From colorful rows of evergreen trees to dazzling icicle forests, the holiday vibes are strong in Huntsville, AL. This is a Southern destination that doesn’t often get painted in wintry white, so fostering a festive atmosphere is especially important, and luckily, the community is all over it.

Grab a candy cane or a cup of cocoa and check out these five holiday events in Huntsville, Alabama, that will put you in the Christmas spirit.

5 Magical Holiday Events in Huntsville, Alabama

Santa’s Village

Located at the Historic Huntsville Depot, an old train station built in the 1860s, the magical land comes alive with twinkly lights, singing trees and musical entertainment during the holidays.

Open Nov. 29-Dec. 23, 2019

Tinsel Trail

Hundreds of evergreens line up in neat rows here, each decorated by a local company, organization or family in all kinds of colorful themes. You’ll see classic decor, hand-made ornaments, nods to movie characters, and a couple of quirky setups that I can only assume were built on inside jokes. Come during the day to gain some inspiration for your own tree, and again after dusk to see them all aglow.

Open Nov. 29, 2019-Jan 1, 2020

Skating in the Park

There’s something so special about finding an outdoor skating rink in the South. Especially when it’s still warm enough outside to wear short sleeves in December and you’re grasping for that Christmassy feeling. Gliding around on the ice with the stars for company and “Winter Wonderland” playing in the background is just the right dose of holiday magic.

Open Nov. 15, 2019-Jan. 12, 2020

Bridge Street Town Centre

Open daily. The Christmas tree lighting is on Nov. 22 and Santa’s here Nov. 22-Dec. 24, 2019.

Galaxy of Lights

Since you’ll be driving through the attraction (unless you visit on walking nights early in the season), you’re free to cozy up in Christmas PJs and bring your own hot cocoa to sip while you listen to the accompanying festive tunes.

Open Nov. 15-18, 21-26 for walking and Nov. 29, 2019-Jan. 4, 2020 for driving.