Check out our full list of happenings close to you this month.
1. Christmas Tree Farm
Through Dec. 24 | 9 a.m.-Dark
Old Baker Farm
Get your tree the old-fashioned way this year—and drink complimentary hot apple cider and take a hayride through Christmas trees while you are there. The fee for scale of trees is $30 and up depending on type and size of tree. Find more information at oldbakerfarm.com.
2. Christmas at the Station
Saturdays Before Christmas
Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
Ride the seasonally decorated Calera & Shelby train and the narrow gauge steam train on the Shelby & Southern railroad, and while you are at it see Santa, explore a Merry Maze, and more at this holiday event. Find more tickets and more information at hodrrm.org.
3. Christmas Parades
‘Tis the season for the festivities of the holidays to process through a town near you. Check each city’s website for more detailed information
- Alabaster: Dec. 4, 10 a.m., Highway 31 South
- Chelsea: 18, Time TBD, Chelsea Middle School to Winn-Dixie
- Columbiana: Dec. 3, Time TBD, Downtown Columbiana
- Helena: Dec. 1, Time TBD
- Montevallo: 2, 6 p.m., Starts at Montevallo High School
- Pelham: Dec. 11, 5 p.m., Pelham Civic Complex
4. Birmingham Bulls Hockey Games
Dec. 2, 3, 17, & 18
Pelham Civic Center
Hockey season is back as the Bulls start their fifth season at the Pelham Civic Complex as members of the Southern Professional Hockey League. Find more information at bullshockey.net. And if you are interested in ice skating yourself, find a list of public skate times at pelhamciviccomplex.com/164/Public-Skating.
5. Holiday Artist Market
Saturday, Dec. 4 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Shelby County Arts Center
Shop everything from paintings to pottery, fiber art to photography and Christmas ornaments, and more at this annual market featuring fine arts and crafts from local artists and makers. Find more information at shelbycountyartscouncil.com.
6. Blood Rock Trail Races
Saturday, Dec. 4
Oak Mountain State Park
Runners, are you up for the challenge? The Blood Rock 25K and 55K Mile Trail Race promises to be as physically demanding as it is scenic. The 25K will include more than 8,200 feet of elevation change, while the 55K will cover 18,400 feet. Visit southeasterntrailruns.com/blood-rock-55k–25k.html for all the details.
7. Colonial Christmas Lunches and Tours
Dec. 6-16
The American Village
Meet patriots of the past, learn about Christmas traditions in the 18th Century, sing Christmas carols in the Colonial Chapel, and share lunch with friends, family and coworkers in a replica of the East Room of the White House. Pre-reservations are required. Tickets are $35 per person. To order, call (205) 665-3535 extension 1031 or extension 1045.
8. Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas
Dec. 9-11 + 16-18
United Methodist Church of Alabaster
This production from South City Theatre takes a funny, heartwarming, and often poignant look at the struggle to find the spirit of the holidays amid the avalanche of commercialism, stress, and chaos that crashes down every December. This is primarily a storytelling piece, with all cast members playing multiple roles. Find more information at southcitytheatre.com.
9. Meadow Brook Runs
Saturday, Dec. 18
9 a.m. 5K
10 a.m. 1 Mile Fun Run
Valley Bank, Meadow Brook Branch
Get in a run to go with the holiday season around the Meadow Brook area—on what organizers argue is “Birmingham’s most beautiful course.” Walkers and pets on leash are welcome too. The run starts at 1100 Corporate Parkway. Find more info at meadowbrookruns.org.
