📅 60+ Fun Things To Do in December

Happy Saturday!

Sorry for popping into your inbox on the weekend, but I wanted to give you an early Christmas gift.

One of the many perks of our updated Premium Explorers program is to receive a monthly rundown of the next month’s best events, so you can plan ahead.

Usually, these monthly event rundowns will only be for our Premium Explorers, but I wanted to give you a chance to see what it looked like!

In addition to the monthly calendar, Premium Explorers also get automatic entry into monthly giveaways and their name listed in the Friday newsletter.

And as we head into 2026, I am adding in some additional perks. Starting in January, all new (and current) Premium Explorers will receive a special pack of four Huntsville stickers in the mail. The designs are a surprise, but I think you’ll like them. These will not be sold and are an exclusive gift for our Premium Explorers.

Lastly, you’ll be supporting a local small business. I spend a lot of time trying to make Huntsville Explorer a valuable and free resource for the community and would appreciate any and all support! :)

If all of this sounds good to you, then you can join here.

Alright, enough talking. Let’s get to the December events!

Trash Pandas Christmas Light Show

December 1-28 | 5-9 PM | Toyota Field | $20 | More Info

The Rocket City Trash Pandas are bringing holiday magic to Toyota Field this winter with the debut of the Trash Pandas Christmas Light Show. It’s a spectacular walk-through experience filled with dazzling displays, festive food and drinks, and family-friendly fun!

Christmas Card Lane

December 1-30 | 6 AM - 10 PM | Ditto Landing | Free | More Info

Enjoy festive Christmas Cards along the Tennessee River Greenway! Shuttles will be available on specific nights as well.

Galaxy of Lights

December 1-31 | 4:30-8:45 PM | Botanical Gardens | $26+ | More Info

Don’t miss one of Huntsville’s most popular Christmas traditions! Walk or drive through millions of lights and make the season even brighter!

Tinsel Trail

December 1-31 | Big Spring Park | Free | More Info

Tinsel Trail transforms Big Spring Park into a dazzling wonderland with over 400 live Christmas trees, each uniquely decorated by local businesses, nonprofits, and families!

Skating in the Park

December 1 - January 4 | Big Spring Park | $15 | More Info

Grab your skates and take a few laps around the pop-up rink in Downtown Huntsville! And when you’re done, take a stroll through the Tinsel Trail!

Huntsville Christmas Parade

December 2 | 6 PM | Downtown Huntsville | Free | More Info

This year’s parade theme is “A Very Merry Christmas” and will feature over 80 quality floats, animals, and marching bands!

The Blind Reindeer Pop Up

December 2 + 4 | 4-9 PM | The Blind Tiger | Free | More Info

The Blind Tiger is turning into The Blind Reindeer and will have plenty of holiday cocktails, warm cookies, hot cider & cozy cheer!

Christmas Circus

December 5 | 5 PM | The Orion | Free | More Info

A high-energy holiday spectacular that blends circus artistry, dazzling LED and fire performances, breathtaking aerial acts, and whimsical characters all the way from the North Pole!

Polar Express Christmas Tree Lighting

December 5 | 6 PM | Downtown Madison | Free | More Info

See the lighting of the trees and visit with Santa! There will also be live music, a glowstick parade, and a special reading of The Polar Express!

Holiday Lantern Tours

December 5 | 6, 6:30, and 7 PM | Constitution Hall | $12 | More Info

Delight in a magical evening of historic holiday storytelling at Constitution Hall Park in Downtown Huntsville! Experience the cozy village on a crisp winter evening as you travel back to the 19th century.

Candlelight Christmas

December 5-6 | 5-9 PM | Burritt on the Mountain | $75 | More Info

Experience a touch of Christmas past as the mountain comes alive with the glow of the holidays!

Mark Twain Tonight!

December 5-6 | VBC Concert Hall | $47+ | More Info

Join the millions who have cheered for the legendary one-man show, bursting with Twain’s “uproariously funny” and “pungently wise” humor!

NEACA Christmas Craft Show

December 5-7 | VBC South Hall | Free | More Info

Shop from more than 200 local makers, crafters, and artisans to fill your holiday shopping needs!

