There’s nothing quite like Christmas in Tuscaloosa, Alabama! The holiday season brings some of our favorite traditions back to town, along with festive performances, holiday shopping, family-friendly activities and plenty of reasons to plan a visit. It’s a wonderful time of year to experience the charm and Southern hospitality that make Tuscaloosa so special.
We’ve rounded up the holiday events happening around town this season, listed by date to help you plan your visit!
November 20 – Home Alone in Concert with the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra
📍 Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater
🕖 7:00 p.m.
Experience a beloved holiday classic like never before as Home Alone in Concert comes to the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater! Watch the complete film on the big screen while the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ iconic musical score live, bringing every hilarious moment and heartwarming scene to life.
Featuring the Alabama Choir School, this unforgettable evening combines the magic of cinema with the excitement of a live symphony performance. Gather your family and friends for a festive night of music, laughter and holiday nostalgia under the stars!
November 23, 2026 – January 3, 2027 – Holidays on The Plaza
📍 Government Plaza, 7th St. and 22nd Ave.
Get ready to glide into the season as Holidays on The Plaza returns to Downtown Tuscaloosa! This beloved winter tradition transforms Government Plaza into a sparkling holiday destination complete with an outdoor ice-skating rink perfect for all ages. Guests can enjoy a festive atmosphere filled with twinkling lights, cheerful music and plenty of holiday spirit.
In addition to ice skating, visitors can stroll the Tuscaloosa’s One Place Tinsel Trail, a dazzling display of decorated Christmas trees benefitting Tuscaloosa’s One Place, or book a cozy private party to celebrate the season with friends, coworkers or family. Tinsel Trail was ranked #4 Best Public Holiday Lights by USAToday in 2025. Whether you’re savoring a quiet moment under the lights or making laps around the rink, this holiday experience is designed to make your season merry and bright.
November 23 – Tinsel Trail Grand Opening
📍 Government Plaza, 7th St. and 22nd Ave.
🕠 5:30–7:00 p.m.
Kick off the holiday season in the heart of downtown with the grand opening of Tuscaloosa’s One Place Tinsel Trail! This tradition that has become nationally recognized is a local favorite that lights up Government Plaza with more than 200 beautifully decorated live Christmas trees, each sponsored by local businesses and organizations. Enjoy refreshments, complimentary photos with Santa and plenty of holiday cheer as the trees are lit for the season.
December 1 – Dickens Downtown
📍 Historic Downtown Northport
🕔 5:00–8:30 p.m.
Step back in time for one of Tuscaloosa’s most charming holiday traditions — Dickens Downtown. Historic Downtown Northport transforms into a Victorian-era wonderland filled with carolers, carriage rides, a live nativity and even a forecast calling for snow! Meet Father Christmas and Queen Victoria, explore beautifully decorated shops, enjoy hot chocolate and treats, and don’t miss the festive tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. Tuscaloosa County’s Synergic Center will also host the Eve of Liberty in conjunction with Dickens Downtown and will provide parking and transportation from their event to downtown Northport that evening for free.
December 2–4 – Merry and Bright Under the Stadium Lights “Holiday Experience”
📍 Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium, Gate 1 Recruiting Room
🕔 Timeslots from 5:00–7:30 p.m. each evening
Get ready to roll into the holiday season with Merry and Bright Under the Stadium Lights at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium! This annual holiday experience begins at Gate 1 and includes a festive tour of the Recruiting Room, Alabama Football Home Team Locker Room and LED Light Field Tunnel, followed by a spectacular holiday light show that fans can enjoy from the stands.
Tickets are $44 per person and include complimentary hot chocolate, small holiday bites, the tour experience and light show. Shows take place every 30 minutes each evening, with timeslots available from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.
December 4–20 – Santa’s Workshop & Christmas Express
📍 Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park
🕔 Fridays: 5:00–8:00 p.m.
🕒 Saturdays & Sundays: 3:00–8:00 p.m.
🎟️ Regular park admission + $5 per person at the Train Station
All aboard for a magical holiday adventure at Santa’s Workshop & Christmas Express! Celebrate the season at Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, where families can climb aboard a beautifully decorated Christmas train and journey to Santa’s Workshop at the historic Williams Cabin.
Little ones and their families will enjoy a festive visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, making this charming holiday experience a wonderful way to create lasting Christmas memories. With twinkling decorations, holiday cheer and a scenic train ride, it’s a seasonal tradition the whole family will love!
The Christmas Express runs Fridays through Sundays, December 4–20. Regular park gate admission applies, plus $5 per person for the train experience.
For additional information, call (205) 477-5711, ext 1, or follow Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park on Facebook for updates.
December 5 – Pancakes with Santa
📍 Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park
🕓 8:00am–2:00 p.m.
You’re invited for a festive morning of Pancakes with Santa on December 5, 2026, at Tannehill Ironworks State Park! Bring the whole family to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked pancake breakfast and make special holiday memories. Be sure to bring your cameras to capture a picture with Santa and share in the magic of the season!
TICKETS GO ON SALE 11/16! $5 per person + gate admission. This is a ticketed event, so you must pre-register to attend!
