9 spots you can see Santa Claus in Huntsville this year

a man dressed as santa holding a mailbox — Are you on the naughty or nice list this year? (Photo by Pop! Events Group on Unsplash)

Santa is back in the Rocket City along with holiday light shows, Turkey Trots and Friendsgivings. Here’s a list of nine places where you can catch the jolly Father Christmas around Huntsville this year.

Bridge Street Town Centre

Bridge Street’s 14th annual Light Up! event will have guest appearances from Santa and Mrs. Claus. After that, Santa will be at Bridge Street starting after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve for pictures. Professional photography is not provided, but guests are welcome to bring their own cameras for photos. Santa will roam around Bridge Street, but if the weather takes a turn you can find him inside of Cinemark.

Where: Bridge Street Town Centre
When: Nov. 24 – Dec. 24
More info

Holiday on the Farm

See Huntsville’s “Santa Bob” at Holiday on the Farm in Hazel Green. Story time is from 5PM to 7PM, but before that food trucks, vendors and live music will make this afternoon an unforgettable event. Cookie decorating and rides on the critter express will be sure to put you in the holiday spirit.

Tickets cost $10 per person if pre-registered or $12 per person at the gate. Children under 2 get in for free.

Where: 160 Mastin Road, Hazel Green, AL 35750
When: Sat., Nov. 18 from 11AM-7PM
More info

Burritt on the Mountain

The Candlelight Christmas at Burritt on the Mountain also features a Kris Kringle appearance at this traditional Christmas celebration. Cabins are decorated in past styles and traditional music will fill the air. String cranberries and popcorn, make paper ornaments, design handmade cards, ice cookies and taste figgy pudding at this one-of-a-kind holiday event.

Photos with Kris Kringle will be taken by Clicks Foto, but personal cameras are welcome. This picture opportunity will be available from 5PM to 8PM. Tickets to the event cost $55 for members and $70 for non-members.

Where: Burritt on the Mountain
When: Fri., Dec. 1 from 5PM-9PM
More info

North Alabama Railroad Museum

The North Alabama Railroad Museum has two different opportunities to see Santa: “North Star Limited” and “Santa Train.” Santa Train rides last approximately 40 minutes and the cars are decorated inside and out. Children have the opportunity to meet and greet with Santa during the ride. North Star Limited provides a similar experience, but it takes place under the winter sky instead of during the day.

Where: North Alabama Railroad Museum
When: North Star Limited: Dec. 1, 2, 8 and 9 | Santa Train: Dec. 2 and 9
More info

Downtown Madison

See Santa at the Madison Polar Express Christmas Trees & Wassail Fest on Main the first Friday in December. Watch the Children’s Lantern Parade, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies and make sure to stay for the reading of “The Polar Express.” Santa visits will begin at 6:30PM. Vendors will also provide samples of their best wassail recipes so you can vote for your favorite.

Where: Main Street in Historic downtown Madison
When: Fri., Dec. 2 from 5:30PM-7PM
More info

Early Works Museum

Enjoy all your favorite holiday activities at the Earlyworks Children’s Museum’s nights of Santa: write letters to the North Pole, decorate gingerbread cookies, play in the snow and take your photo with Santa.

Tickets are on sale now for specific time slots from 5PM to 7:30PM. Member tickets cost $10 per person and nonmember tickets cost $12 per person.

Where: Earlyworks Children’s Museum
When: Dec. 12 – Dec. 23
More info

Next Step Farms

Christmas on the Farm at Next Step Farm is a family friendly Christmas experience inclusive of adults with special needs and intellectual disabilities. This year’s event will offer family photo opportunities with Santa, seasonal crafts, a sleigh-ride/hay-ride and live interactive nativity scene.

Tickets for this event cost $10 per person, or a family of four can purchase a 4-pack for $35. Children under 2-years-old get in free.

Where: 465 Smith Vasser Rd, Harvest, Alabama 35749
When: Sat., Dec. 9, 9AM-1PM (sensory friendly time at 12:45PM)
More info

Parkway Place Mall

VIP Holiday Photos will take professional pictures of your children and Santa at Parkway Place Mall this holiday season. Each set is uniquely designed for its professional Santa. The photo you take will make the perfect addition to any Christmas card.

Photo rates start at $39.99, and some shoot days are pet friendly.

Where: Parkway Place Mall
When: Nov. 16 – Dec. 24, reserve your own photo time.
More info

The Orion Amphitheater

Winter Park at the Orion Amphitheater is back for its second year. Here, you can meet and greet with Santa, ice-skate under the stars, watch festive performance and carolers, take a train ride on the Winter Park Express, practice your curling under the dome or enjoy the holiday cinema series.

This holiday event is open all December long Thursday through Sunday. Just make sure to check the calendar since times vary from week to week.