Festive December Celebrations in North Alabama

News Summary

December in North Alabama is filled with holiday cheer and events for the whole community! From government holiday closures to festive events like the Galaxy of Lights and Tinsel Trail, there’s something for everyone. Families can enjoy school breaks and local gatherings while checking out special activities at various venues. Don’t miss out on the joy this holiday season brings to North Alabama!

Get Ready for a Festive December in North Alabama!

Hey there, North Alabama! As we get into the holiday spirit this December, it’s time to mark your calendars for a month full of fun, festivities, and a little downtime too! Whether you’re prepping for family gatherings or just looking for some holiday magic, there’s something for everyone in our local communities.

Government Holiday Closures

First things first, let’s talk about business hours! If you have any plans that involve city or county government offices, keep in mind that all will be closed on December 25 for Christmas Day. This includes:

City of Huntsville
City of Madison
Madison County
City of Athens
Limestone County
City of Decatur

But, don’t worry! Decatur Utilities will be back in action on December 26 at 8 a.m. If you have payments to make, you can do so conveniently through SmartHub online, using the SmartHub app, by phone, or at self-service kiosks at the Admin Building on Central Parkway. Easy peasy!

School Holidays for Families

With the holiday cheer in the air, families should also check out school schedules. The kiddos will be enjoying their break during the holidays, and it’s good to know when they can sleep in! All major school district schedules are available online, but be aware of the state holidays they observe:

Labor Day: September 2
Veterans Day: November 11
Thanksgiving: November 25-29
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: January 20
President’s Day: February 17

This list just highlights the importance of checking the specific calendars for any other professional development days or school closures to keep your planning on track!

Festive Events to Enjoy

Now, let’s get to the fun part—holiday events! North Alabama is bursting with joyful activities this December. If you’re in Huntsville, don’t miss out on the enchanting “Galaxy of Lights” at the Huntsville Botanical Garden! There are walking nights from November 15 through December 1 (just not on Thanksgiving Day) and then again from December 4-8 and December 18-26 (Christmas Day is closed, keep that in mind!). Planning a cozy drive? The driving nights span from December 9-17 and December 27-31.

For a truly magical experience, head over to the Tinsel Trail in Downtown Huntsville’s Big Spring Park, where you find over 400 live Christmas trees, lighting up the park from November 29 through January 1, 2025. What a sight!

Looking for something a bit different? Join in on Mrs. Claus’ Snow Stroll down Gas Light Alley from December 6 to 21, where evenings sparkle with holiday cheer from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. And model train lovers should check out the Reindeer Rails display at Ditto Landing on select dates throughout December!

The Athens-Limestone Tinsel Trail offers yet another festive tree display from November 21 to December 31, 2024. It’s all about finding joy in the beautiful decorations and local cheer!

Community Spirit and Cheer

Cities across our region are hosting various meals, celebrations, and performances throughout the month, ensuring that there’s a little something for everyone. You can find holiday lights dazzle, delicious meals to savor, and lively performances to enjoy with friends and family. Be on the lookout for special events at local businesses, offering fun like live music, photo ops with Santa, and craft stations for the kids!

This December, take a moment to enjoy all the magic and joy that North Alabama has to offer. Remember to check the local calendars and stay updated on any happenings! Happy holidays, everyone!