Alabama

explore like never before

Get Custom Travel guides packed with local tips
Trip Ideas|Small Towns

These Are The Top 10 Christmas Towns In Alabama. They’re Magical.

Discover the most festive Christmas towns in Alabama, each offering unique holiday events and decorations.

Updated Oct 27, 2022

Written by 

Jennifer Young

The holiday season has FINALLY arrived! If you're in the holiday spirit and looking for something fun to do this Christmas season, you're in luck. There are many Christmas towns in Alabama where you can enjoy different types of holiday festivities, including parades, tree-lighting ceremonies, and even Santa Claus visits for that special one-on-one talk!

Even though many towns in Alabama host fun Christmas festivities, here are 10 towns/festivities that are definitely worth checking out:

1. Huntsville

alt
facebook/Huntsville Botanical Garden - Official page

The Huntsville Botanical Garden's Galaxy of Lights celebration is a holiday extravaganza featuring larger-than-life light displays. Through it, visitors will have an opportunity to experience both walking and driving experiences that create a truly unforgettable experience. Be sure to check the official website or Facebook Page for celebration days and hours.

advertisement

2. Montgomery

alt
facebook/Alabama State Capitol

Another of the best places to visit in Alabama for Christmas is the state capitol in Montgomery. Because this is the seat of government for the state, it is a popular place to celebrate for many Alabamans every year. Be sure to check the official website or Facebook Page for holiday days and hours.

3. Gadsden

alt
Noccalula Falls Park and Campground Facebook Page

Whether you are interested in camping or not, the Noccalula Falls Park and Campground is a fantastic spot to enjoy the holiday lights of the season. It's a GREAT holiday event for the entire family! Be sure to check the official website or Facebook Page for celebration days and hours.

4. Rogersville

alt
Santa Land Facebook Page

At Santa Land, located in the town of Rogersville, not only will guests enjoy numerous light displays, but they'll also get to visit Santa's reindeer. After all, you just couldn’t celebrate Christmas in Alabama with some up-close-and-personal time with the big guy and his flying buddies! Be sure to check the official website or Facebook Page for celebration days and hours.

advertisement

5. Fairhope

alt
City of Fairhope Facebook Page

Fairhope is one of the most charming cities in Alabama, and the Fairhope Magical Christmas Parade is one of the community highlights of the year. This family-friendly parade will definitely put you in the holiday spirit! Be sure to check the official website or Facebook Page for the parade day and time.

6. Birmingham

alt
facebook/The Birmingham Zoo

Not too long ago, at the Birmingham Zoo they rebranded their former ZooLight Safari event into the new Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration. During this annual event, the Zoo comes alive in brilliant, illuminated lantern creations representing all manner of larger-than-life, sea and wild animal life. a fun carousel, train rides, and other activities are all part of the celebration. Glow Wild happens in November, December, and January on select nights so be sure to check the official website or Facebook Page for specific days and hours..

7. Arab

alt
Arab Historic Village Facebook Page

Every year at Arab Historic Village in Arab City Park, Santa and his elves make a special appearance at Christmas in the Park. In addition to chatting with Santa, guests will enjoy several holiday activities, some of which include decorating cookies and learning how to grind corn for reindeer food. Be sure to check the official website or Facebook Page for celebration days and hours.

8. Gulf Shores

alt
facebook/Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism

The annual LuLu's Lighted Boat Parade in Gulf Shores begins at Lulu's Homeport Marina and ends at Cobalt Restaurant in Orange Beach. The lights' reflection on the water is so magical! The parade takes place this year on December 10, 2022. More information is available on the official city website.

advertisement

9. Theodore

alt
facebook/Bellingrath Gardens and Home

The Bellingrath Gardens & Home is definitely one of the best places to visit in Alabama for Christmas. Its Magic Christmas in Lights event is an amazing display that features more than 1,000 set pieces, 3 million lights, and 15 scenes throughout the estate. This holiday festivity shouldn't be missed! Be sure to check the official website or Facebook Page for celebration days and hours.

10. Andalusia

alt
Christmas in Candyland Facebook Page

Christmas in Candyland in Andalusia offers its guests a winter wonderland experience. It features a 60-foot tall Christmas tree in the center of Court Square, eight snow machines, and child-size playhouses for kids to enjoy. This will be a magical experience your kids (OK, the big adult ones too) won't soon forget! Be sure to check the official website or Facebook Page for celebration days and hours.

Without a doubt, Christmas in Alabama is the absolute BEST! Have you visited any of these places during the holiday season? If so, which ones? What did you like best? How does your hometown celebrate the Christmas season? We’d love to see your beautiful photos and hear all about your various experiences.

If you’re interested in a more formal road trip, check out this magical Christmas town itinerary!

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Trip Ideas|Small Towns

The Remote Town in Alabama We Simply Can’t Get Enough Of

Russellville, Alabama is a charming small town that's got a surprising amount to do. Check out some of our favorites.

Published Oct 21, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

Alabama has some pretty bustling metropolitan areas, as anyone who's spent much time in Mobile or Birmingham can attest. But travel outside of these large cities and their extensive suburban sprawl, and you'll be met by plenty of more laid-back, less-populated areas where the pace of life is slow and things are a little more simple. Our smaller towns and remote areas are what make the Yellowhammer State so special, and one area of Alabama that's made up of these tinier-sized towns is our northwest corner. It's there that you'll find the little city of Russellville. With a population of around 10,000, it's sizable enough to have quite a few attractions but not so large as to be overwhelmingly cramped. If you ask us, it's the perfect-sized city!

advertisement

Russellville is about 90 miles outside of Birmingham and is tucked away in quiet Franklin County. The population is around 10,000, but the city feels a lot smaller than that, with a close-knit sense of community that can be hard to come across these days.

