Christmas Markets Alabama 2025: Best Festive Events and Shopping Destinations

Christmas markets pop up all over Alabama, offering a holiday vibe that’s deeply rooted in local traditions and Southern charm. You’ll stumble upon unique gifts, handmade crafts, and some seriously good festive food, all while wandering through small towns and cities that folks often call the cutest Christmas towns in the South.

These events really boost tourism and pull communities together. Locals and visitors mingle, and the markets become gathering spots that just feel right for the season.

As you make your way through Alabama during the holidays, you’ll quickly see that each market brings its own flavor—some go for old-school crafts, while others lean into modern holiday entertainment. Whether you’re hitting up a bustling city market or strolling a historic town square, you’ll find families from all walks of life joining in. A lot of these markets also make a point to welcome the Black community and folks from all backgrounds, showing off Alabama’s rich diversity.

1) Huntsville Christmas Market

Key Information

Huntsville rolls out several holiday markets, each with its own twist. The Christkindlmarket at the Orion Amphitheatre brings together over 60 artists, so you can browse and buy handmade art and gifts throughout December 2025.

Yule Y’all, coming up on December 7, offers seasonal goodies and spirit tastings. It’s a bit smaller, but you still get the full holiday market vibe. Expect Christmas treats and plenty of gift ideas.

The Merrimack Christmas Market, also on December 7, runs from morning until early afternoon. You’ll find crafts, vintage treasures, and food trucks. No entrance fee here, so you can wander at your own pace.

If you love a good walk, check out the Tinsel Trail at Big Spring Park. It features live, decorated Christmas trees and a vendor market from mid-afternoon into the evening.

Here’s a table with the basics for planning your trip. Double-check times, addresses, and prices. You can always search Booking.com for places to stay. For more details about Huntsville holiday markets, visit the official event guide.

Date	Address	Time	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 2025	Orion Amphitheatre, Huntsville, AL	Various	Free	Booking.com	Huntsville Holiday Markets
December 7	Yule Y’all: Huntsville, AL	Various	Free	Booking.com	Holiday & Craft Fairs
December 7	Merrimack Christmas Market, Huntsville, AL	8 AM – 2 PM	Free	Booking.com	Christmas Markets Alabama 2025
December 2025	Big Spring Park, Huntsville, AL	2 PM – 8 PM	Free	Booking.com	Holiday Markets Calendar

2) Holiday Light Displays at Bellingrath Gardens

When you visit Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens, you’ll wander through 65 acres packed with light designs and festive scenes. The event uses more than 3 million lights and over 1,100 displays, creating glowing sights everywhere you look.

You’ll walk through 16 themed areas, like tunnels of light or giant illuminated flowers. Walking paths guide you from one section to the next, so you won’t miss a thing.

Families and groups flock here to take in the decorations together, and the gardens get especially lively on December weekends. Besides the lights, you can tour the historic Bellingrath Home, which shows off traditional holiday decorations inside.

There’s a gift shop on-site if you want to pick up a holiday souvenir.

Here’s a quick table with the essentials:

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 29, 2025 – Jan 3, 2026	12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd, Theodore, AL 36582	4:00 PM – 9:00 PM	Adults: $16, Children (5-12): $8, Under 5: Free	Hotels near Bellingrath Gardens	Holiday light event details

Magic Christmas in Lights draws both locals and travelers. You’ll get to see historic grounds and festive rooms, all lit up with holiday lights.

3) Birmingham Christmas Village Festival

The Birmingham Christmas Village Festival takes over the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex every November. Thousands of people show up each year to shop, mingle, and soak up the holiday spirit in Alabama.

Over five days, more than 700 vendors from all over the country set up shop. You’ll find everything from traditional holiday crafts to handmade food goodies. People come to hunt for gifts like jewelry, ornaments, and festive clothes.

Friends and families wander the aisles, sampling treats and searching for that perfect present. The festival’s lively, cheerful atmosphere really kicks off the season in Birmingham.

If you’re thinking of going, grab your ticket ahead of time. You can buy tickets at the BJCC box office, and booking early might save you from waiting in long lines.

Here are the details you’ll need:

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
November 5-9, 2025	Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex	10:00 AM – 7:00 PM	$12 (Adults), $5 (Children)	Nearby hotels	Christmas Village Festival

For more info on what’s available and ticket updates, check the official festival site.

4) Mobile Holiday Night Market

Check out the Mobile Holiday Night Market at the Mobile Convention Center if you’re looking for a festive event in Alabama. The market runs from November 15 to 17, 2025.

When you walk in, you’ll spot all kinds of crafts, unique holiday decorations, and gifts from local and regional artists. The market welcomes all ages, with activities for kids and live performances and food vendors for adults. If you want to chill after shopping, there’s a cash bar.

Shopping here supports local artists, and you’ll find items you just won’t see in big stores. If you want festive entertainment and a solid mix of holiday merchandise, this market is an easy pick in downtown Mobile.

It’s easy to find, and you can spend hours checking out booths and attractions.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Nov 15-17, 2025	Mobile Convention Center	Fri: 11am-7pm Sat: 11am-6pm Sun: 10am-5pm	General Admission: $10	Hotels near Mobile Convention Center	Mobile Christmas Night Market

5) Montevallo Holiday Artist Market

At the Montevallo Holiday Artist Market, you’ll discover handmade goods from local artists. The market features jewelry, pottery, paintings—each one crafted by hand and totally unique.

If you’re after a gift that stands out, you’ll have plenty of interesting options here. Festive music plays in the background, adding to the holiday mood.

Decorations fill the market, making it feel warm and inviting. Kids can head to a special area with snow and even meet Santa. The event feels fun for everyone, not just adults.