A Christmas Carol

December 5-7 and 11-14 | VBC Playhouse | $25 | More Info

Take a trip in time through the past, present, and future with the miserly Mr. Scrooge, the haunting Christmas Spirits, and all the whimsical characters of London town.

Mrs. Claus’ Snow Stroll

December 5-20 (Fridays and Saturdays) | 5:30-8:30 PM | Stovehouse Gaslight Alley | Free | More Info

Gas Light Alley transforms into a winter wonderland as snow machines create flurries that fill the alleyway in intervals throughout the night! Talk about a snow globe come to life!

Cocktails and Cosmos

December 5, 12, 19, and 26 | Space and Rocket Center Planetarium | $19 | More Info

Experience the cosmos like never before with themed shows at the Planetarium! Here’s the December schedule:

• December 5: Alabama Winter Skies

• December 12: Black Holes

• December 19: Star of Bethlehem

• December 26: Webb Anniversary

Holly Jolly Market

December 6 | 9 AM - 4 PM | University Pickers | Free | More Info

This festive holiday market is the perfect place to shop for unique Christmas gifts, sparkling holiday décor, and one-of-a-kind treasures from local vendors!

Yule Y’all Christmas Market

December 6 | 11 AM - 7 PM | Lowe Mill | Free | More Info

A festive celebration featuring over 100 vendors alongside our 153 working studios, holiday creations, delicious food, and live music!

Krampus Run 5K

December 6 | 12 PM | Ditto Landing | $30 | More Info

Keep your eye out while you run, Krampus will be out on the prowl!

Covered in Christmas Concert

December 6 | 12-4 PM | The Orion | Free | More Info

Local musicians will put a funk-y and alternative twist on your favorite holiday tunes. This free and family-friendly daytime concert is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit!

Maker’s Market

December 6 | 3-8 PM | Straight to Ale | Free | More Info

Discover unique handmade creations from talented local artisans! From stunning jewelry to one-of-a-kind home decor, you're sure to find the perfect piece for yourself or a special gift.

Madison Christmas Capers

December 6 | 4 PM | Main Street | Free | More Info

This unique event re-enacts a nearly century-old custom from the Great Depression, when Doc Hughes would toss live chickens from his drug store roof with prize tags attached!

Odette Backstate Dinner: A French Feast

December 6 | 5:30 PM | The Orion | $92 | More Info

A cozy, candlelit evening featuring a five-course feast inspired by “Le Réveillon,” the traditional French celebration on Christmas Eve!

Winterville

December 6-7 | Redstone Arsenal Activity Field | Free | More Info

Get in the holiday spirit with a market, tree lighting ceremony, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, kids' crafts, and more!

Santa Train

December 6 and 13 | 12, 1:30, and 3 PM | North AL Railroad Museum | $20 | More Info

Ride the rails with Santa Claus at the North Alabama Railroad Museum!

Laser Holidays

December 6, 13, and 20 | 7:30 PM | Campus 805 | 7:30 PM | More Info

A mix of everyone's favorite holiday music, all set to laser artwork. This is an eclectic mix to get you in the holiday spirit!

Murder Mystery Dinner

December 6 and 20 | 6-9 PM | DoubleTree Huntsville South | $75 | More Info

Enjoy a delicious dinner all while solving a live murder mystery! Who knows, you might leave guilty!

Sip & Stroll: Holiday Jingle and Mingle

December 7 | 11 AM - 3 PM | The Orion | Free | More Info

Browse handmade holiday gifts while tasting seasonal bites and drinks, enjoying live festive performances, and taking a photo with Santa.

Christmas with C.S. Lewis

December 7 | 2 PM | Mars Music Hall | $60 | More Info

Step into Lewis’ home near Oxford on Christmas Eve and learn how an encounter with Tolkien forever changed his Christmas celebrations.

Madison Roundhouse Christmas Concert

December 7 | 3-5 PM | Madison Roundhouse | Free | More Info

Enjoy a festive afternoon and evening featuring a historical open house followed by a holiday concert with seasonal music performed by a community orchestra.

