Birmingham Weekend Events: Dec. 12-15

Let’s get into the Christmas spirit!

This weekend has plenty of fun activities to help fill you with cheer! You can catch a Christmas movie at The Alabama Theatre, listen to some holiday jazz music, and more! There’s even a free Star Wars Rave happenin’ at Sidewalk Cinema! You’ll be able to get some shopping done at a few pop-up markets as well. There are so many ways to spark your holiday spirit this weekend! 
#RUhappenin

Homewood Coffee Trail
Now-Dec 20th
Cost: Varies
At: Participating Coffee Shops
This holiday season, warm up with a festive twist on your coffee routine! Join the Homewood Holiday Coffee Trail and explore local coffee favorites while sipping on seasonal and regular drinks. Here's how it works: Starting Nov 29, pick up your Coffee Trail Card at any of the 8 participating coffee shops. Order a seasonal or regular menu drink at each participating shop. Get your card punched with each purchase! Once your card is complete, bring it to the Homewood Chamber of Commerce (7 Hollywood Blvd, Homewood, AL) by Dec 20 to claim a free Homewood Chamber of Commerce mug (while supplies last) and be entered into the Grand Prize Giveaway. The grand prize includes gift cards from every participating coffee shop and a one-night stay at the Valley Hotel!  Participating locations are: Frothy Monkey, Honest Coffee, Bitty & Beau’s, Caveat, O'Henry's, Farm Bowl, Valley Hotel Coffee Company, and Baba Java! 
Click here for more info.

Lights of Noel
Now-Jan 1, 5pm-12am
Cost: $25+
At: Bham Race Course (map)
Give your family a magical night at Lights of Noel! Join Alabama's Largest Drive Through Holiday Light Show from 5 PM to Midnight. Enjoy spectacular drive-through holiday lights synchronized to Christmas music for all ages! Admission is per car load and varies by day and vehicle type.  You can stay inside the warm car and enjoy this dazzling display without having to brave the cold! 
Click here for more info.

Glow Wild
Now-Jan 16th
Cost: $12-$22
At: Bham Zoo (map)
Get carried away and experience Glow Wild, Birmingham's top holiday attraction! Watch the Zoo come alive with larger-than-life wild animal creations lighting up the night! This extraordinary event will be held on select nights from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. during the months of November, December, and January, sponsored by UAB Callahan Eye. You’ll be able to enjoy larger-than-life animal lanterns around every corner, acrobatic shows nightly at 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., new Virtual Reality movie experiences, the Red Diamond Express train, and a wide selection of food + drink options! (Be sure to try the adult hot chocolate!)
Click here for more info.

Holiday Spectacular
Dec. 11-15, 7:30pm (2pm matinee Sat & Sun)
Cost: $40
At: Red Mountain Theatre (map)
Usher in the holiday season with music, merriment, and togetherness! With showstopping dance numbers and beautiful solo moments alike, all the different facets of this time of year get their moment in the spotlight. This cast of over 75 performers – Birmingham's best professional talent and our young Performing Ensembles –
bring the jingle and the joy. It's an extravaganza perfect for the whole family that has become an annual tradition for so many! Click here for more info.

Firehouse End of Year Bash
Thurs, Dec. 12, 7pm
Cost: $20+
At: Saturn (map)
The Firehouse End of Year Bash is back Thursday, December 12, at Saturn in Avondale! Join in for a night of music, community, and celebration! The End of Year Bash brings together the best of The Firehouse: inspiring student performances and an unforgettable headlining set from Alabama's own, The Secret Sisters! The evening will feature live performances from KRU led by Shaheed and DJ Supreme, and will be followed by a showcase from Firehouse students. As always, the event will feature a silent auction filled with amazing items and services generously donated by your favorite Birmingham businesses! All proceeds support the Firehouse’s mission to create a more diverse and inclusive music community. 
Click here for more info. 

Soundtrack Karaoke: Jingle Bell Rocks
Thurs, Dec. 12, 8-10pm
Cost: FREE
At: Sidewalk Cinema (map)
Hosted by J Matthew Cobb. It’s the most wonderful time of the year and Soundtrack Karaoke is turning up the volume with Jingle Bell Rocks! It’s a rockin’ karaoke party full of sleigh rides from over 200 holiday favorites, including tunes from beloved holiday film soundtracks like Home Alone, Elf, White Christmas, and more. Holiday party essentials while supplies last. *This is a free event. Reservations are strongly recommended but not required. SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.*
Click here for more info.

Comedy Night 
Thurs, Dec. 12, 8-10pm
Cost: FREE
At: TrimTab (map)
This is a curated show of comics in the first half and an open mic in the later half of the night. It is held in the secret room in the back of the building. You have to walk around back and look for the yellow door. Admission is free and it stays pretty busy. Be there by 7:45p to get a good seat.
Click here for more info.

