These Holiday Happenin’s Will Have You Feeling Merry & Bright! 

This weekend’s events are perfect for amping up your holiday cheer! From maker’s markets, to winter wonderland experiences, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy some festive fun! We attended the Red Mountain Theatre “Holiday Spectacular" and can’t recommend it enough! There’s also a Showtune Singalong Karaoke night at Lee’s Coffee for all of you who are theatre kids at heart.  And don’t forget Krampuslauf! This unique celebration highlights the traditions of Yule, which is where so many of our current traditions originated from. It will include fire dancers, traditional music, and Krampus himself to make sure the kids stay off the naughty list. Check out all of these great activities and more below! 
#RUhappenin 

Events at Sidewalk Cinema
Ongoing
Cost: Free-$11
At: Sidewalk Cinema (map)
If you weren’t aware, Sidewalk Film Festival & Cinema, a 501c3, had a $25k pre-approved federal grant clawed back because of their dedication to inclusivity in their programing.  The best thing you can do to help is to check out what’s going on at Sidewalk Cinema this weekend and buy tickets to their events and concessions once you arrive! They host all kinds of events like karaoke, FREE Bad Movie Nights, Knitflix & Chill, Pajama Brunches, and fantastic films! Most of these events are either FREE or under $11 to attend. This week features a Holiday Themed Soundtrack Karaoke! The lobby is decked out for Christmas, so be sure to check it out! Click the link and support our friends at Sidewalk!
Click here for more info. 

Holiday Spectacular! 
Now-Dec 21
Cost: $40+
At: Red Mountain Theatre (map)
Don’t miss this incredible show! Get into the Christmas/Hanukkah spirit with song, dance, fun special effects, and more at Red Mountain Theatre! A group of extremely talented kids, and a handful of adults, bring the holidays to life with musical numbers ranging from thoughtful to upbeat. There’s even an original song about SEC Football! This show has become a yearly tradition for us and we always look forward to experiencing a little holiday magic during this Broadway level event! 
Click here for more info. 

Glow Wild 2025
Nov. 22-Jan 4, 5pm-9pm
Cost: $12-$22
At: Bham Zoo (map)
We attended the media night for Glow Wild and were blown away by the larger than life lanterns! This year, 80% of all of the displays are NEW for 2025! Get ready to see some cool light up animatronic animals. You see tigers, zebras, marine life, and even a few dinosaurs! They also have some Christmas themed lanterns and a very impressive Vulcan lantern! Be sure to get some cocoa and holiday treats and don’t forget to ride the train for a unique view of the light displays. This event is great for a family outing and makes for some incredible photos! 
Click here for more info.

Lights of Noel
Now-Jan 4th, 5pm-12am
Cost: $25+ per car
At: Bham Race Course (map)
Lights of Noel is the largest drive-thru holiday light show in the State of Alabama! Don’t worry about fighting the cold. You can enjoy this dazzling display from the comfort of your warm vehicle! (This is also great for kids in car seats. No strollers needed!) Drive through a bright display of animatronics and twinkling lights! Tickets start at just $25 per car load Monday-Thursdays and $35 on weekends.  Don’t miss out! 
Click here for more info.

Miracle on 24th Street
Now-Christmas, 3pm-12am
Cost: Free to attend
At: Hold Your Horses (map)
It’s back! Hold Your Horses is hosting Miracle on 24th Street, an immersive holiday experience! Come enjoy a holiday themed cocktail (or mocktail) while surrounded by inflatable decorations, presents hanging from the ceiling, and enough lights to make Clark Griswold jealous! This experience will be running throughout the holiday season, but gets more and more crowded the closer we get to Christmas. Head there this weekend and get some fun pics and a BIG dose of holiday cheer! 
Click here for more info.

Art After 5: Miriah Cary Holiday (18+)
Thursday, 5pm-8pm
Cost: FREE
At: Bham Museum of Art (map)
This December BMA is serving “holiday glam” with a night of sparkle, music, and over-the-top fun inspired by the queen of the holidays, Mariah Carey. Sip festive cocktails, dance to iconic hits, and shine in the spotlight in a look-alike costume contest for a chance to win a diva-worthy prize. Guests can also enjoy late-night access to the art exhibitions, themed art activities, and a glittering backdrop perfect for hitting a high note and striking a pose.
Click here for more info.

