Just for Kids

Auburn Parks and Recreation --

6th Annual Polar Express Holiday Celebration
Join the Auburn Arts Association and the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center for the 6th Annual Polar Express Holiday Celebration on Saturday, December 3 at 10:00am and 1:00pm. The Polar Express will make a stop in Auburn at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. The “train” will depart at 10:00 am and 1:00pm. Activities include arts & crafts, sweets & treats, holiday games, a trackless train, and much more. This event is open to children 12 and under. Children under 5 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite holiday pajamas. The cost is $8 per person. For more information, please contact the Arts Center at 501-2963.

23rd Annual Daddy-Daughter Date Night
Tickets go on sale- Monday, December 12, 8:00am at Dean Road Rec Center, $30/per couple and $5 additional child. Dance will be February 9-11, 2012. This is a night for memories! Dads and daughters, enjoy an evening of dancing, refreshments, pictures, and surprises! Put your best foot forward in our dance contest and don’t miss your chance to take home one of several door prizes! Last year, this event SOLD OUT, so be sure to purchase tickets early. Join us for one of three nights of music, memories, and fun!

Holiday Field Trip to the Montgomery Zoo
Join your friends and Auburn Parks and Recreation for a fun-filled visit to the Montgomery Zoo on Wednesday, December 28 from 9:00am-3:00pm! Ages 3rd-6th graders. See over 700 animals from five different continents, all housed in natural, “barrier free” habitats. Bring a brown bag lunch and we will picnic with the giraffes. The cost of the trip is $15, payable in cash on the day of the trip. Participants will meet at the Dean Road Recreation Center. Don’t delay – registration ends Thursday, December 22. For more information on the holiday field trips, contact 301-2963.

Therapeutics Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour
Therapeutics (TR) program participants, join us for a special holiday field trip, December 9, 5:00-8:30pm! We will meet at the Dean Road Recreation Center to make Christmas cards for our service men and women and enjoy pizza before heading out to the Victoria Front Porch Christmas Tour. Participants must pre-register with Ms. Dana, 501-2939. FREE to TR program participants.

Opelika Parks and Recreation --

Christmas Crafts
Join us at the Covington Recreation Center, Opelika for an afternoon of fun crafts for the holidays. December 8; 3:30-4:30pm. Ages: 6-10 years. Fee: $7.

Holiday Camp
December 21-22. 8:00am-12:00pm. Opelika Parks and Recreation. Games, activities, treats and lots of fun! Two age groups: ages 5-7 and ages 8-10. Fee: $20. For more information, call the Opelika Sportsplex & Aquatics Center, 1001 Andrews Road, Opelika. 705-5560

Kids Day Out
Parents will enjoy a day full of Holiday planning, kids free! Bring the kids for a supervised play date including structured games and gym time. Thursday, December 29th. Covington Recreation Center, Opelika. 10:00 a.m.-12 noon p.m; Fee: $5. Age: 6-11 years.

Thanksgiving/Christmas Ceramics Special
Gobble! Gobble! and Jingle All the Way! Come paint a holiday gift for mom or dad. Call for date/time, 705-5557. 1102 Denson Drive.

Therapeutics Christmas Ball
Celebrate the holidays and feel like a king and queen for the day dressed in your Christmas best! The event is sponsored by Opelika Parks & Recreation and EAMH-MR and will be Friday, December 10th from 6:00-8:00pm at the Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Avenue, Opelika. 705-5550.

Teddy Bear Tea
Children and parents alike are invited to the 3rd annual Teddy Bear Tea at Piccolo, December, to gather around the fireplace for tea sandwiches, sweets, tea and hot cocoa. A real live Teddy Bear will also be there for everyone to snuggle up to. Each child will also be presented with a special teddy bear to take home with them. For additional information about the Teddy Bear Tea, please call (334) 844-5140.

