It's AMAZING how much Alabama has changed over the years. Many buildings are still standing, while others are left in ruins. Some towns have grown in size over the years, while others have become ghost towns. Listed below are 9 "Then and Now" photos showcasing how much Alabama has changed over the years.
Without a doubt, one of the most fun activities during the holiday season is driving around and looking at Christmas lights. There are several light displays located throughout the South, including some you can actually drive through. Listed below are five of the best drive-thru displays of Christmas lights in Alabama, and we think they're quite magical! If you've been wondering about "Christmas lights near me," you'll want to visit these Alabama displays this Christmas season.
Pro Tip: These holiday displays are the perfect background for your family Christmas photos! We all know these places get packed closer to Christmas, so plan a visit early on in the season to escape the crowds. Get the whole family dressed up and plan to take some family photos so you can send them out to family and friends this year.
1. Galaxy of Lights - Huntsville
Looking for "Christmas lights near me?" "Galaxy of Lights" is an annual Christmas lights display that's located at Huntsville Botanical Garden in Huntsville, Alabama. This 2.5-mile-long drive features millions of lights and more than 200 larger-than-life displays. It typically takes place in early November and will run through the beginning of January. There is the option of both walking or driving to see the lights, and prices vary not only per option but per day you choose to attend. Check out the Huntsville Botanical Garden website for more information about planning your visit to these enchanting Christmas lights in Alabama.
"Christmas Nights of Lights of Mobile" is located at Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. It's one of the most magical, most spectacular drive-thru Christmas lights displays in Alabama! This immersive light show boats endless twinkling displays set to music for a truly merry evening.
"Festival of Lights" takes place at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, Alabama. It features millions of lights and a variety of holiday scenes. This magical drive-thru experience of Alabama Christmas lights is typically open nightly from mid-November until the end of the year.
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Visit the Festival of Lights website for more information about this Christmas lights display.
The "Winter Wonderland Christmas Light Display" takes place annually at Sportsman's Lake Park in Cullman, Alabama. It runs nightly from early November through December (although certain dates may be dark) from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. There is a flat cost per vehicle. There's an additional cost for certain activities, including its popular train ride.
Visit the Sportsman's Lake Park website for more information about this Christmas lights display and all the festive events that take place in Cullman all season long!
5. Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland - Madison
"Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland" takes place at Toyota Field in Madison, Alabama. Shadrack Productions is a bit of a regional chain, with four other light displays across North Carolina and Tennessee. This incredible Alabama light display features more than two million lights and a variety of festive displays that are synchronized to the music played on your car radio. Toyota Field will be lit up from mid-November and continue through early January.
Check the Shadrack Productions website for all the details including exact dates, times, and pricing so you can plan your visit to these amazing Christmas lights in Alabama!
Have you experienced any of these five drive-thru displays of Christmas lights in Alabama? Share this article with someone you can't wait to experience the holiday season with.
Looking for unique gifts for the upcoming holiday season? Check out the unique selection of goods from Uncommon Goods.
Don't let the cold temperatures and minimal daylight hours keep you indoors all season long. There are plenty of winter activities in Alabama that will keep you entertained all winter. Check out the upcoming predictions for winter in Alabama and start planning your epic adventures.
With the Christmas season just around the corner, there's no better way to get into the holiday spirit than by visiting some of the displays of the best Christmas lights, including the best drive-through Christmas lights, in Alabama. There are many Christmas light displays located throughout Alabama. Many even start around Thanksgiving and end around New Year's. If you've been wondering about "Christmas lights near me," listed below are eight of Alabama's best Christmas light displays. Check them out!
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1. Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens and Home - Theodore
Bellingrath Gardens Christmas lights.
The first on our list of the best Christmas lights in Alabama is at Bellingrath Gardens in Theodore. This holiday season, Bellingrath Gardens and Home is celebrating its latest edition of Magic Christmas in Lights. This stunning Alabama Christmas lights display, which consists of over three million lights, 1,100 set pieces, and 16 festive scenes, will excite guests as they stroll the 65-acre property. In addition to the Bellingrath Gardens, the Bellingrath Home is also decorated for the holiday season. In 2014, "Magic Christmas in Lights" made USA Today's list of "10 Best Public Light Displays in America." Pretty impressive! Magic Christmas in Lights is open daily beginning the day after Thanksgiving and ending the first week of January. It will be closed on both Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Check the website for current admission prices for the light display. An additional charge to tour the Bellingrath Home will apply. Visit the Bellingrath Gardens and Home website and Bellingrath Gardens and Home Facebook page for more information.
