Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like spending an evening strolling amidst a dazzling display of holiday lights. The holiday season in Alabama shines brighter each year, with communities across the state transforming parks, zoos, gardens, and downtown squares into sparkling winter wonderlands. From immersive walking trails and whimsical drive-through displays to festive villages and family-friendly celebrations, Alabama offers endless ways to make the most of the 2025 holiday season. Here’s your guide to the state’s most dazzling Christmas light shows, events, and traditions. Check out our guide to some of our favorites across the state.
Oxford Festival of Lights — Oxford
Choccolocco Park transforms into a glowing Winter Wonderland during the Oxford Festival of Lights. Start with the signature drive-through light show, then step inside Santa’s Village for even more magic. Enjoy towering trees, synthetic ice skating, food trucks, inflatables, gourmet treats, and photos with Santa. Get more info
- Dates: November 22–December 24
- Hours: 5–10 PM
- Location: 954 Leon Smith Parkway, Oxford, AL 36203
Winter Wonderland Christmas Light Display — Cullman
Explore over a million lights, Christmas train rides, horse-drawn carriages, snow machines, hot cocoa stands, and more. Get more info
- Dates: November 28-December 30
- Hours: 5–9 PM
- Location: Sportsman Lake Park, 1544 Sportsman Lake Rd NW, Cullman, AL 35055
- Admission: $10 per vehicle
Brightspeed Holiday Light Spectacular — Dothan
The grounds National Peanut Festival fairgrounds light up Thursday through Sunday with thousands of sparkling displays, glowing arches, and colorful scenes that turn the whole place into a cozy winter wonderland. This year’s setup is bigger and brighter, with a mile-long drive-through light show plus plenty to explore on foot. Get more info
- Dates: November 27-December 28
- Location: National Peanut Festival fairgrounds, 5622 US Hwy 231 South Dothan, AL 36301
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Wacky Tacky Light Tour — Birmingham
Break out your loudest pajamas or most outrageous Christmas sweater for this beloved Birmingham tradition. Hop aboard a luxury bus and explore the city’s wackiest, tackiest, most gloriously over-the-top light displays. Get more info
- Dates: December 12, 17 & 19
- Tour times: Every 10 minutes from 6–7:30 PM
- Starting point: Valley Hotel, 2727 18th St S, Homewood, AL 35209
Christmas in the Park — Fayette
This community‑treasured holiday light display transforms Guthrie Smith Park into a sparkling winter wonderland, and it’s the perfect excuse for a family drive, a cozy date, or a festive outing with friends. Get more info
- Opens: November 28
- Hours: 5:30–9:15 PM
- Location: 218 23rd Street NE, Fayette, AL 35555
- Admission: Free
Christmas at the Falls — Gadsden
Christmas at the Falls continues to be a cherished holiday tradition for families across the region with its glowing displays, joyful atmosphere, and charming small-town holiday feel. Make plans to walk or ride through millions of lights and gorgeous holiday scenes at Noccalula Falls Park. Get more info
- Dates: November 14–January 4
- Location: 1500 Noccalula Rd, Gadsden, AL 35904
- Admission: Weekdays $10 | Weekends $15 (online only)
Lights of Noel — Birmingham Race Course Casino
Alabama’s largest animated drive-thru light show dazzles with massive moving displays and a starry winter atmosphere. A perfect family event for all ages. Get more info
- Dates: Now–January 1
- Hours: 5 PM–Midnight
- Location: Birmingham Race Course Casino, 1000 John Rogers Dr, Birmingham, AL 35235
One Place Tinsel Trail — Tuscaloosa
You don’t want to miss Tuscaloosa’s Government Plaza transformed into a winter wonderland, adorned with more than 200 live Christmas trees, each lovingly decorated by local businesses, organizations, and individuals. Best of all, the event supports Tuscaloosa’s One Place, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening families and empowering individuals. Every sponsor, every decorated tree, and every visitor helps lift the spirit of the community. Get more info
- Dates: November 24–January 3
- Location: Government Plaza, 618 21st Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Glow Wild — Birmingham Zoo
Stroll through the zoo at night as hundreds of lantern creations—wild animals, sea creatures, and fantastical scenes—light up the pathways. Live acrobatic performances add even more wonder. Get more info