Auburn / Opelika

Auburn Parks and Recreation --

5th Annual Holiday Art Sale
The Auburn Arts Association, Auburn Parks & Recreation, and the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center will host the 5th Annual Holiday Art Sale on Saturday, December 12 from 9:00 am- 4:00 pm. at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Local artists will be selling paintings, pottery, stained glass, photography, cards, jewelry, hats, scarves, and much more! If you would like to sell your work, applications are available online at www.auburnalabama.org/arts by clicking on the special events button. Applications are also available at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Free to the public. For more information, please contact the Arts Center at 501-2963 or email Cari Philen, Art Education Specialist, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

5th Annual Loveliest Village
Christmas Tour
Sponsored by the Auburn Preservation League. Features a rare peak inside the beautiful interiors of 10 Auburn homes and buildings. Tickets can be purchased at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce.

16th Annual Cookie Walk
Cookies! Cookies! Cookies! For this Habitat for Humanity annual community fundraiser, the whole community gets into the holiday spirit of generosity and celebration. The Cookie Walk gets bigger and better every year. Folks come from far and near to buy fresh, delicious, holiday decorated cookies at this Habitat for Humanity fund raiser, sponsored by Auburn’s WeHelp Coalition of churches. Select from an array of 30,000 home baked holiday goodies for $5.00/lb. Santa will visit for photos! See you early for best selection! All proceeds go to build a house right here in Auburn! Saturday, December 3, starting at 8:00am at Grace United Methodist Church by Kroger on Glenn Avenue in Auburn.

17th Annual Christmas in a Railroad Town
Friday, December 9, 6:00-9:00pm. The Historic Downtown District celebrates “Christmas in a Railroad Town” in conjunction with the Victorian Front Porch Tour. This event converts Railroad Avenue into a Christmas wonderland festival, featuring all sorts of fun activities for the whole family, along with music, hot wassail and a variety of other holiday treats. Children love the miniature train rides and the time they can spend with Santa and Mrs. Claus; and everyone loves the wagon and/or trolley rides that take folks from the historic downtown district through the Victorian Front Porch tour in an “old fashioned” way.

25th Annual Holiday Bazaar, Art and
Antique Show
Sponsored by the United Methodist Women’s Ministry. Saturday, December 3, 9:00am-3:30pm, Auburn United Methodist Church. Shop for handmade crafts, jewelry, ornaments, art, antiques, food and other holiday gifts. Come shop or to register a booth, contact Charlotte Brennan at 539-1124 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Auburn Chamber of Commerce
Christmas Parade
Jump into the Christmas spirit and help spread the yuletide cheer by taking part in the annual Christmas Parade, December 10 at 10:00am. Spread the spirit of Christmas throughout Auburn, as Santa pays his annual visit. Each year the Auburn Heritage Association participates in the parade with an entry that promotes a “look back” at old time Auburn. For float entry forms or more information, log onto www.auburnchamber.com

Auburn Public Library Annual
Children’s Holiday Party
The Auburn Public Library hosts their annual holiday party, Thursday, December 8 at 6:00 pm. Ages 3-11 years and their parents are invited for fun crafts and games!!

City of Opelika Christmas Parade
“Christmas Stories”
On November 30, festive floats showcasing local groups and business will be parading through downtown Opelika to deliver Christmas Magic to all! Santa and Mrs. Claus highlight the parade’s finale! Find a perfect spot downtown Opelika for seeing the magic at 4:00-5:00pm.

Clara’s Tea Party
A perfect mother/daughter or grandmother/granddaughter holiday outing! Come dressed in Tea Party Fabulous or Holiday Fancy and mingle with your favorite Nutcracker characters. A beautifully decorated holiday scene provides the perfect backdrop for unique holiday card photos! Children’s holiday craft activities are planned along with delicious tea party fare for children and adults alike. For dates/times, www.eacballet.com.

Collinwood Christmas Luminaries
Collinwood Subdivision shares the season with visitors to its annual Luminaries Tour held one night each holiday season -December 15. This wonderful drive through tour features luminaries along the route that leads to the nativity scene at the end of the tour – reminding us all that Christ is why we have Christmas! The luminaries follow a one-way route beginning on Collinwood Street at the intersection of North Tenth Street and Oakbowery Road. The tour winds through the entire Collinwood subdivision and ends on McLure Avenue.

