Downtown Holiday Magic
Birmingham has more — holiday magic!
Downtown Birmingham shines during the holidays — from classic films at Alabama Theatre to lively concerts at the BJCC, heartfelt services at historic churches to comforting family meals at our acclaimed restaurants.
With so much happening during this wonderful time of the year, the Downtown BHM Business Improvement District (BID) set out to add even more vibrancy and delight in between these popular destinations. The Holiday Ornament Trail on 20th, the Great Elf Door Hunt, colorful Window Pops! and lively street performances give you free festive things to do and see (and take photos with!) as you make your way to and from dining, entertainment and events. And our original Very Merry Downtown Holiday Guidebook, available at downtown restaurants and institutions, invites you to make plans to attend more seasonal events and linger longer downtown to experience the holiday magic.
Explore the rest of this page to see how these projects came to life, and discover even more festive fun you won’t want to miss!
Downtown BHM Holiday Ornament Trail on 20th
What: See (and take photos with) 10 artist-painted ornaments!
Where: 20th Street sidewalks from 1st to 6th Ave. N
Downtown is a little more holly and a lot more jolly thanks to the Holiday Ornament Trail on 20th, a festive public art project celebrating the city’s local talent.
The Downtown BHM BID invited 10 Birmingham-based artists to share their interpretations of holiday magic, brought to life on giant 4-foot ornaments (now dotting 20th Street between 1st Avenue North and Linn Park). Each piece is a playful, colorful reflection of our city’s holiday spirit and cheer.
The Ornament Trail showcases local artists while enhancing downtown’s main street, giving visitors, residents, and employees alike a reason to explore, discover and delight in our city center.
So stop by, admire all 10 pieces, and let each ornament tell its story! There may even be some small surprises along the way…
Expand to meet the ornament artists and sponsors!
Meghan McCollum
blankspacebham.com | @blankspacebham
Inspired by traditional folk art, Folk Flourish combines festive flora in a bold yet balanced design. Deep reds and greens echo poinsettias and holly, while layered petals and leaves symbolize harmony and growth. Little starbursts sparkle like snowflakes, adding a sense of magic and wonder. Cheerful and inviting, the symmetry reflects how the holidays bring people and traditions together, offering both comfort and celebration.
Sponsored by:
Micah Althea
4xa.org | @micahalthea
In this ornament, I reimagine Birmingham, the Magic City, as a whimsical winter wonderland. Inspired by the city’s beauty, I created a scene that reflects the joy and wonder of the holiday season. Snow-dusted magnolia blossoms, blue spruce trees, and women dancing in celebration evoke the magic of winter. At the center stands the iconic Magic City sign, anchoring the piece in place and memory. Through this work, I celebrate Birmingham’s beauty, excitement, and cultural richness while inviting viewers into a world of seasonal enchantment, movement, and joy.
Sponsored by:
Desireé Pearson
bydezire.com | @artbydezire
This ornament reflects the magical and nostalgic streets of Birmingham, where history, community, and creativity color the city. Copper-red buildings, the railroad, and Sloss Furnaces honor Birmingham’s steel and iron roots, while skies of purple and gold reveal its hidden vibrancy. Along 20th Street, people gather at favorite restaurants, admire skyline views, and walk beneath the tracks. The Rotary Trail, lush greenery, and drifting leaves carry the city’s energy forward. To me, Birmingham is timeless — quiet yet alive with resilience, creativity, and Southern warmth. This ornament honors that spirit, capturing a
city grounded in history and glowing with everyday magic.
Sponsored by:
Lyreleaf Studios
lyreleafstudios.com | @lyreleaf.studios
Our ornament is meant to be experienced as a giant snow globe of the Magic City. Using anamorphic distortion, we designed it so that as you walk around the globe, you “walk into” major landmarks our community treasures: the Carver Theatre, Sloss Furnaces, and the traditional lights on our skyline. To spark imagination, our carolers are snow people! The musical theme is “jazzy holiday,” sung through a palette of neons and brights layered over wintry purples. We hope this festive depiction of a snowy holiday manifests a joyful snowfall this winter, as the Farmer’s Almanac gives us reason to believe.
Sponsored by:
Bendy Knees Design
bendykneesdesign.co | @bendykneesdesign.co
Our large-scale ornament bursts with super-ultra-mega bright colors designed to spark joy and reflect the spirit of the holiday season here in the Magic City. Birmingham’s
vibrancy and resilience always inspire us, but we’re often asked to work within the perimeters of the city’s industrial color palette. So here’s a Bendy Knees attempt at a palette that radiates Birmingham warmth and cheer through an entirely new set of shades! We intentionally balanced each shape and hue to symbolize harmony and reflection, encouraging viewers to find a sense of steadiness and peace amid the holiday rush.
