10 Christmas Towns In Alabama That Will Fill Your Heart With Holiday Cheer

Andalusia merits a spot on this list because its Christmas in Candyland is so over-the-top, you just can’t leave it out. It may be the Christmas capital of Alabama. People travel from all around each year to the town’s square and Springdale Estate, where they are transported to the world of holiday dreams. Hop on a train ride, marvel at the lights and cottage displays, go ice skating or snow tubing, and create unforgettable memories with family and friends. And the best part? It's free to attend!

Prattville really knows how to deck the halls, and it has an aesthetic like no other. Thanks to its founder, early industrialist Daniel Pratt, the city features a good amount of New England-inspired architecture. Add the Christmas tree by the creek against the residentially renovated cotton gin mill, and you’ve got a dreamy backdrop for holiday events. Ice skating opens Nov. 30 at Spillway Park. On Dec. 12, the community comes together for caroling, carriage rides, Santa visits, and the classic Christmas parade. A Christmas Variety Show rounds out the festivities two days later at the local community center. While there, you must hit up Prattville Pickers for unique gifts. It is one of the state’s largest antique shops.

Get out your calendars to keep up with all Opelika has to offer during the holiday season. Shop and dine on Main Street during the Holiday Open House Nov. 12. Then the Sno*pelika Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting on Dec. 1 is a must, where you can experience “snow” and meet Santa at Courthouse Square. Draw a big circle around Dec. 9, which is perhaps the biggest day. The Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National hosts a reservation-only Brunch With Santa, followed by the Christmas in a Railroad Town downtown and the opening of the Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tours, featuring over 60 historic homes in all their seasonal finery. From Dec. 14 through 16, kids can ride the city’s Rocky Brook Reindeer Express around Municipal Park. On Dec. 15, the city’s oldest holiday tradition, Collinwood Luminaries, offers a beautiful candle-lit path through the scenes of the Christmas story.

Demopolis’ Christmas on the River began in 1972, grew into one of the Top 20 Tourist Attractions in the Southeastern US, and was named an Ultimate Holiday Town by A&E TV. Here’s why: People start the day with a jolly 5K, followed by the smoky goodness of a BBQ championship. You can shop to your heart’s content at Fair in the Square, a holiday marketplace filled with local vendors selling handmade crafts and holiday goodies. Then it's time for the highlight - parades on both land and water, with dazzling boats cruising the Tombigbee decked out in lights and the sky lit up with fireworks. This year's event is Dec. 2.

For those seeking a creative holiday experience with a twist of history, Northport is your ultimate Christmas destination. The Dickens Downtown celebration on Dec. 5 will transport you to a bygone era of holiday charm. In addition to the traditional experiences, Northport offers opportunities to explore the art and culture of the season. Workshops at the esteemed Kentuck Art Center and The Flower Market will give you the opportunity to create one-of-a-kind holiday decor. Learn to craft a quirky kudzu Christmas tree or the fundamentals of pysanky egg decorating. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just looking for a fun holiday activity, these workshops are sure to inspire and delight. Plus, you can rely on the art center’s Gallery Shop for works made by pros.

The holiday season kicks off in Talladega with a parade on Dec. 4, putting everyone in the spirit for the Christmas on the Square celebration Dec. 8-10. The attractive square and its historic Ritz Theatre will set a charming scene for train rides, Santa’s Workshop, ice skating, food trucks, and a giant snow globe. Not only will the Ritz’s classic charm and nostalgic vibe add to the small town’s big Christmas spirit, but it will also screen some holiday faves, The Polar Express, Elf, and Frozen.

Ah yes, Birmingham - known as The Magic City and yet sometimes overlooked or perhaps taken for granted due to its size. This bustling metro offers visitors the ultimate holiday experience, mainly because it has so many choices. Because of its central location, it’s also a perfect home base for exploring many of the state's best holiday attractions and events in suburbs and smaller cities just beyond them. Need to knock out holiday shopping? It has local boutiques and maker markets for one-of-a-kind treasures and some of the biggest luxury brands at The Summit. And of course, it has its own special traditions, like marveling at The Birmingham Zoo’s Glow Wild experience with its oversized, glowing lantern animals; strolling the downtown holiday window art trail, performances of The Nutcracker; and the holiday film series at The Alabama Theatre.

December is a delight in Guntersville, and some of the celebrations start in November to get you into the spirit of the season. The Festival of Trees at the Guntersville Museum from Nov. 18 to Jan. 2 showcases uniquely decorated trees. Visit just for fun or go get some serious inspo for your own. The Christmas Tree Lighting event is on Nov. 30 at Errol Allan Park, followed by the Downtown Merchants Sip and Shop on Dec. 3. The next day, you can experience the nostalgic charm of the Night Before Christmas event, with carols and merrymaking aplenty. Theater fans will love catching A Christmas Carol - A Radio Play at the Whole Backstage Theater from Dec. 16-19.

The River City is best known for its Historic Decatur Christmas Tour, which has occurred for more than 40 years and is set for Dec. 9 this year. The tour allows you to tour a curated selection of homes in the city’s Old Decatur and Albany districts, which together account for the state’s largest concentration of late Victorian-era, craftsman, and bungalow-style homes. Yet the season kicks off a month before on Nov. 9 with a holiday open house for downtown businesses and the community tree lighting. The next day, the Cook Museum of Natural Science hosts a Winter Wonder event with games, inflatables, and fun. Then Dec. 2 brings the Christmas parade, a light show at the Old State Bank, and the opening of the Enchanted Forest featuring a path of decorated trees at Founders Park. The historic Princess Theatre presents a full calendar of holiday music, plays, and movies.