How will you spend your weekend? Every week we pull together a list of our favorite free and/or cheap family activities taking place in the Huntsville and North Alabama area. Don’t see something that you like below? Peruse the full Event Calendar to see even more things to do!

You’ve officially got six more weekends before Christmas Day and we’re determined to help you make the most of them. Study our Holiday Happenings Guide to make sure you don’t miss a single special event or celebration. Check out our 12 Days of Giveaways – our gift to our awesome Readers – and discover new ways to give back during the holiday season.

Free & Cheap

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Craft Shows & Shopping

Friday & Saturday
‘Tis the season to give and there’s lots of shopping opportunities to support local businesses and organizations happening this weekend! Be sure to reserve a little to donate.

• Huntsville Senior Center Craft Show
• 5th Annual Holiday Bazaar 
• Kris Kringle Market 
• University Pickers Christmas Open House 
• 3rd Annual Hope Holiday Market 
• Winterfest at Lindsay Lane Academy 
• Ceramics Mill Market

Santa Visits Learning Express

Cost: $10 donation or purchase
Learning Express | More Info
Santa is bringing his sleigh to visit the Learning Express, and you can get your family photo taken and give him your list!
A $10 donation to Toys for Tots or a $10 in store purchase is all it takes, plus it’s a great way to ID some truly awesome toys while you’re there.

Family Fun Day of the Farm

Saturday from 10AM – 2PM
Cost: FREE
Chalakee Ranch, Guntersville | More Info
This event is free and will include food, pony rides, games, live music, raffles and much more! There will also be a live demo for anyone interested in learning more about how horses are helping people heal through our Equine Assisted Psychotherapy program.

Whiz Kids Open Gym

Saturday at 8:30 AM
The Matrix Gym | More Info
It’s supposed to be a bit brisk on Saturday but the kids still need to burn off some energy! Take them to this open gym session just for kids ages 6 and under. Read our Rocket City Mom review of Whiz Kids Open Gym here before you go!

Drop In & Create at HMA

Saturday from 11AM – 1PM
Cost: FREE
Huntsville Museum of Art | More Info
Kids will create “Fantastic Flip Books” and be able to experiment with animation by drawing their own flipbook, then watching their picture come alive! Visit the What’s Up, Doc?, The Animation Art of Chuck Jones exhibition to see your favorite Looney Tunes characters for some inspiration.

Lantern Parade Workshop

Sunday from 2-4 PM
Cost: FREE
Dublin Park | More Info
If your family is making plans to walk in the 3rd annual Lantern Parade in Madison, take note! This fun and festive event is for residents 12 years of age and younger and will help you prepare for the Main Street Parade on December 2nd. Register in advance!

Mensa Kids Trek: The Invention Process

Sunday from 2-4 PM
Cost: FREE
Downtown Huntsville Library | More Info
Learn all about the Inventive Process as a family at this fun hands-on event. Mensa Kids Trek is free, open to the public, and geared for all ages. There are no age limits or membership requirements. Children must have adult partners.

Worth the Money

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Skating in the Park Opens

Friday – January 3rd
Cost: $5-10
Big Spring Park by HMA | More Info
Get ready to lace up your skates at the Huntsville Museum of Art’s outdoor ice skating rink – our very own version of “Rocket-fella” Center. Grab your family and friends and experience a magical winter wonderland right here in downtown Huntsville! Get the hours here.

Galaxy of Lights Walking Nights

Friday – Monday
Cost: $3-7
Huntsville Botanical Garden | More Info
Now’s your chance to stroll through the Garden and see the Galaxy of Lights close up! All sorts of wheels welcome – strollers, wheelchairs, and wagons can all navigate the path that winds through the light display. It’s the perfect opportunity to visit Santa and kick off the season!

You Might Also Like…

• Where to Find Santa in Huntsville
• Christmas Tree Farms in North AL
• 30 Experiences to Give Instead of Toys

[box style=”lavender rounded” ]DISCLAIMER: We do our best at Rocket City Mom to provide accurate, useful information about events and activities. This information (such as times and locations) is gathered from user submissions, press releases, local newspapers, signs around town and word of mouth. While we always try to confirm details in the Huntsville Weekend Roundup before they are posted here, sometimes details change or we are given inaccurate information. Whenever possible we link our write-ups to the source in which our information came from and strongly urge you to confirm details before you go, especially when it comes to outdoor events and weather. [/box]