2024 Holiday Events in Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa Downtown Merchant’s Association Retail Trail
Date: November 14
Location: Downtown Tuscaloosa
Join the Annual Retail Trail featuring over 50 restaurants, stores, and shops in downtown Tuscaloosa. Many businesses will offer special discounts and free refreshments for patrons. Hosted by the Tuscaloosa Downtown Merchants Association, this event is the perfect opportunity to get festive and stock up on all your holiday goodies!
Follow the TDMA on Facebook and Instagram for event details.
Elf Jr. presented by Brookwood High School Musical Theatre
Date: November 22 and 23
Location: Bama Theatre, 600 Greensboro Ave
Enjoy this magical seasonal musical filled with laughs and Christmas cheer at the historic Bama Theatre! Don’t miss talented local performers bringing the story of Elf Jr. to life.
Tickets available at Bama Theatre.
Wagner’s Tuscaloosa Turkey Trot
Date: November 23
Location: 406 Bridge Ave, Northport, AL
Participate in the 16th Annual Wagner’s Turkey Trot starting at 8 AM. Enjoy a flat 2-mile course that is family-friendly and suitable for all levels of runners and walkers. The race is located next to Iron Tribe Fitness near Dreamland BBQ in Northport.
Sign up at Tuscaloosa Turkey Trot.
Tinsel Trail
Opening Date: November 25 (Lasts Until January 1)
Location: Government Plaza, Downtown Tuscaloosa
This holiday season, Government Plaza will be lit with over 200 live Christmas trees sponsored and decorated by local businesses, organizations, and individuals. Tinsel Trail is a project of Tuscaloosa’s One Place: A Family Resource Center. Special events include Pet Night, Suit Up with Santa, and Ugly Sweater Night.
Check out the full schedule at Tinsel Trail.
Holidays on the Plaza
Dates: November 29 – January 20
Location: Government Plaza, 618 21st Ave
Experience the joy of the season at Holidays on The Plaza, featuring an ice-skating rink and holiday-themed activities. Regular skate price is $15 for a day pass, and season passes are available for $85. Guests can leave and return as long as they keep their wristband on. Every Tuesday night in December is Family Skate Day, with $12 skating and free drinks donated by Coca-Cola.
Santa’s Photo Opportunities:
Sunday, December 1, 1-5 PM
Sunday, December 15, 1-5 PM
Saturday, December 21, 1-5 PM
Sunday, December 22, 1-5 PM
Other special events will occur throughout the season. As more information becomes available, we will add a link to this post.
Hilaritas
Date: December 6 and 8
Location: Moody Music Hall, 810 2nd Avenue
Since 1969, the annual Hilaritas concert has been a cherished holiday tradition at the UA School of Music. The performance includes instrumental and choral arrangements of holiday favorites. “Hilaritas” translates to “live joyfully and be proud of what you are.”
Purchase tickets at UA Music Tickets.
YMCA Rudolph Run 8K
Date: December 7
Location: 2300 13th St
This 8K run through downtown Tuscaloosa promises a fun morning amidst holiday decorations. For parents participating, the YMCA offers childcare with fun activities for kids starting 30 minutes before the race.
Register at YMCA Rudolph Run.
West Alabama Christmas Parade
Date: December 9
Location: Downtown Tuscaloosa
The 48th Annual West Alabama Christmas Parade will feature floats, walking groups, marching bands, horse groups, and decorated vehicles. The parade will be preceded by a Tree Lighting ceremony on the steps of the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse at 5:15 PM. The parade begins at 6:30 PM.
More information at West Alabama Parade.
The Nutcracker by Tuscaloosa Community Dancers
Date: December 12-15
Location: Bama Theatre, 600 Greensboro Ave
Experience the enchanting production of The Nutcracker by the Tuscaloosa Community Dancers, set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless music. The TCD is a pre-professional ballet company for ages 10 and up.
Learn more at Tuscaloosa Community Dancers.
Dicken Downton
Date: December 18
Location: Historic Downtown Northport
Step into a Victorian Christmas wonderland at Dickens Downtown, an outdoor celebration inspired by Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. From 5-8 PM, Historic Downtown Northport will be transformed with snow, live music, caroling, and plenty of holiday cheer. Guests are encouraged to dress in their best Dickens-era costumes to fully embrace the festive spirit!
Christmas Movie Classics at the Bama Theatre
Date: December 21 and 23
Location: Bama Theatre, 600 Greensboro Ave
The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa presents its Bama Art House Nostalgic Holiday Film Series. Enjoy classic holiday films on December 21 and December 23, with both matinee and evening showings.
December 21: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
December 23: Home Alone and The Polar Express
For more information, visit Bama Art House.
Don’t see your favorite Holiday event in Tuscaloosa County? Email us at jhart@visittuscaloosa.com or call 205-860-1310.