Looking for your weekend plans? Check out these 22 exciting events across Birmingham, December 13-15, including Hats for Cats at Gatos & Beans, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® at the BJCC and more.
Read more: 22 exciting weekend events: social happy hour at City Walk + The Nutcracker – Dec. 13-15
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Continuing events in Birmingham
1. Magic of Model Trains @ McWane Science Center
- What: The beloved model train display is back in Birmingham for its 19th year. Explore model trains of every shape + size, ride the McWane Train + more.
- When: Saturday, Nov. 23-Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025
- Cost: General Admission to the McWane Science Center
- Details
2. Glow Wild @ The Birmingham Zoo
- What: Spend the night strolling past stunning illuminated lanterns during this unforgettable annual event.
- When: Now-Jan. 20 2025
- Cost: Adults $13.95-$23.95 | Children (ages 2+) $10.95-$14.95 | Children (under age 2) FREE
- Details
3. MAGICAL NIGHTS: Vulcan’s Holiday Experience @ Vulcan Park & Museum
- What: Vulcan Park and Museum will transform into a delightful wonderland filled with lights, holiday music, special guest appearances and Santa this December. There will also be food, hot chocolate, wine and beer for purchase. Plus, you’ll have more time to browse for holiday gifts because The Anvil Gift Shop will have extended hours until 8PM.
- When: Sunday, Dec. 1-Tuesday, Dec. 31 | 4-8PM
- Cost: Adults (ages 13+) $8 | Kids (ages 5-12) $5 | Kids (ages 4 and under) Free Admission
- Details
4. Magic of Lights @ Alabama Adventure
- What: Enjoy a stellar drive-through holiday light show this season at Alabama Adventure.
- When: Now-January 4, 2025 | Monday-Thursday 5:30-9PM + Friday-Sunday 5:30-10PM
- Cost: Standard Vehicle $24 | Limo/Party Bus $50
- Details
5. ¡HICA! annual Tamale Sale
- What: The Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama (¡HICA!) is hosting its 21st Annual Tamale Sale this December. Make your order now and celebrate culture, tradition and delicious food while supporting ¡HICA!’s important work for Hispanic and immigrant communities across Birmingham.
- When: Now-Sunday, Dec. 15
- Cost:
- Half dozen tamales: $25
- One dozen tamales: $45
- One dozen tamales, tortilla chips, a jar of salsa + a drink: $60
- Details
Friday, Dec. 13-Sunday, Dec. 15 events in Birmingham
Friday, Dec. 13 events in Birmingham
6. Holiday Open House @ Studio by the Tracks
- What: Attend this special holiday open house and stock up on great gifts. They’ll also be launching their new candle collaboration with Village Apothecary. Don’t miss it!
- When: Friday, Dec. 13, 5-6PM | Saturday, Dec. 14, 10AM-3PM
- Cost: Free Admission
- Details
7. Social Happy Hour @ City Walk BHAM
- What: Enjoy a chill social happy hour at City Walk BHAM withwith great drinks, good conversation and vibrant atmosphere.
- When: Friday, Dec.13 | 4-8PM
- Cost: Free admission
- Details
8. So You Say You Play Jazz? Jose’s Carr’s True Story Film Screening @ Carver Theatre
- What: See Jose Carr’s impact on the jazz world at this special event showcasing You Say You Play Jazz? a film showcasing his remarkable journey in the world of jazz music.
- When: Friday, Dec. 13 | 6-8:30PM
- Cost: Free Admission
- Details
9. Creole Christmas with Preservation Hall Jazz Band @ UAB’s Alys Stephens Center
- What: Celebrate the holiday season with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band as they bring the magic of New Orleans to the stage in this must-see concert series.
- When: Friday, Dec. 13 | 7PM
- Cost: $40-$75
- Details
10. Bad Movie Night @ Sidewalk Film
- What: Grab your friends and a snack for a free movie night at Sidewalk Film. What could be better?
- When: Friday, Dec. 13 | 8PM
- Cost: Free admission
- Details
Saturday, Dec. 14 events in Birmingham
11. The 2024 Third Annual Gingerbread Jam @ Vestavia Hills Civic Center
- What: Get your friends and family and showcase your creativity by entering this gingerbread making contest for a chance to win. Proceeds benefit the Megan Montgomery Foundation and its efforts to prevent relationship violence.
