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

From cozy small cities to our biggest metro, this collection of the best Christmas towns in Alabama includes mostly gems that often fly under the radar. The usual suspects are never being slighted, so no holiday huffs, please. Remember, Santa is watching! You are going to find those perennial favorites on our many other best-of lists like our ultimate guide to the state’s best winter activities and best Christmas light displays.

Meanwhile, here are some lesser-known Christmasy communities that exemplify the holiday spirit. Check out their events throughout November and December, and plan to make new memories.

1. Foley

Foley flat-out overflows with festive spirit. You've got the Christmas tree lighting at OWA Parks & Resort, complete with Santa visits, hot cocoa, and snacks. There's also the Trim-a-Tree event at the Foley Art Center, where you can find unique ornaments, decorations, and fine art created by artists throughout the region. The Christmas in the Park event at Heritage Park is a great way to get into the holiday spirit with carols, Santa visits, hot cocoa, and other treats. And if you're looking for something a little more outdoorsy, the Graham Creek Christmas Trail at the Graham Creek Nature Preserve is a must-do, with Santa visits and a beautiful lighted trail.

2. Andalusia

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!

3. Prattville

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. Don't forget other delightful winter events like ice skating, caroling, carriage rides, Santa visits, and the classic Christmas parade.

4. Opelika

Get out your calendars to keep up with all Opelika, Alabama has to offer during the holiday season. There is a long list of events for every member of the family like a Christmas parade, tree lighting ceremony, visits with Santa, and the city’s oldest holiday tradition, Collinwood Luminaries, which offers a beautiful candle-lit path through the scenes of the Christmas story. Make sure you also browse downtown and enjoy all of the holiday lights, festive decorations, and one-of-a-kind gifts.

5. Demopolis

Demopolis’ Christmas on the River began in 1972, grew into one of the Top 20 Tourist Attractions in the Southeastern U.S., 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.

6. Northport

For those seeking a creative holiday experience with a twist of history, Northport is your ultimate Christmas destination. The Dickens Downtown celebration takes place on the first Tuesday night of December and is a Victorian holiday celebration that you don’t want to miss. 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 allow you 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.

7. Talladega

The holiday season kicks off in Talladega with a parade, putting everyone in the spirit for the Christmas on the Square celebration. 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.

8. Birmingham

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.

9. Guntersville

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 showcases uniquely decorated trees. Visit just for fun or to get some serious inspo for your own. The Christmas Tree Lighting event is a must-attend at Errol Allan Park, followed by events such as Christmas parades, visits with Santa, and so much more.

10. Decatur

The River City is best known for its Historic Decatur Christmas Tour, which has occurred for more than 40 years. 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. However, this Christmas tour is just the beginning of holiday events and activities in this Christmas town as you'll feel the holiday spirit by attending the community tree lighting, Christmas parade, the Enchanted Forest of Decatur, and more.

The best Christmas towns in Alabama know how to turn up the holiday cheer. With festive parades, dazzling light displays, and charming downtowns decked out in holiday splendor, you'll be spoiled for choice. What are your favorite Christmas towns in Alabama? Let me know. I'd love to hear from you. And if you need any cold-weather gear for any of your holiday outings, check out some of our recommendations.