Extended Weekend Getaways Spanning the state’s 16 northernmost counties is North Alabama. From the streets of Huntsville, home of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center to the historic covered bridges of Blount County and the music of Muscle Shoals and the “singing” Tennessee River, the past and present are side-by-side here and offer so much for every traveler to enjoy, especially during the holidays,
Held at Rickwood Caverns State Park, Wonderland Under Warrior welcomes guests for a unique experience that celebrates the sights and sounds of Christmas and the natural beauty of the cavern. Visitors come to see over 100,000 twinkling lights and to walk the lighted path among the stalactites, stalagmites and other unique geological formations. The whimsical journey underground transforms the already magnificent cave into a special holiday experience. The cave is around 62 degrees all year long making it the perfect temperature to enjoy even on cold days. The gift shop will be decorated for the occasion and offer unique gifts, ornaments, snacks, and hot cocoa to purchase. You can now make reservations online at https://bit.ly/3Z7z0U3
Families are invited to step into a holiday wonderland at EarlyWorks Museum in downtown Huntsville in December for Nights of Santa. During thia event, children have a chance to meet Santa and his North Pole elves. Additional family-friendly activities adding to the whimsical fun include nightly snowfalls, making holiday crafts, mingling with costumed characters, decorating a freshly made gingerbread cookie and shopping in Santa’s gift shop. Hours are 3 p.m. Saturdays and 12 p.m. Sundays. Tickets must be purchased in advance for a specific timed entry. Tickets are on sale now. Later in the evening, get in the (historical) holiday spirit during the Lantern Tours at The Park this season! Experience the cozy village on a crisp winter evening as we travel back to the 19th century. Lantern Tours will take place Friday, December 13th beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance for a specific tour time. Reserve for either event at https://sales.earlyworks.com/
Downtown areas throughout North Alabama are bustling with activities. Downtown Oneonta gets into the holiday spirit with a host of activities for everyone to enjoy including a live nativity, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday lights, visits with Santa, parades and lots of Christmas cheer. Head to Athens for its annual Sippin’ Cider Festival and sip on everyone’s favorite holiday drink while shopping or stop in Decatur for the Historic Decatur Christmas Tour, a self-guided tour featuring around a dozen tour sites including homes, churches and historic places in the cities two historic districts, Albany and Old Decatur.
The must-see attraction at Christmas in Cullman is the towering Christmas pyramid. At 30 feet tall, the Cullman Christmas pyramid is the tallest structure of its kind in the United States. Known in German as Weihnachtspyramide, the Christmas pyramid in Cullman has six tiers with each one featuring a different scene, including one that will pay tribute to the local law enforcement, first responders, as well as everyday citizens. The Cullman Christkindlmarkt features a host of local vendors set up German-style in small wooden tents. The market is a great opportunity to find German ornaments, unique gifts and other handcrafted goodies and treasures.
In Arab, Alabama every year on the day after Thanksgiving, (November 29, 2024) Arab City Park is transformed into Christmas in the Park, a festive, over-the-top display of holiday magic. capture the spirit of the season at Arab City Park and Arab Historic Village. Santa’s Village is open from 6-9 p.m., weather permitting, beginning Black Friday and running Fridays and Saturdays until the weekend before Christmas.
Lawrence County and Moulton, Alabama celebrate Christmas on the Square in early December. Locals and visitors are invited to join in on the spirit of the holiday season with a magical stroll among a beautiful display of live Christmas trees trimmed in festive decorations. Selfie stations, food trucks live music entertainment, hot chocolate and more.
These are just a few highlights of the many holiday events held in North Alabama. For more information on things to see, do and experience, visit http://www.northalabama.org.
