Alabama Christmas Road Trip - Central Alabama
There’s something magical about piling into the car, turning up the holiday playlist, and chasing Christmas lights across Alabama. From Victorian strolls and twinkling tree trails to drive-through wonderlands and German-style markets, our small towns and cities shine brightest during the holidays. This year, we’ve handpicked some of the best Christmas events across the state, each one brimming with lights, music, cocoa, and that one-of-a-kind hometown spirit. Whether you start at the coast, wander through the Wiregrass, or head north where the lights dance on the water, every stop along the way offers something worth the drive. Think of this as your Alabama Christmas Road Trip guide, a collection of unforgettable places to sip cider, stroll through snow (even the man-made kind), snap twinkly photos, and make holiday memories. So grab your coat, your favorite people, and hit the road.
Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa’s Holiday on the Plaza
Government Plaza — Returning in November
Government Plaza turns into a winter hub with an outdoor ice-skating rink beside the city’s sparkling Tinsel Trail from Tuscaloosa’s One Place. It’s family-friendly, photo-ready, and easy to pair with downtown shopping. Admission to the plaza is free; skating passes are available online or on site.
Tuscaloosa’s One Place Tinsel Trail
Government Plaza — November 24, 2025 · 5:30–7:00 p.m.
More than 200 live Christmas trees fill Government Plaza, each sponsored and decorated by local businesses, schools, and community groups. It’s a free, open-air stroll with festive photo spots, occasional Santa visits, and family activities. Proceeds support programs at Tuscaloosa’s One Place.
Northport
Dickens Downtown
Historic Downtown Northport — December 2, 2025
Historic Downtown Northport turns into a living Victorian postcard inspired by A Christmas Carol. Expect carolers, costumed characters, Theatre Tuscaloosa performances, the 5th Alabama Regimental Band, a real English town crier, Father Christmas, merchant open houses, and even “snow” for photos. It’s free, family-friendly, and centered along Main Avenue.
Anniston
Anniston Christmas Market
Historic Noble Street — December 7, 2025 · 3:00–9:00 p.m.
Historic Noble Street turns into a festive open-air market lined with local makers, boutique pop-ups, sweet treats, and cocoa stops, perfect for gift hunting before the evening’s festivities. Expect photo ops, live holiday music, and easy strolling between vendors, the tree lighting, and the parade staging nearby. Hosted by the City and Main Street Anniston.
Oxford
Oxford Christmas on Main
Downtown Oxford / Simmons Park — November 15, 2025 · 12:00–7:00 p.m.
Historic Downtown Oxford becomes a festive street party with a makers’ market, live performances, and plenty of family fun. Expect small-town magic like the Cookie Walk, free kiddie train rides, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and cozy touches spilling into Simmons Park with movies under the lights and a community tree-lighting.
Oxford Festival of Lights
Choccolocco Park — November 21, 2025–January 4, 2026
Choccolocco Park turns into a shimmering drive-through wonderland with millions of lights that wrap around lakes, ballfields, and wooded lanes. The magic continues at Santa’s Village, with outdoor skating, vendors, and snow-themed attractions. One carload, one price, plenty of holiday sparkle.
Wedowee
Wedowee Christmas Open House
Downtown Wedowee — November 6–8, 2025
Main Street shops open their doors for a festive evening of window-shopping, treats, and gift-ready specials. It’s an easy, small-town stroll with plenty of holiday photo ops and local-maker finds.
Wadley
Wadley Christmas Parade
Downtown Wadley — December 9, 2025 · 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Downtown Wadley fills with small-town sparkle as floats, school bands, dance teams, classic cars, and first responders roll through. Santa waves at the finale of this family-friendly night of curbside viewing and hometown pride.
Wetumpka
Christmas on the Coosa
Gold Star Park — December 13, 2025
Wetumpka’s riverfront turns into a full-day holiday scene with live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, a car show, kids’ activities, a glowing night parade, Santa’s waterskiing arrival on the Coosa, and a fireworks finale over the water. Hosted by the City of Wetumpka.
Wetumpka Holiday Market
Wetumpka Farmers Market — December 6, 2025 · 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Local makers, bakers, and artisans pack the Wetumpka Farmers Market with festive gifts, seasonal treats, and small-town cheer. It’s a cozy, family-friendly browse with easy parking and community spirit.
Demopolis
Demopolis Christmas on the River
Downtown Demopolis — December 6, 2025
Demopolis’ signature festival packs a week of downtown traditions that culminate in a nighttime boat parade on the Tombigbee River and fireworks. Leading up to the big night are Fair in the Square shopping, a daytime parade, historic home tours, and community celebrations like the Love Lights tree, naming of St. Nick, and a reading of the Christmas story.
