5 Reasons To Visit Downtown Birmingham For The Holidays

Get ready for the holidays in downtown Birmingham. Check items off your gift list, get ready for holiday events and have fun with the family.

Downtown Birmingham transforms into a holiday wonderland for Christmastime and you don’t want to miss the festivities. From FREE horse-drawn carriage rides to Santa visits there are things to do all season long and special events you don’t want to miss.

Santa Walk // November 30

Welcome Santa to town and introduce him to Birmingham with a walk through downtown. Stop at shops along the way, before concluding at Santa’s quaint home in Shain Park. Pre-registration is requested.

Santa House // November 30 – December 24

Bring your wish list to Santa’s House at Shain Park. The ‘Big Guy’ is ready to visit with good little girls and boys – he’s even bringing his reindeer. Reservations are needed for most dates so sign up for your preferred time before space runs out. You can visit him without an appointment during the Winter Markt, December 6th – 8th, and select other dates (Dec. 1st, 15th and 22nd).

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides // November 30 – December 24

Hop aboard a complimentary horse-drawn carriage for an illuminated tour of the holiday lights and beautifully decorated downtown. The carriage rides begin in Shain Park. Carriage rides are first come, first served – no reservations needed!

Tree Lighting Ceremony // December 6

The holiday festivities ramp up with the annual tree lighting ceremony on Friday, December 6th at 6pm. The special event features Santa, live caroling and the lighting of the holiday tree adorned with over 40,000 LED lights!

Winter Market // December 6 – 8

Experience the magic of the holidays at the annual Birmingham Winter Markt, featuring displays from local artists and vendors, European cuisine, thousands of holiday lights, ice sculptures, live entertainment, complimentary hot chocolate, carriage rides + more.

Friday, December 6, 4 – 9 p.m.
Tree Lighting Ceremony: 6 p.m.
Saturday, December 7, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Ana and Elsa Appearances: 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides: 2 – 8 p.m.
Sunday, December 8, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Grinch & Cindy Lou Who // December 14

Fairytale Entertainment’s Grinchy and Cindy Lou Who will be visiting downtown Birmingham from 11am to 1pm. Look for them strolling through downtown, at various shops, and in Shain Park!