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December Happenings

We know this is a crazy busy time of year for everyone.. But if you find yourself with a little bit of free time, here are some activities that will help you have a little fun, get into the holiday spirit and take your mind off that daunting and seemingly endless to-do list. Don’t forget to check our list of places to find Santa around Birmingham. You still have time!

Winter Wonderland – McWane Science Center

Winter Wonderland along with the Magic of Model Trains exhibit features many winter-inspired activities, holiday films in IMAX and visits from Santa.  For the sixth consecutive year, Royal Cup, Inc., a Birmingham-based coffee and tea distributor, is the presenting sponsor of the Winter Wonderland and the Magic of Model Trains exhibit.  “Especially during this time of year, Royal Cup supports initiatives that are family-oriented, and these sponsorships at McWane Science Center are a great example of that,” said Bill Smith, President and CEO of Royal Cup, Inc. “We look forward to Winter Wonderland and the Magic of Model Trains and hope all enjoy the holiday fun!”

Now Through January 10th

Zoolight Safari – Birmingham Zoo

Watch as the Zoo comes alive for 19 nights of holiday-centric fun at ZooLight Safari presented by Wells Fargo! New this year, enjoy the all-new Glacier Glide Ice Rink**. Glide past your friends and family on the ice skating rink in Trails of Africa!  Be amazed by light displays in this transformed winter wonderland. View over one million lights, listen to holiday music and delight in festive snowfalls every night! Enjoy a ride on the Candy Cane Train*, go for a spin on the Jingle Bell Carousel*, experience the thrill of the over 100 foot Yuletide Slide* and so much more. Every night at 6pm, watch a tree lighting ceremony with an illuminating tree reaching nearly 30 feet tall in Trails of Africa! Be sure not to miss a special appearance and photos with Santa through December 23. *Requires ride ticket. **Requires ride ticket and ice skates. The Glacier Glide Ice Rink is made of synthetic ice. Children under 5 must be accompanied by a skating adult.

Dates and Times:

5pm-9pm: December 4-6, 11-13, 17-23, 26-31

Festival of Lights – Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

A lifetime of holiday memories await you and your family at the Festival of Lights! There’s a little bit of Clark Griswald in all of us and no better way to get into the Holiday spirit – without the risk of frostbite – than to enjoy a dazzling display of lights in the shapes of holiday themes and characters from the comfort of your own car.

OPEN NIGHTLY THROUGH JANUARY 3RD! GATES OPEN AT 5:30PM EACH EVENING.

Shadrack’s Christmas Light Show – Birmingham Race Track

Come see over 3.25 miles of custom made displays dance to the music played over the radio in your car in perfect synchronization!  Also, see Santa and the gang on their summer vacation in the custom built Santa’s Safari theme of giant all-LED displays. They are guaranteed to delight everyone from young to old!

Dusk – 10pm, nightly through January 3rd. Rain or Shine, open on Holidays.

Holiday Film Series at the Alabama Theatre

For a complete schedule, visit their site

Kwanzaa Celebration – Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) will celebrate the spirit of family and community with its annual Kwanzaa program. The event kicks off with a hands-on workshop in the Abraham L. Woods Community Meeting Room at 4:30 pm in the Odessa Woolfolk Gallery.  Additionally, the celebration will feature music, youth performances and nore.  Kwanzaa – which means “first fruits of the harvest” in Kiswahili – is an African American cultural holiday with a focus on the traditional African values of family, community responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement. It was founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga and is celebrated December 26-January 1.

 

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