Like many small towns, Russellville loves festivals, and there are several popular ones held here throughout the year. The annual Watermelon Festival occurs each August and is always a blast, with live music, watermelon-eating contests, a fun run, and even a car show. Another great event is the Downtown Fall Festival, which takes place in October and includes a chili cook-off, food trucks, and arts and crafts vendors.

However, you're sure to have a blast here, no matter what time of year you visit! The Main Street area has undergone a revitalization over the last few years, and you'll find some great shops and restaurants in downtown Russellville. The Farmhouse Table Cafe and Bakery is a superb spot for breakfast or brunch. If you're in town all day, 43 Grill is a delicious family restaurant serving up lunch and dinner.

alt
Brian Stansbury/Wikimedia Commons

There's something so special about a historic theater - I don't know what it is, but the timeless ambiance is so appealing and nostalgic! If you love historic theaters, too, then you'll adore the beautiful Roxy Theatre in Russellville. It was built in 1949 and hosts great events throughout the year.

alt
Misty Pearse/AllTrails

Do you love the outdoors? The area all around Russellville features some pretty unique scenery. Dismals Canyon is located in Phil Campbell, just a few minutes outside of Russellville, and it's one of our favorite places for enjoying nature. You'll find plenty of great trails in the Dismals Canyon Conservatory if you're up for a hike.

alt
Julianna/Airbnb

There's enough to do here that it's great for a weekend trip, especially if you're visiting around one of the city's festivals. This luxury loft apartment is the perfect spot for one or two guests, and it's centrally located right in the downtown area.

For more information about things to do in Russellville, AL, check out the Downtown Russellville Facebook page.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Trip Ideas|Small Towns

This Alabama Christmas Town is Straight Out of a Norman Rockwell Painting

Tuscumbia, Alabama, transforms into a charming Christmas town with festive events and historic attractions.

Updated Oct 18, 2024

Written by 

Jennifer Young

If you’ve ever seen a Norman Rockwell painting, you’ll probably agree that there’s something quite charming about it, especially his Christmas paintings. Alabama is filled with many towns that have loads of charm and could definitely be the subject of a Norman Rockwell painting, especially at Christmastime. One of these towns is Tuscumbia, which comes alive during the holiday season with the annual “It’s a Dickens Christmas Ya’ll” festival. If you ask me, it could easily be one of the best Christmas towns in Alabama. Read all about how the charming town celebrates Christmas, and let us know if you agree.

advertisement

Tuscumbia is a town in Colbert County, North Alabama. It was incorporated in 1820 and is also the county seat. Many charming buildings can be found in Tuscumbia, including the historic Tuscumbia Train Depot, which was built in 1888 and is currently operated as a museum. Tuscumbia is also the home of Ivy Green, which happens to be the birthplace of Helen Keller. People have been known to travel many miles to tour this historic home.

alt
As the snow is falling, a child is out playing, wearing a winter jacket.

When it comes to Christmastime in Tuscumbia, the town goes all out! For example, Spring Park is decked out in thousands of twinkling lights each holiday season. There's even a festive train and a fountain show that's synchronized to Christmas music. Tuscumbia also hosts a variety of festive events, including the annual "It’s a Dickens Christmas Ya’ll" festival, which is reminiscent of “A Christmas Carol.” This year's festival, which will be celebrating its 14th year, is scheduled to take place downtown on Saturday, December 14th, 2024.

Of course, no Christmas season is complete in a small town without a Christmas parade. Each year, Tuscumbia puts on a festive Christmas parade that attracts people from near and far. It includes floats, fire trucks, bands, and so much more. This year's Christmas parade is scheduled to occur downtown on December 3rd, 2024, at 6 p.m.

alt
Bellingrath Gardens Christmas lights.

If you plan on visiting after all and need a place to stay, check out all the offerings from our friends at VRBO. For more information about the town of Tuscumbia, you can view the City of Tuscumbia website or the Colbert County Tourism website. Have you ever visited Tuscumbia, Alabama, specifically during Christmastime? If so, what did you think about it? Do you agree that it's one of the best Christmas towns in Alabama?

For additional information about Tuscumbia, including some other things the town offers, be sure to take a look at the following article outlining this underrated Alabama town. Or check out some of the incredible attractions in Tuscumbia that are great during the holiday season!

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Travel Goods
Shopping Guides

13 Unique Travel Gifts for Any Man on Your Holiday Shopping List

by Tori Jane
on Nov 2
Best Travel Gifts for Men
Trip Ideas
Day Trips

If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Delaware, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss

by Jasmine Vieau
on Nov 1
alt
Nature
Hiking

The Iconic Trail in Rhode Island Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

by Courtnie Erickson
on Nov 1
alt
Trip Ideas
Day Trips

If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Rhode Island, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss

by Jasmine Vieau
on Nov 1
alt
Trip Ideas
Day Trips

If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Maine, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss

by Lisa Sammons
on Nov 1
alt