All is Bright! 
Thursday, 6pm-8pm
(rescheduled from last week)
Cost: FREE
At: Vestavia City Center (map)
Join in for the annual holiday celebration, All Is Bright, on Thursday, December 4th from 6–8 PM on the green space near Taco Mama at Vestavia City Center! Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, popcorn, and Cokes as we watch the holiday favorite Elf! Santa will also be making a special appearance during the event! This FREE event is open to everyone, just be sure to arrive early to grab a good seat. Bring a blanket or chair, and get ready for a fun night! 
Click here for more info.

Showtunes Singalong
Thursday, 7pm
Cost: FREE
At: Lee’s Coffee/Workplay (map)
Get ready for a night of Showtunes Karaoke at Lee’s Coffee! That’s right! One of the best karaoke spots has partnered up with BekahfromBham to bring you a Showtunes Themed night! Sing your favorite Broadway hits solo or with friends. You can sing your favorite songs from Wicked, Hamilton, Rent, and so many more incredible shows! 
Click here for more info. 

Irondale Arts & Fine Crafts Show
Friday-Saturday, 9am-4pm
Cost: FREE
At: 7954 Crestwood Blvd. (map)
The Irondale Arts Council invites you to shop local vendors as you check off your holiday gift list! Shop hand crafted, one of a kind pieces made by local artists! It’s always important to support your local artists and businesses, especially during the holiday season! 
Click here for more info.

Encore Strings: Sounds of Christmas
Friday, 11am
Cost: FREE
At: Homewood Library (map)
The Homewood Public Library invites you to take a lunch break this Friday and enjoy some holiday music by Encore Strings! This is a free show that is sure to lift your spirits and get your weekend off to a festive start.  We absolutely love Christmas music, especially from a string quartet! 
Click here for more info. 

Word Up!
Friday, 5pm-9pm
Cost: FREE
At: Bham Library  (map)
The Flourish Alabama is excited to announce the 2025 Word Up! This Poetry Festival will be taking place December 12, 2025 at Birmingham Public Library - Central Location from 5p-9p! High school poets from across Birmingham will take part and compete for $5,000 in cash prizes! Experience an evening of creativity, emotion, and community as voices from across the city come together to inspire. Don’t miss your chance to witness the next generation of storytellers.
This is a free and open to the public event! 
Click here for more info. 

Friday Flurries with the Grinch
Friday, 5pm-7pm
Cost: FREE
At: The Summit (map)
Embrace the magic of the season at Friday Flurries with the Grinch!
❄️ Enjoy faux snow flurries!
💚 Hang out with the Grinch and Cindy Lou!
📸 Snap a picture with the Let It Snow marquee lights!
☕ Warm up with delicious hot cocoa!
This event is free to the public! Located in Saks Plaza.
Click here for more info.

Black Jacket Symphony: Dark Side of the Moon
Friday-Saturday
Update: SOLD OUT 
At: McWane IMAX (map)
The Black Jacket Symphony performs Pink Floyd's 'The Dark Side of the Moon' live at the McWane Science Center IMAX Dome. Don't miss this incredible album coming to life with a note-for-note performance in the IMAX Dome Theater. Immerse yourself in the live sound as stunning cinematic visuals sweep across the curved, five story IMAX Dome screen!
Click here for more info.

Can’t Feel My Face Dance Party (18+)
Friday, 10pm
Cost: $30
At: Saturn (map)
Can’t Feel My Face features fire DJs and 2010s visuals that will transport you back to the decade defined by memes and selfies… a time only 4 to 14 years gone but feels like 40 years ago. At Can't Feel My Face you can expect to dance all night to the biggest bangers from artists like The Weeknd, Beyoncé, Kesha, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Katy Perry, Cardi B, Harry Styles, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna, Avicii, Nicki Minaj, Calvin Harris, and more. Wear your best 2010s ‘fit! Dig through your closet and find those skinny jeans, athleisure sets, chunky necklaces, and deeeep V-necks.
Click here for more info.

Winter Wonderland Holiday Market
Saturday, 11am-4pm
Cost: FREE
At: 2400 1st Ave N.  (map)
Celebrate the season with us at this Holiday Vendor Market, hosted inside the brand-new All Things Parties Venue! Stroll through a festive marketplace filled with unique local vendors, handmade gifts, boutique items, treats, and holiday décor perfect for last-minute shopping. Kids can enjoy craft stations, seasonal games, and fun activities, while families can capture the magic with photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus for just $10. Warm food, sweet holiday snacks, and a cheerful community atmosphere make this an event for all ages. Come experience the venue, support small businesses, and kick off the holidays with joy! 
Click here for more info.

