Lights

954 Leon Smith Pkwy, Oxford

Located at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, this festival of lights is fun for the whole family. After driving through the lights step into Santa’s Village for ice skating, pictures with Santa, slides, and inflatables. Ticket prices range from $25 to $55 per car depending on how many seats are in the vehicle. The festival is open through Dec. 24.

Christmas at the Falls

1450 Noccalula Road, Gadsden

Celebrate Christmas with the city of Gadsden and enjoy the festive lights as well as food vendors, train rides, visits with Santa, and a spectacular view. General admission includes a train ride for only $10 Monday-Thursday and $15 Friday-Sunday. Tickets are available online only , so make sure to secure your spot in advance.

2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham

Now until Jan. 16, Birmingham Zoo transforms into a glowing sensation. On select nights from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. you can attend this illuminating experience. Catch a ride on the train or a spin on the carousel while you’re there but be aware that the zoo animals will not be viewable during Glow Wild. To avoid long lines, grab your tickets online before your visit.

Sportsman Lake Park Winter Wonderland

1544 Sportsman Lake Rd NW, Cullman

This Cullman County Christmas tradition features over a million lights, Christmas train, horse and carriage rides, photo booth, and snow machine. This fun-filled attraction is open through Dec. 29 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission to Sportsman Lake Winder Wonderland is cash only and cost $10 per vehicle.

Lights on the Landing

1 River Rd, Gadsden

This drive-thru light show located in Gadsden operates until Dec. 31. Children’s admission is $3, and adults are $5.

Palisades Park

1225 Palisades Pkwy, Oneonta

Palisades Park is in Blount County. While admission is free, donations are accepted.

Wacky Tacky Light Tour

4500 5th Ave S Building C, Birmingham

The Wacky Tacky Light Tour is the perfect time to dress in your tacky Christmas sweater and hop on the bus for the best of the worst tacky Christmas tour. For $47.50 you can join in on the fun with a general admissions bus ticket or reserve your own party bus for a night of laughter and fun.

Bearden Christmas Lights

Bearden Lane, West Blocton

The drive-thru Bearden Christmas Lights located in West Blocton start at 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. nightly.

Lights of Noel

Winners Way, Birmingham

Lights of Noel Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show is located at Birmingham Race Course until Jan. 1. The spectacular light show is synchronized to Christmas music and is fun for all ages. Ticket prices range from $25-$40 per vehicle.

The Melvilles

Catch the free show at 3309 Ridgely Drive in Cahaba Heights from 5:00-9:00 Sunday through Thursday and until 10:00 on the weekends.

The Jenkins

Stop by 1008 Wood Duck Way, Alabaster for holiday cheer. Every year the Jenkins add more to their display, and this is their biggest display to date!

This listing is in random order. If you have suggestions on places we should add, please email [email protected] .

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ALABAMA'S LARGEST DRIVE-THROUGH ANIMATED LIGHT SHOW Spectacular Drive Through Holiday Lights Synchronized to Christmas music for all ages. A Magical Experience!

Open daily at 5 pm, you may also purchase  tickets on-site.

Lights of Noel  ™

Open Nightly from 5 pm - Midnight

You may also purchase ​TICKETS On-Site

Car or Family Van

$25 weekdays (mon-thurs), $35 weekends  (fri-sun).

Activity Van, Limo or Mini Bus

$40 weekdays  (mon-thurs), $50 weekends  (fri-sun).

Prices subject to change with daily specials, discount days and high traffic weekends.

Lights of Noel is located at the Birmingham Race Course

Entrance to the Light Show is at Winners Way (Do not enter Casino parking lots, follow signs)

Address for GPS is:

Winners Way

Birmingham, AL 35253

(at the Birmingham Race Course)

Get tickets now for the 10th annual Wacky Tacky Light Tour—starts Dec. 14

• LAST UPDATED 12/01/21

Are you a lover of Christmas inflatables? Firm believer that there’s no such thing as too many Christmas lights? Wacky Tacky Light Tour is the event for you. This family-friendly event is kicking off on December 14 for four nights only. Be sure to grab your tickets before they’re gone !

