Season’s Greetings from the River City! It seems like just last week it was 85 degrees outside (oh, wait, it was), and now we are getting ready to slice turkeys, light candles, and trim trees. Let this be your most stress-LESS season yet, with this family fun guide to holiday fun in Decatur and surrounding Morgan County!

Christmas & Holiday Cheer in Decatur

Enchanted Forrest of Decatur

Saturday, December 1st through Tuesday, January, 1st
Old State Bank and the Daikin Amphitheater, Bank/Church Streets (map)
Cost: FREE
View Website
The Enchanted Forrest of Decatur is a tinsel stroll supporting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Open daily throughout the month of December for all to enjoy, support, and remember. Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 15th from 2pm to 5pm when Santa will make an appearance at the Old State Bank, accompanied by live music and family activities.

CASA’s Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, December 1st, 8am to 11am
First Bible Church, 3202 Spring Avenue SW (map)
Cost: $5 each (Free or reduced tickets available to foster parents)
More Info
Enjoy pancakes and sausage with the bearded man himself, while supporting CASA of North Alabama’s efforts to give a voice to abused and neglected children. Tickets include breakfast, photo with Santa, and children’s activities.

Drive-Thru Christmas

Wednesday, December 5th through Saturday, December 8th, 6pm to 9pm
Somerville Baptist Church, 41 Main Street (map)
Cost: FREE
View Website
It doesn’t get much better than a live nativity story! Ride the Christmas Caravan through history as the story of Christ’s birth is told in one of the most unique ways you’ll ever experience it. Finish off the evening with cookies and hot chocolate.

Christmas Market at the Farmer’s Market

Saturday, December 8th, 10am to 2pm
211 1st Avenue SE (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info
Santa himself will team up with Queen Elsa and Captain America to make this a star-studded spectacular holiday event to raise money for the city’s beloved Farmer’s Market. Enjoy vendors, samples, and a silent auction.

Santa at Cloud9

Saturday, December 8th, 10am to 1pm
504 Bank Street NE (map)
Cost: FREE
View Website
Join Santa at one of the cutest children’s boutiques in town. A photographer will be available to snap photos of your child (fees may apply) or you can take your own. Browse an incredible selection of toys and clothing for your tots while you wait.

Historic Decatur Christmas Tour

Saturday, December 8th, 3pm to 8pm
Albany and Old Decatur Historic Districts
Tickets: $25 each
View Website
Learn about Decatur’s rich history through tours of the homes and churches that have witnessed it all unfold, while standing the test of time in the River City. Enjoy live tales of history and fantastic refreshments.

Gala 34

Friday, December 14th, 6:30pm to midnight
Ingalls Harbor Pavilion
Tickets: $350 per couple ($200 is tax deductible)
View Website
Date night alert: Grab your best babysitter and leave the kids at home! By attending the city’s premier black tie event, party goers will help the Decatur Morgan Hospital Foundation raise money to purchase a mobile medical unit dedicated for use in Morgan County. This year’s Gala is hotter than ever, with a Havana Nights theme.

Everyone Loves a Parade!

Santa is super busy in Morgan County this year, making appearances at ALL the parades listed below! Stuff your pockets with candy thrown from decorated floats. Themes range from “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” in Decatur to “Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow” in Hartselle.

Trinity Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 1st, 10am
Love Chapel Church on North Seneca Drive to Trinity Town Hall on Preston Drive
Cost: FREE | More Info

Priceville’s Sheila Smith Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 1st, 2pm to 3pm
Marco Drive to Robinson Street/Bethel Road
(Parking available at Foodland and Veteran’s Park)
Cost: FREE | More Info

Decatur Christmas Parade

Monday, December 3rd, 6pm
Second Avenue to Bank Street
Cost: FREE | More Info

Hartselle Christmas Parade

Thursday, December 13th, 7pm
Main Street, Hartselle
Cost: FREE | More Info

Live and On Stage at The Princess!

Decatur’s historic Princess Theatre will host a variety of live holiday shows, listed below. Tickets may be purchased through the Princess Theatre’s box office or website.
Princess Theatre
112 Second Avenue SE
View Website

Bank Street Players present “Humbug: A Christmas Story”
Thursday, November 29th through Saturday, December 1st
7:00 pm Daily and Saturday Matinee
Tickets: $18 adults, $15 seniors and students

Dancer’s Inc. presents “The Nutcracker”
Saturday, December 8th
2:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 day of the show

Christmas Time with the Beasley Brothers
Thursday, December 13th
7:00 pm
Tickets: $12

Decatur is filled with organizations and opportunities for those who need help to find it and for those who want to give to do so. Contact one of these local charities for more information on Christmas closets, meals, and more.

Committee on Church Cooperation (CCC)
119 1st Avenue NE
(256) 355-8893
More Info

Families and Children Experiencing Separation (FACES)
507 14th Street SE
(256) 301-8638
More Info

Neighborhood Christian Center (NCC)
619 Bank Street NE
(256) 351-7633
View Website

Parents and Children Together (PACT)
245 B Jackson Street SE
(256)355-7252
View Website

Salvation Army of Decatur
100 Austinville Road SW
(256) 353-2822
View Website

From our family to yours, I wish you the happiest of holiday seasons yet! I hope you feel ALL the love that holidays have to offer!

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