5 Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Small Town Alabama.
November 2021
People in today’s world are looking for ways to enjoy the season with the whole family
Alabama’s small towns have planned a number of events that combine unique, festive activities with Southern charm offering Southern comfort. Here are our top five must-do Christmas events in the state:
Located on North Court Square in Andalusia, this small southeastern Alabama city brings Christmas to life with its annual Candyland event. This outdoor celebration features miniature cottages to spark a child’s imagination, ice skating, snow tubing, horse-drawn carriage rides, train rides, a Christmas Spectacular show, Elsa and Her Enchanted Garden, a snow show, an Arctic Trek Maze Run and visits with Santa. Candyland is open Dec. 3-31, and most events are free: there is a cost to rent skates and for snow tubing.
Christmas on the River - Demopolis
This is the 50th year of the Christmas on the River event in Demopolis. The Tombigbee River is the setting for this annual event held Dec. 2-4. The event includes an Alabama state championship BBQ cookoff, a children’s hamburger cookoff, a 5K run, candlelight tours and photo ops, Christmas in the Canebrake home tours and the Christmas on the River gala featuring the Emerald Empire Band. The highlight of the event is the nautical night Christmas event on the Tombigbee River and the fireworks on Dec. 4. There are costs for some of the events.
39th Annual Christmas Festival - Bay Minette
This time-honored traditional event on Alabama’s Gulf Coast on Dec. 11, features arts and crafts vendors, kid’s activities, live music, a car show and a Christmas parade. The event is sponsored by the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce.
An Eclectic Christmas - Eclectic
Experience the true story of the first Christmas in this small Alabama town Dec. 1-11. Guests will be part of a live drama in an outdoor walking-trail setting. The live performance is set during the Roman Empire at the time of the birth of Christ. This interactive event catapults guests back in time, and they become part of the performance. At that time in history, Caesar decreed that everyone must be counted in the census. Guests will make their way through Bethlehem and visit the field where shepherds received the angel’s message of the birth of Christ. Then, they will visit with the wise men as they search for the newborn king.
Historic Decatur Christmas Tour - Decatur
On the second Saturday in December, residents in the Old Decatur Historic and New Albany Historic District open their homes for holiday tours. This showcase of homes features one of Alabama’s largest collections of Victorian-era and early 20th Century bungalow and craftsman homes. Many area businesses and restaurants also offer specials and refreshments during this festive time of year.
Be sure to check our website for additional Alabama Christmas parades, festivals and events to participate in during the “most wonderful time of the year.”
