Need a study break? December brings plenty of festive fun to help you recharge and get in the holiday spirit. From campus celebrations to holiday shopping downtown, here’s what’s happening as the semester winds down.
On Campus
Merry & Bright Under the Stadium Lights
Dec. 2, 5-8 p.m., Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium
Don’t miss Big Al the elf at the inaugural holiday experience inside Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium! For just $40, you’ll enjoy a holiday-themed tour of the facilities, a festive light show and hot chocolate!
C&IS Holiday Merchandise Sale
Dec. 2, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Reese Phifer Hall
Support C&IS students, organizations and projects when you purchase a holiday gift from the merchandise table in the Reese Phifer Rotunda.
Hilaritas
Dec. 5 and 7, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Moody Music Building
Start the holiday season with The University of Alabama School of Music’s favorite annual tradition. The holiday concert features a collaboration of performances by the Jazz Ensemble, Hilaritas Studio Orchestra and UA Choirs.
Supe Store Anniversary Celebration
Dec. 5, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Student Center
Celebrate 120 years of The University of Alabama Student Center Supply Store this month with refreshments, students and staff.
UA Early College Classic
Dec. 5 and 6, 9:45 a.m.-8 p.m., Stran-Hardin Arena
Join Alabama Adapted Athletics for an action-packed weekend of games against Arizona, Illinois, UTA and Auburn.
A Gorgas House Christmas
Dec. 6, 1-4 p.m., The Gorgas House Museum
Go back in time for a traditional Victorian holiday at Gorgas house. Write letters to Santa using historical dip pens and wax seals, while enjoying festive treats. Admission is free, but donations are always appreciated.
Home for the Holidays
Dec. 8, 7 p.m., Moody Music Building
Experience Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra’s holiday show right on campus, featuring Alabama Choir School, Alabama Choir Society and Prentice Concert Chorale.
Historic Breakfast at the Gorgas House
Dec. 9, 10 a.m.-noon, The Gorgas House Museum
Students are welcome to attend a free historic breakfast serving pancakes, bacon, eggs and more at the Gorgas House Museum. Food will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.
Holiday Open House
Dec. 12, 10 a.m.-3, p.m. The Gorgas House Museum
Get a chance to tour the oldest building on campus during this holiday-themed open house. There will be hot chocolate and cookies for guests while supplies last.
UA Opera Theatre: “Amahl and the Night Visitors”
Dec. 14, 3-4 p.m., Bryant-Jordan Hall
Join UA Opera for its annual performance of this beloved holiday opera about a shepherd boy who is visited by three Magi seeking shelter for the night as they journey to Bethlehem.
Around Town
Tuscaloosa Tinsel Trail Events
Feel the holiday magic at Tuscaloosa’s One Place Tinsel Trail! With events tailored to all ages, you can take festive family photos or enjoy holiday vendors with friends.
- Suit Up with Santa, Dec. 6, 1-3 p.m.
- Pet Palooza, Dec. 7, 3-5 p.m.
- Holiday Market, Dec. 13, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Family Night, Dec. 19, 4-6 p.m.
Dickens Downtown
Dec. 2, 5-8:30 p.m., Historic Downtown Northport
Dress in your best Victorian attire and watch Historic Downtown Northport turn into a winter wonderland. This beloved annual community event is free and open to the public.
Tuscaloosa Retail Trail
Dec. 4-7, Participating Downtown Businesses
Looking to get a head start on holiday shopping? Head downtown to this year’s Retail Trail, a four-day shopping experience full of exclusive discounts and special promotions.
West Alabama Christmas Parade
Dec. 8, 6:30 p.m., Downtown Tuscaloosa
Come see the largest Christmas parade in West Alabama full of different floats, marching bands, horse groups and decorated vehicles. If you’re feeling extra festive get there an hour early for the tree Lighting on the steps of the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse
The Nutcracker
Dec. 11-14, Bama Theatre
Watch holiday magic unfold as Tuscaloosa Community Dancers bring Tchaikovsky’s timeless score to life through their production of The Nutcracker Ballet.
Scrooge! The Musical
Dec. 12-21, Theatre Tuscaloosa
Rediscover the true meaning of the holidays with Theatre Tuscaloosa’s musical retelling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Group tickets can be purchased at a discounted rate.
Holiday Films
Purchase your tickets for the holiday film series presented by Bama Art House, featuring classics you know and love!
- “The Santa Clause” Dec. 16
- “It’s a Wonderful Life” Dec. 22
- “Christmas with the Kranks” Dec. 23
- “The Polar Express” Dec. 23