Sponsored by:
John Lytle Wilson
johnlytlewilson.com | @johnlytlewilson
Birmingham loves robots, and robots love the holidays. They can’t help but use their lasers to deck the halls and make the season merry and bright!
Sponsored by:
Glendinning Paul
glendinningpaulart.com | @glendinningpaulart
My ornament concept is inspired by one of my original abstract artworks, reimagined through a new lens. The base design captures the expressive energy of painting, with dynamic brushstrokes, layered textures, and color translated into a three-dimensional form. Bright, unexpected colors bring a sense of whimsy and magic, evoking the joy and wonder of the holiday season in an unconventional way. The result maintains the movement and depth of my abstract work, creating a visually engaging and harmoniouscomposition.
Sponsored by:
Pine Plume Foundation
Mary Grace Tracy
marygracetracy.com | @marygracetracy
This ornament captures the emotional spectrum of Christmas through a flowing gradient of color — each hue representing a different feeling the season brings. From the warm reds of nostalgia to the cool blues of quiet reflection, the design invites viewers to see their own experiences in the blend. Rather than a single story, it reflects many: joy, longing, hope, togetherness, and even melancholy. By embracing this full range, the ornament becomes a shared mirror of our individual Christmases — honoring the truth that the holidays feel different for everyone, yet still connect us all.
Sponsored by:
Shawn “Fitz” Fitzwater
fitzsigns.com | @fitzsignsmurals
My ornament offers a visual blend of chaos and beauty through dimensional, geometric unbalance — with a little red-and-green holiday flair. It’s raw, directionless, rule free… some might even call it rad. I like to call this type of painting “wack style.”
Sponsored by:
Sean Gilder
gildercreative.com | @seanmgilder
My ornament draws inspiration from the traditional colors and ornate filigree of the holiday decorations my grandparents lovingly displayed each Christmas. Steeped in nostalgia, the swirling patterns evoke both the energy and elegance of the season — a reflection of how full and busy the holidays can feel, yet also a reminder of the generosity and good intentions that define the Christmas spirit.
Sponsored by:
The Great Elf Door Hunt
What: Search for 20 elf-sized doors outside downtown businesses
Where: Between Linn Park and Rotary Trail and between 18th and 22nd St. N.
The Downtown BHM BID proudly presents The Great Elf Door Hunt, a playful new scavenger hunt bringing festive whimsy to the Historic City Center.
Talented students from the Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA) have designed and hand-decorated a series of miniature elf doors — each one unique, colorful and full of personality. These 5×7-inch creations are hiding in plain sight near downtown shops, restaurants and landmarks, waiting to be discovered by visitors of all ages.
Can you find all 20 elf doors? The hunt is on!
Hint: Search between Linn Park and Rotary Trail and between 18th and 22nd Street North. Don’t forget to check out the Ornament Trail while you’re on the hunt!
Festive Street Performances
REV Birmingham manages Live on 20th and Festive in Five Points, seasonal programs that bring quality entertainment to Birmingham’s main street — plus an extra sprinkle of holiday magic during the month of December!
From dancers to instrumentalists to vocalists to fine artists, these entertainers not only enhance the pedestrian experience by sharing their craft but encourage a high-quality busking culture downtown.
Interested in lending your talents to Downtown BHM this holiday season? See our available dates below; then, apply for a chance to be a part of the magic!
- Friday, December 5 | 11a-1p
- Friday, December 5 | 5-7p
- Wednesday, December 10 | 11a-1p
- Friday, December December 12 | 5-7p
- Saturday, December 13 | 5:30-7:30p
- Wednesday, December 17 | 11a-1p
- Friday, December 19 | 5:30-7:30p
- Saturday, December 20 | 5:30-7:30p
Seasonal Events
What: Festive happenings for all ages
Where: All across Downtown BHM!
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 taking place this holiday season. While you’re out and about, make sure to take advantage of our free activations like the Holiday Ornament Trail on 20th and The Great Elf Door Hunt!
Are we missing your event? Email jamie@revbirmingham.org to have it added to our list!
