Christmas in Huntsville 2026: Lights, Markets, Parades & Holiday Events

Christmas in Huntsville has two big anchors: Galaxy of Lights, millions of lights at Huntsville Botanical Garden, and Tinsel Trail, more than 450 decorated live Christmas trees in Big Spring Park downtown. Around them you'll find a downtown Christmas parade with more than 80 floats, two Christmas trains at the North Alabama Railroad Museum, a Christkindlmarket at The Orion, Lowe Mill's Yule Y'all market, an outdoor ice rink at the Huntsville Museum of Art, Father Christmas at Burritt on the Mountain, and The Nutcracker with live orchestra.

We checked every date, time and price below against each event's own 2026 page between October 31 and November 9. All times are Central. The guide is split into lights and tree lightings, Christmas markets, the parade, Santa, trains and family outings, theater and concerts, and holiday races, with a Thanksgiving weekend plan and answers to the questions people ask most.

Christmas 2026 in Huntsville at a Glance

• All season: Galaxy of Lights (November 13 to December 31), Skating in the Park at the Huntsville Museum of Art (November 20 to January 3) and Tinsel Trail (November 27 to December 31)
• Wednesday, November 11: Alabama A&M's Tree Lighting Ceremony
• November 13-22: Georgiana & Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley at the VBC Playhouse
• Friday, November 27: Tinsel Trail opens with the Rocket City Tree lighting and a Black Friday Market
• Saturday, November 28: Small Business Saturday at Lowe Mill
• November 30 and December 1: the Galaxy of Lights 5K and 3K Fun Run, and the Huntsville Christmas Parade on Tuesday, December 1
• December 4-6: the NEACA Christmas Craft Show, Wassail Fest and Christmas on Main in Madison on Friday, A Christmas Carol opens, the North Star Limited and Santa Train, Yule Y'all at Lowe Mill, the Krampus Run, and Merriment on the Mountain at Burritt
• Monday, December 7: the Huntsville Youth Orchestra Holiday Concert
• December 10-13: Holiday Magic at Burritt, Christkindlmarket at The Orion, The Nutcracker, the second weekend of Christmas trains, the Twickenham Tour of Homes, 12 Nights of Santa at EarlyWorks from Saturday, December 12, and holiday concerts at the downtown and Madison libraries
• December 17-19: Holiday Magic's second weekend, and the Winter Solstice Market at Lowe Mill on Saturday, December 19
• Sunday, December 20: the Winter Solstice Concert at Huntsville Botanical Garden

Christmas Lights and Tree Lightings

Galaxy of Lights at Huntsville Botanical Garden

Galaxy of Lights, now in its 31st season at Huntsville Botanical Garden, runs November 13 to December 31, closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Walking Nights follow an approximately 1.75-mile path, and Driving Nights let you see the lights from your car for $40 per vehicle ($30 for Garden members). Advance Walking Night tickets run $17 to $24 for adults and $10 to $16 for kids 3 to 15, plus tax, depending on the night. Parking is free and the Garden is cashless. Our Galaxy of Lights guide covers the tram, Dog Walking Nights, Sensory Hours and the rest.

Tinsel Trail and the Rocket City Tree

Tinsel Trail fills Big Spring Park in downtown Huntsville with more than 450 live Christmas trees, each decorated by a local business, nonprofit, group or family. It's free and open 24/7 from November 27 to December 31, though the trees may not be lit in severe weather. Opening night, Friday, November 27, brings the lighting of Downtown Huntsville's Rocket City Tree at 6 p.m., a Black Friday Market with local vendors and food trucks from 3 to 9 p.m., performances by the Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 6 to 8 p.m.

Alabama A&M Tree Lighting

Alabama A&M University starts the season early with its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Wednesday, November 11, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the AAMU Campus Quad, with festive music and seasonal refreshments. It's free.

Christmas Markets

Christkindlmarket at The Orion

Christkindlmarket Huntsville brings more than 60 juried artists from across the region to The Orion Amphitheater in MidCity from December 11 to 13, with seasonal food and drinks, the MidCity Market Pop-Up and live holiday music. It's open 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, and admission and parking are free.

Holiday Markets at Lowe Mill

Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, home to 153 working studios, has three holiday shopping days:

• Small Business Saturday: Saturday, November 28, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with handcrafted gifts and artists giving demonstrations.
• Yule Y'all Christmas Market and Spirit Sampling: Saturday, December 5, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with more than 100 vendors, food, live music, samples of local spirits (while supplies last), an appearance by Krampus, and the lighting of the mill's water tower at 5 p.m. Parking is $10 per car.
• Winter Solstice Market: Saturday, December 19, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lowe Mill's last artist market of the year and a good stop for last-minute gifts. Parking is $10.

NEACA Christmas Craft Show

The North East Alabama Craftsmen's Association has held its craft shows for more than 50 years, and its Christmas Craft Show fills South Hall 1 at the Von Braun Center from December 4 to 6 with more than 100 local and regional makers. Admission is free, and parking at any VBC garage or lot is $15 per car. NEACA says 75% of its show profits go back to the community.