Winter Wonderland
Saturday, 12pm-6pm
Cost: FREE
At: Monday Night Brewing (map)
Free, Family-Friendly, Festive Fun for All Ages!
Step into a cozy Winter Wonderland at the Monday Night Brewing taproom! Enjoy a full day of holiday magic that’s perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking to get into the spirit of the season. Santa will be onsite for photos, smiles, and holiday cheer, you can decorate ornaments, sip on cider or cocoa, adults can enjoy seasonal cocktails & brews, all while your favorite holiday films are playing! Bring the whole crew, wear your coziest sweaters, and settle in for an afternoon filled with holiday joy! 
Click here for more info.

Saturn Holiday Market
Saturday, 12pm-4pm
Cost: FREE
At: Saturn (map)
The Saturn Holiday Market returns this Saturday! One of our venues will be packed with local vendors who’ll have something 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)!  Also, don’t forget that Saturn has a limited number of 2026 Annual Passes that will get you and a guest into EVERY show and every event, even if they’re sold out! You can purchase them in the Satellite Bar during normal business hours. We’ve already got ours for 2026! 
Click here for more info.

Magic City Krampuslauf
Saturday, 4pm
Cost: FREE
At: TrimTab (map)
A uniqe Yuletide festival with a parade of characters, live rustic holiday folk music, and a showcase of dancers, fire & LED performers, aerialist, spoken word, and introducing the MCK MarktPlatz vendor market!
4-8 PM: MarktPlatz opens, light entertainment
4:45-5 PM: Parade
5-8 PM: Performances
Come see Krampus, Yule Cat, Julbocken, Tomte & Nisse, Frau Perchta, La Befana, Wilderman, Yule Lads, Gryla and many others! Special craft beers and delicious food truck options will be available for purchase. 
Click here for more info.

 

Jazz Brunch
Sunday, 11am-3pm
Cost: Free to attend
At: Cahaba Brewing Co. (map)
Don’t miss a Holiday Jazz Brunch at Cahaba! Enjoy brunch options by The Current from 11am–3pm as well as Live Jazz from 12–2pm. Ease into the holidays with great food, good music, and a pint (or two). It’s the perfect way to kick off your Sunday Funday and get into the holiday spirit at Cahaba!
Click here for more info.

Holiday Market at BDBC
Sunday, 12pm-4pm
Cost: FREE
At: Bham District Brewing (map)
Kick off the season with cheer at Birmingham District Brewing Company’s Holiday Market! Join in for a cozy day of shopping, sipping, and celebrating with local vendors offering a festive mix of holiday décor, handmade jewelry, original art, delicious treats, unique gifts, and more. Grab a pint of your favorite brew, browse one-of-a-kind finds from Birmingham’s best makers, and enjoy the warm, community spirit that makes the holidays so special. Whether you’re checking off your gift list or just getting into the festive mood, this market has something for everyone!
Click here for more info.

Very Grinchmas Dance Party
Sunday, 12pm-4pm
Cost: FREE
At: T.E.D. (map)
Head to the Trussville Entertainment District for some Grinchy fun! Get ready to get down as Ferus Ales is hosting a FREE, ALL-AGES holiday event guaranteed to be merry, bright, and full of fun! Join in for a daytime dance party as DJKJ plays all your favorite tunes, mixing tracks that will get everyone on their feet. Dance Party: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Don't run off when the music stops! Stick around right after the party to get your photo taken with the mean one himself, The Grinch! You can take your Grinch photos following the dance party. Photos are first-come, first-served! Come dance, be merry, and maybe bring a little holiday spirit for the Grinch!
Click here for more info.

11th Annual Grand Menorah Lighting
Sunday, 4pm
Cost: FREE
At: The Summit (map)
The trees have been lit, so now it’s time to light the Grand Menorah at the Summit! Head over to Saks Plaza for the 11th annual Grand Menorah Lighting! James Spann will be joining in to light the Shamash- the leading candle! They’ll have music, hot latkes and donuts, snow, glitter tattoos, balloons, drum circle, Draidel Mascot, and so much more Chanukah fun for the whole family!
4:15 PM : Chanukah Festivities
5:00 PM : Menorah Lighting with James Spann
The Grand Menorah Lighting is a collaborative project of the LJCC, Chabad of Alabama, the Birmingham Jewish Foundation – Karl and Gladys LJCC Fund, and the Birmingham Jewish Federation.
Click here for more info.