The holiday season in Tuscaloosa is filled with twinkling lights, cheerful music, and community celebrations that bring people together from near and far. From timeless traditions and dazzling performances to new, can’t-miss experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this winter.
Here’s your guide to the most festive holiday happenings in Tuscaloosa County— listed in order, so you can make the most of every merry moment!
November 24 – 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 beloved local tradition 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 2 – 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.
December 2 – Merry and Bright Under the Stadium Lights “Holiday Experience”
📍 Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium
🕠 5:20–7:50 p.m.
Experience the magic of the holidays like never before — inside Bryant-Denny Stadium! This brand-new “Holiday Experience” includes tours of the Alabama Football locker room, Recruiting Room, LED light tunnel, and an incredible holiday-themed light show right on the field.
Tickets are $40 per person and include free hot chocolate and access to all tours and shows. Light shows will run at 5:20, 5:50, 6:20, 6:50, 7:20, and 7:50 p.m.
December 4–7 – Tuscaloosa Retail Trail
📍 Participating Downtown Tuscaloosa Businesses
Shop local and celebrate the season with the Tuscaloosa Retail Trail, a four-day shopping event filled with special discounts, giveaways, and holiday fun!
🎄 Kickoff Event – Thursday, December 4 | 4–6 p.m.
Enjoy live music, photos with Santa, and festive activities hosted by the Tuscaloosa Downtown Merchants Association.
Throughout the weekend, stroll through a fully decorated downtown, collect Bingo cards featuring exclusive deals, and turn in completed cards for goodie bags and giveaway entries. It’s the perfect way to find unique gifts and support local businesses this season!
December 6 – A Gorgas House Christmas
📍 Gorgas House Museum, 810 Capstone Drive
🕐 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Spend the afternoon in one of Tuscaloosa’s most historic homes for A Gorgas House Christmas. Write letters to Santa using historical dip pens, make traditional Victorian crafts, and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies (while supplies last). Admission is free, and donations to help preserve this cherished landmark are greatly appreciated.
December 6 – Suit Up With Santa (Tinsel Trail)
📍 Government Plaza
🕐 1:00–3:00 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 7 – Pet Palooza (Tinsel Trail)
📍 Government Plaza
🕒 3:00–5:00 p.m.
Bring your furry friends to the Tinsel Trail 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 8 – 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 largest Christmas parade in West Alabama! Watch as festive floats, marching bands, and even horse groups parade through downtown. Arrive early for the annual tree lighting ceremony on the courthouse steps at 5:30 p.m.
December 8 – Home for the Holidays – Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra
📍 Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra, 620 Greensboro Ave.
🕖 7:00 p.m.
Enjoy a magical evening of music as the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra presents Home for the Holidays. Featuring performances by the Alabama Choir School, Alabama Choral Society, and the Prentice Concert Chorale, this concert is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the sounds of the season.
December 11–17 – Scrooge! The Musical
📍 Theatre Tuscaloosa, 9500 Old Greensboro Rd.
This musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol brings the beloved Charles Dickens story to life with memorable songs, stunning costumes, and a timeless message of generosity and joy. Perfect for audiences of all ages!
December 11–14 – The Nutcracker 2025
📍 Bama Theatre, 600 Greensboro Ave.
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.
December 13 – Tinsel Trail Holiday Market
📍 Government Plaza
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 19 – Tinsel Trail Family Night
📍 Government Plaza
Round out the 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
Whether you’re sipping hot chocolate under the stars, catching a performance downtown, or exploring the festive Tinsel Trail, Tuscaloosa shines bright with holiday spirit all season long. Mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and make this holiday one to remember — right here in the City of Champions.
