Hello, Tuscaloosa! The most magical time of the year is upon us, and our city is sparkling with festive cheer. Get ready to mark your calendars because we’ve got an incredible lineup of Christmas events coming your way!
- Holidays on the Plaza:
Let’s kick off the festivities with ‘Holidays on the Plaza,’ running from Nov. 24 to Jan. 15 at Government Plaza in downtown Tuscaloosa. Picture a winter wonderland with an ice skating rink and the Tinsel Trail. Skate passes are just $15 per day or $85 for a full season pass. The Tinsel Trail is free, featuring over 200 live Christmas trees adorned by local businesses, schools, and organizations. There’s even a few special nights: pet night on Dec 3 from 3-5pm, ugly sweater night on Dec 8 from 5-8pm, and family night on Dec 15 from 4-6pm.
- All is Bright in Midtown Village:
On Thursday, November 30, from 6 PM-8 PM, Midtown Village Shopping Center is hosting their annual “All is Bright’ family event in the green space. The event is completely FREE and in support of the Disabled American Veterans. Enjoy watching the lighting of the Midtown Village Christmas Tree, a live Dj, festive treats, and if you stick around until 7:30pm, you’ll even get to see Santa join the music on-stage for a fun sing-along celebration!
- Santa in the Park at Lake Lurleen:
Next on our agenda is the 2nd Annual ‘Santa in the Park’ at Lake Lurleen. This year it’s set to take place on December 1-2 and 8-9, from 6-9 pm. If you have younger children or grandkids, this a great opportunity for them to get some cute pictures with Santa!
- West AL Christmas Parade:
This next one is probably one of my favorite Christmas traditions in Tuscaloosa – it’s the West Alabama Christmas parade. This year will be the 47th Christmas parade!! FUN FACT: when it first started back in 1976, the legendary University of Alabama football coach, Paul W. “Bear” Bryant, served as the parade’s first grand marshal. This year the parade is scheduled for December 4th at 6:30 pm on Greensboro Avenue downtown and its theme is ‘Hometown Christmas.’
- Dickens Downtown in Northport:
If you’re a fan of the timeless ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens, don’t miss ‘Dickens Downtown’ in Northport on December 5th from 5-8 pm. This outdoor Victorian Christmas Celebration is wholly inspired by the heartwarming Christmas story and features snow, live music, and caroling. If you go, be sure to dress in your finest Dickens-era costumes!
- Retail Trail in Downtown Tuscaloosa:
If you’re a shopaholic, you’ll want to mark your calendars for December 7th from 5pm-8pm for the 2nd annual ‘Retail Trail’ in Downtown Tuscaloosa. This Christmas Open House highlights Downtown Tuscaloosa Merchants with some exclusive discounts and store prizes so you can knock out your Christmas shopping early!
- The Nutcracker by Tuscaloosa Community Dancers:
From December 7-10, the Tuscaloosa Community Dancers at the Bama Theater are presenting the timeless holiday classic, ‘The Nutcracker. This year will be the largest performance to date with 125 cast members involved in putting on the show, so if you’ve never been before, this would be a great year to go!!
- Tuscaloosa Christmas Afloat Lighted River Parade & Fireworks:
The last Christmas event I wanted to mention is Christmas Afloat, a lighted boat parade down the Black Warrior River. It’s set to start after dark on Dec. 9 and normally has around 10-15 participating boats with a firework show at the end. The best places for viewing include the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, the Farmers Market, the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk and the Northport Levee.
And there you have it! A sleigh-full of Christmas events to transform this holiday season into something truly magical. Mark your calendars, bring together your loved ones, and immerse yourself in the festive spirit. Happy holidays!