Huntsville City FC Holiday 5K and 10K

December 7 | Joe Davis Stadium | $45 - $55 | More Info

Join the Third Annual Holiday 5K and 10K with Huntsville City FC for a festive run or walk, finish line refreshments, and a post-run celebration with food and drinks.

Grinchmas

December 7, 14, and 21 | 12-6 PM | Field Day | Free | More Info

Meet Santa and The Grinch, make your own Grinch ornament and enjoy free s’mores and hot chocolate!

Huntsville Havoc Home Games

December 7, 12, 18, 19, 26, and 30 VBC Propst Arena | $22+ | More Info

Catch the Havoc at one of their many home games this season! Here’s the schedule:

• December 7 vs Roanoke Rail Yard Dogs

• December 12 vs Fayetteville Marksmen

• December 18 vs Quad City Storm

• December 19 vs Evansville Thunderbolts

• December 26 vs Pensacola Ice Flyers

• December 30 vs Knoxville Ice Bears

Holiday Magic Dinners

December 9-14 | | Burritt on the Mountain | $150 | More Info

Enjoy a gourmet holiday meal in a historic mansion with live holiday music, a visit from Father Christmas, and a seasonal gift.

Wheel of Fortune Live

December 11 | 7:30 PM | VBC Mars Music Hall | $41+ | More Info

Experience the excitement of a classic game show with spinning the wheel, solving puzzles, and winning prizes including cash or dream getaways.

Christkindlmarket

December 12-14 | The Orion | Free | More Info

Enjoy a festive holiday shopping experience with dozens of artists, live music, and seasonal food and drinks for the whole family.

Deck the Docks

December 12-14 | 4-8 PM | Ditto Landing | Free | More Info

Enjoy a festive holiday celebration featuring creatively decorated boats on display for all to see.

12 Nights of Santa

December 12-23 | Earlyworks | $13 | More Info

Visit Santa and his Elves and enjoy nightly snowfalls, ornament decorating, a holiday themed experiment in the Tinker Lab, mingling with costumed characters, decorating a tasty gingerbread cookie, sock skating, and more!

Christmas Village

December 13 | 9 AM - 2 PM | Clift Farm | Free | More Info

Celebrate the season at Clift Farm with festive holiday activities, live Christmas trees, local vendors, and family-friendly fun including Santa and face painting.

Breakfast with Santa

December 13 | 9:30 AM | Toyota Field | Adult: $20, 12 and Under: $12 | More Info

Enjoy a magical breakfast experience with Santa, featuring a festive meal, holiday crafts, storytime, and memorable photo opportunities for the whole family.

Christmas on the River Holiday Market

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

Shop a festive holiday market featuring local vendors, unique gifts, and seasonal treats!

Madison Christmas Parade

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

A festive parade featuring floats, marching bands, and holiday cheer all themed around classic cartoons.

Jeff Dunham: Artificial Intelligence

December 13 | 5 PM | VBC Propst Arena | $46+ | More Info

Prepare for a night of side‑splitting laughs as Jeff Dunham delivers his signature brand of comedic brilliance in “Artificial Intelligence.”

Twickenham Spirit of Christmas Past Homes and Luminaries Tour

December 13 | 5-9 PM | Twickenham Area | Adults: $20, Children 12 and Under: 5 | More Info

Stroll through historic Twickenham adorned in holiday finery, exploring beautifully decorated homes in the Twickenham area.

Odette Backstage Dinner: Bavarian Winter Feast

December 13 | First Seating at 5:30 PM | The Orion | Adults: $92, Children: $56 | More Info

Indulge in a cozy, candlelit five‑course dinner experience with the gourmet flavors of Chef Josh Quick, featuring a festive Bavarian Winter Feast in an intimate backstage setting.

Bingo Loco

December 13 | 9:30 PM | Mars Music Hall | $44+ | More Info

Join in the fun at Bingo Loco for a lively night of bingo, laughs, and plenty of energy!

Huntsville Anime-Fest 2025

December 14 | 10 AM - 4 PM | Embassy Suites | Free | More Info

Experience Huntsville Anime Fest 2025, a family-friendly event with voice actors, vendors, panels, attractions, and a lively cosplay contest.

