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5 Huntsville Holiday Traditions You Can’t Miss

5 Huntsville Holiday Traditions You Can’t Miss

I’m one of those rare native Huntsvillians. I remember being about 10 years old and Mom bundling me up with my sisters in the back of our powder blue station wagon. Every Christmas season we trekked up Monte Sano Mountain to Burritt Museum to see the twinkling lights, visit with Santa, roast chestnuts, and experience what my Dad called an “old-fashioned Christmas”.

Huntsville families can still do this! There are tons of holiday events to choose from now in the Rocket City, but only a few that have been happening for decades. These traditions are a great way to spend some quality time with your kids, and establish your own nostalgic customs.

Xmas_no1Kris Kringle’s Candlelight Christmas

At this annual event the star-lit mountain will be mirrored by more than 600 candles, adding to the nostalgic feel of the holidays. Music will be heard throughout the mansion and the park; cider, cookies and tasty figgie pudding will keep us warm. Children can enjoy stringing cranberries and popcorn, making paper punch ornaments, creating handmade cards and icing cookies. The evening wouldn’t be complete without a visit with Kris Kringle. See Burritt on the Mountain transformed into a twinkling, winter wonderland!

Date/Time: December 5th and 6th, 4:30-9:00 PM
Location: Burritt On the Mountain (map)
Cost: $10 (adults); $9 (seniors and military); $8 (3-18); children two and under are FREE
More Info: Burritt’s Website
Read our review of this event.

No Holiday Event is Complete Without This Guy
No Holiday Event is Complete Without This Guy

Xmas No. 2Santa’s Village

Another staple holiday event put on by Earlyworks, this one in conjunction with Constitution Village. Young and old will delight in visiting the Claus’ house, Santa’s reindeer, the North Pole elves and chatting with Santa! Nightly snow shows, craft projects in the Toymaker’s Workshop, musical entertainment on the Tinsel Tunes Stage and shopping at the new Arts Marketplace, all add to the enchantment at the Village Santa calls home. In Santa’s Magic Garden there’s a show you won’t want to miss! This magical garden will come to life right before your eyes – Christmas trees will talk and sing, while holiday lights magically keep up the beat!

Date/Time: November 28 – December 23, 5-9PM Nightly
Location: Constitution Village (map)
Cost: $5 per person. Children under 1 year free.
More Info: www.earlyworks.com
Read our review of this event.

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Xmas No. 3Galaxy of Lights

Don’t miss North Alabama’s favorite holiday tradition! Galaxy of Lights is a holiday light spectacle featuring larger-than-life animated light displays and is the perfect holiday treat for the young and young-at-heart. The entrance for Galaxy of Lights will be through their newly renovated front gate.

Walking Nights: November 14-17, November 21-25. Dog Walking Nights: November 17 & 24
Driving Nights: Thanksgiving – January 3, 2015
Location: Huntsville Botanical Gardens (map)
Cost: Walking – $6 Adult, $3.00 Child (3+), $1 Dog (dog-walking nights only); Driving – $20 per vehicle
More Info: www.hsvbg.org
RCM Review Walking Nights | RCM Review Driving Nights

GOLXmas No. 4Fantasy Playhouse’s A Christmas Carol

Now in it’s 25th year, this musical retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic novel will have you traveling with Scrooge as he visits his past, present, and future on Christmas Eve. This production has become a family tradition for many in the Tennessee Valley. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 256-539-6829.

Dates/Times: December 5-7 and December 11-14
Location: VBC Playhouse (map)
Cost: $14.00 – $20.00
More Info: www.letthemagicbegin.org 256-539-6829
Read our review of the show here.

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See Also
easter basket full of eggs

Xmas No. 5Spirit of Christmas Past Homes Tour

Luminary bags glow along the streets in the historic Twickenham neighborhood and guests are invited inside homes included in the Spirit of Christmas Past Homes Tour. Enjoy music, entertainment, and each home beautifully decorated with traditional holiday decor. NOTE: this event is not recommended for families with children under 6 – there’s lots of walking, breakable items, and isn’t particularly stroller-friendly. 

Dates/Times: Saturday, Dec. 13th from 5:00 – 9:00PM
Location: Twickenham Historic District (map)
Cost: $15 for adults and $5 for children
More info: View website

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Bonus Pick!

 

Tinsel Trail & Skating In the Park

New traditionThe 4th annual Tinsel Trail is a display of live Christmas trees in downtown Huntsville for one month. Over 200 live trees will decorate the center of Big Spring Park East for the holiday season! While you’re there be sure to do a little Skating In the Park and sip on some hot chocolate.

Dates/Times: November 28 – January 4
Location: Big Spring Park, Huntsville (map)
Cost: Free to stroll, admission to skate
More Info: www.tinseltrail.com
Read our review of this event here.


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