Downtown holiday traditions: Then and now?

The holiday season in Birmingham has always had a magic all its own. As early as the 1880s, downtown Birmingham transformed into a winter wonderland — a place where storefronts glittered, lights stretched across the avenues and families from across the region came to shop, stroll and celebrate together. From the fierce department store rivalries that defined downtown’s golden retail era (complete with dueling Santas and enchanted forests) to the shimmering streetlight displays and the modern-day introduction of new festive traditions like the Downtown BHM Holiday Ornament Trail, Birmingham’s downtown has long been the heart of the city’s seasonal spirit.

A historic retail block transformed: The Pizitz and New Ideal buildings then and now?

Downtown Birmingham retail is regaining its strength now, with some of the department stores of yesteryear finding new life with different uses.