With Fall activities coming to a close within the next few weeks, winter events are just underway in the Huntsville area. If you need an easy day activity or something fun for the whole family, we’ve gathered a list of winter activities for you.
- Winter Downtown
The Huntsville Museum of Art, located in Big Spring Park, hosts ‘Skating in the Park’ every year. From November 22 to January 5, you can skate at an outdoor ice rink with music, lights, and comforting snacks and drinks. Another fun activity Big Spring Park provides is the tinsel trail. From November 29 to December 31, walk through hundreds of trees decorated by children’s art accompanied by warm hot cocoa. The trees are decorated with traditional Christmas decorations as well as unconventional items.
- Galaxy of Lights
If you’re a Madison County resident you probably know about this local treasure. The Galaxy of Lights is a seasonal event that happens every year at the Huntsville Botanical Gardens. Enjoy thousands of animated light displays in various ways. There are walking nights, dog nights and the 3k and 5k races. You can always do the classic drive-through, which is just as fun.
- Bridgestreet Tree Lighting
Bridgestreet Town Centre is a local favorite year-round. During the holiday season, the outdoor mall is filled with Christmas spirit. Watch Santa light up the 45ft tree during the debut of the light show. Enjoy live music, choral singing and fun holiday activities.
- Neaca Christmas Craft Show
If you love Christmas and crafts, this event is perfect for you. With a wide variety of home decor, jewelry, clothing, food and pottery, the annual Christmas craft show is worth seeing if you’re looking to support local small businesses.
- Christmas Parades
Every holiday season the Huntsville-Madison area hosts their annual Christmas parades. The Huntsville Christmas Parade is December 3 and the Madison Christmas Parade is December 14. Come out and get in the Christmas spirit with your community. Watch as local marching bands, floats and animals walk the streets.
- Rocket City Trash Pandas Christmas Light Show
If the Galaxy of Lights is something you enjoy, then the music-synchronized light show at Trash Pandas Field is for you! With the “Santa’s Beach Party” theme, the nearly one-mile drive through the lights and exhibits is magical. After you’re done driving through the lights, enjoy the Winter Wonderland experience with hot beverages, character appearances and more holiday activities.
- Holiday Magic Dinners
If you’ve never been to a dinner at the historic Burritt Mansion, you’re in for a treat. Enjoy a five-course meal with holiday songs while Santa himself brings you a gift. Don’t miss out on this seasonal opportunity before reservations get full.
- Candlelight Christmas
If you’re at Burritt Mansion for a nice Christmas dinner, you should also visit their Candlelight Christmas. Do fun Christmas activities such as ornament-making and card-making while drinking warm hot cocoa. Handwrite a letter to Santa while waiting for your picture to be taken with the sounds of Christmas music in the background.
- Yule Y’all
Lowe Mill ARTS and Entertainment is a local favorite with the artists. While vendors year-round show off their work to the public, Lowe Mill during the holiday season is nothing but a serotonin boost. Shop local vendors this holiday season and support small businesses!
- The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker is a ballet performance that happens every year across the country. The Huntsville Ballet’s 55th production of The Nutcracker is coming this holiday season! From December 13-15, the VBC’s Mark C. Smith Concert Hall is hosting the fan-favorite production. The production will feature the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra and is a fun holiday activity for all ages.
