Huntsville Weekend Roundup November 30 – December 2
The holiday season is in full swing here in the Tennessee Valley – and I don’t even have my tree up yet, so that’s what I’ll be up to. But there’s also SO MUCH going on this weekend that it’s hard to know where to start. So strap in, take notes, and down a shot of eggnog… it’s time for the first Huntsville Weekend Roundup in December 2018!
Be sure to check our huge Holiday Happenings Guide so you don’t miss something important! Our full Event Calendar also has more activities happening in Huntsville this weekend is you don’t see anything below that suits your fancy.
Finally, check in with our Giveaways for the Holidays that we host every year for our most devoted RCM Readers. You’ll be glad you did!
Free & Cheap Events
[themify_hr color=”orange” width=”75%” border_width=”1px” ]Christmas Parades This Weekend
Friday – Saturday
Cost: FREE
Everybody loves a parade, and there are plenty to choose from this weekend! Click the orange titles for details about each one.
- Cullman Christmas Parade – Friday at 6:00 PM
- Trinity Christmas Parade – Saturday at 10:00 AM
- Priceville Christmas Parade – Saturday at 2:00 PM
- Huntsville Christmas Parade – Save the date for Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 6:00 PM!
Walk the Tinsel Trail
All Weekend from 6:30 PM – Midnight
Cost: FREE
Big Spring Park East | More Info
Over 300 trees decorate the park for the holiday season from dusk until midnight each night. See Big Spring Park turn into a sparkling wonderland through January 6th. Be sure to look for the Rocket City Mom tree!
Drive Down Holiday Lane
Friday – Sunday from 6-8 PM
Cost: FREE
Sharon Johnston Park | More Info
Drive through the park to see the Christmas Village lights, decorated trees, and giant holiday cards! Enter through Gate 3.
Ardmore Tinsel Trail Opens
Friday at 6:00 PM
Cost: FREE
Ardmore Town Hall | More Info
See the trees light up and enjoy festive holiday music from the AHS Band.
Christmas In the Park in Arab
Friday-Sunday
Cost: $5
Arab Historic Village | More Info
This annual holiday tradition features more than 1 million lights and new displays. This historic village transforms into a winter wonderland complete with Santa’s Toy Shop!
Breakfast(s) with Santa
Saturday at various times
Cost: $5 – 7
Various locations
There are a couple of great opportunities to treat your kids to a breakfast with Santa this weekend!
Home Depot Kid’s Workshop
Saturday from 9AM – Noon
Cost: FREE, register online in advance
Home Depot locations | More Info
Kids will make a sled with reindeer in this hands-on workshop that encourages independence and creativity. Read our review before you go.
Christmas Village in New Market
Saturday from 2-6 PM
Cost: $5, kids 3 and under FREE
Sharon Johnston Park | More Info
The Pioneer Christmas Village turns into a Christmas Village with photos with Santa, DIY an ornaments, sugar cookies decorating and carriage rides.
Holidays in the Valley Concert
Saturday at 4:00 PM
Cost: FREE, donations accepted
Trinity UMC | More Info
Come enjoy local musicians, poets, and even a magician, all for a great cause. Food and drinks will be provided.
North Poll Stroll Opens in Athens
Saturday at 5:00 PM
Cost: FREE
Arab Historic Village | More Info
The 2018 Athens North Pole Stroll will return to Big Spring Memorial Park during the month of December with trees decorated with twinkling lights and decked with the creativity of local organizations.
33rd Annual Living Nativity
Saturday & Sunday from 6-8 PM
Cost: FREE
Cornerstone Community Church | More Info
This drive-through living nativity scene features live animals, people, and music depicting the First Christmas.
Rocket City Championship Wrestling
Saturday at 7:00 PM
Cost: FREE
RCCW Arena, Hazel Green | More Info
How do local wrestlers celebrate their 2 year anniversary? With all your favorite RCCW Stars and lots of surprises in the ring! Come out & see this unique show for yourselves. Read our review before you go.
Rocket City Tuba Christmas
Sunday at 4:00 PM
Cost: FREE
Covenant Presbyterian Church | More Info
Tubas around the world (and here in Huntsville) will be heard playing the rich, brass tones of holiday music at this 21st annual event. It might sound strange, but it’s REALLY awesome!
#ShopLocal at These Markets
Friday – Sunday
Cost: FREE
- Advent Market – Shop to support a great cause.
- Simply Christmas – Creativity comes to the mountain at this popular annual artisan gift bazaar.
- Sparkman Holiday Bazaar – Shop at this community flea market, craft, and vendor show. Santa sure will!
- Treats & Eats Craft Fair – At Mays Memorial Baptist Church in Toney
- Yule Y’all Market – It’s the merriest time of year at Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment!
Worth the Money
[themify_hr color=”orange” width=”75%” border_width=”1px” ]Santa’s Village North Pole Express
Daily now – Dec. 23 from 5-9 PM
Cost: $7 per person, kids under 2 FREE
Huntsville Historic Depot | More Info
All ages will delight in visiting Santa’s NEW house at the Depot! Meet reindeer and the North Pole elves, play in the snow, enjoy musical entertainment and more at the Village Santa calls home.
Skating in the Park
Now – Jan. 6
Cost: $10-15
Huntsville Museum of Art | More Info
Skate off that turkey with your family at this seasonal outdoor skating rink in Big Spring Park! The rink will be open through January 6th, 2019.
Galaxy of Lights Driving Nights
Friday, Nov. 23 – 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. Check their calendar for discount nights!
“A Christmas Carol” Opens
Friday at 7PM | Saturday at 1:30PM & 5:30PM | Sunday at 1:30PM & 5:30PM
Cost:Â 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! Read our review before you go.
Kris Kringle’s Candlelight Christmas
Friday & Saturday from 5-9 PM
Cost: $2-12
Burritt On the Mountain | More Info
The star-lit mountain will be mirrored by more than 600 candles, music will be heard throughout the mansion and the park, and treats served to the children. It’s one of our favorite Christmas events in Huntsville! Read our review.
Saturday with Santa at The Garden
Saturday at Noon
Cost: $13-16
Huntsville Botanical Garden | More Info
Kids can enjoy a yummy lunch with Santa, live music, a hot cocoa bar with cookies, and Santa-themed crafts to take home. Don’t forget to bring your camera for a photo op with Santa. Spots are limited and go fast – get yours online now!
Rocket City Mom is a website about raising children in and around Huntsville, Alabama. Started in late 2010 by a local mom and newcomer to Huntsville, Rocket City Mom has grown into a thriving community of local parents and now boasts a staff of four, thirteen regular contributors, and tens of thousands of Tennessee Valley readers making it the #1 Parenting Resource in North Alabama.