If you’re hoping to celebrate Mardi Gras with authentic King Cake right here in Birmingham, AL, you’re in luck! The 2026 King Cake season runs from Epiphany (January 6) through Mardi Gras (February 17), and local bakeries are already baking up sweet, festive treats you won’t want to miss.

Below are the best local spots where you can pick up traditional King Cake — from classic cinnamon-swirled rings to specialty fillings, plus fun seasonal twists. Many require preorders or sell out fast, so it’s smart to plan ahead!

Top King Cake Spots in Birmingham

Edgar’s Bakery
A Birmingham classic, Edgar’s offers traditional Louisiana-style King Cake with festive purple, green, and gold icing. You can find them freshly baked at local locations or order online for pickup.

Savage’s Bakery
Savage’s makes from-scratch King Cakes with options like classic cinnamon or rich cream cheese filling. Cakes are available in various sizes and often sell out during the season.

Tip: Call ahead or preorder to secure your cake before Mardi Gras rush.

Homewood Gourmet
This local favorite is beloved for its rich, flavorful King Cakes with both classic cinnamon and cream cheese-filled versions. Available daily while supplies last

Continental Bakery
Continental is bringing back its seasonal King Cakes, cinnamon sugar and frangipane, plus a special king cake cupcake filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with cream cheese icing. Available through Mardi Gras on February 17. Order yours today by calling 205-870-5584 or visiting the link in their bio.

Birmingham Breadworks
Breadworks offers a soft spiced brioche King Cake filled with cinnamon cream cheese and topped with vanilla glaze, plus festive add-ons like Mardi Gras beads and a packet of Creole coffee.

The Heavenly Donut Company
If you’re into seasonal twists, Heavenly Donut Co. has Mardi Gras-inspired donuts — King Cake flavors and colors — available daily or by preorder through the season.

Hero Doughnuts
Not a traditional ring cake, but Hero’s King Cake-inspired brioche doughnut hits all the Mardi Gras flavors with a sweet glaze and colorful sprinkles.

Bendy’s Cookies and Cream
King Cake Bars. This year there will be 2 sizes, available 8×8 or 13×9 pans. They are available for pick up February 1-17. Preorder now.

Winter Break is coming, and Birmingham has several camps to keep the kids busy and having fun. Here’s a look at who’s offering holiday and winter break camps this year:

Red Mountain Theatre

1600 3rd Avenue South
Dates: December 29th – January 2nd
Register HERE

Ages: 4-14
From building original stories in Play Making: The Polar Express to solving festive mysteries in Blast Camp: Holiday Sleuths, winter wonder awaits every young performer.

Spots are filling fast—register now and let the holiday creativity begin!

YMCA

Multiple Locations
Dates: Varies on location
Ages: K-5th/8th depending on location

YMCA of Greater Birmingham offers Schools out camps with fun games and activities. Dates, times, and prices vary by location. Both members and non-members are welcome to attend, so invite your friends. Visit their website for location-specific details.

Alabaster YMCA 

Ages: 3-5 (half-day), K-7th grade
Holiday Camp Dates: November 24–26; December 19, 22–23; December 29–30; January 2 & 5

Greystone YMCA

Ages: K-6th grade
Holiday Camp Dates: November 24–26; December 22–23; December 29–30; January 2 & 5
YMCA Greater Birmingham

Hoover YMCA

Ages: K-6th grade

Holiday Camp Dates: November 24–26; December 22–23; December 29–30; January 2 & 5

Pelham YMCA

Ages: K-6th grade

Holiday Camp Dates: November 24–26; December 22–23; December 29–30; January 5 & 6

Shades Valley YMCA

Ages: K-6th grade

Holiday Camp Dates: November 24–26; December 22–23; December 29–30; January 5

Trussville YMCA

Ages: K-6th grade

Holiday Camp Dates: November 24–26; December 22–23; December 29–30; January 5

Register HERE

McWane Science Center

200 19th St N
Dates: December 29–31, 2025 & January 2, 2026
Register HERE

Ages: 4K – Grade 6
Camp McWane’s winter program offers hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) learning with experiments, robotics, nature exploration, and more.

Half and full-day camp options are available.

