BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - It’s the most wonderful time of the year to watch Alabama sparkle! Whether you prefer a cozy drive through dazzling displays or a stroll beneath glowing lanterns, these 12 holiday attractions offer plenty of ways to brighten the season.
Adventus Christmas Laser Light Show
Head underground at Majestic Caverns in Childersburg for a different kind of holiday light show. The Adventus Christmas Laser Light Show combines lasers, music and storytelling to share the Christmas story inside the cavern.
The show is featured during scheduled guided cave tours from Nov. 15 through Dec. 31. Guided tours start at $34.98; check the caverns’ website for tour availability and details.
Christmas at the Falls
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A Gadsden holiday tradition is lighting up Noccalula Falls Park Nov. 13 through Jan. 2. Take a stroll through the sparkling displays and enjoy a train ride included with admission.
The attraction is closed Nov. 16-19 and Dec. 24-25. Tickets are available online only; guests choose an arrival window between 4 and 8 p.m., and the park closes at 10 p.m. Admission ranges from $12 to $18, and children 3 and younger are free. Visit the city’s event page for tickets and details.
Christmas at the Grotto
Surround yourself with glowing lights and holiday cheer at Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman. Christmas at the Grotto is scheduled for Nov. 19-22 and 27-29 and Dec. 3-6, 10-23 and 26-27. Lights come on at 5 p.m.
Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and teens ages 13-17, and $9 for military members, first responders and children ages 5-12. The grotto lists admission as free for children younger than 4. Horse-drawn wagon rides cost $7. Visit Ave Maria Grotto for more information.
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Galaxy of Lights
Make the trip to Huntsville Botanical Garden for Galaxy of Lights, where millions of lights illuminate the gardens Nov. 13 through Dec. 31. Guests can stroll along the walking route or enjoy the displays from their cars on designated driving nights.
The attraction is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, and ticket prices vary by experience and date. Check the garden’s website for the calendar, pricing and tickets.
Glow Wild
Go wild this holiday season at the Birmingham Zoo’s Glow Wild, open on select nights Nov. 21 through Jan. 3. Visitors can stroll along a milelong trail filled with handcrafted lanterns and more than 1 million lights.
Advance tickets are $25 for adults and $16 for children ages 2-12. Walk-up tickets are $27 for adults and $17 for children ages 2-12; member rates are also available. Rides and virtual reality experiences cost extra. Check the zoo’s event page for the full calendar, special event nights and tickets.
Lights of Noel
Enjoy a holiday light show from the comfort of your car at the Birmingham Race Course. Lights of Noel runs Nov. 20 through Jan. 3, with displays synchronized to holiday music.
Admission for a car or family van is $25 Monday through Thursday and $35 Friday through Sunday and on holidays. Activity vans, limos and minibuses cost $40 on weekdays and $50 on weekends and holidays. Full-size buses are not permitted. Find tickets and holiday pricing here.
Lights on the Landing
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Take the scenic route along the Coosa River at River Rocks Landing in Gadsden. Lights on the Landing offers a mile of holiday displays synchronized to music Nov. 26 through Jan. 2, with gates opening nightly at 5 p.m.
Greater Gadsden Tourism lists admission at $5-$8, cash only. A Moke ride through the display is also available for $10. Find more information on the tourism board’s event page.
Magic of Lights
Pile into the car and take in a sparkling holiday show at Alabama Adventure in Bessemer. Magic of Lights runs Nov. 20 through Jan. 2, with festive scenes and characters lighting up the drive-through route.
A November-only standard car ticket costs $18.50 online or $22 at the gate. Through Nov. 19, advance standard car tickets valid during the season are available online for $23.99 for Monday through Thursday or $25.99 for any day. Check the Magic of Lights website for current prices, hours and tickets.
Oxford Festival of Lights
Choccolocco Park transforms into a holiday destination for the Oxford Festival of Lights, running Nov. 20 through Dec. 31. Visitors can enjoy a drive-through display and stop by Santa’s Village for more festive fun.
For vehicles with up to eight passengers, drive-through admission is $20 Monday through Thursday and $25 Friday through Sunday. Admission to Santa’s Village is free, while wristbands for major attractions cost extra. Larger vehicles have different rates. Check the festival’s website for details, hours and tickets.
Wacky Tacky Light Tour
Lighten up the season on a tour of some of the Birmingham area’s biggest, brightest and funniest holiday displays. The Wacky Tacky Light Tour runs Dec. 10, 15 and 17, with buses departing between 6 and 7:30 p.m. Tours last about two hours.
Tickets start at $49.99, and private buses are available. Proceeds support scholarships for Gross Out Camp. Visit Fresh Air Family for tickets and details.
Winter Wonderland at Sportsman Lake Park
Cruise through more than 1 million lights as Sportsman Lake Park in Cullman transforms into a Winter Wonderland. This year’s display is scheduled for Nov. 20-22 and 27-29 and Dec. 2-6, 9-23 and 26-27, from 5 to 9 p.m. The final two nights are drive-through only.
The event listing also highlights a Christmas train, horse and carriage rides, a snow machine and hot chocolate. Admission is charged; call the park at 256-734-3052 for current pricing. Visit their Facebook page for more details.
Wonderland Under Warrior
Step into a glowing underground winter wonderland at Rickwood Caverns State Park. Wonderland Under Warrior is open on select dates Nov. 21 through Jan. 3, from 2 to 8 p.m.
The cave stays around 62 degrees year-round. The approximately 1-mile walk includes about 30 stairs. Admission is $12 for visitors ages 5 and older, and reservations are highly recommended. Check the park’s calendar and reservation information before you go.
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