❄️A Snowy Wonderland

Mrs. Claus' Snow Stroll is back at Stovehouse, an update on IKEA, and a big win for the Land Trust!

Author

Andrew Smith
December 05, 2025

Happy Friday!

Thanks for letting me drop into your inbox this morning. Hang in there, the weekend is just a few hours away.

Let’s get to it!

P.S. If you’re a local business owner who doesn’t like marketing, we’d love to make it easy for you. Just fill out this form.

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

❤️ $2.5 Million in Grants for Local Nonprofits

On Giving Tuesday, the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville announced more than $2.5 million in grants for local nonprofits.

This funding will ultimately support the services, programs, and resources that touch your daily life like local arts programs, education initiatives, healthcare services.

What makes this moment especially powerful is the way it highlights the role businesses play in shaping a thriving community. They’re investing in your schools, your neighborhoods, your environment, and opportunities that benefit you and your family.

With 193 nonprofits receiving grants this year, chances are high that one of your favorite organizations or services was among the beneficiaries. And while the Community Foundation doesn’t ask individuals for donations, they celebrate the impact that corporate generosity makes on your quality of life. Because when businesses invest in the place you live, everyone benefits.

TOGETHER WITH GLS SUPPLY

🛀 Build Your Dream Space

Did you know that Huntsville has a kitchen and bath showroom?

GLS Supply is your local spot for premium fixtures that bring your remodel to life. From sleek faucets and statement sinks to luxurious tubs and toilets, their showroom is filled with high-quality products you can see and feel in person.

Whether you’re updating your bathroom or designing your dream kitchen, their team is here to help you choose the perfect pieces.

Stop by the GLS Supply Showroom at 1300 Meridian Street, Suite D200, and turn your vision into a space you’ll love to live in.

Interested in featuring your business in our next ad slot? ⬆️ Fill out this form!

🚀 Taking Flight

🤶 Step Into a Snowy Wonderland at Mrs. Claus’ Snow Stroll

If you’re craving a little extra sparkle this season, Mrs. Claus’ Snow Stroll is kicking off this weekend at Stovehouse, aiming to give you and your family a magic yuletide experience.

Every Friday and Saturday until Christmas you can wander Gas Light Alley as snow flurries fall every 30 minutes, sip hot cocoa, shop for the perfect Christmas gift, and even snap a photo inside a giant snow globe. And of course, Mrs. Claus herself will be strolling the alley, ready to hear your child’s wishlist to deliver it straight to the big man himself.

With Candy Cane Lane glowing in The Breezeway and shops decked out in their holiday best, this free, family-friendly event is the perfect way to slow down, soak in the season, and make some snowy memories!

🌲 Land Trust Scores Big Nature Conservation Win

Thanks to overwhelming community support, the Land Trust of North Alabama is growing for the better! The group just hit its $300,000 fundraising goal, allowing it to secure and permanently protect a 65-acre tract on Green Mountain.

This isn’t just a random patch of forest, it connects two existing conservation areas and strengthens a broader wildlife conservation corridor that stretches North from the Tennessee River to Blevins Gap.

Land Trust leaders emphasized that this was all made possible through gifts and donations from the community.

🛍️ Huntsville’s First IKEA Takes Major Step Forward

Project leaders have taken yet another major step toward opening Alabama’s very first IKEA! That’s right, the furniture super-store’s $2 million building permit just got approved.

The location may be smaller than a typical IKEA, but it will still feature more than 2,000 items you can buy in-store, and even more on display you can order right to your door! The store will also offer used and discontinued items at a discount.

Of course, it wouldn't be an IKEA experience without its world famous Swedish Meatballs! Everything is still on schedule, with crews expected to be finished building the University Drive location sometime next Spring!

❤️ Premium Explorer Shoutout

Thanks to all of our Premium Explorers for making this newsletter possible. And a special shoutout to our newest members, Andrew C. and Bryan M.

Love what we’re doing? It’d mean a lot to us to get one new member today! It’s less that $0.30 per day and has some great perks! Join here.

🎵 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, December 6

  • Holly Jolly Market at University Pickers: This festive holiday market is the perfect place to shop unique Christmas gifts, sparkling holiday décor, and one-of-a-kind treasures!

  • Yule Y’all: Christmas Market at Lowe Mil: Holiday market featuring vendors, handcrafted goods, seasonal bites, spirits, and festive cheer!

  • Winterville at Redstone Arsenal Activity Field: A magical weekend full of holiday cheer, shopping, activities and annual Tree Lighting Ceremony!

  • Laser Holidays at Campus No. 805: Holiday classics and modern hits paired with a dazzling laser show!

  • 2025 Madison Christmas Capers at Downtown Madison: Enjoy a live orchestra, festive treats, and family-friendly holiday fun!

  • Santa Train at North Alabama Railroad Museum: Ride the rails with Santa himself!

  • Rocket City Trombone Christmas at Trinity United Methodist Church: Free public concert featuring festive trombone performances!

  • Rockin' Around the Docks at Ditto Landing: Get in the holiday spirit with live music on the docks!

  • Downtown Vintage Market at Greene Street Parking Garage: Vintage and handmade goods, unique gifts, and holiday shopping fun!

  • The Monthly Maker's Market at Straight to Ale: Browse handmade crafts, jewelry, decor, food, drinks!

  • Krampus Run 5K at Ditto Landing: Festive 5K fun run with Krampus sightings!

  • Covered in Christmas at The Orion Amphitheater: Local musicians are putting a funk-y and alternative twist on your favorite holiday tunes!

  • Odette Backstage Dinner at The Orion Amphitheater: Candlelit five-course French-inspired holiday dinner with local, seasonal ingredients!

  • Bethlehem Breakfast at Whitesburg Baptist Church: Family journey through Bethlehem with storytelling, costumed characters, and breakfast!

  • Murder Mystery Dinner Show at DoubleTree Huntsville South: Interactive comedy murder mystery with dinner, surprises, and audience participation!

  • Campus 805 Pub Crawl at Yellowhammer Brewing: Visit a few different bars at Campus 805 and complete your trail card!

  • Grand Opening at All In Books: Wander the book shop, check out the inventory, and enter the raffle!

Sunday, December 7

Monday, December 8

Tuesday, December 9

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!