🎅 11th Annual Christmas Parade

Huntsville's Christmas Parade is back for another year, a magical train ride with Santa, and a chance to support local businesses!

Author

Andrew Smith
November 28, 2025

Happy Friday!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and stuffed their bellies full! I am so thankful for each and every one of you and truly appreciate you letting me pop into your inbox every week.

If you’re planning to go out shopping today, here are some local businesses that are offering discounts.

Now buckle up, because Christmas season is in full swing.

Let’s get to it!

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

🎅 Huntsville’s 11th Annual Christmas Parade Returns Next Week

Huntsville’s holiday spirit is about to take over Downtown as the beloved Christmas Parade returns Tuesday.

This year marks the parade’s eleventh season of bringing festive joy to the community. Earlier this year, the community voted for the theme of “A Very Merry Christmas!” You can expect plenty of creativity as participants bring that message to life in dazzling and imaginative ways.

This year’s parade is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet, with more than 80 floats, marching bands, and even a few furry friends making their way through the streets of Downtown Huntsville.

Everything is set to kick off at 6 PM near the Clinton Avenue Post Office. All the floats will then travel east through downtown, wrapping up near The Lumberyard. Whether you watch from the start line or grab a spot along the route, you’re in for a great show.

Before the main event, you can also take part in the Pre-Parade Party. This family-friendly zone features free food, holiday crafts, and photos with Santa, but access is limited.

To snag a ticket, all you need to do is donate an item to Rocket City Rescue, this year’s nonprofit beneficiary. More info and details about this year’s parade can be found here.

TOGETHER WITH BROADWAY THEATRE LEAGUE

🎭️ December Shows at Broadway Theatre League

Looking for the perfect night out this December? Broadway Theatre League has two standout shows you won’t want to miss.

First up, Mark Twain Tonight on December 5–6, where Emmy-winner Richard Thomas channels America’s legendary humorist in a one-man performance filled with sharp wit, timeless stories, and that classic Twain bite. It’s a rare chance to see the only actor authorized to perform Hal Holbrook’s iconic piece.

Then December 16–21 brings Shucked, the Tony-winning musical comedy that critics call “flat-out hilarious.” With a clever script, a catchy country-pop score, and nonstop laughs, it’s musical theatre at its most fun.

Go ahead and grab your tickets today before they’re gone!

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🧩 Puzzle Update

For those wondering, I’ve got a quick update on the puzzle. Some good and bad news... The good news is that I was notified that it has shipped. Look at this beauty.

The bad news is that it’s not supposed to arrive until late December. So barring some type of miracle I don’t think it’ll make it in time for Christmas. But it’ll be a great New Year’s gift!

That’s a thing, right?

Jokes aside, I am really happy with how the sample I recieved a few weeks ago turned out. I think you’re really gonna love it.

Are you excited about the puzzle?

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🚀 Taking Flight

🛍️ Support Small Businesses This Saturday

You’ve definitely heard about Black Friday, but have you heard of Small Business Saturday? It’s a great way to scratch the shopping itch while supporting our local businesses!

Lowe Mill is hosting a special Small Business Saturday event this Saturday from 11 AM to 7 PM. It will be the perfect place to knock out some of your holiday shopping, all while supporting local artists and makers.

Explore a vibrant maze of handmade goods, meet the locals who created them, and watch live demonstrations that give you a front-row seat to their creative process!

đźš‚ All Aboard the Santa Train

Huntsville’s very own Polar Express is choo chooing once again at the North Alabama Railroad Museum.

On December 6 and 13, you and your family can hop aboard for a cozy 30-minute ride on the Santa Train. The big man himself will even be waiting on the platform, ready to hear your little one’s holiday wishes.

Each child will also be given a small gift and treats as the train embarks! Tickets are already selling out, so go ahead and grab yours today!

🚍️ Huntsville Secures Major Grant to Upgrade City Buses

City leaders just landed more than $6 million in federal funding to purchase six brand-new hybrid buses!

That means fewer breakdowns, smoother rides, and more consistent service across the routes you rely on. These upgraded buses will be the first hybrids in Huntsville’s fleet, offering cleaner air, improved fuel use, and a more efficient system built to support the city’s rapid growth.

The changes will be clear as day for all of you who commute daily, depend on paratransit, or simply appreciate a city investing in its own infrastructure!

❤️ Premium Explorer Shoutout

Thanks to all of our Premium Explorers for making Huntsville Explorer possible! Love what we’re doing? Support us by becoming a Premium Explorer!

🎵 Live Music Lowdown

Thank you to our friends at Stovehouse for making this section possible! Click here to see all of their upcoming events!

Click the image for more shows at Stovehouse!

🗓️ Explore The Rocket City

Click the image for more shows at The Orion!

Saturday, November 29

Sunday, November 30

Monday, December 1

  • The Castle Council: D&D Comedy Show at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: A night of family-friendly fantasy adventure using the world’s most popular role-play game!

  • Messiah at The Dream Theatre: HCCA Symphonic Chorus performs Handel’s Messiah, Part I!

  • A Holly, Jolly Christmas at Calhoun Community College: Jump in Santa’s bouncy house, ride a mechanical reindeer, build a holiday plush, and more!

  • Cold War Country at UAH Morton Hall: Dr. Joseph Thompson examines the institutional ties between the U.S. military and the country music industry during the Cold War!

Tuesday, December 2

Want to see more upcoming events or add an event to the calendar? Click here.

Thanks for making it to the end!

Have a great weekend!