Special Feature
Take a day (or a few!) with your family this year and explore some of the best Christmas events in Birmingham. Here’s a list of family Christmas events that you don’t want to miss.
1. The City Of Hoover Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Date: November 29, 2022
Time: 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
With performances by the Hoover City Schools Band and Choir and an appearance by Santa himself on a firetruck, this free event will be a showstopper for you and your family. Standing at over 40 feet tall, the Hoover Christmas tree lighting signals the beginning of the holiday season and can be seen and enjoyed throughout the season by passersby on Highway 31. Parking is available at Hoover Public Library and treats will be served inside City Hall, www.hooveral.org.
2. Vulcan Park and Museum’s Holiday Experience
Dates: Beginning December 2
Time: 6 to 8 p.m. nightly
Admission: $6 for ages 13 and up, $4 for ages 5-12, and free for under age 4
There’s no better time to visit this iconic symbol of Birmingham than during the Christmas season. Vulcan Park and Museum will be magically filled with lights, holiday music, special guest appearances and Santa, www.visitvulcan.com.
3. “Holiday In The Hills” Parade
Date: December 11
Time: 2 p.m.
Admission: Free
There’s no better way to get into the Christmas festivity season than by enjoying a city holiday parade. Vestavia Hills’ official holiday parade and celebration will take place from Liberty Park Sports Complex to Alston Meadows, www.business.vestaviahills.org.
4. Sounds of The Season
Date: December 17
Time: 7 p.m.
Admission: Ticket prices range from $12-$80 depending on seating
Your family will be in awe with sounds of the season from one of Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s most beloved traditions. The symphony will present Handel’s Messiah with the Hallelujah chorus and solos telling the story of the greatest story ever told, www.alabamasymphony.org.
5. 23rd Annual Chelsea Christmas Parade
Date: December 17
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free
Celebrate the Christmas season with the City of Chelsea. The parade begins at 10 a.m. and from noon to 3 p.m., you can enjoy splashing with Santa at Melrose Park Splashpad, bounce houses, train rides, photos with Santa and more, www.cityofchelsea.com.
6. Ave Maria Grotto at Christmastime
Date: Selected Dates through December 26
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.
Admission: $10: Adults, $8: Seniors, $7: Military/Veterans/1st Responders, Ages 13-17: $8, Ages 5-12: $7, and Children under 4: Free
Make plans now for this short, 45-minute drive to Cullman. Christmas lights return to Ave Maria Grotto, and your family is sure to be starstruck while strolling through the paths highlighting the sculptures and artwork of Br. Joseph. The holiday experience is being expanded throughout the grounds on select dates to include live musical performances, food trucks, and horse-drawn wagon rides along a decorated path in the woods. Refreshments available each night, www.avemariagrotto.com.
7. The Birmingham Zoo During the Holidays
Date: Select Nights through January 16
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.
Admission: Ticket prices vary from $8.95 to $23.95 depending on peak nights.
The Birmingham Zoo will come alive with holiday lights and animal and sea life lanterns lighting up the night. Get ready to “glow wild” at the Birmingham Zoo with your family all winter long, www.birminghamzoo.com.
-Rebecca Jones