Holiday Burlesque Show (21+)
Thurs, Dec. 12, 8-11pm
Cost: $15 adv/$20 at door
At: Woodlawn Theatre (map)
A holiday show experience! You’ll be greeted by some Christmas icons when you enter. You’ll also be able to enjoy some themed drinks while you watch this extremely exciting and unique show! A very limited number of VIP seats are also available so you can be right up front for all of the fun! The Top Shelf Burlesque crew always has something fun in store! 
Click here for more info.

Mistletoe on Main
Fri, Dec. 13, 4-9pm
Cost: FREE
At: Downtown Leeds (map)
Gather around downtown Leeds, Alabama, for the third annual Mistletoe on Main event! Enjoy games, food trucks, horse and carriage rides, bounce houses, a trackless holiday train ride, photo ops, downtown businesses’ holiday sales, and more all leading up to the Leeds Area Chamber’s annual Christmas Parade. Activities kick off at 4:00 p.m. and the parade begins at 7:00 p.m. Don't forget to shop local and get in on awesome sales at various stores while you're downtown!
Click here for more info.

Space Rave
Fri, Dec. 13, 6-10pm
Cost: FREE
At: Sidewalk Cinema (map)
Calling all Star Wars™ fans! You’re invited to Space Rave, an intergalactic kickoff celebration at the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema! For one night only, this FREE all-ages party will become a cosmic oasis for franchise fans near and far. Featuring cantina karaoke (hosted by J Matt), exclusive lobby programming, EDM-powered music, games, specialty cocktails + mocktails, costume contest w/ giveaways and more. Yes, costumes and ‘Star Wars’ apparel are encouraged.  This is one Star Wars holiday special you won’t want to miss! 
Click here for more info.

Creole Christmas w/Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Fri, Dec. 13, 7pm
Cost: $40+
At: Alys Stephens Center (map)
From its inception, Preservation Hall’s nightly jazz concerts garnered significant media attention, starting locally and expanding to national acclaim in outlets like The New York Times and the Brinkley News Hour within a year. Recognizing the need to amplify the hall’s impact beyond New Orleans, Allan Jaffe organized the Preservation Hall Jazz Band in 1963, initiating a successful tour across the Midwest that ignited global interest in the revitalization of New Orleans’ musical heritage. Come watch as they play some Christmas favorites that will make you feel like you’re celebrating the holidays in NOLA! 
Click here for more info.

Mason Music Winter Recital 
Sat, Dec. 14, 10am
Cost: FREE
At: Woodlawn Theatre (map)
Head to Woodlawn Theatre to enjoy the music of the students of Mason Music! They’ll be showcasing what they’ve learned this year by playing some Christmas hits. This will be a fun, festive, community event! 
Click here for more info.

El Gordo Day 2024
Sat, Dec. 14, 10am-10pm
Cost: Free to attend
At: Good People Brewing Co. (map)
The legend returns!  It’s El Gordo Day 2024 featuring: The OG, Barrel Aged, Barrel Aged (Domestique) Coffee, Apple Pie (Aged in Apple Brandy barrels with cinnamon and vanilla) , and Chocolate Mint (Brewed with chocolate and mint)! There are limited numbers of each, so arrive early to ensure a successful haul! They’ll also feature limited supplies of vintage bottles, too! This is such a fun event for all you Bham Beer lovers! 
Click here for more info.

Gifts for Good Holiday Market
Sat, Dec. 14, 10am-3pm
Cost: FREE
At: Protective Stadium (map)
Celebrate the season and give back to local nonprofits at the inaugural Gifts for Good Holiday Market, presented by Protective. Come shop for handmade pottery and jewelry, baked goods, home décor and more from local nonprofits. And enjoy festive activities, live performances and holiday treats. Vendors will include WeMade, Vulcan Park & Museum, Bham Museum of Art, Hand in Paw, and many more local non-profits! 
Click here for more info. 

Pop-Up Market at Theatre Downtown
Sat, Dec. 14, 11am-4pm
Cost: FREE
At: Theatre Downtown (map)
RIGHT IN TIME FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPING! Come to this fabulous POP-UP featuring local artists, makers, bakers & creators! SATURDAY from 11-4! Featuring items from: Paul Cordes Wilm, Chris Davis, Hunter Bell, MatchCake, Delaine Derry Green Art, New Vintage Upcycled, Caricatures by Kevin Van Hyning, Doodle ARTventures + Ragamuffins & Remnants, Sara James, Walter Moore Ape, Patrick Mayton, Heavy Metal Titan, Brandon Goodwin, Day Knight, Kim Cornett, Ashes’ Art Shoppe, Gloria Aitken Art, Donna Drake, and more!
Click here for more info.