Downtown BHM Activations
Nov. 15–Jan 5: Downtown BHM Holiday Ornament Trail on 20th Street
Nov. 15–Jan 5: The Great Elf Door Hunt
Dec. 5 (5:30–7:30p): Live on 20th: Seasonal Street Performances
Dec. 5 (11a–1p & 5–7p): Festive in Five Points: Seasonal Street Performances
Dec. 10 (11a–1p): Live on 20th: Seasonal Street Performances
Dec. 12 (5:30–7:30p): Roaming Costumed Carolers in the Historic City Center
Dec. 12 (5–7p): Festive in Five Points: Seasonal Street Performances
Dec. 13 (5:30–7:30p): Live on 20th: Seasonal Street Performances
Dec. 17 (11a–1p): Live on 20th: Seasonal Street Performances
Dec. 18 (5:30–7:30p): Roaming Costumed Carolers in the Historic City Center
Dec. 19 (5:30–7:30p): Live on 20th: Seasonal Street Performances
Dec. 19 (5–7p): Festive in Five Points: Seasonal Street Performances
Dec. 20 (5:30–7:30p): Live on 20th: Seasonal Street Performances
Community Gatherings
Nov. 23 (2–7p): Friendsgiving @ City Walk BHAM
Nov. 28 (4:30–5:30p): Regions Center Annual Building Lighting @ Regions Center Plaza
Dec. 7 (4–7p): City of Birmingham Holiday Block Party @ City Hall/Linn Park, Tree Lighting @ 5:30p
Faith
Dec. 18 (5:30p): Nine Lessons and Carols @ Cathedral of the Advent
Markets
Nov. 16 (11a–4p): Christmas Bazaar @ Birmingham Festival Theatre
Nov. 19 (4–7p): Holiday Preview @ Pepper Place
Nov. 22 (10a–4p): Good Finds Market Pop-Up @ The Pizitz
Nov. 22 (8a–12p): Snapshots with Santa @ The Market at Pepper Place
Dec. 6 (10a–6p): The Vendors Wonderland @ The BJCC Forum Conference Center
Dec. 13 (10a–2p): Gifts for Good Holiday Market @ Protective Stadium
Theatre & Entertainment
Nov. 16 (4p): NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet, The Former Moscow Ballet @ Alabama Theatre
Nov. 20–22 (Various times): Encore Theatre presents Soul Food: Another Serving @ The Carver
Nov. 21 (7p): A Night of Winter Dreaming, Alabama Symphony Orchestra @ Alys Stephens Center
Nov. 27 (10p): Thanksgiving Night with Mara Nagra and Ricky Tate & Wild Mtn. @ The Nick
Nov. 30 (7p): Mark O’Connor’s “An Appalachian Christmas” @ Alys Stephens Center
Nov. 30 (8p): Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox – Magic, Moonlight & Mistletoe Tour @ Iron City
Dec. 2 (7p): Holiday POPS! for Kids & Families, Alabama Symphony Orchestra @ Alys Stephens Center
Dec. 5–7 (Various times): Magic City Nutcracker @ Lyric Theatre
Dec. 6 (8p): Adam Hawley: What Christmas Means to Me Tour @ WORKPLAY
Dec. 5–21 (Various times): Who’s Holiday by Matthew Lombardo (Adults Only) @ Birmingham Festival Theatre
Dec. 5–22 (Various times): Holiday Spectacular @ Red Mountain Theatre
Dec. 6–20 (Various times): Narnia the Musical @ Birmingham Children’s Theatre
Dec. 7 (2:30p): Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol – Live in Concert with Alabama Symphony Orchestra @ The BJCC Concert Hall
Dec. 8 (7:30p): Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Christmas @ Lyric Theatre
Dec. 10 (7p): Trans-Siberian Orchestra – The Ghosts of Christmas Eve @ Legacy Arena
Dec. 12 (8p): Taylor Hicks – Mood Dance Performing Van Morrison & Christmas Classics @ Lyric Theatre
Dec. 12 (6p & 9:30p): Home for the Holidays with Ruben Studdard @ WORKPLAY
Dec. 13 (2:30p): Ursula Smith presents The Brown Sugar Nutcracker @ Dorothy Jemison Day Theater
Dec. 13 (7p): Chris Renzema: Christmas in the Midwest Tour @ WORKPLAY
Dec. 13–23 (Various times): Alabama Ballet presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® @ The BJCC Concert Hall
Dec. 17 (7p): Meat Eater Live: The Christmas Tour @ Lyric Theatre
Dec. 18 (7p): Pentatonix: Christmas in the City Tour @ Legacy Arena
Dec. 18–20 (Various times): Miracle on 34th Street @ Encore Theatre & Gallery
