Holiday magic is around every corner in Alabama. Every year, towns across the state come alive with festive lights, seasonal treats, music, markets, and even snow. With just a few weeks until the big day, make one of these Alabama towns your holiday destination this year.

Nestled in south Alabama, Andalusia charms visitors with its picturesque town square and a festive spirit that practically makes it snow. Andalusia’s Christmas in Candyland which runs through December 30, brings the magic to life.

This celebration spans two locations: the town square and Springdale Mall. Highlights include Alabama's largest snow tubing hill, a winter skating rink, train rides on The Springdale Express, themed Candyland Cottages for imaginative play, hot cocoa with festive characters, Santa visits in the Candyland Sleigh, and the Arctic Trek – Polar Bear Maze. 

Birmingham dazzles with festive lights and unique holiday experiences for all ages.

The Drive-Thru Lights of Noel at the Birmingham Race Course lets families enjoy over a million synchronized lights from the comfort of their cars, creating a magical, immersive experience open nightly through January 4. 

For a more interactive adventure, Glow Wild at the Birmingham Zoo transforms the zoo into a sparkling winter wonderland. Through January 4, visitors can wander through illuminated animal displays, twinkling pathways, and festive installations, making it a perfect outing for families or date nights.

Located off I-65 between Huntsville and Birmingham, Cullman celebrates its German heritage with flair during Advent. Christkindlmarkt , open Thursdays through Sundays until December 23, is a charming Christmas village featuring a holiday market with local vendors, festive characters, ice skating, Santa’s village, music, train rides, authentic German cuisine, and a giant wooden Christmas tower. 

The east Alabama city of Gadsden hosts its annual Christmas at the Falls, where millions of lights illuminate the paths surrounding Noccalula Falls. The celebration runs through January 3, and visitors can walk the displays or enjoy a train ride. Santa makes appearances through December 23.

Downtown, Christmas on the Coosa adds a modern twist with a 3,000-square-foot ice skating rink. For those new to ice skating, helpers are on hand to assist. The event also features local food vendors, a Mistletoe Market, a Polar Bear Club photo spot, and a Christmas Cocktail Bar.

Rocket City’s high-tech spirit extends to its holiday celebrations, including not one but two impressive light shows. At the Huntsville Botanical Gardens, the Galaxy of Lights runs through December 31. Visitors can walk or drive through magical, immersive displays with laser lights, artificial snow, and synchronized shows. 

At Toyota Field, home of the Trash Pandas, the Rocket City Christmas Light Show runs nightly through December 31 from 5:00–9:00 p.m. The walk-through display features nearly a million lights synchronized to music across a mile-and-a-half maze, with this year’s theme: “Santa's Favorite Tales.”

For ice skating enthusiasts, Skating in the Park behind the Huntsville Art Museum is open through January 4, with scooters and skates available for family fun. Tickets can be purchased at the rink, along with food and drinks.

Alabama’s port city holiday calendar is filled with concerts, ballets, carriage rides and festivals. Surrounding communities also offer spectacular light displays.

Magic Christmas in Lights at Historic Bellingrath Garden in Theodore runs through January 6, featuring 65 acres of dazzling holiday lights. Guests can tour the Bellingrath home and enjoy snacks and hot chocolate at Live Oak Plaza. Tickets are required.

The Dauphin Way Baptist Church in Mobile is the new setting for Christmas Nights in Lights from 5:50 - 10:00 p.m. daily (except Wednesdays) through January 1st. With over a million synchronized lights visible from your car and holiday music on your radio, it’s a truly immersive experience.

In Central Alabama, Christmas in Prattville could easily be mistaken for the set of a Hallmark movie as the town embraces the season with charm, elegance, and small-town cheer.

Visitors can enjoy carriage rides through the historic district, live holiday concerts, outdoor ice skating, and carousel rides. Festive lights and interactive displays bring magic to every corner of town. Local businesses participate in the annual Christmas Tree Walk, which showcases creatively decorated trees, and shoppers can explore holiday markets featuring local artisans, seasonal treats, and mulled cider. Storytime with Santa, carolers, and nightly light shows add even more magic. 

Set your GPS for one of these Alabama towns and discover holiday cheer along the way.