Get into the Holiday Spirit with Events Throughout December

As the holiday season approaches, don’t miss out on these seasonal events on campus, in Tuscaloosa and beyond. Even if you’re far from home, there are plenty of activities to brighten your spirits.

On-campus events

• UA’s annual “Hilaritas” holiday concert will take place Dec. 3 and Dec. 5 at the Moody Music Building. Details are on the Moody School of Music events calendar.
• Visit the Paul W. Bryant Museum on Dec. 10 from 4-7 p.m. for an open house with refreshments, crafts for kids, and a Christmas sale. Admission is free.
• “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” an opera performance, will take place Dec. 12 at Bryant-Jordan Hall.

Tuscaloosa-area events

• The Tuscaloosa Public Library will host a holiday open house Dec. 5, 2-5:30 p.m., at 1801 Jack Warner Parkway. This free event boasts holiday snacks and music, create-your-own postcards and local authors.
• The 45th annual West Alabama Christmas Parade will begin Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Tuscaloosa. This year’s parade theme is “Super Heroes Celebrate Christmas.”
• Held in downtown Northport, the family friendly Dickens Downtown will kick off Dec. 7, 5-8 p.m. Based on the beloved book, “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, there will be snow machines, artist demonstrations and, of course, Christmas carols. Oh, and Father Christmas will also be there!
• Fans of “The Nutcracker” can experience a live recital multiple days in December at the Bama Theatre. The Tuscaloosa Community Dancers will perform, with a special appearance from Jennifer Lauren Quarles, soloist with the Miami City Ballet, as the Sugar Plum Fairy.
• Tuscaloosa’s Tinsel Trail features nearly 200 live Christmas trees decorated by local businesses, organizations and individuals spread throughout Government Plaza in downtown Tuscaloosa.
• While you’re enjoying the Tinsel Trail, stop by Tuscaloosa’s Holidays on the Plaza for ice skating. The rink will be open through Jan. 17.

Greater Birmingham-area events

• Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration is currently on display at the Birmingham Zoo through Jan. 17. Participants walk through the zoo at night to see lights, ride the train and more.
• The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is hosting a Holiday Story Walk Dec. 18. This family friendly event will tell the story of “The Legend of the Poinsettia” while providing holiday treats and a meet and greet with botanical specialists.
• “A Christmas Story” performance will be held at the Alabama Theatre in Birmingham Dec. 20.
• Holiday Markets are held throughout the month of December in Hoover, Homewood, Cahaba and other suburbs of the Birmingham area.
• A New Year’s Eve firework celebration is held in Birmingham and will be broadcast live through ABC 33/40, alongside the 50th anniversary of “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.”