Wassail Fest and Christmas on Main in Madison

On Friday, December 4, from 6 to 8 p.m., Main Street Madison's Wassail Fest joins Christmas on Main in historic downtown Madison, along Main Street, Church Street, Short Street and Garner Alley. Downtown shops and businesses each pour their own recipe of warm wassail or cider, you vote for your favorite to crown the year's Wassail Master, and boutiques, salons and restaurants stay open late for holiday shopping, with lights and entertainment around the district. It's a free, family-friendly evening, with non-alcoholic options at the sampling stops.

The Huntsville Christmas Parade

The 12th annual Huntsville Christmas Parade rolls through downtown on Tuesday, December 1, at 6 p.m., with more than 80 floats, animals and marching bands. It starts on Monroe Street at Holmes Avenue, heads south through downtown and ends near AM Booth's Lumberyard. The parade is free. Apart from a VIP Viewing Area (you get in by donating an item to the parade's nonprofit beneficiary at a WRSA live remote before parade day), there are no official viewing areas, so arrive early for a good spot.

Santa, Christmas Trains and Family Outings

Santa Train and North Star Limited

The North Alabama Railroad Museum on Chase Road runs two Christmas rides. The Santa Train runs in the daytime on Saturdays, December 5 and December 12, at noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m., for $20 per rider or $30 in First Class. The North Star Limited runs at night on December 4 and 5 and again on December 11 and 12, at 5:45 and 7:45 p.m., a ride of about 45 minutes, for $35 per person. Every rider needs a ticket whatever their age, the museum says both rides sell out very early, and it asks riders to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.

12 Nights of Santa at EarlyWorks

EarlyWorks Children's Museum becomes the North Pole for 12 Nights of Santa, December 12 to 23, starting at 3 p.m. on weekends and the week of Christmas and at 5 p.m. on other weekdays. Kids write a letter to Santa at the North Pole Post Office, get their own visit and photo time with Santa (a professional photographer emails the photos, and you can take your own), decorate a gingerbread cookie from Peggy Ann's Bakery, play in the snow outside (weather permitting) and make an ornament in the Workshop. Admission is $15, or $13 for members, children under one are free, and tickets are already on sale.

Skating in the Park

The Huntsville Museum of Art opens Skating in the Park, its outdoor ice rink, for a 15th season on Friday, November 20, at 4 p.m., and keeps it open through January 3, 2027. Regular hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday, but the museum says hours can change with school schedules and posts updates and weather news on its @skatinginthepark social accounts. Admission is $15 for ages 10 and up and $5 for ages 9 and under, skate and scooter rentals are $5 each, and tickets are sold at the entrance. When school is in session, a school skate rate from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Wednesday is $8 for ages 10 and up with skates, or $5 for 9 and under, with free scooters.

Merriment on the Mountain at Burritt

Burritt on the Mountain holds its newest family event, Merriment on the Mountain, on Saturday, December 5 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Sunday, December 6 (noon to 4 p.m.). Around the Historic Park and Mansion you can make a boxwood wreath, string popcorn and cranberries and taste figgy pudding, all included with admission while supplies last, and the Hot Toddy Hub sells seasonal drinks and treats. Two ticketed events are the only chances for professional photos with Father Christmas: the Winter Whimsy Tea (Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to noon, $50 for adults and $35 for ages 3 to 18), with a Rocket City Ballet performance and a gift for each child, and Cookies and Cocoa (Sunday, 1 to 3 p.m., $25 for adults and $15 for ages 3 to 18).

Holiday Magic at Burritt

Holiday Magic, Burritt's longest-running fundraiser and a 32-year tradition, is a five-course dinner in the Burritt Mansion with a serenade of holiday songs from the Huntsville Master Chorale and a visit from Father Christmas. It runs December 10 to 12 and December 17 to 19, with arrival at 6 p.m. Tickets are $165 per person, and $80 of that counts as a tax donation to Burritt. Reservations are by phone with Burritt.

Twickenham Tour of Homes

The Twickenham Tour of Homes, billed as the Spirit of Christmas Past Homes and Luminary Tour, opens five historic houses in the Twickenham district on Saturday, December 12, from 5 to 9 p.m.: the Weeden House Museum (built 1819), the Perkins Mansion (1815), the Bibb Mansion (1836), the Moore-Rhett Mansion (1826) and the Leroy Pope Mansion (1814). Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under, are non-refundable, and are sold locally at Brooks and Collier, the Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Center, The Greenery and Harrison Brothers Hardware.

A Howliday Hike on Monte Sano

Bring the dog to Monte Sano State Park on Friday, December 4, at 2 p.m. for the Monte Sano is for the Dogs Hike: Howliday Themed Edition, which meets at the Main Hikers Parking Lot. Register online with Alabama State Parks.

