Huntsville MEGA Weekend Roundup December 13-15
The winter school break is creeping up – have you made your childcare arrangements yet? Our Winter School Break Camp list can help! The best part about this list is the abundance of flexible options available for Huntsville parents. Sometimes you just need an afternoon to shop/wrap/cook, ya know? In addition to that we’ve rounded up our favorite free & family-friendly events in North Alabama below.
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” ]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
- Christmas Card Lane – Downtown Madison
- North Poll Stroll – Downtown Athens
- Enchanted Forest – Decatur
- Christmas in the Park – Arab Historic Village
Preschool Winter Craft Session
Friday at 10:30 AM
Cost: FREE
Madison Public Library | More Info
Families are invited to craft together & make snowmen, ornaments, and more!
Christmas Now & Then
Friday – Sunday
Cost: $5-7
Calvary Assembly Church | More Info
Two words: breakdancing Frosty! This popular show in Decatur has been running for 20 years. Read our review before you go.
Rudolph – A New Ballet
Friday & Saturday
Cost: FREE
AAA Auditorium | More Info
Dancers tell the beloved holiday tale of Rudolph and follow Santa’s sleigh around the world and celebrate winter traditions from various cultures.
15th Annual Christmas Festival
Saturday & Sunday
Cost: FREE, reservations recommended
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 indoor live Nativity are highlights of this huge holiday event.
Drive-Thru Christmas
Thursday – Saturday from 6-9 PM
Cost: FREE
Somerville Baptist Church | More Info
You can drive through this unique live nativity story, then enjoy cookies & hot cocoa!
Santa Sightings
Friday – Sunday
Cost: FREE
Various locations
There are a couple of great opportunities around Huntsville & North Alabama to meet up with Santa for free/cheap this weekend!
- Literary Trails with Santa – Friday at Noon
- Santa at Beignet Cafe – Saturday from 10 AM – Noon
- Second Saturday at Merchants Walk – Saturday from 11 AM – 2 PM
- Winter Wonderland at Melt – Saturday from 10AM – Noon
- Santa at North Pole Stroll in Athens – Saturday from 5-7 PM
- Cookies & Photos with Santa at the YMCA – Saturday from 6-8 PM
Live Animal Show & Color In the Exhibits
Saturday from 1-4 PM
Cost: FREE for members
Cook Museum of Natural Science | More Info
A live North American animal show and fun cardinal coloring activities are waiting for members at Cooks today!
Star of Wonder
Saturday at 7:30 PM
Cost: $3-5
VBAS Planetarium | More Info
Magi from the East: Gaspar and Melchior crash this VBAS show with gifts for the young ones and treats for all others. Each year kids can explore several possibilities of the Christmas Star, including comets, meteors, novae and other phenomena.
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.
Happy Birthday Alabama!
Saturday from 2PM – 4PM
Cost: FREE (suggested donation of school supplies for Free2Teach)
Earlyworks & Constitution Hall | More Info
There will be cupcakes, music, and games at Earlyworks Children’s Museum and performances and tours at Constitution Hall Park all to celebrate Alabama turning 200. #ThatsALotofCandles
Christmas in Scottsboro
Saturday from 9AM – 9PM
Cost: FREE
Downtown ScottsboroÂ
A jam-packed day of Christmas fun descends on Scottsboro, including a parade, the Jingle Bell Square market, live music, carriage rides, and a 5K.
Chanukah Story Hour
Saturday at 4:30 PM
Cost: FREE
Barnes & Noble, Bridge Street | More InfoÂ
When rubber chickens thrown from rooftops are a Christmas tradition, you’re going to want to see these Christmas capers happening before the parade in Madison.
Madison Christmas Capers
Saturday from 5:00 PM
Cost: FREE
Downtown Madison | More InfoÂ
When rubber chickens thrown from rooftops are a Christmas tradition, you’re going to want to see these Christmas capers happening before the parade in Madison.
Christmas Parades This Weekend
Saturday at various times
Cost: FREE
Everybody loves a parade, and there are plenty to choose from this weekend! Click the orange titles for details about each one.
- Scottsboro Christmas Parade – Saturday at 5:00 PM
- New Market Christmas Parade – Saturday at 2:00 PM
- Madison Christmas Parade – Saturday at 5:30 PM
Holidays in the Valley
Saturday at 4:30 PM
Cost: FREE, donations accepted
Trinity UMC | More Info
Come enjoy the sounds of the holidays while raising money for childhood education. Food and drinks will also be provided. This annual event brings together a wide variety of local musicians who are always eager to perform.
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 7th annual concert features music by the Rocket City Jazz Orchestra with a special appearance by the Jazzsmiths.
Annual Holiday Ho’ike
Saturday at 7:00 PM
Cost: FREE
Bob Jones High Auditorium | More Info
Have a different Christmas experience at this fun holiday Hula and Ukulele performance!
Clarinet Christmas
Sunday at 6:00 PM
Cost: FREE
Madison UMC | More Info
The community is invited to this reed-tastic Christmas concert!
PSSSST!!! You’ll find even more free events in our full Event Calendar!
Worth the Money
[themify_hr color=”orange” width=”75%” border_width=”1px” ]Elf the Musical
Thursday – Saturday
Cost: $10
Lee High Theatre | More Info
This modern day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear.
Jurassic World LIVE!
Thursday – Sunday
Cost: Start at $18
VBC Arena | More Info
Jurassic World comes to life for the first time in a touring arena show! Your trip to Isla Nublar takes a terrifying turn after the Indominus rex escapes and causes chaos in the park! Along the way, experience some of Jurassic World’s most iconic dinosaurs including Blue the Raptor, Triceratops, Pteranodons and the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex.
Holly Jolly Breakfast with Santa
Saturday from 9-11 AM
Cost: $10
Stars & Strikes Family Entertainment Center | More Info
It’s the best Santa ticket in town and includes: breakfast, time with Santa (bring your cameras), 2 hours of bowling, plus a 1 hour unlimited arcade game card! Purchase your ticket in advance online!
Skate with Santa
Saturday from 2-4 PM
Cost: $10-15
Huntsville Museum of Art Rink | More Info
Santa will be all laced up and ready to skate. Get your picture taken on or off the ice with Santa in our Skating in the Park winter wonderland!
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!
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. Save a buck on the ticket price with this coupon.
Huntsville Ballet & Huntsville Symphony Orchestra’s “The Nutcracker”
Thursday – Sunday
Cost: $14-20
VBC Concert Hall | More Info & tickets
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 with this coupon.
See Scrooge in A Christmas Carol
Friday at 7PM | Saturday at 1PM & 5PM | Sunday at 1PM & 5PM
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, and use the Holiday Magic Pass for $2 off!
North Star Limited Train Ride
Friday & Saturday
Cost: $35
North AL Railroad Museum | More Info
This night-time train ride along the rails, features snacks and special treats for all guests. All children riding the train are encouraged to wear their pajamas. Each child and their families will have a one-on-one visit with Santa, so bring your list!
Holiday Movies Under the Stars
Saturday from 4:30 and 7:00 PM
Cost: $8-10
USSRC Intuitive Planetarium | More Info
Each Saturday in December to can experience a “drive-in” holiday movie series in the INTUITIVE® Planetarium. Today’s flick is The Polar Express!
- Holly Jolly Stress Busters for Moms
- 2019 Huntsville Gift Guide
- The Star of Vengeance – A Christmas Story
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