December is easier to overfill than your child’s Christmas stocking hanging on the mantle. One more party. One more bake sale. One more gift. One more Santa photo. Every activity and commitment was made with a resounding and joyful “yes”! But, before you know it, you are tumbling to the floor, unable to enjoy any of the season. You’re too tired, too busy.
Last year, my husband and I decided we did not want to rush through the holiday season with our preschoolers. Instead, we desired to be present in each activity with plenty of margin to bake at home, read treasured books, and watch favorite movies. We wanted to make hot chocolate, wear Christmas pajamas, and marvel at the intimate glow of twinkly lights from the tree.
2024 marks our fourth Christmas here, and we’ve loved exploring various Christmas activities in Birmingham. Whether you’re looking for the perfect daytime outing with your three-year-old, free activity to do with friends, or special date night, you’ll find some great ideas below.
Favorite Family Paid Outings
Calera Christmas at the Station
I love the image of my young children wearing their favorite Christmas PJs, riding a Christmas train, drinking hot chocolate, and meeting Santa. However, they go to bed early, and an evening train would be a meltdown ride. I was thrilled to learn about the daytime Christmas at the Station event in Calera! Christmas at the Station is offered on select Saturdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Explore the train station, meet Santa, and ride the decorated train. Best of all, be home for naptime or bedtime.
Birmingham Zoo Glow Wild
Be transported to another world as the Birmingham Zoo is illuminated with larger-than-life wild animal creations in lights! The event runs November 22, 2024 – January 20, 2025 from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Acrobatic shows, the Red Diamond Train, and enormous animal lanterns make this night memorable! We usually arrive at 5:00 pm and bring our own hot chocolate. Time at the zoo after dark feels so special!
Favorite Family Free Activities
Polar Express Party
Invite friends over for a Polar Express party! Bake sugar and gingerbread cookies in advance to decorate during your gathering. Set up cookie decorating with icing and sprinkles. Order pizza. Make hot chocolate (our favorite is Williams Sonoma). Pull out blankets, dim the lights, and stream Polar Express. Be sure to wear your favorite Christmas PJs! This tradition began in 2020 for my family, before we lived in Alabama. It has been fun to share with new friends in the Magic City.
Christmas Lights
Put together your favorite holiday music playlist. Don your best Christmas sweaters. Pick up Chick-fil-a seasonal peppermint chip milkshakes. Drive slowly, windows down through favorite neighborhoods to admire twinkling lights, blow-ups, and nativities. Our favorite neighborhoods? The Preserve and Ross Bridge.
Favorite Christmas Date Nights
Christmas Movie at the Alabama Theatre
Dress in your favorite holiday outfit (sparkly or ugly sweater) and head downtown. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of window displays and lights. Arrive at the Alabama Theatre for a singalong with the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ (also called Big Bertha), a historic restored 32-rank pipe organ, and a movie. Pick one of ten classic Christmas films throughout December. Some of the shows are singalongs, some are dress-up, and some are great for kids. My husband and I saw White Christmas last year and can’t wait to go again!
Candlelight Concert at the Birmingham Museum of Art
Experience the Birmingham Museum of Art like never before. Transport yourself to another world with the soft glow of hundreds of lit candles and live instrumental versions of classic Christmas songs. Leave the concert both refreshed and excited for the season.
