Downtown Holiday Magic
Birmingham has more – holiday magic!
Downtown Birmingham is bursting with holiday cheer this season, and there’s no shortage of ways to dive into the festivities. Whether you’re catching a classic holiday movie at the Alabama Theatre or experiencing the enchantment of The Magic City Nutcracker, there’s no shortage of joyful activities for all ages. Below you’ll find a handy guide to Birmingham’s holiday traditions, happenings and more, so you can make the most of the season and create cherished memories.
Traditions
Miracle on 24th at Hold Your Horses
Watch Hold Your Horses undergo a merry transformation into Miracle on 24th Street, an extravagant holiday bar experience! This seasonal pop-up features 12 cocktails, two shots, nonalcoholic options, and large-format cocktails presented in holiday cups. Entering its 6th year of entertainment, you’ll want to ensure you come early and grab a spot before it’s too late!
When: Present – January 1, 2025
Where: 112 24th St N #102
Tree Lighting and Holiday Block Party
Mayor Randall L. Woodfin, the Birmingham City Council, Coca-Cola United, REV Birmingham and CAP are teaming up to spread holiday cheer at the Tree Lighting and Holiday Block Party on Sunday, December 8. Enjoy local food trucks, children’s crafts, face painting, music and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to enjoy the evening!
When: December 8, 2024
Where: 710 20th St N
Alabama Theatre’s Holiday Film Series
The historic Alabama Theatre welcomes back its beloved Holiday Film Series on December 13. This tradition has been creating memories for families all around Birmingham for decades. From the heartwarming White Christmas to the whimsical journey of Elf, gather your loved ones, snag some popcorn, and immerse yourself in the magic of the holiday season!
When: December 13 – 22, 2024
Where: 1817 3rd Ave N
The Magic City Nutcracker
Experience the Magic City Nutcracker at the Lyric Theatre, where the beloved holiday classic comes to life with a dazzling mix of ballet, live music and festive charm. This enchanting performance features stunning choreography, vibrant costumes and a talented cast, all set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. It’s a must-see holiday tradition, perfect for the whole family.
When: December 6 – 8, 2024
Where: 1800 3rd Ave N
Holiday Spectacular
Kick off the holiday season with festive cheer at Red Mountain Theatre! This spectacular show combines lively dance numbers and heartwarming solos, celebrating all the magic of the season. With over 75 talented performers, you’ll experience the joy and spirit of the holidays like never before. Don’t miss this unforgettable performance!
When: December 5 – 22, 2024
Where: 1600 3rd Ave S
¡HICA! Tamale Sale
In Latino cultures, the tradition of preparing and sharing tamales at Christmas has been cherished for centuries. Since 2003, ¡HICA! has worked to bring this rich tradition —filled with stories, togetherness and love —to the Birmingham community. Bulk up your holiday table spread with tamales packed with chicken, pepper + cheese, pork or a tasty vegan filling.
When: November 29 – December 15, 2024
Where: Order online
Happenings
Downtown Birmingham is filled with holiday spirit — and we have the happenings to prove it! Check out the list below for a taste of the festive events and experiences around town this holiday season.