One of the most spectacular Christmas events in Alabama is Christmas at the Falls which takes place at Noccalula Falls Park. It features millions of lights and spectacular views. Besides the stunning Christmas light display, Christmas at the Falls also offers a variety of activities such as cookie decorating, a petting zoo, and so much more. Santa will also be onsite. This annual holiday attraction will run on most dates from late November until New Year's Day. Check the website for exact dates and times. Whether you're a child or a child at heart, you'll absolutely love Christmas at the Falls. Visit the Noccalula Falls Park website and Noccalula Falls Park Facebook page for more information.
At The Wharf this holiday season, guests will have a chance to experience SPECTRA - a choreographed light show. During this event, the line of palm trees at The Wharf will come alive as timeless holiday classics are played. SPECTRA is an entertainment experience like no other, and it's absolutely free to watch. Holiday happenings start earlier in the day at The Wharf as well. Visitors can enjoy ice skating, photos with Santa, and holiday horse and carriage rides. There will also be a Toys for Tots bike drive. Stay tuned. You don't want to miss one of the best Christmas events in Alabama! Visit The Wharf website and The Wharf Facebook page for more information and updates on some of the most beautiful Christmas lights in Alabama.
Huntsville Botanical Garden's Galaxy of Lights features larger-than-life animated light displays and is a unique holiday experience for all ages. The most unique thing about this light display is that you can either walk it or drive it. You can even bring your dog along on the Dog Walking Nights. You can find the complete schedule, a breakdown of admission prices, and book your tickets on the website. This is one of the best Christmas light displays in Alabama you won't want to miss it! Visit the Hunstville Botanical Garden's website and Hunstville Botanical Garden's Facebook page for more information and updates.
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5. Christmas Lights Festival at Montgomery Zoo
While attending the Christmas Lights Festival, guests will get to experience the magic of the Montgomery Zoo after thousands of sparkly lights and festive decorations have been added, transforming it into a Winter Wonderland. In addition to the whimsical light display, guests can also take a train ride or go on the ever-so-popular Zoofari Skylift. There will also be a Christmas Tree Village at the Mann Museum as well as entertainment. And of course, no visit is complete without some hot chocolate, freshly baked cookies, and a talk with Santa. Check the website for dates, times, and admission which includes entry to the event and one train ride. You'll find some of the best Christmas lights in Alabama here. Note: The last admission tickets are sold at 9:00 p.m. Visit the Montgomery Zoo website for more information.
6. Annual Lighted Boat Parade - Gulf Shores
The Annual Lighted Boat Parade will take place on a select Saturday in December this year. This holiday event will begin at dusk around 5:00 p.m. in Gulf Shores at LuLu's Homeport Marina, and it'll end at The Wharf in Orange Beach. This festive boat parade is a definite must-see as it's one of the best Christmas events in Alabama! Visit the Alabama Travel website and Alabama Travel Facebook page for more information.
The Tinsel Trail is a beautiful display of over 300 live trees that have been covered in bright lights. It's located in downtown Huntsville at Big Spring Park. This festive holiday attraction will open on the day after Thanksgiving and will close in early January, and there's no admission cost. The Christmas trees will stay lit from dusk until midnight for everyone's enjoyment. Everyone will love seeing all the trees adorned with Christmas lights in Alabama! Visit the Tinsel Trail website and Tinsel Trail Facebook page for this year's dates.
8. Winter Wonderland Christmas Light Display at Sportsman Lake Park - Cullman
This year marks another for the annual Winter Wonderland Christmas Light Display at Sportsman Lake Park. Without a doubt, this drive-thru holiday attraction with over one million lights will put you in the holiday spirit. Santa will be on-site serving hot chocolate and candy canes, and you'll also have a chance to go on a horse and carriage ride. There will also be a snow machine and a photo booth on site. Weather permitting, this Christmas light display is scheduled to take place on select dates in November and December. Check the website for exact dates and times and admission prices. It's sure to be one of the most spectacular Alabama holiday lights this year! Visit the Cullman Alabama website and Cullman Alabama Facebook page for more information as the holiday season approaches.
Have you seen any of these Christmas light displays or some of the best drive-through Christmas lights in Alabama? Do you have a favorite Christmas light display you visit each holiday season? Still curious about Christmas lights near me in Alabama? We thought you might be! In addition to these light displays and Christmas events in Alabama, a visit to these 10 Alabama towns will also put you in the holiday spirit! If you decide to go for a road trip to see Christmas lights this year, check out our road trip essentials list before you go.