Wacky Tacky Light Tour

As the name suggests, this tour is an incredibly fun evening of touring the wackiest, tackiest holiday displays across Birmingham. Board the bus and sit back, relax and enjoy the displays as your friendly tour guide offers commentary throughout the ride.

The two-hour tour kicks off in Avondale and includes a wide range of inflatables, bright lights and other festive surprises. You’ll see plenty of Santa hats, Christmas creatures and a Hannukah-themed house displaying “Oy to the World.”

All proceeds benefit Fresh Air Family

If you weren’t on board already, allow me to seal the deal. This evening of joy is for a good cause—all proceeds benefit the Fresh Air Family . This organization helps children and families get active in the great outdoors.

Proceeds go to their scholarship fund, which helps children attend their popular summer camps for free. Last year, the event raised $30,000, which sent over 170 kids to camp.

I caught up with founder and executive director, Verna Gates, who personally curates the tour each year. Her favorite part? The opportunity for children to have access to stimulating, educational outdoor activities at no cost to their parents.

Wacky Tacky Light Tour tickets

This event has a cult following, so grab your tickets while you still can! Here’s what you need to know:

• When: Dec 14, 15, 16 and 21 | buses run every 15 minutes between 6-7:30PM
• Where: Tour begins at Tropicaleo in Avondale
• Price: $45 per person
• Attire: You’re encouraged to dress to theme, in your wackiest, tackiest holiday garb
• Get tickets

“It’s just fun. I think part of the magic of it to me is that the holidays can really be stressful. There’s always expectations of Norman Rockwell’s family, and it isn’t always that way. Sometimes it’s nice to do something that’s totally the opposite—goofy and tacky. People dress up and sing carols. It’s a return to simple things that I think is just what people need at this time of year.” —Verna Gates, founder and executive director, Fresh Air Family

Will we see you onboard the bus? Let us know @ BhamNow .

Madison Croxson

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Wacky Tacky Christmas Light Tour

December 16, 2014 @ 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm.

Thousands of lights! Gravity defying displays! Mooning Santas! Blow-ups with more hot air than a room full of politicians! Join Fresh Air Family as we seek out the best of the worst light displays in town! Join us for this anti-Norman Rockwell celebration of our most outrageous traditions. Tacky sweaters and lighted headgear encouraged. We will have some tacky Christmas hats for sale at Avondale Brewing Company!

This year’s Wacky Tacky has been expanded to a two-hour tour with a mid-tour break at La Paz Restaurant in Crestline Village. Drink tickets will be $7 for margaritas, $5 for beer, $3 for soft drinks. Buy yours in advance to get faster service.

Email [email protected] with your bus time – family-friendly buses until 6:30 pm.

5:30, 5:50, 6:10, 6:30, 6:50, 7:10, 7:30, 7:50, 8:10, 8:30 pm.Reserve your seats via Paypal or a check to Fresh Air Family, P.O. Box 321038, Birmingham AL 35232. Don’t tarry — we have limited seating! Proceeds go to provide scholarships to kids for our award-winning camp programs.

Embrace your inner tacky!

Admission Info:

$20 adults/$10 kids non-members, $15 adults/$7.50 kids members Drink tickets for mid-tour break at La Paz in Crestline Village will be $7 for margaritas, $5 for beer, $3 for soft drinks. Buy yours in advance to get faster service.

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TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR MAGICAL NIGHTS: VULCAN’S HOLIDAY LIGHT EXPERIENCE

3 rd  Annual s ynchronized, Christmas light show to captivate g uests  on select nights  

Vulcan Park  &  Museum  invites the Birmingham area to  gather for   the  3 rd   Annual  Magical Nights : Vulcan’s Holiday Light Experience ,   Dec .   3-6, 10-13 and 17-23 from 5:30  to 9:30 p.m.    

