Temps are dropping and we’re seeing a forecast with little snowflakes in it… and it’s 18 days until Christmas Day! We know you have a lot to do, but be sure to take some time to make some holiday memories with your family this year. We try to make it easy for you with our list of free family fun in Huntsville below!

Bookmark our December Must List and our 2017 Huntsville Gift Guide too – you’ll be glad you did.

Free & Cheap

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Go Light Hunting

Now through the season!
Cost: FREE, plus gas
Various locations | More Info
Gas up the car, bundle up the kids, and go looking for Christmas lights all over Huntsville. We made it super easy with our master list with a MAP!

Find Your Local Holiday Scene

Now – Dec. 31
Cost: FREE
Various locations
No matter what corner of North Alabama you live, you can find free seasonal fun every night that includes gorgeous lit trees or festive decorations! Lights typically come on at dusk.

• Tinsel Trail – Big Spring Park, Huntsville
• Snowflakes On City Hall – Big Spring Park, Huntsville
• Christmas Card Lane – Downtown Madison
• North Poll Stroll – Downtown Athens
• Holiday Lane – New Market
• Christmas in the Park – Arab Historic Village

Skating in the Park Opens the Holiday House

Friday from 5-8 PM
Cost: $5
Big Spring Park | More Info
The kids will love this meet & greet character experience featuring the Snow Sisters! The Holiday House will host fun characters at Skating in the Park all season long.

Jingle Bell Square

Saturday from 9AM – 9PM
Cost: FREE
Downtown Scottsboro | More Info
A jam-packed day of Christmas fun descends on Scottsboro, including a parade, market, live music, carriage rides, and a 5K.

Merry Market at Chapman

Saturday from 10AM – 2PM
Cost: FREE
Chapman School | More Info
This 2nd annual event has over 50 vendors with crafts, jewelry, home decor, sweet treats and more will benefit student groups.

Santa & Beignets

Saturday from 11AM – 1PM
Cost: FREE photos
Beignet Cafe | More Info
Hot, sweet beignets AND St. Nick? Yes, please!

Christkindlmarket

Saturday from 3-9 PM
Cost: FREE
Campus 805 | More Info
Inspired by the Chistkindlmarkets in Germany, your family can enjoy a traditional German American Christmas Market right here in Huntsville.

13th Annual Christmas Festival

Saturday & Sunday
Cost: FREE, donations accepted
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints | More Info
A concert performed by an 80-voice choir and a 40-piece orchestra and an indoorlive Nativity are highlights of this huge holiday event.

Sippin’ Cider Festival

Saturday from 5-8 PM
Cost: FREE
Downtown Athens | More Info
Sample and vote on your favorite cider to win the coveted Cider Cup. Kid’s activities, train rides and a visit from Santa are also on the agenda.

Madison Christmas Parade

Saturday at 5:30 PM
Cost: FREE
Downtown Madison | More Info
Arrive early to get a good spot for the parade, then head to the gazebo for free hot cocoa & cookies served by the Rotary Club.

Parade of Lights on the River

Saturday at 6:00 PM
Cost: FREE
Wheeler State Park | More Info
This fun, festive family event features more than a dozen yachts, pontoons and other watercraft all decorated creatively with lights for the holidays.

Rocket City Jazz Orchestra Christmas Concert

Saturday at 6:00 PM
Cost: FREE
Huntsville Public Library | More Info
This 6th annual concert features music by the Rocket City Jazz Orchestra with a special appearance by the Jazzsmiths.

Nerdy Noel 2.0

Sunday from Noon – 6PM
Cost: FREE admission
Straight to Ale | More Info
This 2nd annual marketplace is about all things nerdy & geeky, and full of sci-fi, comic, anime, fantasy, and pop culture goodies.

PSSSST!!! You’ll find even more free events in our full Event Calendar!

Worth the Money

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Galaxy of Lights Driving Nights

Now – Dec. 31st
Cost: $25 per car
Huntsville Botanical Garden | More Info
Galaxy of Lights is an award-winning holiday light extravaganza featuring larger-than-life animated light displays. Put it on your Must List.

“A Christmas Carol” by Fantasy Playhouse

Friday-Sunday
Cost: Adults $20 Children $15
VBC Playhouse | More Info
This Huntsville Holiday tradition performed by Fantasy Playhouse is back with a fresh interpretation of the Dickens’ classic! Use the Holiday Magic Pass for $2 off!

The Nutcracker

Thursday – Sunday
Cost: $14-20
VBC Concert Hall | More Info
Huntsville Ballet & the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra come together again for a unique performance of this holiday favorite. Save a few bucks on the ticket price here.

Mr. Grumpy’s Toy Shop

Friday – Sunday
Cost: $8-12
Academy Children’s Theatre | More Info
The holiday hit for all ages is a fun, festive, music extravaganza highlighting the spirit of the season with a heartwarming story of love and joy.

Handcrafted for the Holidays

Saturday
Cost: $3-20

• Artis Studio –  Choose your piece, glaze it, let us fire it and pick it up a few days later. No studio or firing fee if you mention Rocket City Mom!
• Gift Making Mini Workshops – You and the kids have a variety of options to make something special for a loved one at Designbyhart Studio.

Gaming for a Good Cause

Sunday from Noon – 8PM
Cost: $10
Rocket City Arcade | More Info
Half of all proceeds from every all-day arcade pass purchased today goes to the Food Bank of North AL.

 

Download the free Explore Huntsville app for great deals and to get all the best RCM info on the go! Got a great kid’s event you’d like to see in future Weekend Roundups? Let us know here.

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• Where to Find Santa in Huntsville
• Winter Break Camps for Kids in Huntsville
• Christmas Tree Farms in North AL

[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 before they are posted in the Huntsville Weekend Roundup, 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]