Where to See Christmas Lights in Alabama

LAST UPDATED: October 8, 2024

Christmas in Alabama means tradition, family, gifts, and elaborate Christmas lights displays! Whether you want to take a leisurely stroll through a bedazzled zoo or drive through enormous synchronized light shows while sitting comfortably in your car, this list of Christmas lights in Alabama will not disappoint. Keep reading to find the Christmas stop that’s perfect for you this holiday season!

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Best Displays of Christmas Lights in Alabama

Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens (Mobile)

Bellingrath Gardens’ Magic Christmas in Lights is a famous Gulf Coast holiday tradition that features over 3 million lights arranged in 15 spectacular scenes across its 65-acre property!

Drop by the Magnolia Cafe to grab something to eat and meet Santa as you stroll through the gardens. After being blown away by all the splendor, check out the gift shop for some mementos of the night.

Although tickets are available at the venue, it’s best to book them in advance. If you’re planning to stay in town for more than a day, consider staying at Home2 Suites by Hilton Mobile!

Visit Bellingrath Gardens and Home

for more information, pricing, hours of operation, and a full list of activities. GPS: 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore, Alabama 36582

Galaxy of Lights at Huntsville Botanical Garden (Huntsville)

Visit the Galaxy of Lights in Huntsville to check out all the holiday finery up for viewing. Expect to be spellbound as you make your way through 2.5 miles of impressive displays comprising holiday themes, classic characters, and scenes from everyday life.

The event offers both the options of walking and driving through the venue but for Walking Nights, it’s mandatory to pre-purchase tickets so don’t forget to book in advance!

Some of the nights are even scheduled to be Dog Walking Nights, so bundle up your furry friend, grab a cup of cocoa and take a dazzling stroll to lift your holiday spirits! If you’re looking for a place to stay, consider the AC by Marriott Hotel Huntsville.

Visit Huntsville Botanical Garden

for more information, pricing, hours of operation, and a full list of activities. GPS: 4747 Bob Wallace Avenue, Huntsville, Alabama 35805

Christmas at Noccalula Falls (Gadsden)

Christmas at the Falls in Gadsden is an annual holiday celebration that features millions of twinkling lights. They irradiate walking trails and provide magnificent views from vantage points such as the park’s train.

Apart from enjoying the wonderland of lights and color amidst nature, kids and adults alike can enjoy plenty of fun activities like train rides, visiting the petting zoo, an opportunity to visit Santa, and even decorating cookies!

It’s compulsory to pre-purchase tickets online so don’t forget to pick your dates at the earliest time possible. If you’re in town for only a short while consider staying at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites.

Visit Christmas at the Falls

for more information, pricing, hours of operation, and a full list of activities. GPS: 1500 Noccalula Road, Gadsden, Alabama 35904

Lights of Noel (Birmingham)

Christmas lights have returned to the Birmingham Race Course! Lights of Noel is Alabama’s newest and largest drive-through animated light show!

Considered fun for the whole family all ages included, this is the perfect way to see thousands of lights, listen to Christmas music, AND stay warm!

So grab your family, friends, or significant other and get out for that magical holiday drive! Tickets can be purchased online and if you are coming from out of town and need a place to stay, consider staying at Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa. It’s gorgeous at Christmastime!

Visit Lights of Noel

for more information, pricing, hours of operation, and a full list of activities. GPS: Winners Way, Birmingham, Alabama 35253

LuLu’s Lighted Boat Parade (Gulf Shores)

If you crave a coastal Christmas with white sand beneath your feet and a tropical drink in your hand but don’t want to miss out on the festivities of Christmas, the Gulf Coast is where you’ll want to be!

The Lighted Boat Parade is conducted on the second Saturday of December each year. The magical night has boats of all kinds floating through the Intercoastal Waterway. There are great viewing spots all along the way but the best spot is said to be The Wharf at Orange Beach.

If you’re looking for a place to stay for a couple of nights while there, consider staying at The Lodge at Gulf State Park.

Visit LuLu’s Lighted Boat Parade

for more information, pricing, hours of operation, and a full list of activities. GPS: 200 East 25th Avenue Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542

Best Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Alabama

Tinsel Trail at Big Spring Park (Huntsville)

The Tinsel Trail in Downtown Huntsville is an annual display of Christmas trees that is all about community. All of the close to three hundred trees are sponsored and decorated by locals and are all free to view for the public.

Once you’re done strolling through the trail of beautiful trees in Big Spring Park, consider staying at Homewood Suites by Hilton for a comfortable night’s rest.