The market happens outside, so dress for whatever weather Alabama throws at you. As you browse, you’ll support local talent and pick up one-of-a-kind gifts. There’s no admission fee, so you can just focus on shopping.

Here’s what you need to know:

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Nearby Hotel	Website
November 29, 2025	Orr Park, Montevallo, AL	10 AM – 5 PM	Free Admission	Hampton Inn Calera (find on booking.com)	Montevallo Merry Market Information and Christmas Markets Alabama 2025

6) Fairhope Holiday Market Outdoors

Swing by the Fairhope Holiday Market Outdoors for shopping, food, and homemade goods. Local vendors set up in downtown Fairhope, selling crafts, art, and tasty holiday snacks.

You’ll see handmade decorations and creative gift ideas everywhere. As you wander, you’ll spot the town decked out in lights and hear music drifting through the air.

The market feels calm and friendly, with a small-town vibe that makes shopping easy. You can walk everywhere, and each booth has someone ready to chat.

Grab a hot cocoa as you browse. Entry is free for everyone.

If you’re staying overnight, there are plenty of places to stay in Fairhope on Booking.com.

Dates	Location	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 1-3	Downtown Fairhope, AL	4:00 PM – 8:00 PM	Free	Fairhope Hotels	Fairhope Outdoor Christmas Market 2025

7) Cullman Holiday Market Tradition

Every year, Cullman hosts the Christkindlmarket, where German heritage and Southern hospitality meet. Inspired by medieval German markets, this event pops up right in Cullman County’s center.

You’ll spot rows of vendor huts, all decked out and brimming with handmade crafts, ornaments, and art from local folks. If you’re hungry, you can grab German classics like bratwurst, gingerbread, and hot glühwein.

There are also plenty of sweets and snacks, so nobody leaves hungry. Families can get in for free, which makes it easy to just show up and soak in the good vibes.

At night, the Christmas parade rolls through while the tree lighting and carousel rides bring even more cheer. You can’t miss the 40-foot Weihnachtspyramide—it towers above the crowd.

There’s a life-size nativity scene, too. Santa sticks around for photos, and ice skating adds extra fun for kids and adults alike.

Lights and music fill the air as you wander between stalls.

Date	Time	Address	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 9-10	11:00 am – 8:00 pm	209 1st Ave NE, Cullman, AL	Free	Holiday Inn Express Cullman (booking.com)	https://www.cullmanchristkindlmarkt.com/
December 11	1:00 pm – 5:00 pm	209 1st Ave NE, Cullman, AL	Free	La Quinta by Wyndham Cullman (booking.com)	https://www.cullmanchristkindlmarkt.com/
Nov 24-Dec 23	Every Thu–Sun	Depot Park, Downtown Cullman	Free	Hampton Inn Cullman (booking.com)	https://www.cullmanchristkindlmarkt.com/

If you love discovering German roots or just want to catch Cullman’s holiday spirit, this market’s a must-see. You can check out the latest updates and details at the official Christkindlmarkt in Cullman website.

8) Gingerbread Market Experience in Tuscaloosa

The Gingerbread Market in Tuscaloosa signals the start of Christmas around here. Local vendors set up shop with handmade gifts and festive decorations.

It’s a great place to find one-of-a-kind presents for friends, or maybe just something fun for your own place. The event takes over the center of Tuscaloosa, so it’s hard to miss.

As you stroll through the booths, Christmas music drifts through the air. Gingerbread-themed decorations add a playful touch, especially for kids.

Parents can relax and enjoy the mellow atmosphere while the children take it all in. If you’re thinking about going, here’s what you need to know. Admission doesn’t cost a thing, so bring the whole family.

The Gingerbread Market opens November 1, 2025, at 1900 Jack Warner Parkway. You can find more info and plan your visit with the official Christmas market guide for Alabama.

Date	Address	Time	Prices	Nearby Stay (Booking.com)	Website
Nov 1, 2025	1900 Jack Warner Parkway, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401	10:00 AM – 5:00 PM	Free Entry	Hotel Indigo Tuscaloosa Downtown	https://christmasmarketusa.com/christmas-markets-alabama-2025/

If you need a place to crash, Hotel Indigo Tuscaloosa Downtown is just down the road. This market has become a favorite for locals and visitors who want a true Alabama holiday event.

9) Santa’s Wonderland in Decatur

Santa’s Wonderland in Decatur welcomes families and friends at the Old State Bank. You’ll find bright displays and charming holiday decorations all around.

Kids can visit Santa and share their Christmas wishes, which always makes for a sweet moment. Warm drinks and holiday snacks are easy to find as you wander.

The evening feels easygoing and festive. You don’t need a ticket—just show up and enjoy.

Date	Time	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 15, 2025	5:00–9:00 PM	Old State Bank, Decatur, AL	Free Admission	DoubleTree by Hilton Decatur Riverfront, Courtyard by Marriott Decatur, Home2 Suites by Hilton Decatur	More Alabama Christmas events

10) Celebrate Christmas at Harrison Brothers Hardware

What to Expect During the Holidays

Step into Harrison Brothers Hardware in December and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a Huntsville tradition from the 1800s. The historic shop bursts with holiday gifts and shelves stacked with hand-crafted goods from local makers.

Window displays bring extra holiday spirit, each one dressed up with simple, old-school Christmas designs. Inside, you’ll spot classic toys and treats from around the region.

Harrison Brothers Hardware hosts seasonal events, too. The annual open house draws shoppers looking for something special, and local artists show off their crafts.

You get the chance to meet the makers and buy directly from them, which is always a nice touch. Here’s a quick look at the event details for 2025.

Dates	Times	Address	Entry Fee	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 1–24, 2025	10 AM–6 PM	124 Southside Square, Huntsville	Free entry, items sold separately	Hotels nearby	Holiday event details