Christmas in Decatur

Words by Paige Townley 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and that goes double in Decatur. Christmastime in this North Alabama city means there’s so much to experience and take in throughout the season. From home tours and holiday shows to tree lightings and even wreath making classes, Decatur is the winter wonderland for cherishing longstanding traditions and celebrating all the season has to offer. Here are five of our can’t-miss Christmas activities going on this season.

Christmas Open House

Downtown Decatur is home to a number of charming shops and boutiques, all of which are gearing up to once again take part in Downtown Decatur’s Christmas Open House. On Thursday, November 9, shops along Bank Street and Second Avenue kick off the season with the always-anticipated open house that typically bring festive deals for shoppers.

Historic Decatur Christmas Tour

Held each year on the second Saturday in December, the Historic Decatur Christmas Tour is the epitome of the holiday season in the city. The annual tour showcases a selection of Decatur’s historic homes, all curated by the Historic Decatur Association, a nonprofit organization that preserves the character of homes situated within Historic Decatur.

In addition to strolling through some of the city’s grandest homes on the tour, visitors can also enjoy the historic districts themselves decked out in their holiday best. Adding to the ambiance of the day are costumed Christmas carolers that will be performing at the Old State Bank and various tour sites, as well as carriage rides and a visit by Santa Claus himself. 

Cook Museum’s Winter Wonderland

The Cook Museum of Natural Science offers fun and excitement any time of year, and during the Christmas season it’s only amplified. On Friday, November 10, Cook Museum is hosting free family fun with inflatables, activities, games, selfie station, take-home craft, and food for purchase from 2 to 6:30pm. 

Enchanted Forrest Wreath Making Class

Get into the holiday spirit by making some of your very own decorations. The Enchanted Forrest Wreath Making Class takes place on Saturday November 11 in the pavilion at Rhodes Ferry Park.

Holiday Shows at the Princess Theatre

All throughout the month of December the Princess Theatre comes alive with spectacular shows and performances made for the holiday season. From Dreamweaver’s A Christmas Spectacular and Dancer’s Inc.’s the Nutcracker to favorite Christmas movies and a range of musical numbers, the Princess keeps the excitement of Christmas going all month long.

Learn more about all of the holiday festivities in Decatur this Christmas at https://www.visitdecatural.org/Christmas2023.