Holiday Wreath Workshop
Join us Saturday, December 10, 10:00am-12:00pm, at the Ham Wilson Arena inside the Louise Krehler Forest Ecology Preserve, 2222 North College Street, Auburn, for a fun morning of making beautiful wreaths or sprays with natural elements for your holiday enjoyment. Workshops will be taught by Ginger Purvis. Music and delicious snacks will make the morning festive. Fee: $20 per wreath or spray. Registration is required; Call 502-4553.

“Season’s Greetings”
The Auburn University Theatre presents “Season’s Greetings” at Telfair B. Peet Theatre. It’s Christmas time for a typical suburban English family. But, their traditional gathering quickly descends into a chaotic celebration of their own foibles, neuroses and dysfunction in this farcical, dark comedy. November 10-11 & 15-18, 7:30pm. November 13, 2:30pm. Tickets call 844-4154. General admission $15, Auburn faculty and staff $10, Seniors $10, Non-University students $10, and Auburn students Free.

The Nutcracker Ballet
Presented by the East Alabama Community Ballet. Saturday and Sunday, December 11-12, 2:00pm, Auburn University Telfair Peet Theatre. There is no more festive way to start the holiday season than by experiencing the holiday ballet classic that is the Nutcracker. Artistic Directors Angie White and Carol Smith have welcomed guest choreographers Trish Clark, Leslie Crook, Jeri Dickey, Whitney Hunter, and Jaime Moore-Wells to provide a fresh new take on this traditional classic. Tickets $15 adults, $10 students.
 

Toys for Tots Drive- Sponsored by
The Auburn Department of Public Safety
Designed to assist families in the Auburn community by providing Christmas gifts to needy children ages one through ten. Anyone wishing to register a child to receive a gift can do so at the Auburn Police Division on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00-11:00 a.m. To be eligible, a parent or legal guardian must provide their picture ID, the child’s social security card or birth certificate, and two of the following three: current light bill; water bill; or lease agreement. The last day to register a child is November 30. Donation drop off: Any Auburn Fire Station or the Auburn Police Division located at 161 North Ross Street. Thanks to the generosity of Uncle Bob’s Self-Storage two remote drop off points have also been established at their stores located at 1231 Gatewood Drive and 2020 South College Street. The gifts must be new but do not need to be wrapped. Remember, no gift is too small. Contact Debra Hoyett at the Auburn Police Division, 501-3129.

Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour
Visit an Ole World Christmas wonderland and see more than 60 turn-of-the-century Victorian homes adorned with life-size Santas, angels, toys, and other figures. Enjoy live entertainment, carolers, costumed homeowners and other festivities. December 7-11, in Opelika. Lighted driving tour December 7-9 & 11, 5:00-10pm. Walking tour December 10, 6:00-9:00pm. More information, please call 334-887-8747. Free event.

Valley /LaGrange

4th Annual Children’s Christmas Celebration
Children are invited to Hills & Dales, LaGrange, Ga., December 10, 10:00am, to see Santa, decorate a gingerbread house and Christmas ornaments, hear stories from Debbie “Mama Jama” Burdette, sing along with Robin Treadwell and share in fresh cider and cookies. All children’s activities are free. Tours of the home decked out for the holidays are available at regular price. 706-882-3242.
 

Christmas Village
Beginning the first weekend in December, experience the spirit of the Season in Historic Valley, Al. There’s the life size Nativity Scene in the meadow, the Madonna light-sculpture, and the Christmas Merry-Go-Round that has given over 1,000,000 FREE rides to children and adults, too. As you take a walk through history, you will be greeted with Christmas caroling and much more festive fun. In 2008, a new tradition was started with the first “A Cotton Mill Christmas” production at Langdale Historical Theater, as local actors tell the history and stories of Valley. Exit 77 and left on US Hwy 29. www.cityofvalley.com

“Christmas Carol”
Presented by The Growing Theatre and West Georgia’s Children’s Theatre, LaGrange, Ga. December 2-4 and 9-11. For information and tickets call 706-594-8042!