Each hour , beginning at 5 :30  p.m. ,  g uest s  will enjoy a  15-minute   lively array of dancing lights  choreographed to  delightful  holiday music .    In addition, there will be games for all ages, special guest appearances, music and a picturesque view of the  “ Magic City ” .  The Anvil and  M useum will have extended hours until 9 p.m.     There will also be  food,   wine   and beer available for purchase.   

LaShana Sorrell ,   Director of  Brand Engagement  is  excited to  provide the community a   safe , gathering space outdoors  to enjoy the holiday season  and create memorable moments .    

“ During this time of uncertainty, our hope is to uplift the spirits of the community allowing them to continue making  festive  memories ,” Sorrell  said.  “We are so happy that Vulcan can continue to be a part of those memories as he continues to stand for Birmingham.”  

This magical event  is a limited socially-distanced event with timed tickets issued in one-hour blocks.  Vulcan Park & Museum will have limited attendance and recommend purchasing tickets online to ensure availability. There will be a select number of tickets available onsite. Face masks or shields are required in all spaces and can be purchased at the ticket booth.  

Admission is $ 6  for 13 and up, $4 for kids ages 5-12 and children under 4 are free.     

Magical Nights : Vulcan’s Holiday Light Experience  is  organized by Vulcan Park & Museum with support from  Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Serious Injury Law Group, Protective, McWane ,  WVTM 13, Latino News and La Jefe.  

BUY TICKETS

Birmingham, AL Drive-Through Christmas Light Displays (2023)

Wacky tacky light tour (bus tour).

4426 4th Ave S Birmingham, AL 35222 (205) 540-6642 Miles of Lights: unknown Distance from Birmingham: 0 miles

Bama Lights

8333 W Hill Rd Pinson, AL 35126 Miles of Lights: unknown Distance from Birmingham: 20 miles

Bearden Christmas Lights

Bearden Ln West Blocton, AL 35184 Miles of Lights: 0.2 Distance from Birmingham: 40 miles

Lights at Palisades Park

1225 Palisades Pkwy Oneonta, AL 35121 Miles of Lights: unknown Distance from Birmingham: 43 miles

Winter Wonderland

1544 Sportsman Lake Rd NW Cullman, AL Miles of Lights: unknown Distance from Birmingham: 53 miles

Drive-Through Holiday Light Display FAQ

When do Christmas drive-through light shows start each season?

Drive-through holiday lights shows start on different dates.

Many are open by mid-November, but some wait until just after Thanksgiving.

But you can certainly expect them to be open by December 1st.

How long do Christmas drive-through light shows go on?

Nearly all holiday drive-through light shows last through at least New Year’s Day.

But many stay up a little longer, through Epiphany (January 6 th ) or roughly the first week of January.

How long does it take to drive through a holiday light show?

While it’s highly dependent on the light show, you can get through most drive-through holiday light displays in less than an hour.

For more extensive shows that cover more acres, it might take a little longer, but you’ll almost certainly be through in less than two hours.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t include your waiting time to get in, which can add just a few minutes or hours onto your visit, depending on how popular and how well-organized the show is.

When is the best time to go to a drive-thru light show?

For light shows that are up by mid-November, the earlier in the season you go, the less busy they’ll be.

Drive-through holiday lights get more and more popular starting right after Thanksgiving through the week of Christmas/New Year’s.

If it’s a light show that stays open the first week of January, you can catch a bit of a break from the crowds in that final week too.

As for times, right after they open (right after sunset, typically) or in the last hour of operation are the best times of day. (Though, that last hour can get sketchy if the cars before you have gotten backed up throughout the night.)

How much do drive-thru light shows cost?

Drive-through holiday light displays might charge by the car or by the person.

Depending on how many people you have in your party, either of these might be the better deal.

While prices vary considerably, generally speaking you can expect to pay at least $20/car at most for-profit drive-through light shows.

What should I know about driving through a drive-through light show?

When it comes to drive-through light shows, the lights are the main attraction and the driving is kind of a side note for most.

Which is how drive-through light shows can end up so irritating.

People get boggled by the pretty lights and forget they are also on a road with other vehicles.

