If you are one of the many who feel that the holiday season is “ the most wonderful time of the year,” you have lots to look forward to! Holiday happenings are occurring all over the Tuscaloosa/Northport area, and we are highlighting some of these festivities for you. Take note, mark your calendars, and plan to enjoy the many holiday happenings in our area.
Start your holiday celebration by attending the Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre’s production of Elf, the musical, JR. Running December 1 – 3 at the Bama Theatre, this show promises to entertain with holiday songs and stories of Buddy the elf. Tickets are available online or at the door.
Tinsel Trail is a popular Tuscaloosa tradition. Located at Government Plaza in the heart of downtown Tuscaloosa, the Tinsel Trail is a display of over 200 festive trees, each sponsored and decorated by a local business, organization, or individual.The five-acre plaza includes an ice skating rink, which opened the day after Thanksgiving and remains open through January 15. Pet Night is a special event on the Tinsel Trail scheduled for Sunday, December 3 from 3:00 to 5:00. Join us at the Carrie Fitts Real Estate tree on the plaza with your pet(s) and have a festive holiday photo made and enjoy some refreshments. Come out on Friday, December 15 for Family Night at the Plaza from 4:00 to 6:00 for crafts and activities, refreshments, and Santa.
PARA’s West Alabama Christmas Parade returns for its 47th year on Monday December 4 at 6:30 pm. This year’s theme is “A Hometown Christmas,” and the parade will feature former University of Alabama Athletic Director Cecil W. “Hootie” Ingram and former Crimson Tide football standout Kareem McNeal as grand marshals. The Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place at the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse at 5:15 pm
Enjoy a wonderful display of local talent by attending a performance of The Nutcracker at the Bama Theatre. Shows run from December 7 -10 and will feature the Tuscaloosa Community Dancers. This is the 52nd year of this popular holiday event. With 125 cast members involved in putting on the show, this promises to be an outstanding event. Tickets are available online.
Step back in time and enjoy a Victorian Christmas at the annual Dickens Downtown, scheduled for Tuesday, December 5 from 5:00 to 8:00 in downtown Northport. This is a family friendly event that features caroling performances, an appearance by Father Christmas, snow machines, a tree lighting, the 5th Alabama Regimental Band, a town crier and live artist demonstrations.
Enjoy a parade of lighted boats at Christmas Afloat on Friday, December 9. The parade will begin after dark with a route between the Woolsey Finnell and Lurleen B. Wallace bridges at the Black Warrior River, and back again. A fireworks show is scheduled at the conclusion. There are several popular viewing spots such as the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk, the Farmers Market, and the Northport Levee.
There are several opportunities to attend holiday concerts in our area. The Annual Christmas Candlelight Concert of the Stillman College Choir occurs on Sunday, December 3 at Birthright Auditorium on the Stillman campus. Admission is free, so enjoy the holiday music of this talented group of musicians. On Saturday, December 17, you can catch Tis The Season by the Crimson Pride Chorus at the Moody Music Building on the U of A campus. Tickets are $10 and the concert begins at 2:30 pm. Treat yourself and a friend to a special Candlelight Concert on Wednesday, December 20 from 6:30 to 8:45 at the Tuscaloosa River Market. Featuring music from the Nutcracker and more, this concert will be performed by the Listeso String Quartet. It is billed as an event that will “bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience” to its audience.
Holiday happenings are plentiful this season, so make plans now to enjoy all that our area offers.