Phenix City / Columbus

6th Annual Christmas For Kidz Cruise In
and Car Show
Hosted by Columbus City Stangz and Cook’s Place with proceeds benefiting The Children’s Miracle Network. December 10, 10:00am-2:30pm. 5837 Nancy Ave. Columbus. (Corner of Miller Rd. & Airport Thruway). Judging with awards, music, food, fun and giveaways. For information, powellfamily2@bellsouth

5th Annual Broadway Holiday
Broadway Holiday returns for its fourth flurry-filled celebration on December 5! Join us for the ceremonial lighting of Columbus 40-foot tree in the 1100 block of Broadway at 6:30 PM. From the main stage, choirs will herald the season alongside a visit from Santa and his reindeer. New this year, we salute the jolly one with the first ever Broadway Holiday Santa Convention, your chance to dress the family like Mr. & Mrs. Claus. Wear your merry best and walk down Broadway with Santa’s entourage to start the show. Our other new edition is the Tuna Christmas Tacky Sweater Contest. Winner of the Tacky Sweater Contest receives a Springer Opera House Tuna Christmas Prize Pack! Meet on 10th Street between Broadway and First Avenue at 6:00pm to join the procession. Santa Hat required! Help us celebrate the most wonderful time of the year! For more information, Carrie Standridge- 706-322-1613 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

20th Annual Fantasy in Lights
The most spectacular holiday light and sound show in the south begins November 18- December 30! Nestled amidst wooded landscape of Callaway Gardens, Fantasy In Lights is the Southeast’s most spectacular holiday light and sound show with more than eight million twinkling lights celebrating the holiday season. This spectacular show has attracted almost two million visitors since it opened in 1992. With more than a dozen larger-than-life lighted scenes, Fantasy In Lights remains unique in that its scenes are custom-designed especially for Callaway Gardens–to celebrate not only the joy of the season but the wonder of nature in this idyllic setting.
Drive your car or ride the Jolly Trolley to experience scenes like March of the Toy Soldiers and Snowflake Valley. At Robin Lake Beach, enjoy ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ and ‘The Nativity’, light and sound shows enticing passers-by to stop, reflect and enjoy.

Sunday, November 21, the annual March of Dimes Walk – one night each year is reserved for walkers only to hike the winter wonderland of Fantasy In Lights. No vehicles allowed! For tickets and more information, www.callawaygardens.com.

A Cantus Christmas
December 19, 7:30pm. This regularly sold-out tradition tells the Christmas story with musical masterpieces and audience carols. The professional chorus Cantus Columbus presents the eleventh installment of Message of the Season—Music of the Masters in Legacy Hall. The concert features the Atlanta Symphony Brass Quintet and tenor Bradley Howard. www.rivercenter.org

“A Christmas Family Concert”
December 2, 7:30pm. Presented by The Columbus Symphony Orchestra at The RiverCenter for Performing Arts. Featuring Santa Claus, candy canes, hot cocoa and cookies, Christmas games, and lots of wonderful Christmas music make this the perfect way to celebrate the season with your children. Tickets www.rivercenter.org

Gingerbread Jubilee
November 20-21- Children’s Miracle Network at The Medical Center presents the annual multi-activity event that the entire family may enjoy. The RiverMill Event Center hosts this competition event for groups and individuals to create gingerbread houses in a variety of categories (professional, amateur, school groups and local celebrities). Families can view the creations and children can decorate their own gingerbread house to take home with them. And it is a shopping extravaganza with numerous vendors onsite to allow participants to get a head start on their Christmas shopping. www.yourhealthyourmission.com

Port Columbus’ Victorian Christmas
The first weekend, November 26 & 27, will include a museum theatre program telling the stories of sailors during the holidays, period music and more. Regular admission fees. The second weekend will be the traditional open house, December 3 & 4. Our Civil War-era Santa will be on hand for visits and. There will also be Victorian-era entertainment and music. At the conclusion of the day, Santa will fire the original Civil War cannon from the CSS Jackson! The museum is decorated throughout with circa 1863 decorations and trees. Admission to the museum is FREE during the open house. www.portcolumbus.org

“The Nutcracker – Ballet”
The Columbus Ballet presents its annual production of The Nutcracker at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts on Saturday, December 10 at 7:30 and Sunday, December 11 at 2:30. Be a part of this Columbus tradition! Tickets www.rivercenter.org