Theater and Holiday Concerts

• Georgiana & Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley: Theatre Huntsville's holiday comedy, the last of the Christmas at Pemberley plays by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon, November 13 to 22 at the VBC Playhouse. Evening shows are at 7:30 p.m. and matinees at 2 p.m., tickets start at $26, and it's recommended for ages 10 and up.
• A Christmas Carol: Fantasy Playhouse's version by local playwright Cherie Evans, at the VBC Playhouse over two weekends, December 4 to 6 and December 10 to 13. Shows are at 7 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and at 1 and 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
• The Nutcracker: the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra plays Tchaikovsky's score live with Huntsville Ballet at the Von Braun Center, Friday, December 11 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, December 12 at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, December 13 at 1 p.m. It isn't part of the HSO's Subscribe & Save packages.
• Huntsville Youth Orchestra Holiday Concert: Monday, December 7, at 6:30 p.m. in the Sandra Moon Auditorium.
• Christmas Concert at Downtown: the Rocket City Jazz Orchestra plays new and classic Christmas songs in the third-floor event space of the Downtown Huntsville Library on Saturday, December 12, at 6:30 p.m. (doors at 5:45). It's free and no tickets are needed.
• Huntsville Concert Band Holiday Concert: a "Holiday Classics" program directed by Marsha Asquith, Sunday, December 13, at 3 p.m. at the Madison Public Library in Madison.
• Winter Solstice Concert: the string quartet Southern Strings plays music inspired by winter and the holidays in the Isenberg Grand Hall at Huntsville Botanical Garden on Sunday, December 20, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., with a 10-minute intermission. Tickets are $35, or $20 for Garden members, must be bought in advance and include Garden admission. The concert ends just before that night's Galaxy of Lights Walking Night, which needs its own ticket.

Holiday Races

• Galaxy of Lights 5K: Monday, November 30, 6 to 8:30 p.m., a 3.1-mile course through the lights at the Botanical Garden, mostly paved with a few short gravel sections. Pets, strollers and headphones aren't allowed on the course.
• Galaxy of Lights 3K Fun Run: Tuesday, December 1, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., an untimed 1.8-mile run through the lights. Strollers are welcome; pets and headphones aren't. For both Galaxy races you must register in advance, and registration closes Wednesday, November 25, at 10 p.m.
• Krampus Run 5K: Saturday, December 5, at 10 a.m. at Ditto Landing, the 6th annual fun run, with Krampus on the prowl along the course. Registration is $30 until race day and $35 on the day, and includes an after-race snack and a Krampus souvenir to hang on your tree. Leave dogs at home.

How to Plan Thanksgiving Weekend

• Thursday, November 26: Galaxy of Lights is closed on Thanksgiving Day.
• Friday, November 27: Head downtown for Tinsel Trail's opening night: the Black Friday Market from 3 p.m., the Rocket City Tree lighting at 6, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus until 8.
• Saturday, November 28: Small Business Saturday at Lowe Mill from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., then Galaxy of Lights after dark.
• Sunday, November 29: A slower walk through Tinsel Trail, which is open around the clock, and a skate at Skating in the Park (regular Sunday hours are noon to 8 p.m.).

A Few Tips Before You Go

• Book the Christmas trains early. The railroad museum says the Santa Train and North Star Limited sell out very early, and every rider needs a ticket, babies included.
• Check the Galaxy calendar. Walking and Driving Nights fall on different dates, Walking Night prices change by night, and buying before 4:30 p.m. on the day of your visit gets the best rate.
• Bring a card. Huntsville Botanical Garden is cashless.
• Budget for parking. Lowe Mill charges $10 per car on market days, and parking for the NEACA show at VBC garages and lots is $15.
• Get to the parade early. Apart from the VIP area, there are no official viewing areas along the route.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Galaxy of Lights in 2026?

November 13 to December 31, closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Walking and Driving Nights fall on different dates, so check the Garden's calendar before you buy.

What Christmas events in Huntsville are free?

Tinsel Trail and its opening night, the Huntsville Christmas Parade, Christkindlmarket (free admission and parking), the NEACA Christmas Craft Show (parking is $15), Alabama A&M's Tree Lighting, Wassail Fest and Christmas on Main in Madison, and the Rocket City Jazz Orchestra's Christmas Concert at the Downtown Huntsville Library are all free.

Where can kids see Santa in Huntsville?

Santa and Mrs. Claus pose for photos on Tinsel Trail's opening night (November 27, 6 to 8 p.m.), the parade's VIP Viewing Area has pictures with Santa, and Father Christmas visits Merriment on the Mountain at Burritt, with professional photos at the Winter Whimsy Tea on December 5 and Cookies and Cocoa on December 6. At 12 Nights of Santa at EarlyWorks (December 12 to 23, tickets required), every family gets its own visit and photo time with Santa.

What is there to do after Christmas?

Galaxy of Lights reopens on December 26 and runs through December 31, Tinsel Trail stays up through December 31, and Skating in the Park stays open through January 3.

More Winter Ideas in Huntsville

Our winter guide to Huntsville covers indoor days, hockey, winter hikes and cozy food and drink beyond the holidays, and the events calendar is updated every week, so check it for new holiday events as they're announced.