December 6 – Historic Tuscaloosa’s Holiday Open House
📍 Old Tavern, McGuire-Strickland House, Murphy-Collins House, Battle-Friedman House and Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion
🕑 2:00–4:00 p.m.
🎟️ Free admission
Step into the holiday spirit while exploring some of Tuscaloosa’s most treasured historic landmarks! Historic Tuscaloosa’s Holiday Open House invites visitors to experience five beautifully preserved historic properties during a festive afternoon of holiday activities, music and historic exploration.
This free event offers a wonderful opportunity to discover Tuscaloosa’s rich history while enjoying the warmth and charm of the holiday season.
December 6 – Tinsel Trail Pet Palooza
📍 Government Plaza
🕒 3:00–5:00 p.m.
Bring your furry friends to the Tinsel Trail Pet Palooza for this paw-some event! Enjoy photos with Santa, treats for your pets and meet local animal partners. Presented by RiverFall Credit Union, this event is a community favorite for pet lovers.
December 7 – 50th West Alabama Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
📍 Downtown Tuscaloosa
🎄 Tree Lighting at 5:30 p.m.
🎅 Parade begins at 6:30 p.m.
Don’t miss the 50th Annual West Alabama Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting! Celebrate the holiday season and this milestone anniversary as festive floats, marching bands and even horse groups parade through downtown Tuscaloosa. And make sure to arrive early for the annual tree lighting ceremony on the courthouse steps at 5:30 p.m!
December 10–13 – The Nutcracker
📍 Bama Theatre, 600 Greensboro Ave.
Performance Schedule:
- December 10 – 7:00 p.m.
- December 11 – 7:00 p.m.
- December 12 – 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
- December 13 – 2:00 p.m.
Join the Tuscaloosa Community Dancers as they present The Nutcracker — a timeless holiday ballet that captures the magic of the season. With exquisite choreography and Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score, this performance is a must-see holiday tradition for families and visitors alike! Tickets go on sale beginning November 3rd.
December 11 – Home for the Holidays
📍 Theatre Tuscaloosa, 9500 Old Greensboro Road
🎟️ Tickets: $28 | (205) 391-2277 | Get Tickets
Performance dates include December 11, 12, 13, 16 and 17, with additional performances.
Experience the magic of the holidays with Home for the Holidays, a world-premiere, family-friendly musical celebration by Michael Walker and Josh Levine!
This festive production features a flurry of holiday favorites and jazz standards brought to life through a thrilling 1940s USO tour. Audiences will be transported to a simpler time with beloved songs like “Holly, Jolly Christmas,” “Silver Bells” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”
Inspired by Tuscaloosa talent and traditions, this brand-new musical is being created especially for local audiences and visitors alike.
December 12 – Tinsel Trail Holiday Market
📍 Government Plaza
🕚 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Shop local vendors, enjoy holiday music and refreshments, and take part in festive contests at the Tinsel Trail Holiday Market! Presented by SignPro of Tuscaloosa and Fincher and Ozment Jewelers, it’s a wonderful way to finish your holiday shopping while soaking in the spirit of the season!
December 12 – Tinsel Trail Suit Up With Santa
📍 Government Plaza
🕛 12:00–3:00 p.m.
Put on your favorite festive outfit and stroll the Tinsel Trail for an afternoon of photos with Santa and holiday fun! Presented by Price McGiffert Construction Co. Inc., this family-friendly event is the perfect way to add some sparkle to your weekend.
December 15 – Elf
📍 Bama Theatre, 600 Greensboro Ave.
🕖 7:00 p.m. (time to be confirmed)
Get ready for a little Christmas cheer at the historic Bama Theatre with a screening of the holiday favorite Elf! After accidentally ending up in Santa’s gift sack as a baby, Buddy grows up at the North Pole believing he’s an elf. When he discovers he’s actually human, he heads to New York City in search of his father, bringing plenty of laughs and Christmas spirit along the way.
Gather your family and friends for a fun holiday movie night at one of Tuscaloosa’s most beloved historic venues!
December 17 – The Polar Express
📍 Bama Theatre, 600 Greensboro Ave.
🕖 7:00 p.m.
All aboard for a magical Christmas movie night at the historic Bama Theatre! The Polar Express, based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, follows a young boy on an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, where he discovers the magic of friendship, wonder and believing.
Featuring the voice of Tom Hanks, this heartwarming holiday favorite is a wonderful way for families to celebrate the season while enjoying a classic film on the big screen.
December 18 – Tinsel Trail Family Night
📍 Government Plaza
🕓 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Round out the holiday season with Family Night on the Tinsel Trail, featuring games, crafts, prizes, a scavenger hunt and photos with Santa! Presented by Premier Service Company, Inc., this event is all about creating warm memories with loved ones as the holidays draw near.
Celebrate the Season in Tuscaloosa
There’s something extra special about the holiday season in Tuscaloosa! From festive performances and twinkling lights to Christmas shopping and cherished traditions, the City of Champions is full of ways to celebrate. Make a weekend of it, explore our local shops and restaurants, and experience a little Southern hospitality along the way. For more information on our city, head over to visittuscaloosa.com! We can’t wait to welcome you to Tuscaloosa this holiday season!
