10 Unforgettable Places In Alabama That Everyone Must Visit This Winter
There’s no denying that winter in Alabama, especially during December, is a special time of year. Sure, we might not get a lot of snow, but there are still several things to do that bring the entire family together. During this upcoming winter season, if you happen to be bored or stuck inside, there’s no need to worry. There are many different types of places to visit and things to do in Alabama during December. Listed below are 10 places to visit in Alabama in winter. Don’t forget to add them to your winter bucket list!
Cloudmont Ski and Golf Resort, which is located atop of Lookout Mountain, provides beginner and advanced skiers a spectacular winter experience. This is also the only place in Alabama that offers skiing. There's no need to travel far if you're wanting to hit the slopes this winter season.
Note: Cloudmont Ski and Golf Resort is permanently closed.
This year, Bellingrath Gardens and Home is celebrating its 28th anniversary of "Magic Christmas in Lights." This amazing Christmas lights display features more than 1,100 set pieces, three million lights, and 15 scenes spread throughout the 65-acre estate. "Magic Christmas in Lights" is a holiday attraction that's great for the entire family. So, don't forget to add it to your holiday itinerary.
Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd, Theodore, AL 36582, USA
During the months of January and February 2023, Huntsville Botanical Garden will be allowing dog owners the chance to bring along their four-legged friends to spend the day at the garden. After all, our canine companions don't enjoy being stuck indoors during the winter season either.
Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35805, USA
"Skating in the Park," an attraction located in Big Spring Park (directly behind Huntsville Museum of Art), has become a holiday tradition for many Huntsville residents. This outdoor ice rink is open seven nights a week, and you can't beat ice skating during the winter season, right?
Huntsville Museum of Art, 300 Church St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801, USA
If you'd rather skate indoors, be sure to check out The Ice Palace at Eastdale Mall in Montgomery. It's a year-round rink and is Alabama's only ice rink that's located inside of a mall.
Note: The Ice Palace is permanently closed.
Eastdale Mall, 1000 W Eastdale Mall, Montgomery, AL 36117, USA
While at "The Magic of Model Trains" exhibit, you'll get to view trains of all shapes and sizes. You'll also get to see all kinds of scenes throughout the display. The McWane Zipline and the McWane Train will also be at the exhibit again this year for everyone to enjoy. It's truly one of the most magical places to visit in Alabama in winter.
McWane Science Center, 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA
"Christmas at the Falls" is located at Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden and is one of Alabama's top Christmas attractions. While experiencing this seasonal attraction, you'll encounter millions of lights while strolling the grounds of the beautiful park. This is also a great time to view Noccaula Falls, which happens to be one of Alabama's most visited natural attractions.
Noccalula Falls Park & Campground, 1500 Noccalula Rd, Gadsden, AL 35904, USA
A great way to escape the winter chill is to do a little shopping at Riverchase Galleria. After all, shopping makes everything better, right? Riverchase Galleria is one of the Southeast's largest indoor malls and a great place to visit during the holiday season. And with such a variety of stores, it's unlikely you'll leave empty handed.
Riverchase Galleria, 2000 Galleria Cir, Hoover, AL 35244, USA
The "Galaxy of Lights" is an annual Christmas lights display featuring millions of lights at Huntsville Botanical Garden. It's been taking place for more than 25 years and is an absolute must-visit for the entire family during the holiday season. It's even become a tradition for many families over the years.
Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35805, USA
A trip to Alabama's Gulf Coast is the ultimate winter escape. The beaches are incredibly beautiful this time of year, and they're also far less crowded. If you're looking for a quick getaway this winter season, what are you waiting for? Book your vacation today so you can experience one of the nation's most beautiful white-sand beaches.
Gulf Shores, AL, USA
Orange Beach, AL, USA
Are you planning a trip to any of these places to visit in Alabama in winter? If so, let us know in the comments below. Also, can you think of any other places that are worthy of checking out? If you can, please share them with us as well.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
places to visit in alabama in winter + related info
November 30, 2022
Jennifer Young
Are there any Christmas light displays in Alabama that are worthy of a visit from the entire family this winter season?
There are several Christmas light displays in Alabama that are wonderful for the entire family to visit this winter season. Listed below are links to five of our favorite light displays, which are sure to fill you with lots of Christmas cheer.
Are there any outdoor spots in Alabama that are worth exploring during the winter season?
There are quite a few outdoor spots in Alabama that are worthy of exploring year-round, especially during the winter season. One place, in particular, is Cheaha State Park. Cheaha State Park is one of Alabama’s most beautiful state parks. It’s located in the town of Delta and is situated atop of Cheaha Mountain, which happens to be Alabama’s highest natural point. Because of this, the views you’ll experience from the park are pretty incredible during the winter season, especially while standing atop of the following overlooks: Pulpit Rock and Bald Rock.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Alabama In Your Inbox
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
Jennifer is the Alabama staff writer for Only In Your State and has nearly 15 years of professional writing experience. She enjoys discovering new places and currently calls North Alabama home.
