Christmas in the Rocket City: 15 fun + festive events

November is in full swing, Thanksgiving is just weeks away and that means Christmas is just around the corner. With that, Christmas events here in the Huntsville area are popping up on calendars all over town. So, it’s time to plan for the holiday season!

Season-long events

Galaxy of Lights @ Huntsville Botanical Garden

• What: One of the most popular holiday events in the Rocket City is back! The Huntsville Botanical Garden becomes decked out in amazing light displays throughout the property. Whether you want to drive through or walk through, it’s a fun way to experience the holidays!
• When: Friday, November 13, 2026–Thursday, December 31, 2026
• Where: Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35805
• Cost: Varies on date/times
  • Members: Adults $13+ | Kids $7
  • Nonmembers: Adults $17+ | Kids $10+ 
• Details

Skating in the Park @ Big Spring Park

• What: See Big Spring Park turn into a frozen lake as ice skating returns for the season! Rent skates on site (or bring your own) + enjoy some hot cocoa while you’re at it!
• Where: Big Spring Park, 200 Church St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
• When: Friday, November 20, 2026 – Sunday, January 3, 2027
  • Monday – Thursday: 4-9PM
  • Friday: 4-10PM
  • Saturday: 10AM – 10PM
  • Sunday: 12PM – 8PM
• Cost:
  • Child Admission (9 and under): $5
  • Adult Admission (10+) $15
  • Skate Rental: $5
  • Scooter Rental: $5
• Details

Tinsel Trail @ Big Spring Park

• What: Tinsel Trail transforms Big Spring Park into a dazzling wonderland with over 450 live Christmas trees, each uniquely decorated by local businesses, nonprofits and families.
• Where: Big Spring Park, 200 Church St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
• When: November 27, 2026-December 31, 2026
• Cost: Free
• Details

Christmas on the River @ Ditto Landing

• What: A series of events at Ditto Landing in South Huntsville includes a Christmas tree lot, music, food, fun + holiday cheer!
• Where: Ditto Landing, 293 Ditto Landing Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803
• When: December 1, 2026-December 31, 2026
• Cost: Free
• Details

Christmas Parades

Huntsville Christmas Parade @ Downtown Huntsville

• What: The Huntsville Christmas Parade this year will feature more than 80 quality floats, animals, marching bands and more!
• Where: Downtown Huntsville
• When: Tuesday, December 1, 2026 | 6PM
• Cost: Free
• Details

Athens Christmas Parade @ Downtown Athens

• What: The theme for this year’s Christmas parade is “Gingerbread Village,” so expect floats and parade entries with a sweet theme to enhance your holiday cheer!
• Where: Downtown Athens
• When: Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 5PM
• Cost: Free
• Details

Decatur Christmas Parade @ Downtown Decatur

• What: The theme for this year’s Christmas parade through Downtown Decatur is “Christmas Through Your Eyes- One Season, Many Traditions.” Enjoy some fabulous floats representing Decatur businesses, organizations, schools + more.
• Where: Downtown Decatur (starting at 2nd Avenue and Grant Street)
• When: Monday, December 7, 2026 | 6:30PM
• Cost: Free
• Details

Rooted in Christmas: A Madison Holiday Celebration @ Downtown Madison

• What: This is one of the area’s most popular Christmas celebrations. The parade features festive floats and holiday cheer, followed by celebrations at Home Place Park!
• Where: Starts at Life Way + ends at Madison City Stadium
• When: Saturday, December 12, 2026 | 5PM
• Cost: Free
• Details

Shows + concerts

Mrs. Claus’ Snow Stroll @ Stovehouse

• What: While snow machines fill Gaslight Alley with snow, get pictures with Mrs. Claus, shop the stores at Stovehouse, create some handmade magic with kids’ crafts and activities, hear some live music + more!
• Where: Stovehouse, 3414 Governors Dr SW, Huntsville, AL 35805
• When: December 3-6, 2026 | 5:30-10PM
• Cost: Free
• Details

‘A Christmas Story: The Musical’ @ Princess Theatre

• What: The beloved and hilarious Christmas classic, “A Christmas Story” is set to music in this performance by Decatur’s Bank Street Players.
• Where: Princess Theatre, 112 2nd Ave NE, Decatur, AL 35601
• When:
  • December 3, 2026 | 7PM
  • December 4, 2026 | 7PM
  • December 5, 2026 | 7PM
  • December 6, 2026 | 2PM
• Cost: $20
• Details

Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater presents ‘A Christmas Carol’ @ VBC Playhouse

• What: The classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge comes to life in this fabulous production from Fantasy Playhouse.
• Where: VBC Playhouse, 700 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
• When:
  • Friday, December 4, 2026 | 7PM
  • Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 1PM + 6PM
  • Sunday, December 6, 2026 | 1PM + 6PM
  • Thursday, December 10, 2026 | 7PM
  • Friday, December 11, 2026 | 7PM
  • Saturday, December 12, 2026 | 1PM + 6PM
  • Sunday, December 13, 2026 | 1PM + 6PM
• Cost: $25+
• Details

Huntsville Master Chorale’s Illuminare @ First Presbyterian Church

• What: Love holiday music? Well, here you can enjoy two Christmas concerts, performing movements of Illuminare by Elaine Hagenberg and other choral songs reflecting the light of the world!
• Where: First Presbyterian Church, 307 Gates Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35801
• When:
  • Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 5:30 PM  
  • Sunday, December 6, 2026 | 3PM
• Cost: Free
• Details

Jingle & Mingle Holiday Market @ The Orion Amphitheater

• What: Browse handmade arts and goods for the perfect one-of-a-kind gift, savor seasonal bites from local food trucks, and sip on festive bar specialties while hearing your favorite holiday music.
• Where: The Orion Amphitheater, 701 Amphitheater Dr NW, Huntsville, AL 35806
• When: Sunday, December 6, 2026 | 11AM-3PM
• Cost: Free
• Details

‘The Nutcracker’ @ Mark C. Smith Concert Hall

• What: “The Nutcracker” is a holiday season staple, and the Huntsville Ballet Company’s annual production, accompanied by the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, is top-notch.
• Where: Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, 700 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
• When:
  • Friday, December 11, 2026 | 7:30PM
  • Saturday, December 12, 2026 | 2PM + 7:30PM
  • Sunday, December 13, 2026 | 1PM
• Cost: $45+
• Details

Christmas Carols on Strings @ Stovehouse

• What: Hear iconic music from 12 Days of Christmas, Angels from the Realms of Glory, Angels We Have Heard On High and more, performed live by a string quartet.
• Where: Stovehouse, 3414 Governors Dr SW, Huntsville, AL 35805
• When: December 20, 2026 | 4:45PM, 6:45PM, 8:45PM
• Cost: $35+
• Details

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