The Christmas season is in full swing and there's no better place to be than right here in Alabama. Festive parades, spectacular light displays and amazing festivals are just a few of the many activities you can enjoy in Alabama this holiday season. Without a doubt, an Alabama Christmas is the absolute best and here are 11 reasons why:
1. Alabama has the BEST Christmas light displays, some of which are at zoos...
Even Batman can appreciate a fun-filled Christmas in Alabama.
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11. And finally, but definitely not least, Christmas in Alabama is the absolute BEST because even though many distractions surround us, our ultimate focus will ALWAYS be family.
Since I was a little kid I have committed to memory that Decatur's Point Mallard Park and its Spirit of America Festival is the top spot to watch fireworks near me. Of course, we have many displays throughout the state and far beyond our region that are worthy of attending, too. With that in mind, I've rounded up the seven biggest and best Fourth of July fireworks in Alabama, all located in or near our largest cities.
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A dazzling fireworks display is one of the best ways to celebrate the holiday and hands-down one the safest, especially compared to lighting your own. Most cities have laws against setting off fireworks in their city limits anyway. And the fewer people doing that, the happier neighbors we all are – especially our pets.
With the many great options for seeing fireworks in every part of the state, there's really no excuse to not pack a picnic, gather the gang, and let the pros handle the explosives.
We are leading with this fireworks display in Dothan because we don't want you to miss it: It's happening the weekend before the actual holiday on Saturday, June 29, from 5 p.m. until a little after 9 p.m. when the fireworks show concludes. A $10 per carload parking fee gets you in for all of the following: free watermelon, roasted and boiled peanuts, Blue Bell ice cream, children's train rides, inflatables, American hand flags, and more. Plus, that parking fee all goes to the Wiregrass United Way and the many community organizations it supports. Check out the vintage rides in the car and truck show, plus antique tractors, firetrucks, and helicopters. What to bring? Your favorite people, flags, folding chairs, and lawn blankets. There will be vendors on-site if you want to purchase other food and drinks.
2. Celebration on the River in Tuscaloosa
Join family and friends for symphonic sounds, kids' games, and a fireworks show at the City of Tuscaloosa's Fourth of July Celebration from 6 to 9 (ish) p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater. This free, family-friendly event features music by DJ Tank, who sets the vibe for a couple of hours before a performance of the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra for an hour before the fireworks, which begin at 9 p.m. For the best situation parking, use the free Downtown Intermodal Facility and hop on a shuttle or walk to the amphitheater.
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3. Birmingham's Thunder on the Mountain Vulcan Park & Museum
Vulcan Park Foundation, with the help of many sponsors, organizes Alabama's largest Fourth of July fireworks show every year atop Red Mountain. During Thunder on the Mountain, over 2,500 shells and effects fire into the night sky above Vulcan, the city's iconic 56-foot statue of the Roman god of fire and forge. The light show starts at 9 p.m. and is accompanied by music by artists from James Brown to Neil Diamond, as well as the U.S. Air Force Band. While Vulcan Park and Museum closes at 6 p.m. that day to prepare for the night's events, you are welcome to stop in earlier in the day to learn more about Vulcan and the city's iron and steel industry roots.
4. Rocket City Trash Pandas Versus Birmingham Barons at Toyota Field in Madison
While I am loyal to our city fireworks display in Decatur, I have to admit a night at the ballgame over in Madison does sound perfect for Independence Day! It's a solid choice for anyone looking for 4th of July fireworks near Huntsville. The Rocket City Trash Pandas will face off against the Birmingham Barons that Thursday, with the game concluding with a fireworks spectacular. The game begins at 6:35 p.m. with the gates open at 5 p.m. and fireworks around 9 p.m. It's free to attend for kids who are 2 and under. Everyone else must pay $10 in advance or $15 at the gate. Your best bet is to commit early, save money, and make sure you get a good seat.
