🌳 $5.6 Million Park

Happy Tuesday!

I hope everyone is surviving the cold weather and enjoying the Christmas season!

A quick update on the puzzles. I am expecting the shipment to arrive around December 22. I won’t be able to get them to you by Christmas, but I am planning to open up preorders this Friday for anyone who wants to go ahead and get one as a belated gift.

So keep an eye out for that in Friday’s newsletter. Alrighty, let’s get to it!

🚀 Taking Flight

🐔 Hattie B’s Hot Chicken Opens in Huntsville

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken is officially opening its first Huntsville location this week on December 10. It is located at the new Stadium Commons development in front of Joe Davis Stadium at 3212 Memorial Parkway SW.

The location will bring its famous Nashville heat along with menu staples like the classic chicken sandwich, jumbo tenders, loaded Dirty Bird Fries, and hearty half-bird plates.

To celebrate opening day, the first 100 guests will score an exclusive Huntsville-themed Hattie B’s tote packed with goodies like patches, posters, and bandanas.

🍽️ Cajun Roux Brings Louisiana Heat to Providence

Cajun Roux is officially open in Providence, welcoming you with bold bayou flavors, top-notch cocktails, and plenty of Southern hospitality.

This is the restaurant’s second location, with the only other one located in Hoover. At Cajun Roux you’ll find a menu bursting with Big Easy favorites, gumbo, po’boys, seafood boils, and oysters.

And yes, it’s the only place in Huntsville where you can order Armadillo Eggs (bacon-wrapped sausage stuffed with mild jalapeños and cream cheese)! You can swing by and try them for yourself at 20 Town Center Dr. NW Ste 1101.

🌳 Hays Farm Opens New $5.6 Million Park in South Huntsville

South Huntsville has a beautiful new place to unwind, explore, and stay active as the $5.6 Park at Hays Farm is now open.

The nine-acre green space built on land donated by the Hays family has been in the works for years, and is finally a reality. The park has a gazebo, pavilion for events, a waterwall, walking paths, greenway connections, and even a restored windmill from the original farm.

Another major highlight is the new fitness court that showcases local artwork while offering a convenient spot for you to exercise outside!

TOGETHER WITH AMERIGO ITALIAN RESTAURANT

🎄 Holiday Gatherings Made Easy

Bring Amerigo to your holiday celebrations!

Make holiday hosting easier with Amerigo Italian Restaurant! Their family-style salads, pastas, and house-made desserts are available to bring to your table this season for groups large and small.

They’re also offering pans of lasagna and tiramisu for pickup during Christmas week—perfect for rounding out your holiday menu.

To pick up on Christmas Eve, place your order by December 22. Amerigo will also be open from 11 AM –3 PM on December 24.

P.S. Want to partner with Huntsville Explorer and reach 21,000+ locals? Fill out this form.

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

📆 7 Things To Do This Weekend

🎄 Huntsville Ballet: The Nutcracker

December 12–14 | VBC | $40+ | More Info

Step into a world of holiday magic as Huntsville Ballet brings its beloved 55th annual production of The Nutcracker to life alongside the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.

🎁 Christkindlmarket

December 12–14 | The Orion Amphitheater | Free | More Info

Wander through more than 60 artist booths at Huntsville’s German-inspired Christkindlmarket and discover handmade gifts, holiday treats, and live festive music.

🛍️ Holiday Market at Christmas on the River

December 13 | 10 AM – 4 PM | Ditto Landing | Free | More Info

Browse a festive market filled with holiday gifts, local makers, and seasonal treasures!

❄️2025 City of Madison Christmas Parade

December 13 | 5 PM | Downtown Madison | Free | More Info

Enjoy an evening of pure nostalgia as themed floats roll through Madison for this year’s parade: Cartoon Classics. Bring a blanket, some cocoa, and your favorite people!

🕯️ Twickenham Spirit of Christmas Past Homes and Luminaries Tour

December 13 | 5-9 PM | Twickenham District | $20 | More Info

Tour a few houses decorated for Christmas in the Twickenham District lit by candlelight. There will also be special music and refreshments.

🎉 Bingo Loco

December 13 | 9:30 PM | Mars Music Hall | $30+ | More Info

This is bingo like you’ve never seen it. Wild prizes, booming throwback hits, confetti explosions, boozy gameplay, dance-offs, and comedians keeping you laughing all night long.