November 29: Regions Building Lighting Ceremony @ Regions Plaza
December 1: Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Market @ City Walk BHAM
December 1 – 31: Vulcan’s Magical Nights – A Festive Celebration of Lights @ Vulcan Park and Museum
December 3 – 4: The Illusionists – The Magic of the Holidays @ The BJCC
December 5: Christmas Concert @ UAB’s Alys Stephens Center
December 6: It’s a Holiday Feeling with Alabama Symphony Orchestra and Friends @ The BJCC
December 6: Art After 5 – Die Hard @ Birmingham Museum of Art
December 6: Holiday Open House + Makers Market @ MAKE BHM
December 7: CahaBAZAAR Holiday Market @ Cahaba Brewing Company
December 7: The Modern Green Book Marketplace (Holiday Edition) @ City Walk BHAM
December 7: The Holiday Market @ Pepper Place
December 7: The Tragic City Rollers Presents: Derby Does Dragmas @ Al’s on 7th
December 7: Holiday Harmony Open House @ the Gaston
December 7 – 8: Yuletide in Dogtown @ UAB’s Alys Stephens Center
December 7: Keith and Kristyn Getty – An Irish Christmas @ The BJCC
December 7 – 21: A Christmas Carol @ Birmingham Children’s Theatre
December 8: Festival of Lessons and Carols @Highlands United Methodist Church
December 8: Celtic Angels Christmas @ The BJCC
December 8: Jingle Bell Drum Circle @ City Walk BHAM
December 9: A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland @ Alabama Theatre
December 11: Trans-Siberian Orchestra – The Lost Christmas Eve Tour @ Legacy Arena
December 12: Lights and Latkes 2024 @ Vulcan Park and Museum
December 12-15: Christmas in Dixie – Country Western and Swing dance competition @ The BJCC
December 13 – 23: Alabama Ballet Presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker @ The BJCC
December 14: Avondale Holiday Market @ Avondale Brewing Co.
December 14: Gifts for Good Holiday Market (presented by Protective Life) @ Protective Stadium
December 14: Snow Day @ The Pizitz Food Hall
December 14: Festival of the Three Kings @ Highlands United Methodist Church
December 14: Christmas is a Drag (benefitting AIDS Alabama) @ Saturn
December 14: Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl @ The Lumbar + more
December 14: Birmingham SantaCon 2024 @ Carrigan’s Public House
December 14 – 15: The Grinch’s Jingle Bell Party @ McWane Science Center
December 15: Beers and Carols with First Church Birmingham @ Monday Night Brewing
December 18: Chaotic Good Improv Presents: Chaos, Actually @ Sidewalk Cinema
December 19: Lessons and Carols Service @ Cathedral Church of the Advent
December 19: Candlelight – Christmas Carols on Strings @ Birmingham Museum of Art
December 19 – 29: It’s a Wonderful Life Live @ Virginia Samford Theatre
December 21: Santa and the Princesses @ City Walk BHAM
December 21: Christmas with C.S. Lewis @ Lyric Theatre
December 21 – 22: Handel’s Messiah performed by The Alabama Symphony Orchestra @ UAB’s Alys Stephens Center
December 24: Christmas Eve Communion and Candle Lighting @ Highlands United Methodist Church
December 26: Manheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis @ The BJCC
December 27: Menorah Lighting Ceremony @ UAB
December 27: Birmingham Bowl @ Protective Stadium
December 28: That Girl Lay Lay Xmas Party @ The BJCC
Missing your event? Email jamie@revbirmingham.org to have it added to our list of happenings!
Seasonal Busking
Live on 20th
Downtown BHM proudly presents the holiday season of Live on 20th, a series that brings buskers and high-quality street performers to 20th Street North, infusing downtown with vibrant energy and entertainment.
Upcoming performance schedule:
- Friday, December 13, 2024 | 5 – 7 p.m.
- Saturday, December 14, 2024 | 12 – 2 p.m.
- Saturday, December 14, 2024 | 5 – 7 p.m.
- Friday, December 20, 2024 | 12 – 2 p.m.
- Friday, December 20, 2024 | 5 – 7 p.m.
- Saturday, December 21, 2024 | 12 – 2 p.m.
- Saturday, December 21, 2024 | 5 – 7 p.m.
Festive in Five Points
This December, holiday music is heading to the Southside of Downtown BHM for the first season of Festive in Five Points, a series bringing buskers and high-quality street performers to Five Points South. Catch these entertainers infusing the historic 20th Street and 11th Avenue South intersection with holiday cheer.
Upcoming performance schedule:
- Thursday, December 19, 2024 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Friday, December 20, 2024 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Friday, December 20, 2024 | 5 – 7 p.m.
What is a busker? A person who entertains in a public space, like the performer to the left. Interested in sharing your talents with Birmingham? Follow this link to the application.