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5. Montgomery Biscuits Fireworks at Riverwalk Stadium
Another great game is happening on the Fourth further down south in Montgomery on July 4 at The Riverwalk Stadium. The Montgomery Biscuits will battle the Pensacola Blue Wahoos starting at 6:35 p.m. Hot tip: Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and the first 1,000 fans who are age 15 or older will get a cool Montgomery Biscuits Independence Day Celebration T-shirt. It's red with a flag and the retro Greenbow Biscuits character in the center – perfect for the occasion! The event concludes with a MAX Fireworks show over the river.
6. Independence Day Celebration at Duck Samford Stadium in Auburn
Join the Auburn community – and Auburn Tigers' mascot Aubie! – for one of the best Independence Day celebrations in East Alabama. The free celebration goes down at Duck Samford Stadium on East Glenn Avenue, with great food, kids' games and inflatables, face painting, giveaways, live music, and DJ OZZ keeping the vibe going throughout the event. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the fireworks begin around 9 p.m. The best parking is the lot off of Airport Road between Bo Cavin Fields and New Duck Fields.
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7. City of Mobile’s 4th of July Celebration at USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park
I am not sure there's a more patriotic setting here than the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park, where the City of Mobile hosts its official community Fourth of July celebration. The free event begins at 6 p.m., with fireworks starting at 9 p.m. During that time, enjoy live music by Symone French & The Trouille Troupe, followed by Get Sideways leading up to the big show. Important to note: There IS a parking fee, and it's cash-only. The cost is $5 for two-axle vehicles and $30 for three or more axles.
While I decide where to watch fireworks near me (what's it gonna be? Point Mallard or Toyota Field?), I will leave you to make that decision for yourself, too! We certainly have some great options for 4th of July Fireworks in Alabama in 2024. Tell us which you picked and how it went. We'd love to hear all about it.
The tradition of Christmas markets goes back to at least the late 1300s in Saxony, Germany, and has spread throughout the world over the centuries. We even have at least a couple of them now in Alabama. Perhaps you’ve already heard about the new Christkindlmarkt in Cullman, which expanded to five weeks of activities this year.
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We have another enchanting European holiday market in Huntsville, Alabama that you do not want to miss coming up this weekend, Dec. 8-10: Christkinkdlmarket presented by Redstone Federal Credit Union at The Orion Amphitheater.
Christkindlmarket is Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Parking and entry to the event are free!
This is just the second year for the market, which drew over 8,000 people last year. Why the appeal? It’s in a cool venue and is the ideal place to find truly one-of-a-kind, artful holiday gifts. This event is a creative collab between The Orion and Arts Huntsville.
The market features a juried show of 60 artists across many mediums. If you missed the summer art show season, this may be your last chance to get that experience until next spring.
A gift (or two) to yourself will do good! Shopping with artists directly supports the arts community. Even better, all of the artists hail from the Southeast, with most local to Alabama.
While you find your treasures, you’ll be immersed in holiday cheer beyond the market. It’s a featured event within the larger context of the month-long Winter Park at The Orion, also in its second year.
The state-of-the-art venue’s spaces twinkle with lights and decorations while holiday music dances through the air. Visitors can choose among a selection of holiday snacks and drinks in the concession area, including treats like freshly popped popcorn and s’mores kits.
Inside the amphitheater, you can try your skill at Glice skating. This sustainable synthetic material doesn’t require water or power, making it a much more eco-friendly experience.
You can learn more about Arts Huntsville and its mission on the Arts Huntsville website. Keep up with the organization’s many activities throughout the year by giving the page a follow on Facebook.
To see the full schedule of Winter Park events and hours beyond this weekend’s Christkindlmarket event, visit The Orion website.
If you’ve not visited The Orion and decided to go to this market, be prepared to start making plans to see a show there. I was blown away when I finally caught a concert there this fall and have only heard good things about it from other people. Here’s a link to get tickets for upcoming concerts.
Let us know if you caught this event last year, and fill us in if you go this weekend. We’d love to hear your thoughts about your experience.