So, here are a few tips to help you not be that driver.

1 – Keep moving.

It might be tempting to stop and look at the pretty lights along the route.

But if you want to do stop completely, you should go to a walk-through display instead.

If you stop, everyone behind you also has to stop and the whole system backs up.

So, go the low speed limit provided by the light show and get your looks in while moving.

2 – Go the speed limit.

The people who design the light show provide a speed limit for a reason.

This speed limit is meant to keep everyone moving forward at a reasonable pace, while providing plenty of time to take in the light displays from the comfort of your vehicle.

If you heed this speed limit, and everyone else heeds it, it’s amazing how easily you’ll all keep rolling along.

If you don’t heed it, and no one else does either, it’s amazing how easily you’ll end up in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

3 – Leave space.

Speaking of bumper-to-bumper traffic, try not to be the cause.

If you start creeping up on the car in front of you, back off.

By keeping an assured distance, you can avoid a potential fender bender and help keep everyone in the holiday spirit.

4 – Check your headlights. (And turn them off if you can!)

Many drive-through light displays cast enough light onto the road that you won’t need your headlights.

Or at least not all the time.

If you can drive safely without them, it’s best to turn them off and cut down on light pollution along the route.

This makes it easier for those in the cars around you (especially in front of you) to see.

If you can’t drive safely without your headlights, keep them on low and leave even more space from the car in front of you.

Its passengers want to see the lights too!

5 – Get your seasonal road tunes on.

Many drive-through holiday light displays have their own radio stations, outfitted with songs they think go best with their displays.

So, make sure to check the official website for your particular show.

And if your show doesn’t have its own music, make sure you build that playlist before you go!

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Best Christmas Lights Birmingham, AL

November 25, 2022 – december 31, 2022 cst.

Enjoy a self-guided driving tour of the most-festive, Christmas-lit homes around Birmingham, AL! Grab your peppermint hot chocolates, hop in the car, play some holiday tunes, and enjoy this dazzling light tour through Birmingham, AL! The app provides turn-by-turn driving directions to each merry & bright home. Enjoy – Happy Holidays!

Links below✨

Birmingham Christmas lights, most-festive homes, Alabaster | Built Story

Best Christmas Lights Near Me – Built Story Events

Birmingham, AL

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The Wacky Tacky Light Tour – Big Lights, Big Impact in 2022

Dress up, gather your friends/family/colleagues/club to join you on the season’s best joy ride

Published: november 23, 2022.

The Wacky Tacky Light Tour returns to Birmingham December 13, 15, 20 and 22, ready to get our tacky on! Thousands of lights! Gravity defying displays! Blow-ups with enough hot air for a local election! Join Fresh Air Family as we seek out the best, worst and wackiest light displays in town, all on a two- hour guided bus ride. Dress up, gather your friends/family/colleagues/club to join you on the season’s best joy ride. All for a good cause: this past summer, this fundraiser for Fresh Air Family provided $25,000 in financial aid to summer campers who could not have otherwise attended Gross Out Camp, an award-winning science camp. 

The tour, which bills itself as the anti-Norman Rockwell events features homes that go over-the-top to decorate for the holidays. The tour includes Santa’s Trailer Park, the Hanukkah House, Dueling Neighbors, Star Wars Christmas and new houses: Saddle Up Santa and Xmas on a Limb. The tour is curated to light up the night with fun and festivity. 

“I personally curate the route. My standards are low, and hard to meet,” says Verna Gates, the original wacky tackier, and Founder and Executive Director of Fresh Air Family.

The event begins at Cahaba Brewing at 4500 5th Avenue South in Avondale. The mid-point is Soho Social, where we can refresh ourselves and our drinks. Tours leave every 15 minutes, at 6, 6:15, 6:30, 6:45, 7, 7:15 and 7:30. Reservations required. Prices $45 for tickets and prices vary for private buses. 

Seating is limited, so reserve your tickets now! Tickets for individuals and groups on sale now. Groups can book a bus, or part of a bus, for a holiday party for the office, club, team or group of friends. Email [email protected] for more information. 