- When: Saturday, Dec. 14 | 8AM-12PM
- Cost: Free viewing | $5 to submit your own
- Details
12. Gifts for Good Holiday Market @ Protective Stadium
- What: Shop local nonprofits during this unique market for handmade pottery, baked goods, home decor and more.
- When: Saturday, Dec. 14 | 10AM-3PM
- Cost: Free Admission
- Details
13. Nature Drawing @ Birmingham Museum of Art
- What: Come to this fun hands-on, family-friendly program detailing how botanical illustrations have shaped both art and science.
- When: Saturday, Dec. 14 | 10:30-11AM
- Cost: Free Admission
- Details
14. Bikes & Claus @ Heart of Dixie Cycle
- What: Bring your family, dogs and bike to this fun event hosted by Heart of Dixie. There will be pictures with Santa, sweet holiday deals and hot chocolate!
- When: Saturday, Dec. 14 | 11AM-2PM
- Cost: Free admission
- Details
15. Snow Day @ The Pizitz
- What: Don’t miss this fun family-friend event filled with Disney’s Frozen characters, hot chocolate and more.
- When: Saturday, Dec. 14 | 12PM-3PM
- Cost: Free admission
- Details
16. Christmas Parade @ Downtown Trussville
- What: Celebrate the season at the Christmas Parade in Downtown Trussville. This year’s theme is “The Spirit of Christmas” and will feature cool floats, a chance to win prizes and more.
- When: Saturday, Dec. 14 | 2-4PM
- Cost: Free admission
- Details
17. Birmingham SantaCon @ Carrigan’s Public House
- What: Enjoy this festive event that lets you tour the best local bars, each decked out in holiday cheer.
- When: Saturday, Dec. 14 | 4PM-8PM
- Cost: $10.99+
- Details
18. Christmas is a Drag @ Saturn Bham
- What: Benefiting AIDS Alabama and featuring Brita Filter from Rupaul’s Drag Race, Saturn host Christmas is a Drag. Fun for you and your friends and for a great cause!
- When: Saturday Dec. 14 | 8PM
- Cost: $25+
- Details
Sunday, Dec. 15 events in Birmingham
19. Hats for Cats Holiday Pop-Up @ Gatos & Beans
- What: Get your four-legged friend a holiday gift this Sunday! This pop-up event benefits Gatos & Beans’ rescue partner Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue.
- When: Sunday, Dec. 15 | 11AM-3PM
- Cost: Free Admission
- Details
20. Circle the Globe Highlights Tour @ Birmingham Museum of Art
- What: This Sunday, explore the BMA’s incredible collection with a fun, interactive tour led by our Teaching Fellows. Discover art from across the globe, from the Americas to Asia. A perfect way to dive into the museum’s highlights.
- When: Sunday, Dec. 15 | 1-2PM
- Cost: FREE
- Details
21. Sounds of the Season @ Samford University Brock Recital Hall
- What: Celebrate the season with a festive concert of holiday classics, featuring Alexis Davis-Hazell, Earl Hazell and the Opera Birmingham Studio. This family-friendly performance is filled with beloved Christmas carols and seasonal favorites.
- When: Sunday, Dec. 15 | 2:30PM
- Cost: Adult ticket $30 | Student/child tickets $15
- Details
22. George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® @ BJCC Concert Hall
- What: Fun Fact: The Alabama Ballet is one of only eight companies in the world licensed by the Balanchine Trust to perform this holiday masterpiece. Come see it for yourself!
- When: Friday, Dec. 13-Sunday, Dec. 15 (with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra) | Showtimes Vary
- Cost: $48+
- Details
More ahead in Birmingham
- Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan in Birmingham—Dec. 18-22
- It’s a Wonderful Life Live! @ Virginia Samford Theatre—Dec. 19-29
- Handel’s Messiah @ UAB’s Alys Stephens Center—Dec. 20-21
- A Viennese Celebration @ UAB’s Alys Stephens Center—Dec. 31
- WORKPLAY’s First Ever Reveillon 2024 NYE Event—Dec. 31