🎁 Greene Street Holiday Market

December 14 | 2–4:30 PM | Corner of Eustis and Greene Street | Free | More Info

Shop local produce, handmade goods, and artisan crafts while supporting farmers and makers at this beloved holiday edition of the Greene Street Market!

TOGETHER WITH THE ROCKET CITY TRASH PANDAS

🎄 A New Christmas Tradition

This year, the Trash Pandas are inviting you to step onto the field and straight into the holiday magic as Toyota Field moves its massive Christmas lights experience fully inside the ballpark for the first time.

Through December 28, you and your family can wander through a display of nearly a million sparkling lights.

Families can also warm up by fire pits, sip festive drinks, visit local vendors, and meet Santa all in the same place. Kids 12 and under get in for free!

🎵 Live Music Lowdown

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

📆 Explore the Rocket City

Wednesday, December 10

• Skating in the Park Family Night at Big Spring Park: All skate rentals are free courtesy of Cook’s Pest Control!

• The Long Kiss Goodnight at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: Action-packed thriller following a schoolteacher who uncovers her past as a skilled assassin!

• Shelter Pack Walk at Huntsville Animal Services: Come walk a shelter dog and give them some much-needed fresh air!

• A Life in Reading at Tangled String Studios: Share stories, swap book recs, and dive into the world of books with Greg Screws and Steve Johnson!

• French Christmas at The Wine Cellar: Sip French wines, savor flavors, and celebrate Christmas!

• Brewing Demonstration at Piper and Leaf Tea Co.: Learn brewing techniques and enjoy tea tasting tips!

• Jingle & Swing at Huntsville West: A holly-jolly choreography class packed with festive flair, sparkling footwork, and a dash of Christmas magic!

Thursday, December 11

• Reindeer Rails at Ditto Landing: Free family fun featuring festive model trains!

• Wheel of Fortune LIVE at VBC Mars Music Hall: Experience the popular game show live and have a chance at winning prizes!

• Feast of Seven Fishes Dinner at Amerigo Huntsville: Feast on a seven-course seafood dinner with wine pairings that originate from Southern Italy!

• Booze and Baes Singles Night at The Camp: Seasonal cocktails, holiday decorations, photo opps, and new connections!

• Santa Baby, Find Your Maybe at Nitro Tales: No swiping, no texting, just face-to-face connections in a holiday atmosphere!

• Christmas Vacation Trivia at Mellow Mushroom Jones Valley: Bring the whole family and test your Family Vacation knowledge!

• Jonathan Kite at Levity Live: Enjoy an evening of laughter with the comedian from 2 Broke Girls!

• Holiday Runs at Fleet Feet Huntsville/Madison: Join festive group runs with treats and holiday cheer!

• Santa’s Senior Shindig at Mark Russell Recreation Center: Holiday crafts, games, food, and festive fun for adults!

• Spoken Strokes at Superhero Chefs Huntsville: an immersive night of art, food, and expression highlighting Spoken Word!

Friday, December 12

• Deck the Docks at Ditto Landing: Come check out all the boats that have been decorated for Christmas!

• Christkindlmarket at The Orion Amphitheater: Celebrate German tradition and shop from 60+ artists, enjoy music, and try new food!

• North Star Limited at North Alabama Railroad Museum: Put on your Christmas PJs and ride the rails with Santa!

• 12 Nights of Santa at EarlyWorks Children's Museum: Write a letter to Santa, decorate cookies, play in snow, make an ornament, and more!

• Journey to Believe, a Christmas Musical at The Dream Theatre: Stir your faith as we remember the miracle of Christ’s birth and the true meaning of Christmas!

• Magical Movie Nights at Ditto Landing: Bring the whole family and some lawn chairs for a showing of A Christmas Carol!

• Huntsville Havoc vs. Fayetteville Marksmen at VBC Propst Arena: Cheer on the Havoc as they take on the Fayetteville Marksmen!

• Cocktails & Cosmos: Black Holes at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center: Explore black holes with a planetarium show and themed cocktails!

• Parents Night Out at U.S. Space & Rocket Center: Enjoy a night out while your kids enjoy a pizza night, hands on activities, and exploring the exhibits!

• Tommy Emmanuel CGP at VBC Mars Music Hall: Enjoy a live guitar performance from Tommy Emmanuel!

• The Burney Sisters with Goldpine at Tangled String Studios: Enjoy an evening of soulful live music!

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

Thanks for making it to the end!

I’ll be back in your inbox on Friday!