Sponsored by Rare Transportation, Soho Social, Cahaba Brewing, Aquatic Gardens, EBSCO and Birmingham Parent. See http://www.FreshAirFamily.org or http://www.FreshAirFamily.org/Wacky-Tacky for details. 

About Fresh Air Family 

Fresh Air Family, Inc. offers more than 400 outdoor educational activities for families throughout Alabama. Signature events include award-winning Gross Out Camp (It’s science but please don’t tell the kids), Hikes for Tykes and Weekend Family Adventures. For more information: http://www.FreshAirFamily.org . Fresh Air Family is a 501c3 non-profit.

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Magic Of Lights Illuminates Alabama Adventure for the first time ever this holiday season

By News Release | October 10, 2023

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — This holiday season will be even brighter, merrier and more colorful as Magic of Lights transforms Alabama Adventure into a vibrant drive-through holiday-themed light display. The festive event kicks off November 17 th  and runs through December 31 st .

Produced by Family Entertainment Holdings, LLC, “Magic of Lights” will make its Birmingham, AL debut at Alabama Adventure, featuring dozens of displays, festive favorites, and digital animation, all constructed with millions of individual LED lights to create a memorable holiday experience for the whole family.

“We are excited to bring Magic of Lights to the Birmingham community for the first time ever and believe it will become an annual holiday tradition,” says Ken Hudgens, CEO of Family Entertainment Holdings, LLC. “Our innovative creative team has designed a drive-through holiday wonderland light experience that promises to dazzle and delight guests of all ages.”

“We are absolutely thrilled to be collaborating with Magic of Lights for our upcoming Christmas light show! Their expertise in creating enchanting, immersive light displays is unparalleled, and we couldn’t have asked for a better partner to bring this vision to life. Together, we’re going to create a Christmas experience like no other, one that will leave our guests in awe and filled with the spirit of the season. We can’t wait to see the magic they’ll weave into our park to make this holiday season truly unforgettable!” -Dan Koch, President and Owner

Other illuminated displays include the 32-foot-tall animated Mattel’s Waving Christmas Barbie®, Prehistoric Christmas featuring life sized dinosaurs celebrating the season, and the legendary BIGFOOT® Monster Truck. Created with over two million sparkling lights, Magic of Lights is a nostalgic and festive event everyone will enjoy. 

A new augmented reality feature will be introduced this year as well to make the magical experience even more interactive, with details set to be released in November.

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Jolly Trolleydays Light Tour

Good News + Bad News!  Our 15 tours in December 2023 have SOLD OUT!  

We are so thankful for all the local support, and we are sorry we could not accommodate everyone.  Be on the lookout for more exciting tours to come in 2024!

Come celebrate the holiday season as we drive through the City of Trussville and see all the decorated buildings and homes including the Peppertree house, the Inflatables house, and of course, the Trussville Christmas Tree.

The trolley will be all decked out with plenty of sparkling lights and fun music to put you in the holiday spirit.  There will be candy canes for everyone and some fun surprises along the way as well. 

• Tours are scheduled for five nights only from Monday, December 4th through Friday, December 8th.
• The 60-minute tour departs on scheduled evenings at 5:30pm, 6:45pm, and 8pm.  Board the trolley at Ferus Ales in the Trussville Entertainment District (TED).  
• The 5:30pm and 6:45pm tours are open for all ages!
• The 8pm tour is 18+ only.  It is the same tour, but designed for couples who want a fun date night.  We love kids, but understand the need for a date night!
• Snacks and drinks are welcome on the trolley.
• Tickets are $15 for adults (10+) and $10 for children (3-9)
• NOTE:  Due to local laws, no beverages that were purchased in the Trussville Entertainment District will be allowed on board. 

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Christmas in Birmingham: 10 Fun Holiday Activities

LAST UPDATED: November 29, 2023

Christmas is almost upon us once again! Isn’t it truly amazing how fast the year went? In fact, it’s time to plan your adventures before you blink and the Christmas season has come to an end. The Magic City and its surrounding areas definitely have a lot to offer. So, get out those calendars and plan the following fun activities to celebrate Christmas in Birmingham!