“Tuna Christmas”
Celebrate Christmas in Tuna, Texas, with its quick changes, fast-paced humor and heart-warming moments of sincere Christmas joy. Texas’ third smallest town is in the throes of its annual Christmas yard display contest, which promises to have Tuna in an uproar and have you laughing out loud. Columbus’ most popular show ever; over 35,000 served. December 14-24; Springer Opera House. www.springeroperahouse.org

Eufaula / Dothan

6th Annual Eufaula Christmas Tour of Homes
Stroll through history and witness the magnificence of Eufaula’s finest homes all aglow in holiday splendor. Enjoy a seated luncheon or an elegant dinner at the grand historical Shorter Mansion. Begins December 3.

A Downtown Christmas
Snow, artisans, food vendors, Santa, cookie decorations, marshmallow roasting, handmade items and lots of art venues for children and families. December 3, 9:00am-4:00pm, downtown Dothan on North Foster and Troy Streets. 334-793-3097. www.thedowntowngroup.com. Free

Mistletoe Market
Main Street merchants offer goodies to sample and great sales. Also an Artist Walk, and more. December 5; 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Historic Downtown Eufaula. 334-616-6170. Free.

“The Nutcracker”
Southeast Alabama Dance Company presents its 30th annual performance of this holiday classic. Watch as snowflakes dance, flowers waltz, dolls come to life and the Nutcracker turns into a charming prince. December 2-4; Dothan Civic Center; 334-702-7139. www.southeastalabamadanceco.com. Admission charged.

Victorian Christmas
Sample turn-of-the-century desserts, sip hot chocolate or mulled cider and try your hand at making traditional Christmas decorations. December 11; 1:00-4:00p.m. 334-794-3452. www.landmarkpark.com. Free.

Alexander City & Lake Martin

Annual Hometown Christmas Parade
One of East Alabama’s largest parades featuring elaborate floats, dancing groups, marching bands, horse-riding clubs and Santa Claus highlight. December 5; 6:00 p.m. Downtown Alexander City.

Santa & Mrs. Claus and Tree Lighting
The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce is bringing Santa and Mrs. Claus to downtown Alexander City, December 4, 1:00-4:30pm. Bring the kids and your camera to make your own pictures on Santa’s lap as they let him know what they’d like to find under the tree Christmas morning. The, the Chamber and MainStreet invite Santa & Mrs. Claus to light the Christmas tree in front of the Bud Porch Center at 4:30pm. 256-329-3461.

An Eclectic Christmas
In the atmosphere of an outdoor walking trail, you and your guests will be part of live drama that is set during the Roman Empire. As decreed by Caesar, everyone must be counted in the census. As you walk through the streets on your way to Bethlehem, you will visit the field where shepherds received the angel’s message and news of the Messiah. Then visit the wise men as they journey in search of the New Born King. The walking tours begin December 7, 9, 10, and 11 at 6:00 p.m. This event will take place at 1733 Claud Road Eclectic, Alabama, just south of Eclectic on AL Highway 63. The 6 and 8 o’clock time slots on each production night are handicap accessible. Please notify us when registering if you require assistance. Reservations are suggested and may be made by calling 256.794.7789 or, by visiting www.fbceclectic.org/#/eclectic-christmas. If registering through the website, your reservation will be confirmed as soon as possible. Admission is free, and donations are accepted and appreciated to help with expenses. For inquires, please contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 334-233-6467. To become a volunteer contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Montgomery

6th Annual Interfaith Christmas
Nativity Exhibit
Help your family keep the true meaning of Christmas in your heart from the start by attending this Community Celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ. This spectacular event features nativities from around the world and special music by local performers. This magnificent display is sure to warm the hearts of young and old alike. November 30-December 4; 3460 Carter Hill Road, Montgomery. Open to all. FREE Admission. Sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Wed-Fri, 1-8pm; Sat, 11am-8pm; Sun.1-8; www.MontgomeryNativity.com

20th Annual Christmas Light Festival
Thousands of Holiday Lights illuminate The Montgomery Zoo in shapes of animals and Christmas themes. See the beautiful displays by train or by foot. Enjoy live entertainment, food, gifts and pictures with Santa. Opening nights will be December 1-4; December 8-11; December 12th; then start again December 15-31. 5:30- 9:30pm each night. (334) 240-4900; www.montgomeryzoo.com