Saturn Holiday Market
Sat, Dec. 14, 12-4pm
Cost: FREE
At: Saturn Bham (map)
The Saturn Holiday Market returns this Saturday! ! From 12pm to 4pm. The venue will be packed with special goodies for everyone! From hand crafted goods, to amazing vintage clothing and memorabilia, come grab a gift for the special people in your life (or even better, yourself)! This is going to be a lot of fun! 
Click here for more info.

Trussville Christmas Parade
Sat, Dec. 14, 2pm
Cost: FREE
At: Downtown Trussville (map)
Join in for the 2024 Christmas Parade as it passes through historic Trussville. This is a free event for the citizens of Trussville to enjoy. The parade will begin on Parkway Drive and will end after it passes by the Christmas tree at the Mall. This year's parade theme is "The Spirit of Christmas." Entries are encouraged but not required to take part in the theme for the float competition. Prizes will be awarded to: Best Interpretation of Theme, Most Original, Most Innovative, Best Overall and Best Walking Group. Several honorable mentions will also be named.
Click here for more info.

Forest Park Holiday Bazaar 
Sat, Dec. 14, 2:30-5:30pm
Cost: FREE
At: Forest Park (map)
Head to beautiful Forest Park this Saturday to enjoy live holiday music and pop up carolers! There will be complimentary treats as well as some shopping specials at your favorite stores which are all decked out for the holidays!  The event is hosted by the shops of Forest Park Village.
Click here for more info.

MCK: The Wild Hunt
Sat, Dec. 14, 4-8pm
Cost: FREE
At: Cahaba Brewing (map)
Come see a menagerie of mystical winter creatures descend on the Magic City including Krampus, St. Nicholas, Julbocken, and la Befana the Italian Christmas Witch, and others! The Yuletide Tumblers play live wassailing tunes featuring hurdy gurdy, tagelharpa, concertina, fiddle, and drums. Enjoy Solstice stories by Matt Layne and Erika Wade, and amazing dance performances by the Mad Hatter Dance Co., Dala Dance Co., Wyrd Arts Group, Khaleela, fire performers and more! Enjoy craft beer by Cahaba Brewing Co. and delicious food from The Current while attending.
Click here for more info.

Holiday Jazz w/Swing Theory Trio
Sun, Dec. 15, 1-4pm
Cost: FREE
At: Ferus Ales T’ville (map)
Celebrate the holiday season with a festive day of jazz! Join in for a concert featuring Swing Theory and a special appearance from Trussville's own community choir. Entertaining audiences for over a decade, Swing Theory Trio brings their special instrumental blend of traditional jazz, smooth jazz, and soft rock from a spectrum of artists ranging from Dave Brubeck, Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea to Grover Washington Jr, George Benson, and Steely Dan. They’ll be playing jazzy holiday tunes for you to enjoy! 
Click here for more info.  

4th Annual Kids Christmas Cookie Bake-Off
Sun, Dec. 15, 2pm
Cost: FREE
At: Hoover Library (map)
ON YOUR MARK… GET SET… BAKE!
The Itty Bitty Bakers Kids Christmas Cookie Bake Off is coming up on December 15th and all kids near and far are invited to compete! Bake your best cookies at home and present them to the judges for a chance to win the wooden spoon trophy!
Click here for more info.  

Ecstatic Dance Bham at Clubhouse on Highland
Sun, Dec. 15, 2-5pm
Cost: $20
At: Clubhouse on Highland (map)
The holidays are joyous and wonderful, BUT they can also be one of the most stressful times of the year. Take a day to relax and unwind with Ecstatic Dance Bham at Clubhouse on Highland. Start with a Meditation Circle at 2:30pm, followed by some intuitive movement and dancing. Then enjoy a relaxing Sound Bath before going caroling around Highland Park! This will be a fun day of self-care and relaxation. 
Click here for more info.  

Miracle on 34th Street & It’s a Wonderful Life
Sun, Dec. 15, 2pm/7pm
Cost: $15
At: Alabama Theatre (map)
While a lot of the Christmas Films at The Alabama Theatre are sold out, there are still tickets left for the Sunday showings of Miracle on 34th St. (2pm) and It’s a Wonderful Life (7pm)!  Tickets for all movies are $15 each including sales tax and processing fees ($1 order fee will be added to the entire ticket order at checkout). Children ages two and younger are free of charge. Seating is general admission, first come, first served. Doors open 1 hour before showtime so you’ll have time to get some photos in the beautiful lobby. Each screening will begin with a sing-along accompanied by the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ!
Click here for more info.  

Winter Wonderland
Sun, Dec. 15, 2-8pm
Cost: FREE
At: Monday Night Brewing (map)
Join in this Sunday starting at 2PM for a magical day of holiday fun for all ages. Sip on seasonal beers & festive cocktails, indulge in a hot cocoa bar, and enjoy classic holiday movies. Don’t miss the Tipsy Gift Wrapping Station to make your presents merry & bright! Plus, Beers & Carols will be bringing the Christmas spirit starting at 4pm! 
Click here for more info.