This post contains affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through these links. You can read my full disclosure policy  here .

Christmas in Birmingham

Within the metro area or roughly an hour’s drive, there is a diverse selection of unique ways to celebrate Christmas in Birmingham. From light displays in caverns to the largest German Christmas pyramid in the United States, you won’t want to miss any of these holiday highlights!

Wonderland Under Warrior

First up on your list should be Wonderland Under Warrior . Hitting very high in the unique category, this Christmas light extravaganza is held at Rickwood Caverns State Park which is only 30 minutes north of downtown Birmingham. It is one of the most impressive light shows I’ve seen given that it is in a cave. 😉

The interesting thing here is that inside the cave, it’s dark day and night. This means it makes no difference whether you go when it opens at 2 pm (on select days) or an hour before closing at 8 pm.

Also, it’s 62 degrees year-round in the cave. I thought I might still need my coat to be comfortable but ended up getting pretty warm. It took under an hour to complete but do note there are stairs right inside the entrance which is also the only way to exit. Advance purchase of tickets is best as they regulate the number of people inside the cave at any given time.

For a quick but fun family outing, be sure to see Vulcan’s Magical Nights at Vulcan Park. The newer but popular Christmas event is all outdoors so be sure to bundle up!

Join the big iron guy as he gets into the holiday spirit while keeping watch over Birmingham. Enjoy hot chocolate and Christmas music synced to the lights (at certain times throughout each night). Grab a family Christmas photo with the downtown lights in the background and tour the museum if you wish. Santa even makes an appearance!

Yes, that word! An authentic German Christmas pyramid, the Weihnachtspyramide is the tallest in the United States. Made in a German village, the 30-foot pyramid was brought to Cullman and assembled by three of the German company’s employees.

Only a 45-minute drive from downtown Birmingham, Cullman celebrates its German heritage and has proudly displayed the impressive pyramid since 2019. I personally loved seeing how different it looks during both daytime and lit up at night.

When you’re done taking in the unique Weihnachtspyramide, head right across the street to Depot Park to see the enormous Christmas tree and light displays throughout.

Downtown Birmingham

If the view of downtown Birmingham  has ever left you you wanting more, be sure to see the Regions Center. A longtime annual tradition, the four sides are each decorated to display a Christmas tree, a wreath, or a stocking. My personal favorite is the wreath. 

For over 40 years, Birmingham residents have enjoyed the 30-story downtown building dressed in its Christmas best. The effect is obtained by red or green gel sleeves slipped over the naturally white lights above each window. Pretty clever I think!

Also, another popular activity to check out is the Christmas tree in Linn Park. In early December, the tree is lit following the annual Christmas parade. Additionally, many of Birmingham’s metropolitan cities have Christmas parades and other holiday events including Trussville , Mountain Brook , Hoover, Vestavia , and Pelham.

Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament

Located only 40 minutes from Birmingham, consider a trip to Hanceville to see the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament . Home to Our Lady of Angels Monastery, the architecture of the main church closely resembles the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy.

At Christmas, inside the church and the grounds are beautifully decorated. Visits are not only welcomed but encouraged. No photos are allowed inside the main church but snap away around the grounds as you please.

Continuing on with the unique theme, a visit to Ave Maria Grotto is a must. Also only a 45-minute drive from Birmingham, the Christmas lights adorn mini replicas of iconic structures from all over the world!

Be aware that the lights only happen certain nights in late November and throughout December. Check the calendar before you leave to drive up. Last year, we arrived to find they had been canceled that night. Not all was lost though as we came from seeing all downtown Cullman had to offer. However, I’m looking forward to trying again in a few days!

The Grotto isn’t a big space and ideally doesn’t take much time to see. It is outdoors so don’t forget those coats and scarves. Enjoy cookies and coffee during your nighttime holiday visit as well as carriage rides and food trucks on select nights (check the calendar).