Visit Tinsel Trail

for more information, pricing, hours of operation, and a full list of activities. GPS: 200 Church Street SW, Huntsville, Alabama 35801

Holiday SPECTRA Laser Light Experience at The Wharf (Orange Beach)

NOTE: It is unclear if this event is happening for the 2024 season.

Choose to visit The SPECTRA Laser Light Experience at The Wharf if you’re looking for a Christmas lights show that is sophisticated and contemporary! With state-of-the-art lasers and surround-sound music, it delivers an experience like no other.

During the holidays, Main Street is converted into a magical stage where timeless Christmas tunes are played and the palm trees come to life with cheerful colors! After you watch the free choreographed light show, you could stay at The Island House Hotel to finish your Christmas trip with a flourish.

Visit The Wharf

for more information, pricing, hours of operation, and a full list of activities. GPS: 23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach, Alabama 36561

Christmas Nights of Lights (Mobile)

Christmas Nights of Lights is an annual Christmastime synchronized light show featuring over a million lights “dancing” to tunes playing on your own car stereo! Pack your car full of friends and family and drive through the marvelous displays while bobbing your head to Christmas classics.

The lights come alive for 30 minutes at a time in a choreographed dance. Synchronized to traditional songs and even newer, more modern Christmas renditions, the installations are mesmerizing. Tickets are only available at the venue so just show up and enjoy. Consider staying at the Mobile Marriott while there.

Visit Christmas Nights of Lights

for more information, pricing, hours of operation, and a full list of activities. GPS: Mobile International Speedway 7800 Park Boulevard, Irvington, Alabama 36544

Christmas Lights at Palisades Park (Oneonta)

The Palisades Park in Oneonta twinkles with thousands of lights in the month of December. Free to view for the public, the park is decked out in lights and Christmas decorations each year by local businesses, churches, clubs, and individuals.

Hop in your car, drive through the park, and be swept away by the magic of Christmas and community. If there are kids in the equation, plan your trip to coincide with the two weekends that Santa drops by at the Blount County Quilters Guild!

Visit Palisades Park

for more information, pricing, hours of operation, and a full list of activities. GPS: 1225 Palisades Parkway, Oneonta, Alabama 35121

Festival of Lights at Choccolocco Park (Oxford)

Photo Credit: City of Oxford, Alabama

The Festival of Lights in Oxford turns Choccolocco Park into a Winter Wonderland. Drive 1.5 miles through 2 million sparkling lights in the comfort of your own vehicle and then visit Santa’s Village.

The village will feature Santa photos, food trucks, outdoor skating, a letters-to-Santa station, inflatables, and so much more!

At night, Santa’s Village transforms into a real-life snow globe you can’t miss. Enjoy homemade fudge, and hot apple cider among other fun treats at the General Store!

End the night by checking into Hampton Inn & Suites for a comfortable night’s stay.

Visit Oxford Festival of Lights

for more information, pricing, hours of operation, and a full list of activities. GPS: 954 Leon Smith Parkway, Oxford, Alabama 36203

Winter Wonderland Christmas Light Display (Cullman)

Winter Wonderland Christmas Lights Display at Sportsman Lake Park is a Cullman County tradition featuring thousands of shimmering lights and creative displays. Other things it has to offer are Christmas train rides, horse and carriage rides, meeting Santa, a photo booth, hot chocolate, and a snow machine!

Once you’re done soaking in all the holiday magic, head to La Quinta by Wyndham for a peaceful stay and a perfect end to your Christmas adventure.

Visit Sportsman Lake Park

for more information, pricing, hours of operation, and a full list of activities. GPS: 1544 Sportsman Lake Road NW, Cullman, Alabama 35055

Christmas Lights Festival, Montgomery Zoo (Montgomery)

During winter each year the Montgomery Zoo transforms into a magical land of Christmas lights, festive decorations, and holiday celebration. For animal lovers looking for an entertainment-filled winter night, this one is sure to fit the bill.

Some of the zoo’s offerings are the Zoofari Skylift Ride, atop which you can see the twinkling lights below in all their glory. Additionally, train rides, Santa, the petting zoo, hot chocolate, and warm cookies round out the various activities. For a good night’s rest after all your Christmas adventures, head to Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa.

Visit Christmas Lights Festival

for more information, pricing, hours of operation, and a full list of activities. GPS: 2301 Coliseum Parkway Montgomery, Alabama 36110

And that’s a wrap! All the best spots to experience the greatest Christmas lights in Alabama possible in one place. I hope you found your next destination and it gives you the magical Christmas night you’re looking for!

What are your favorite Christmas lights in Alabama? Do you have a recommendation to add to this list? I would love to know about it!

Heather

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Best Displays of Christmas Lights in Alabama

Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens (Mobile)

Visit Bellingrath Gardens and Home