11 Light Displays In Alabama That Are Pure Holiday Magic

We don’t need snow to make the most of the winter season in the Heart of Dixie. In fact, it’s when things really start to get lit around here. May I present to you Exhibit A – the many spectacular Christmas light displays in Alabama. I’ve rounded up some of the best Christmas lights near me here in North Alabama, plus many more throughout the state. Make plans to get into the spirit of the season as our cities and small towns step out in their best holiday attire.

Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35805, USA

Huntsville Botanical Garden/Facebook

A beloved tradition for Christmas lights in Huntsville, Alabama, Galaxy of Lights at the Huntsville Botanical Garden enchants visitors of all ages. Millions of lights fill twinkling trees and create optical illusions that will beam you to another world. There are designated nights for driving through and walking – and even a few just for dog walking. The display is open from mid-November through the end of December. Check the website for ticket rates based on membership and event dates.

Toyota Field, 500 Trash Panda Way, Madison, AL 35758, USA

Rocket City Trash Pandas/Facebook

A must-do for drive-through Christmas lights in Madison, Alabama, the fourth annual Rocket City Christmas Light Show at Toyota Field runs from mid-November through December. The show features nearly one million synchronized lights spread across 1.5 miles with a theme this year of "Santa's Favorite Tales." Admission is $30 per car and $60 for larger vehicles. Winter Wonderland offers more attractions, including a 15-foot snow globe, Christmas Village huts, and special character appearances. Enjoy shopping for crafts, and indulge in treats like s'mores, hot chocolate, and cider. Plus, support non-profit organizations through the Rocket City Trash Pandas Foundation Tree Sale in partnership with various charities. Over 65,000 families have enjoyed this event in the past three years.

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Ave Maria Grotto, 1600 St Bernard Dr, Cullman, AL 35055, USA

Ave Maria Grotto/Facebook

Christmas at the Grotto truly is a one-of-a-kind take on Christmas lights in Cullman, Alabama. For the fifth year, St. Bernard's Ave Maria Grotto will be adorned with the mesmerizing brilliance of Christmas lights, illuminating the creations of Brother Joseph Zoettl, OSB, a Benedictine monk of St. Bernard Abbey. Since 1934, this sacred place has drawn visitors from all corners of the globe to witness his intricate miniature reproductions of important places worldwide. Live music, refreshments, and train rides for kids are available nightly throughout the Christmas event. On December 15 and 16, the festivities will include visits from Santa Claus, music performances, food trucks, kids’ rides, and horse-drawn wagon rides around the St. Bernard's campus.

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Rickwood Caverns State Park, 370 Rickwood Park Rd, Warrior, AL 35180, USA

Rickwood Caverns State Park-Alabama/Facebook

You'll go on a magical adventure underground to see these Christmas lights in Warrior, Alabama. Rickwood Caverns State Park’s Wonderland Under Warrior is subterranean and sublime with its dazzling lights, lasers, and holiday displays. The cave keeps a consistent temperature of 62 degrees, so dress appropriately depending on what the Alabama weather is doing the day you go. Admission is $12 for individuals aged 5 and older. It's an easy trip from Birmingham, just 20 miles north.

Noccalula Falls, Gadsden, AL 35904, USA

Noccalula Falls Park and Campground/Facebook

Discover the captivating Christmas at the Falls at Noccalula Falls in Gadsden, Alabama, a cherished annual tradition. From Thanksgiving night through December, the event offers not only stunning light displays but also a festive atmosphere with craft vendors and tasty treats. Noccalula Falls also offers a couple of dog-friendly evenings for your sugar pup fairies. Keep an eye out for Santa, who'll be spreading cheer until the day before Christmas Eve when he departs for his day job. Or I guess that would be his night job? Either way, get your Santa pics while you can. Tickets are $10 on weekdays and $15 on busier weekend nights.