Alabama Shakespeare Festival presents
“A Christmas Memory”
ASF revives this family musical sensation, November 25-December 24! The aroma of pecan pie and the flicker of candles in the window banish the December chill of a 1930s Alabama winter. This musical version of Truman Capote’s enchanting holiday tale follows the deep friendship and delightful shenanigans of cousins Buddy and Sook, who make the most of what may be their last Christmas together. www.asf.net

Cruising with Santa
Cruise the Alabama River with Santa on the Harriott II Riverboat, Downtown Riverwalk. December 8-10 & 15-20; 6:30-9:00pm. Cost: $39 Adult/$19 Children; (334) 625-2100.
 

Governor’s Mansion Candlelight Open House
The 1907 Governor’s Mansion will be aglow with lights and filled with the spirit of the season. December 5, 12, & 19.. 5:30-7:30 p.m.1142 South Perry Street, Montgomery.

“Mistletoe”
Alabama Dance Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol” at the historic Davis Theatre November 18 – 20. For more information visit www.alabamadancetheatre.com or call 334-241-2590

Old Alabama Town Holiday Open House
Join Old Alabama Town in December to celebrate the holiday season. Our house museums will be authentically decorated for the holidays. Enjoy a special exhibit in the Reception Center. December 12, 5:00-8:00pm. 1-888-240-1850. www.oldalabamatown.com.

Prattville / Millbrook / Wetumpka

Christmas Open House in the District
Presented by Prattville Downtown Unlimited, November 20, 1:00-5:00pm. Downtown merchants will be open with holiday specials and giveaways. www.visithistoricprattville.com

Christmas on the Coosa
“Songs of the Season”. Christmas extravaganza with arts and crafts, parade, food, quilt show, classic car show, entertainment and activities on the Coosa River culminating with Santa ski-in and a spectacular fireworks exhibition at dusk. December 10, Gold Star Park & the Courthouse Veranda, Wetumpka. 334-567-1313 or 334-567-4811. www.wetumpkachamber.com.

Christmas on the Coosa Ball
December 17, 7:00-11:00pm at Wetumpka Civic Center. www.cityofwetumpka.com

Millbrook Christmas Parade
Come celebrate the spirit of Christmas with arts and crafts vendors in the Village Green Park, December 4, 9:00am – 4:00pm. The parade starts at 2:00pm down Main Street. For more information call 334-285-6428.

Prattville Christmas Parade
‘Cooking up a Christmas to Remember’
December 3; 4:00pm. Parade starts downtown at the Autauga County Courthouse.

Progressive Nativity and Luminaria
December 16 at 6:00-8:00pm. Downtown Wetumpka and Gold Star Park. www.cityofwetumpka.com

Wetumpka Tree Lighting
November 29, in Gold Star Park at 6:00 pm. Free coffee and hot chocolate. Entertainment and Children’s choir groups. Visit www.cityofwetumpka.com.

Calera

The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
The North Pole Express
All aboard! Next stop - the North Pole! “All Aboard” says the conductor, as your train ride begins. Families are sure to enjoy their trip to the North Pole, complete with a reading of The Polar Express™ and chocolate milk and cookies served on board the train. Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa and Mrs. Claus visit everyone on the train and each child will receive the “First Gift of Christmas”, just like in the story. Sing Christmas carols as you return to the depot. Wear your pajamas! The excursion will last approximately one hour. NEW in 2011 - First class service to the North Pole! The Silver Maple and Kayenta railcars will offer first class service - hot chocolate in a souvenir mug, special dessert treat, premium gift and specialized service. Wear your pajamas! November 26-27, December 2-4, 9-11, & 16-19. For tickets and info call 1-800-943-4490 or order online at www.hodrrm.org.

Santa Claus Special at The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
Santa rides the train with you! Tell him what you would like for Christmas as he poses for photos. Each child will receive a Christmas gift! November 25-27; December 3-4, 10-11, & 17-18. For tickets and info call 1-800-943-4490 or order online at www.hodrrm.org.

