12 Festivities to Enjoy This December

Join in the holiday fun at events on campus and around Tuscaloosa and Northport throughout the whole month.

On Campus

an orchestra performs on stage

Stress Free Days
Dec. 2-6, Various Times and Locations

Students: join University Programs for fun, daily holiday-themed events to unwind, relax and refuel as you prepare for final exams.

Hilaritas
Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 8, 2 p.m., Moody Music Concert Hall

Kick off the holiday season with The University of Alabama’s annual holiday concert featuring a blend of new and established jazz and pop arrangements of holiday music.

Amahl and the Night Visitors
Dec. 15, 3 p.m., Bryant-Jordan Hall

UA Opera presents its annual performance of the holiday story of a young boy who sees a special star in the sky and is met by three kings on their way to see a newborn child.

Hotel Capstone’s Jingle Bar
Through Jan. 2, Hotel Capstone 

Raise a glass of holiday cheer at Hotel Capstone. Their halls will be decked with elf-worthy Christmas joy. Holiday cocktails are on the menu. 

Holiday Events in Tuscaloosa and Northport

a Christmas tree flanked by two T-Rex skeleton's wearing elf hats

Tuscaloosa Tinsel Trail
Now through Jan. 17, 2025, Government Plaza, 2106 6th Street, Tuscaloosa

Nearly 200 decorated Christmas trees in Government Plaza make up one of West Alabama’s most beloved traditions. The event supports Tuscaloosa’s ONE Place. Free parking is available at the city’s downtown parking deck.

  • Dec. 8 from 3 to 5 p.m.: Tinsel Trail Pet Night 
  • Dec. 20 from 4 to 6 p.m.: Tinsel Trail Family Night 

Holidays on the Plaza Ice Skating 
Now through Jan. 20, 2025, Government Plaza, 2106 6th Street, Tuscaloosa

Right by the Tinsel Trail, you can embrace the cold weather by ice skating alongside your family and friends. Don’t forget to bring socks for the skates that are provided. Free parking is available in the city’s downtown parking deck. 

48th Annual West Alabama Christmas PARAde
Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m., 614 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa

The Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority will host one of the largest Christmas parades in the state. On the steps of the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse, a special Christmas tree lighting will take place before to the parade at 5:15 p.m. View the parade map.

Dickens Downtown 
Dec. 3, 5 p.m., Main Avenue in Historic Downtown Northport 

Time travel back to the Victorian days with this Christmas celebration in historic downtown Northport. Hosted by the Merchants of Historic Downtown Northport, this free family event will have caroling performances, Father Christmas, snow machines, a Christmas tree lighting and artists. Costumes are encouraged. 

Alabama Choir School Winter Concert
Dec. 10, 7 p.m., Moody Music Building

This holiday performance by students of the Alabama Choir School is open to the community.

The Nutcracker
Dec. 12-15, Bama Theatre

The Tuscaloosa Community Dancers will perform this holiday classic at the Bama Theatre. 

Jingle and Mingle Christmas Expo
Dec. 17, 6-9 p.m., Tuscaloosa River Market

Hosted by the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce’s Diverse Business Council, this event brings more than 40 local vendors to the market for a perfect chance at holiday gift shopping.

Bama Art House Holiday Film Series
Dec. 21 and 23, Bama Theatre

The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa presents a holiday film series with a daytime and evening showing on two different days.