- Dates: Now–January 20 (select nights)
- Hours: 5–9 PM
- Location: 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL
Christmas Lights Festival — Montgomery Zoo
Thousands of sparkling lights decorate the Montgomery Zoo, offering a magical nighttime adventure for families. This year brings two exciting new zones: the Frosty Frontier, filled with shimmering white lights and glowing snowflakes, and Safari to Santa, a colorful journey of vibrant animal-themed displays that shimmer with bold, shifting hues. Guests can also visit Santa and explore the festive Christmas Tree Village inside the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum, all while enjoying live entertainment at the Overlook Café. Get more info
- Opens: December 2-December 27
- Hours: 5–9 PM
- Location: Montgomery Zoo & Mann Wildlife Museum, 2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery, AL 36110
- Admission: $14
Magic of Lights at Alabama Adventure — Bessemer
A mega-sized holiday light show featuring Bigfoot® Monster Truck displays, life-size dinosaurs, and classic Christmas scenes. Get more info
- Dates: Now–December 31
- Hours: Mon–Thurs 5:30–9 PM; Fri–Sun 5:30–10 PM
- Location: Alabama Splash Adventure, 4599 Splash Adventure Parkway, Bessemer, AL
Rocket City Christmas Light Show & Winter Wonderland — Madison
Drive through 1.5 miles of lights, then step into the ballpark for activities, Santa visits, fire pits, and seasonal treats.
- Dates: Open now
- Hours: 5–9 PM nightly
- Location: Toyota Field, 500 Trash Panda Way, Madison, AL 35758
Vulcan’s Holidays on the Mountain — Birmingham
Enjoy an evening filled with twinkle and cheer as you capture photos with Santa, dance to merry tunes spun by a DJ, sip complimentary hot cocoa, shop with local vendors, partake in fun activities, and meet beloved mascots V and Vesta! As night settles over Red Mountain, guests will gather together to watch Vulcan statue illuminate in a dazzling light show. Get more info
- Date: December 6
- Hours: 4–8 PM
- Location: Vulcan Park and Museum, 1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209
Christmas Spectacular at Palisades Park — Oneonta
Palisades Park in Oneonta sparkles with thousands of lights that you can drive through and enjoy every night in December except the Dec. 24-25 when the park is closed. Local businesses, churches, clubs and individuals come together to create the spectacular display of twinkling lights. The Blount County Quilters Guild will have Santa and refreshments at its cottage on two weekends at the park. Get more info
- Opens: December 1-December 31
- Hours: 5–9 PM
- Location: 1225 Palisades Parkway, Oneonta, AL 35121
- Admission: Free
Christmas in Candy Land — Andalusia
This beloved small-town festival features whimsical play cottages, train rides, snow tubing, skating, musical entertainment, and magical “snow” shows every weekend. Get more info
- Opens: December 6
- Hours: Fridays: 5–9 PM; Saturdays: 1–9 PM; Sundays: 1–8 PM
- Location: Court Square, Andalusia, AL 36420
Lights on the Landing — Gadsden
Opens: November 28
Hours: 5–10 PM
Location: River Rocks Landing Resort, 1 River Road, Gadsden, AL 35901
A drive-through holiday light show on the Coosa River, perfect for families.
Admission: $5 adults | $3 kids (cash only)
Galaxy of Lights — Huntsville Botanical Garden
The Huntsville Botanical Garden becomes a twinkling wonderland where winter nights turn into glowing memories. Whether you stroll beneath shimmering arches, cruise through the displays in your car, or hop on the new open-air tram, Galaxy of Lights offers something for everyone — friends, families, couples, and even your four-legged pals on select nights. Get more info
- Dates: November 14-December 31
- Location: Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave, Huntsville, AL 35805
Magic Christmas at Bellingrath — Theodore
The enchanting 65-acre estate glows with thousands of twinkling lights — each lovingly handcrafted by the Bellingrath team to bring holiday spirit to life. You will be amazed as you walk through one of Alabama’s most spectacular holiday gardens, featuring stunning light installations, holiday treats, and festive drinks. Get more info
- Dates: November 29–January 5
- Hours: 5–9 PM
- Location: 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd, Theodore, AL 36582