Birmingham and North

Alabama Ballet presents George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker”
With its 10th annual performance of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™, Alabama Ballet remains one of only six companies in the world currently licensed to present this holiday classic. All performed to Balanchine’s brilliant specifications; dazzling choreography, opulent costumes, and extravagant sets make this production unlike any other. The addition of a community cast of children from the area make this performance truly magical. Join us December 9-18 at the Samford Wright Center for this joyous spectacle. In addition to the Birmingham performances, Alabama Ballet will also tour to Anniston, AL. Balanchine’s Nutcracker™ is more than a performance; it is a holiday tradition you and your family do not want to miss. 205-322-9095. www.alabamaballet.org. Admission charged. Samford University Wright Center.
 

Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center ArtPlay presents “Yuletide in Dogtown”
Join Spike, Fifi, Scotty, and Beauregard on this musical adventure created by local playwright Jerry Sims, as his pups learn what the holidays really mean. This is a show your whole family will love! December 17; 10am, 1pm, 7pm. 205-975-8858. www.AlysStephens.org. Admission charged.
 

Christmas Light Show at DeSoto Caverns
Through December 31. This special light show celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is shown on every caverns tour. www.desotocavernspark.com

Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Celebrate Christmas in a new way! Cirque Dreams Holidaze comes to the BJCC Concert Hall in Birmingham, AL, December 2-4, 2011, to celebrate the holiday season with spectacle, imagination and whimsical dreams. www.bjcc.org

McWane Science Center --

Breakfast in Santa’s Workshop
Two dates to choose from: December 3 or 17; 8:00-10:00am. Bring your little elves to have breakfast in Santa’s Workshop. Decorate gingerbread houses, have breakfast together, explore the Winter Wonderland exhibit and visit with Santa! Be sure to bring your camera! Ticket includes admission to the museum, breakfast, activities and visit with Santa! Reservations are required. Call (205) 714-8414. Cost: $15 Adults, $12 Kids (Members get $5 OFF). www.mcwane.org

Winter Wonderland Exhibit
Snow is in the forecast, November 25-January 8, at McWane Science Center this year with the return of the Winter Wonderland exhbit. This magical holiday experience gives families a chance to learn about the science of the season together as they play in the snow, go ice fishing, and watch toy trains zip around the tracks. Inside the snow room, children can make snow angels, build snow castles and more. Children can catch fish through the ice in the ice fishing area. Guests can even sled down the giant slide between the third and second floors in the museum or try the zip line. Families also have a chance to see toy trains of every shape and size zipping around the tracks in the Magic of Model Trains area. This year children will be able to become conductors at one of the new stations.

Polar Express Pajama Parties
The Polar Express Pajama Parties have become a holiday tradition for the entire family. Put on your pajamas and treat yourself to hot-chocolate, cookies and milk, and a visit with Santa. Make sure to bring your own camera for photographs with Santa. Special treats will be given to all kids who wear their pajamas! December 4, 11, & 18; 4:30-6:00pm (Movie Times: 3:00 pm or 6:00 pm). $10 Adults, $9 Children (Members get $1 OFF). Advanced reservations are required. www.mcwane.org

Santa vs The Snowman IMAX
November 25-December 31-The laugh-out-loud story of a Santa and the Snowman showdown animation. www.mcwane.org

Snowed-in Sleepover
The forecast calls for snow this year inside the museum! Spend the night ice fishing, sledding and even have a snowball fight in the Winter Wonderland exhibit! Sleepover includes Santa vs. the Snowman in IMAX®, dinner, snacks, breakfast and snowy science activities! December 16; 6:00pm-9:00am; Tickets: Children $35.00, Adults $20.00 (Members get $5 OFF!) Reservations- Please call (205) 714-8414; www.mcwane.org

“Twas the Night Before Christmas”
Presented by Birmingham Children’s Theatre. It’s Christmas Eve, all is quiet in the house and everyone is sleeping… or at least we thought they were! Welcome the holiday season, November 28-December 16 , with this adorable adaptation of the classic Christmas Eve poem and introduce your children to new types of literature. This story has been shared as a Christmas tradition for generations and can now be experienced like never before in this enchanting, LIVE production! “Now, dash away, dash away, dash away ALL!” www.bct123.org
 

Zoolight Safari
Enjoy over half-a-million lights, the Holiday Train Ride, Jingle Bell Carousel, Santa’s Rock’n Roller Racers, Winter Trail Hayride, story time, animal demos, and much more. Be sure to stop at the Barn in the Children’s Zoo for photo opportunities, animals and holiday crafts for all to enjoy. December 9-31. www.birminghamzoo.com. Members Free and Non-Members $7. All-You-Can-Ride wristband ($10.00). 5:00-9:00 p.m.