Itty Bitty Bakers

Located at teachers’ homes across the greater Birmingham area.
Dates: December 6th – December 29th
Ages: 3-14
Register HERE

Dates (Holiday / Seasonal Classes):

Holiday Treats Workshop: December 6, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., and 1:30pn -4:30pm Ages 7–12

“Best Tasting” Grinch Cookies Class: December 13, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Ages 3–7.

Christmas Confections Workshop, December 13, (AM): 9am – 12pm (PM) 2pm – 5pm. Ages 7–12.

Christmas Wreath Cookie Cake Class: December 20, 2025, Ages 6–9 (AM); Ages 10–14 (PM).

Sugar Plum Fairy Cupcakes Class: December 13, 2pm-4pm, Ages 6-10,

Christmas Wreath Cookie Cake Class December 20 (AM) 10am-12pm, Ages 6-9, and (PM) 1:30pm-3:30pm, Ages 10-14,

Christmas Layer Cake Jar Class: December 20, 10am-12pm, Ages 3-7

Sugar Plum Fairy Cupcakes Class: December 29, 10am-12pm, Ages 8-12,

Got little chefs in the making? At Itty Bitty Bakers they set kids up for success by giving them hands-on baking opportunities that fit their age and skill level. Parents today are busy! Let them take the load off! They will teach your kids essential kitchen skills in a fun and safe environment. Bonus: holiday treats to take home to you!

Birmingham Zoo

2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham
Dates: December 22, and 23rd, December 29 and 30, December 31, January 1 & 2, 2026
Ages: K – 5th Grade
Register HERE

Zoo Camp’s “Winter Wildlife Explorers” teaches campers how animals survive in cold climates, explores adaptations, and includes hands-on nature science, games, and animal encounters.

High Point Climbing Birmingham

4766 US-280, Birmingham, AL 35242
Dates: November 20th-22nd at 9am-noon  | December 23rd to January 3rd
Ages: 5-14
Register HERE

Climb into Fall and Winter Break and join their Camps for an unforgettable experience packed with action, adventure, and fun!

Little Hammies Winter Kid Bike Camp (with Treeline Expeditions)

Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham
Dates: December 6, 2025 and December 27, 2025
Ages: Riders who can ride without training wheels (typically 5–10)
Register HERE

Join to master bike skills, discover maintenance tips, and have a blast with games while exploring beautiful Oak Mountain.

‘Tis the season to find Santa around Birmingham! Whether your little ones want a classic photo with St. Nick, a breakfast with the big guy himself, or a chance to catch him at a local event, we’ve rounded up all the best spots to see Santa in Birmingham this year.

All is Bright LANE PARKE in Mountain Brook

Ring in the holidays at Lane Parke! Light the holiday tree and have a visit from Santa!
Attendees can enjoy drinks, pop-ups, DJ and kids’ activities to get everyone in the holiday spirit!

November 14, 2025 (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
2621 Lane Parke Road, Mountain Brook, AL 35223.

Magic Of Lights at Alabama Adventure

Enjoy the new Reindeer Rest Stop , see millions of lights, and enjoy Birmingham’s newest Christmas family tradition!

November 21, 2025 – January 3, 2026 (nightly; see site for weekday/weekend hours)
Alabama Adventure / Splash Adventure, 4599 Splash Adventure Pkwy, Bessemer, AL 35022.

Pictures with Santa at the Riverchase Galleria

Santa’s helpers have been working hard decking the halls for you and your family, so don’t miss out on taking tree-mendous pics with St. Nick! Fri,

Nov 21 – Wed, Dec 24
Riverchase Galleria, 2000 Galleria Circle, Hoover, AL 35244 (Lower level in front of Von Maur).

Visit their website to reserve your spot

Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop

Santa’s wonderland is back at Bass pro shop Now through December 24th. Free activities and giveaways. Reserve your spot online to see Santa and get a free 4 x 6 photo.

Bass Pro Shops, 5000 Bass Pro Blvd, Leeds, AL 35094.

Reserve online here

Santa at the Summit

Santa is back at The Summit, with Snaptastic Photos, to spread holiday joy all season long. Visits and photos may be booked ahead of time below and walk-ins are always welcome! Santa is located next to Woodhouse Day Spa, near Saks Fifth Avenue.

Now – December 24th, 2025
Monday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM- 6:00 PM
(Christmas Eve Hours 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM)

Book your Santa photo reservation here.