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415 Gilley Rd, Gadsden, AL 35903

Morgan Davis Baker/Google Reviews

It's often said the best gifts are homemade. By that measure, these Christmas lights near Gadsden, Alabama will be at the top of your wish list. Every holiday season over four decades, devoted light display lovers in the know go to the Gilley family's property in Ballplay. In this unincorporated Etowah County community east of Gadsden, you'll be transported to a world of whimsy and mechanical magic. The late family patriarch J.C. GIlley began engineering the animated marvels in the 1980s, and the family has carried on the legacy since his passing in 2002. In 2018, the display won the $50,000 grand prize on ABC's The Great Christmas Light Fight. Visiting is free, and the show typically begins Thanksgiving night, weather permitting.

Winners Way, Birmingham, AL, USA

greg pennington/Google Reviews

If you're looking for drive-through Christmas lights in Birmingham, Alabama, head east of the city core to Birmingham Race Course starting Nov. 17 through Jan. 1. The venue boasts the state's largest drive-through animated light show and is open daily from 5 p.m. to midnight. The costs are $25 for family cars or vans, and $40 for activity vans, limos, or mini-buses Monday through Thursday. Prices go up $10 for both categories during peak days of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. When you go, follow the signs to enter at Winners Way versus entering the casino parking.

Choccolocco Park, 954 Leon Smith Pkwy, Oxford, AL 36203, USA

Festival of Lights - Oxford/Facebook

Christmas lights in Oxford, Alabama transform the city's Choccolocco Park each year for the Festival of Lights from mid-November through Christmas Eve. The accompanying Santa's Village rounds out the wintry wonderfulness with activities like ice skating, inflatable games, and delightful treats. Keep your camera ready to capture a special moment with Santa himself. Surround yourself with family, friends, and the magical glow of Christmas lights. Admission ranges from $25 and up per carload, depending on the vehicle size and number of passengers.

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Montgomery Zoo & Mann Wildlife Learning Museum, 2301 Coliseum Pkwy, Montgomery, AL 36110, USA

Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum/Facebook

You won't believe how wild it gets with these Christmas lights in Montgomery, Alabama, what with all the lions, giraffes, and elephants nearby. The Montgomery Zoo's Christmas Lights Festival and Christmas Tree Village welcome guests starting the first week of December through the 22nd. Wander through the illuminated wonderland on foot, by train, or take a skylift ride. At the Mann Museum, you can visit with Santa and see over two dozen decorated trees in the Christmas Tree Village. Plan to stop for hot cocoa and cookies at the Overlook Cafe and finish your holiday shopping at the zoo and museum gift shops.

Bellingrath Gardens & Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd, Theodore, AL 36582, USA

Bellingrath Gardens & Home/Facebook

These Christmas lights near Mobile, Alabama are the only production in the Southeast to have made USA Today’s top 10 ranking of botanical garden holiday light displays. Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens in Theodore, Alabama is a stunner with millions of lights and over 1,000 features spread across 65 acres. The historic gardens and home delight the senses year-round and somehow become more spectacular during the holiday season. For a bit of backstory, this beautiful destination continues the legacy of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Bellingrath, who first opened their gardens to the public in 1932. Mr. Bellingrath built his fortune as one of the country's first Coca-Cola bottlers at the turn of the 20th century. Admission prices range from $8 for children (gardens only) to $25 for adults (home and gardens).

LuLu's Gulf Shores, 200 E 25th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, USA

LuLu’s Gulf Shores/Facebook

Go for casual coastal vibes of Christmas lights in Gulf Shores, Alabama at LuLu’s Lighted Boat Parade, which begins at LuLu’s & Homeport Marina. Dozens of brightly decorated boats of all styles and sizes take to the Intracoastal Waterway to cruise along to Orange Beach. While this free event usually happens on an early December Saturday at dusk, you’ll want to check the LuLu’s Facebook page to confirm the date. It’s a popular parade, so arrive early to secure your spot.

Considering many of these displays are within a reasonable drive of Birmingham, why not make even more holiday weekends with a getaway? Staying with the seasonal theme, consider booking a stay at Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa, which goes big with classic holiday decor. The resort also hosts special holiday activities through December, such as fireside storytelling, making s’mores, and watching holiday movies.

Do you have a personal favorite among these Christmas light displays in Alabama? We’d love to hear about your experience and traditions around visiting them!