Atlanta Area

2011 Children’s Christmas Parade
December 4, 10:30am-12:00pm, at Centennial Olympic Park, Downtown Atlanta, Ga. Surprise your kids this year by taking them to see the Southeast’s premier Holiday Parade! The annual Children’s Christmas Parade has been a holiday tradition in Atlanta for years, and features award-winning Marching Bands, Holiday Themed & Animated Floats, giant Helium Balloons & a grand finale featuring Santa Claus. The Atlanta Children’s Christmas Parade begins at Peachtree Street near Baker Street. The route follows Peachtree Street and turns right onto Marietta Street. It will then turn left and end on Centennial Olympic Park Drive.

Holiday in Lights
Centennial Olympic Park’s annual Holiday in Lights is an Atlanta tradition and celebrating its thirteenth anniversary season this fall. In November, the Park transforms into a winter wonderland with thousands of lights that make up the dazzling display. The Park is open daily, November 19-January 3, to view the lights from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., including Dec. 25, Christmas Day, and there is no charge for admission. Come celebrate the 2011 holiday season by taking a stroll through the glowing 21-acre Park or a spin around Atlanta’s only outdoor ice skating rink located amongst the glittering lights on the Great Lawn.

Magical Nights of Lights
November 18-December 31; nightly 5:00-10:00pm. Rekindle an old tradition or create a new one at Lake Lanier Islands Resort’s Magical Nights of Lights holiday celebration. A seven-mile drive through tour of animated, festive, holiday light displays. At the end of your tour, the Holiday Village awaits you with carnival rides and numerous holiday treats. Warm up with a hot cup of cocoa or step inside Santa’s Workshop for some holiday shopping and a visit with Santa. lakelanierislands.com

Stone Mountain Christmas
November 12-January 1. Within the glow of more than two million twinkling lights, you can watch live entertainment, engage in fun attractions and reconnect with friends and family during this special time of year. Also, Atlanta’s Stone Mountain Park transforms into a winter wonderland with Snow Mountain, Atlanta’s only snow park, November 23-February 20. Bundle your family up and get ready for snow tubing, snowballs, snowmen and snow angels. A 400’ foot tubing hill and a snow play area filled with a blizzard of snow activities make Snow Mountain Atlanta’s not-to-be-missed winter attraction. There’s even a play zone reserved for your littlest snow bunnies. With two Mountain SnoLifts to get you up the tubing hill, you’ll want to go again and again!

Chick-fil-A Bowl Parade
Every year on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 11:00am-12:00noon, around 30 Bands, Classic Cars, Floats and various other entertainment, parade their way down Peachtree Street to International Blvd., then winds through downtown to Centennial Olympic Park, ending at the Georgia World Congress Center. The Parade makes it’s way through the downtown area to honor and celebrate the Two College Teams that will be playing for the Chick-fil-A Bowl title.

Chick-fil-A Bowl
Thousands of people visit Atlanta to witness one of the most popular NCAA College Football Bowl Games in the entire country. This annual showdown is played at the huge Georgia Dome in downtown Atlanta, December 31, 7:30 pm.

First Night Atlanta New Year’s Eve Festival
December 31; Peachtree Street, Downtown Atlanta Georgia.This Block Party for thousands offers live musical performances by local artists and musicians, as well as a midnight Fireworks Spectacular. Tickets are available at a variety of local sources. Stay downtown and enjoy the festivities at Underground Atlanta ... enjoy the ‘official’ Peach Drop at midnight - followed by a really awesome New Year’s fireworks display, with live performances.