Pictures with Santa benefitting Children’s Harbour

Bring your kids, your friends and even your pets to snap a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This festive, family-friendly morning is filled with holiday cheer, crafts for the little ones and the chance to write letters to Santa himself! There’s no cost to take your photo, though donations are encouraged.

Friday, November 22,  8:30–11am

The Market at Pepper Place

Breakfast with Santa at the Casual Pint at the Grove

A festive morning filled with delicious breakfast treats, craft beers (for the adults), and the chance to meet Santa himself!
Limited Seating. Private Event. RSVP Only

November 29th, 9:30am to 11:30am

The Grove, 5541 Grove Blvd, Hoover, AL

Reserve seating here

Cahabazaar at Cahaba Brewing

Enjoy food trucks, craft beer, festive cocktails, free coffee and hot chocolate, free caricatures, live music, and plenty of holiday cheer—all in one place!  FREE Admission | Family + Pet Friendly

December 6th, 12pm – 5pm

4500 5th Ave South Building C, Birmingham, Alabama

Brocks Gap Brewing

Get a free photo, listen to live music, grab a hot chocolate for the kids and try out the Christmas ale!

December 13th 4pm – 8pm

Brock’s Gap Brewing Co., 500 Mineral Trace

All is Bright Vestavia City Center

Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, popcorn, and Cokes as we watch the holiday favorite Elf! Santa will also be making a special appearance during the event! This free event is open to everyone

Thursday, December 4th, 6-8pm

Vestavia City Center / Vestavia Hills (near Taco Mama), 700 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills

Shops of Grand River

Photos with Santa! Visit with Santa at The Shops of Grand River.Location

December 7th

Sensory Santa Photos 9am – 11am

Photos with Santa 2pm – 4pm

The Shops of Grand River, 6200 Grand River Blvd E, Leeds

Breakfast with Santa at the Birmingham Zoo

Enjoy a festive morning filled with good food, holiday cheer, and a special visit from Santa himself.

Saturday, December 13th 8:30am AND 10:30am
More info and purchase tickets here

The Coca Cola Caravan in Birmingham

Come out and share in the holiday spirit with the whole neighborhood at the Coca‑Cola Holiday Caravan tour. Bring your friends and family to celebrate the season with festive activities, including photos with Santa, the Coca‑Cola Gifting Box full of all your gifting essentials, and plenty of Coca‑Cola for everyone.

Wednesday, December 18th, Bass Pro Shop ,12pm – 3pm
Wednesday, December 18th – Lakeshore Wal Mart, 6pm – 8pm
Thursday, December 19th – Fresh Value Trussville, 12- 2:30pm
Thursday, December 19th – Piggly Wiggly Clay, 6pm – 8pm
Friday, December 20th- Cost Plus Calera, 12-2:30pm
Friday, December 20th-  Wal Mart Alabaster, 6pm – 8pm
Saturday, December 21st- Wal Mart Montclair, 12-2:30pm
Saturday, December 21st – Mi Pueblo Pelham, 6pm – 8pm
Sunday, December 22nd- Birmingham Zoo, 6pm – 8pm

School breaks are right around the corner, and if you’re looking for a fun, active, and safe place for your kids to spend the day, the YMCA of Greater Birmingham has you covered. Their School’s Out Camps offer a mix of engaging activities that keep kids both entertained and learning while school is out.

These camps are designed to help kids make new friends, stay active, and enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor games in a positive, supportive environment. Whether you need childcare coverage during a holiday break or just want your child to have a day full of fun and enrichment, the Y offers flexible options throughout the school year.

School’s Out Camp is available on most scheduled school breaks, with dates, times, and prices varying by location. Both YMCA members and non-members are welcome to attend, so it’s easy to invite friends to join in the fun.

Financial Assistance

The YMCA of Greater Birmingham is committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Financial Assistance is available to help remove cost barriers to Y programs, services, and facilities. Assistance is awarded on a first-come basis.

Families who have already been approved for YMCA Financial Assistance for membership or other programs are encouraged to email childcare@ymcabham.org for guidance before applying again. To apply for new assistance, click HERE.

If you’re searching for a safe, engaging place for your kids during school breaks, School’s Out Camps at the YMCA may be the perfect fit. Visit the YMCA of Greater Birmingham website for location-specific details, schedules, and registration information.