Nerdy Noel

December 14 | 11 AM - 5 PM | Stovehouse | Free | More Info

Celebrate the season with a holiday market featuring over 50 vendors with geek, anime, fantasy, sci-fi, gaming, and pop culture-themed goods!

Greene Street Holiday Market

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

Browse handmade gifts, arts, and festive goods from local artisans at Greene Street Holiday Market!

Winterlude

December 14 | 5:30 PM | Whitesburg Baptist Church | Free | More Info

An instrumental worship concert featuring grand pianos, jazz carols, and inspiring performances that celebrate the joy of Christmas.

A Christmas Story with Peter Billingsley

December 14 | 6:30 PM | Mars Music Hall | $86+ | More Info

Enjoy a cozy cinematic evening with Peter Billingsley and a showing of “A Christmas Story,” bringing holiday nostalgia, laughter, and classic family charm to the screen.

The Nutcracker

December 12-14 | VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall | $40+ | More Info

Experience the magic of The Nutcracker with Huntsville Ballet as Tchaikovsky’s iconic score brings Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and a whimsical holiday world to life on stage.

Shucked: The Musical

December 16-21 | VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall | $57+ | More Info

Experience the Tony Award winning musical comedy Shucked with hilarious storytelling, catchy songs, and a lively celebration of American humor and heart.

Big Spring Jingle

December 19 | 4-8 PM | Big Spring Park | Free | More Info

Enjoy a festive evening at Big Spring Jingle with holiday lights, a DJ dance party, prizes, giveaways, and a special appearance by Santa.

Star of Bethlehem

December 19-22 | 7 PM | Space and Rocket Center Planetarium | $19 | More Info

This show explores the legendary Star of Bethlehem through a blend of astronomy and storytelling, offering a thoughtful look at the celestial events that led the magi to Christ.

Winter Solstice Market

December 20 | 11 AM - 4 PM | Lowe Mill | Free | More Info

Browse unique creations from local artists and makers at the Winter Solstice Market!

Holiday Fireworks at Ditto

December 20 | 7 PM | Ditto Landing | Free | More Info

Celebrate the season with a dazzling holiday fireworks display set to light up the night sky!

Rocket City Classic

December 21 | 1 PM | VBC Propst Arena | $59+ | More Info

College basketball is back in the Rocket City as the Alabama Crimson Tide takes on the Kennesaw State Owls!

Backstage Pass: Jazz Brunch with Odette

December 21 | First Seating at 11 AM | The Orion | $100 | More Info

Enjoy smooth live jazz and a laid‑back brunch vibe at Backstage Pass Jazz Brunch!

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings

December 21 | 4:45 PM | The Royal at Stovehouse | $41+ | More Info

Enjoy a magical evening of Christmas carols performed on strings with a live Candlelight concert!

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

December 27 | 7 PM | VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall | $90+ | More Info

Get into the holiday spirit with a dazzling blend of orchestral classics and rock-styled holiday hits brought to life by Mannheim Steamroller under the direction of Chip Davis.

The Roast of 2025

December 27 | 8 PM | Shenanigans Comedy Theatre | $10.68 | More Info

A comedic roast takes aim at the wild moments of 2025 with sharp wit and no mercy.

Music of the Spheres

December 27-28 | Space and Rocket Center | $35+ | More Info

A mesmerizing violin performance by Itamar Zorman pairs masterful classical works with immersive cosmic visuals for an unforgettable fusion of music and space.

New Year's at Noon

December 31 | 10 AM | The Orion | Free | More Info

Count down to noon instead of midnight with a festive, family-friendly celebration featuring live music and a cheerful New Year’s toast!

A Symphonic Toast

December 31 | 7:30-9:30 PM | Mark C. Smith Concert Hall | $15+ | More Info

Grab your date, dress to the nines, and spend the evening celebrating in style with the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.

Lights, Glamour, Garden: A New Year’s Eve Premiere

December 31 | 9 PM | Huntsville Botanical Garden | $150 | More Info

Experience a glamorous New Year’s Eve celebration filled with live jazz and swing music, festive hors d’oeuvres and drinks, glowing light displays throughout the garden, and a midnight champagne toast!

That’s all I’ve got for this one. Have a great weekend!

I’ll be back in your inbox on Tuesday!