Dec. 19 (8:45–10p): Candlelight: Christmas Special featuring “The Nutcracker” @ Birmingham Museum of Art
Dec. 19 & 20 (Various times): Handel’s Messiah with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra @ Alys Stephens Center
Dec. 21 (7p): Christmas in the City @ Carver Performing Arts Theatre
Dec. 26 & 27 (Various times): Cirque Dreams Holidaze @ The BJCC Concert Hall
Dec. 31 (6p): New Year’s Eve: A Viennese Celebration, Alabama Symphony Orchestra @ Alys Stephens Center
Screenings
Nov. 21 (7p & 9p): Tapesgiving VHS Double Feature @ Sidewalk Cinema
Dec. 12 (7:30p): White Christmas @ Alabama Theatre
Dec. 13 & 14 (10:30a): The Muppet Christmas Carol @ Sidewalk Cinema
Dec. 13 (2p): The Polar Express @ Alabama Theatre
Dec. 13 (7p): Elf @ Alabama Theatre
Dec. 14 (2p): A Christmas Story @ Alabama Theatre
Dec. 14 (7p): It’s a Wonderful Life @ Alabama Theatre
Dec. 15 (7p): National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation @ Alabama Theatre
Dec. 16 (7p): Home Alone @ Alabama Theatre
Dec. 17 (7p): Elf @ Alabama Theatre
Dec. 18 (7p): The Santa Clause @ Alabama Theatre
Dec. 19 (7p): Die Hard @ Alabama Theatre
Dec. 20 (2p): Elf @ Alabama Theatre
Dec. 20 (7p): National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation @ Alabama Theatre
Dec. 21 (2p): Cartoon Matinee Triple Feature @ Alabama Theatre
Dec. 21 (7p): Home Alone @ Alabama Theatre
Dec. 22 (2p): White Christmas Sing-Along @ Alabama Theatre
Dec. 22 (7p): National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation @ Alabama Theatre
Art
Nov. 19 (11a–12p): ArtBreak, Studio by the Tracks @ Birmingham Museum of Art
Nov. 22 (11a–2p): 18th Annual Sip & Shop @ Forstall Art Center
Nov. 30: Museum Store Sunday @ Birmingham Museum of Art
Dec. 6 (10a): Holiday Watercolor Cards with Pam Benoit @ Forstall Art Center
Dec. 11 (5–9p): Art After 5, Mariah Carey Holiday @ Birmingham Museum of Art
Dec. 13 (1–4p): ArtPlay’s Holiday Open House @ ArtPlay House
Sports
Dec. 3 (11a): Birmingham Squadron vs. Memphis Hustle @ Legacy Arena
Dec. 5 (7p): Birmingham Squadron vs. Memphis Hustle @ Legacy Arena
Dec. 7 (3p): Birmingham Squadron vs. Texas Legends @ Legacy Arena
Dec. 9 (7p): Birmingham Squadron vs. Texas Legends @ Legacy Arena
Dec. 14 (3p): Birmingham Squadron vs. Rio Grande Valley Vipers @ Legacy Arena
Dec. 16 (7p): Birmingham Squadron vs. Rio Grande Valley Vipers @ Legacy Arena
Dec. 29 (1p): JLab Birmingham Bowl @ Protective Stadium
A Very Merry Downtown Holiday Guidebook
What: An informative and activity-filled holiday experience guide
Where: Free copies found at various downtown businesses and institutions
Published in mid-November, A Verry Merry Downtown Holiday Guidebook is the Downtown BHM BID’s answer to the question: “What’s happening downtown this holiday season?” Within its pages readers will discover events, recipes, children’s activities and plenty of holiday magic. Find physical copies in cafés, restaurants, bars, breweries and other attractions across downtown — or click below to download your own digital copy!
Clean & Safe
Downtown Birmingham comes alive during the holidays — with lights twinkling, storefronts glowing and streets buzzing with seasonal spirit. As you enjoy all the holiday magic downtown has to offer, the CAP Clean & Safe team is here to help keep your experience merry and bright.
Funded by the Downtown BHM Business Improvement District (BID), CAP ambassadors patrol the district daily on foot, bikes and in their blue truck — ready to lend a hand, deter unwanted activity and keep public spaces tidy and inviting. Whether you’re shopping, dining or simply taking in the festive atmosphere, CAP is downtown for you.
Need assistance while you’re in the BID? Call 205-251-0111.
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