You’ve got enough to do cooking and getting the kids ready for the Thanksgiving holiday. Maybe you have friends or family coming into town. Maybe you’re looking for something to do to keep everyone happy. Here’s what’s free and/or cheap and going on Thanksgiving weekend in Huntsville.

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

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Take a Hike Before the Turkey

Thursday at 9:00 AM
Cost: FREE, donations accepted
Monte Sano Nature Preserve | More Info
This annual family-friendly tradition is perfect for pre-turkey day activities!

26th Annual Turkey Trot

Thursday at 8:00 AM
Cost: FREE – $25
UAH Spragins Hall | More Info
The Turkey Trot is a family fun run that benefits Crisis Services of North Alabama. Walkers and strollers are welcome! The Tiny Tot Turkey Trot for ages 5 and under is at 9AM, no registration necessary.

Tree Lighting in Providence

Friday from 4-6 PM
Cost: FREE
Village of Providence | More Info
Kids’ eyes will be all aglow at this tree lighting that features games, activities and pictures with Santa.

Tinsel Trail Grand Opening

Friday from 6:00 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. Be sure to look for the Rocket City Mom tree!

Santa’s Village & North Pole Express Opens

Friday from 5 – 9 PM
Cost: $7
Huntsville Historic Depot | More Info
All ages will delight in visiting Santa’s NEW house at he Depot! Meet reindeer and the North Pole elves, play in the snow, enjoy musical entertainment and more at the Village Santa calls home.

Santa In the Park in Arab

Friday-Sunday
Cost: $5
Arab Historic Village | More Info
It’s Opening Night at this annual holiday tradition that features more than 1 million lights and new displays. This historic village transforms into a winter wonderland complete with Santa’s Toy Shop.

Home Depot Kid’s Workshop

Saturday from 9AM – Noon
Cost: FREE, register online in advance
Home Depot locations | More Info
Kids will make a cute stocking ornament in this hands-on workshop that encourages independence and creativity. Read our review before you go!

Christmas Pet Photos

Saturday from Noon – 3:00 PM
Cost: FREE
EarthWise Pet | More Info
No matter how naughty or nice your pets have been this year capture the perfect Holiday shot for this year’s Christmas Cards.

Christmas Movies Marathon

Saturday from 5-9 PM
Cost: FREE
Stovehouse | More Info
Bring the family, bring a blanket and enjoy two Christmas classic movies on the huge video wall! The heaters will be cranked up and hot cocoa available to purchase, as well as hot toddies for the adults.

Heartwarming Hangout

Saturday from 6-9 PM
Cost: FREE
The Camp | More Info
Get a jumpstart on spreading holiday cheer with an evening of live music performances and charity held at The Camp. Proceeds will be donated to Downtown Rescue Mission.

Rocket City Tuba Christmas

Sunday at 4:00 PM
Cost: FREE
Covenant Presbyterian | More Info
Tuba and euphonium players are again invited to participate in one or more of the Tuba Christmas concerts presented throughout the world. It’s a real sight & sound to experience!

Christmas on Main

Sunday at 4:00 PM
Cost: FREE
Downtown Madison | More Info
The City of Madison kicks off their holiday season with a lantern parade, a reading of The Polar Express, live orchestral music, hot cocoa for all, and the lighting of the trees on Main Street.

Crafts Fairs & Markets

Saturday
Cost: FREE admission
Various locations
We are all about the #ShopLocal love here at RCM. Hit up these makers & merchants and you’re guaranteed to find some unique gifts!

• Rocket City Arcade Black Friday Special
• Small Business Saturday at Lowe Mill
• Shop the RCM Huntsville Holiday Gift Guide

Worth the Money

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Thanksgiving at Skating in the Park

Thursday from 4-9 PM
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 12th, 2020.

Santa’s Village Opens!

Saturday from 5-8 PM
Cost: $7 per person, kids under 1 year FREE
Historic Huntsville Depot | More Info
Visit with Santa, see the  North Pole Express, write a letter at the North Pole post Office & see Santa’s magic garden at this annual holiday tradition. Santa’s Village open Nov. 29 – Dec. 23.

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. Check their calendar for discount nights!

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.

You Might Also Like…

• RCM’s Giveaways for the Holidays
• RCM’s Local Huntsville Gift Guide
• Where Kids Eat Free in Huntsville

[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]