It’s never too early to start celebrating Christmas… after all, you can be thankful for Christmas, right?! As November wraps up and the festive celebrations begin, don’t miss out on these fun 11 holiday shopping events, tree lightings, holiday performances, and more.
Alabama Symphony Orchestra: A Night of Winter Dreaming
When: Friday, November 21–Saturday, November 22 at 7 p.m.
Where: Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center
How much: $12–90
Details: This classical performance will have you ready for winter’s first chill with a combination of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s bold and wintry Symphony No. 1, “Winter Daydreams.”
ASC Presents Mark O’Connor’s Appalachian Christmas Featuring Maggie O’Connor
When: Sunday, November 30 at 7 p.m.
Where: UAB’s Alys Stephens Center in the Jemison Concert Hall
How much: $15+.
Details: Prepare to be enthralled with this holiday strings performance.
Crestline Village Holiday Open House
When: Thursday, November 20
Where: Crestline Village
How much: Free!
Details: Shop shop shop—enjoy free goodies and sweet treats as you peruse the shops and see all that they have in store for the holiday season.
Cullman Christkindlmarkt
When: Opens November 20 and lasts through December 23
Where: Depot Park in Cullman, AL
How much: Free to enter (and free to park)! You have to purchase tickets to rides like the Ferris wheel and ice skating.
Details: It’s worth the drive to experience the German-style market. The Christmas Pyramid lighting is Thursday, November 20 and the parade is Friday, November 21 at 6:30 p.m. The South’s largest tree lighting show will happen on Friday, November 21 at 8 p.m.
Glow Wild
When: Begins on Saturday, November 22 and continues select nights through January 4, 2026
Where: Birmingham Zoo (2630 Cahaba Rd., Birmingham)
How much: Children are $12, Adults are $19
Details: Check out our article on Glow Wild for more information.
Holiday Photo Booth Opens
When: Monday, November 17 and open through January 4 (Regular library hours)
Where: Library in the Forest (1021 Montgomery Hwy., Vestavia)
How much: Free!
Reservation required: appt.link/holidaystudio
Details: They have the set up—you just need to bring your phone or a camera to document the holiday magic!
Market Noel
When: Thursday, November 20–Sunday, November 22. (Open for shopping Thursday from 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.)
Where: Finley Center (5508 Stadium Trace Pkwy., Hoover)
How much: $15
Details: Shop til you drop at this festive market put on by the Junior League of Birmingham!
Santa Brunch
When: Sunday, November 23 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Hazelwood Venue (100 Thompson Rd., Alabaster)
How much: Children under 5 are free; Children 6–15 are $21; Adults are $82; or you can get a package for 2 adults and 2 children for $170
Santa Paws Pet Photos
When: Saturday, November 22 from 10 a.m.–noon
Where: Hand in Paw (617 38th St. S., Birmingham)
How much: $20
Details: Sip on hot cocoa and cider while you wait to snap the perfect pic of your family—pets included, of course! Include 2–3 professional portraits taken by Amanda Puskar Photography.
Snapshots with Santa
When: November 22 from 8:30–11 a.m.
Where: The Market at Pepper Place (2829 2nd Ave. S., Birmingham)
How much: Free! Donations accepted.
Details: Bring the kids—and Toto too!—for that Christmas card-worthy photo with Santa.
Tree Lighting Festival
When: Thursday, November 20 at 6 p.m.
Where: City Hall Complex (1032 Montgomery Hwy., Vestavia)
How much: Free!
Details: Join Santa for a magical tree lighting at Vestavia’s City Hall while you listen to seasonal music, eat holiday treats, and enjoy family-friendly fun!