Appropriately named, Glow Wild is held at The Birmingham Zoo from mid-November through mid-January. Animal lanterns glow and light up the night throughout the zoo and are definitely a dazzling delight!

Enjoy train rides, carousel rides, and yummy concessions to entertain the entire family. Allow for approximately 1.5 hours depending on the size of your party and if you plan to ride the train, carousel, or stop for snacks.

No holiday season is complete without a visit to see Christmas At The Falls …Noccalula Falls, that is! Located in Gadsden (an hour northeast of Birmingham), this truly is a spectacular must-see event for the entire family.

By the entire family, I mean there are even nights to bring your furry canine family member. Be sure to check the calendar though because outside of those select nights, dogs are not permitted.

From an impressively large Christmas lights display to concessions, train rides, and an animal inhabitant, there is something for everyone. This is also an outdoor event so dress appropriately.

Also, refer to the website because tickets are sometimes sold online only. Lastly, be sure to know the conditions for the night of your visit as Christmas at the Falls can close in the case of inclement weather.

A bit of a change of gears, I felt I had to include a visit to the Alabama National Cemetery. Seeing the Christmas wreaths displayed on the headstones of true American heroes is one of the most moving sights.

Wreaths Across America is an annual event held in December where Christmas wreaths are placed on the graves of our military heroes. Typically, the wreaths are placed in mid-December and are taken up in early January. 

The Alabama National Cemetery is located 35 minutes from Birmingham in the city of Montevallo. Please be respectful as a burial could be taking place and therefore not an appropriate time for photos. 

North Pole Express

Last but not least, take a ride on the North Pole Express . Located in the Birmingham metropolitan area of Calera, this holiday event is put on by the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum. 

Purchase tickets in advance and pick them up at the depot. Allow at least 1 hour 45 minutes for the train ride including boarding 15 minutes prior to departure. Santa and Mrs. Claus make a visit and a yummy treat is given to ages 2+. Don’t forget to dress warmly and have a jolly time!

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• Anniston/Gadsden

Christmas 2023: 5 must-see holiday lights shows in the Birmingham area

• Published: Nov. 18, 2023, 7:00 a.m.
• Mary Colurso | [email protected]

It’s easy to have a sparkling holiday season, if you know where to look. Christmas lights shows are planned throughout the Birmingham metro area, and several of them start to glow in mid-November. Here are five glittering events you won’t want to miss, all in the Magic City or within easy driving distance.

LIGHTS OF NOEL

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We Hang Christmas Lights Birmingham, AL

While great snow drifts and sledding opportunities are scarce down here in Alabama, the people of Birmingham still find plenty of ways to enjoy their Christmas holiday. During long walks in the twilight of December nights, many residents look at the lines of twinkling lights and imagine the streets lined in white powder and red-cheeked carolers. Others favor a more whimsical approach; in the annual Wacky Tacky Christmas Light tour, yards and storefronts are featured in a city-wide event that strolls in search of all manner of christmas light displays. However, nothing can compare to having an inspirational and regal design adorning your property.

With our expert assistance, you can have it all without disturbing the comfort of your home. Let We Hang Christmas Lights help you celebrate by taking the work out of decorating and putting the joy to your world! We have several services to offer based on your needs:

• Excellent designers that will work with you to craft your visions into a spectacular lights setting that anyone would love to see;
• A team of qualified and expertly trained decorators to hang any amount and variety of lights on balconies, rooftops, windows, fences, trees, lampposts, etc.;
• Free and prompt servicing of your light displays to keep them working throughout the entire season of merriment;
• Timely removal of our installations after the New Year, so you don’t have to worry about it!

No matter if it is Birmingham’s Town Hall or your own front yard, our holiday light installations will weave a delightful and wondrous scene of glowing bulbs and blinking sparkling stars for your eyes to enjoy every night. Fill out the form on our website for a FREE estimate and planning of your ideas with our talented design team! Within moments you can rest easy knowing that your next Christmas will be especially bright.

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