5 family-friendly holiday activities to check out in Huntsville

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There are plenty of family-friendly holiday activities over the next couple months in Huntsville. (Arts Huntsville)

As we near Thanksgiving and we are already seeing Christmas decorations pop up in the area, the holiday season is upon us and our attention turns to family activities we can do during the holiday season.

Well, you’re in luck, because there are multiple events and activities happening in the Huntsville area that the entire family can enjoy. Check these out:

Read more: 5 family-friendly holiday activities to check out in Huntsville

Galaxy of Lights at Huntsville Botanical Garden

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The Huntsville Botanical Garden Galaxy of Lights takes place Nov. 11 through Jan. 1/ (Huntsville Botanical Garden via Facebook)

The Huntsville Botanical Garden Galaxy of Lights is a regional holiday tradition that takes place every November and December, allowing guests to explore the magnificent lights and enjoy the Garden when it’s decked for the holiday season.

Walking Nights:
November 11-27 (Closed Thanksgiving Day) and December 17 – January 1 (Closed Christmas Day)
5:15PM to 8:30PM (Time of last admission)

Dog Walking Nights: 
Every Monday and Tuesday during Walking Nights (November 14, 15, 21, 22 and December 19, 20, 26, 27)

Driving Nights:
December 1-16
5:30PM to 9PM (Time of last admission)

Check the Huntsville Botanical Garden website for tickets.

‘The Nutcracker’ performed by Huntsville Ballet

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Huntsville Ballet Company presents its 54th presentation of The Nutcracker Dec. 9-11. (Huntsville Ballet Company via Facebook)

The Huntsville Ballet Company celebrates the season with its 54th annual production of The Nutcracker with special guests, The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.

The performances take place Dec. 9-11 at the Mark C. Smith Music Hall.

Performances:

  • Friday 12/9, 7:30PM
  • Saturday 12/10, 2PM
  • Saturday 12/10, 7:30PM
  • Sunday 12/11, 1PM

Check the Huntsville Ballet website for tickets.

Skating in the Park

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Enjoy ice skating at Big Spring Park from Nov. 18 to Jan. 8. (Huntsville Visitors & Convention Bureau)

Nothing quite gets you in the holiday spirit quite like ice skating outdoors and enjoying some hot cocoa — both of which you can do at Big Spring Park Nov. 18 through Jan. 8.

This has become a popular yearly family-friendly tradition, and we are thankful the city is bringing it back again!

Visitors can rent skates (in case you don’t own your own) and scooters to assist those who are not quite as agile. You can also purchase light refreshments on site, but there are plenty of great restaurants nearby!

Friday Flurries at Bridge Street

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Bridge Street Town Centre has one of the best family-friendly events in town: Friday Flurries. (Bridge Street Town Center)

Okay we realize snow in Alabama is often hard to come by, even in the dead of winter. No problem! Come out to Bridge Street Town Centre on Fridays beginning Nov. 18 through Dec. 23 from 6-8 PM to enjoy faux snow, a festive photo op from Huntsville Glow and more!

The Friday Flurries happen at the north end fountains, near the Southern Living Store.

Rocket City Christmas Light Show + Winter Wonderland

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The third annual Rocket City Christmas Light Show and Winter Wonderland returns to Toyota Field. (Rocket City Trash Pandas)

Enjoy two fun family-friendly events at Toyota Field this holiday season: The Rocket City Christmas Light Show and the Winter Wonderland. Reserve your tickets on the Trash Pandas website.

These attractions begin November 18th and run through New Year’s Day.

Rocket City Christmas Light Show

A mile and a half maze of bright holiday lights awaits visitors at the Rocket City Christmas Light Show, as guests can drive through the magical North Pole-themed show around Toyota Field for $30 per car.

The festivities will begin at 5PM nightly. Simply tune in to the designated station on your vehicle’s radio and experience a spectacular synchronization of music and lights!

Winter Wonderland

Following the light show, wander into the Winter Wonderland for a whole host of holiday activities, including:

  • Huts for hot chocolate plus cookie and ornament decorating
  • Fire pits to make s’mores
  • A life-size snow globe for photo opportunities
  • Character visits
  • Shopping in The Junkyard team store

The Winter Wonderland will be open through December 24th during all Christmas Light Show hours, 5PM to 9PM daily.

Let us know which of these you plan to do! Follow Hville Blast on FacebookTikTok and Instagram, and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss announcements on what’s happening in and around Huntsville.

Michael Seale
Michael Seale
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