The Birmingham, AL area has 13 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Holiday in the Hills Tree Lighting in Vestavia Hills on November 19 to Glow Wild: A Holiday Lantern Festival for Everyone in Birmingham, which runs through January 3. 9 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Alabama, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 13 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Birmingham, AL for 2026, in Birmingham, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Homewood and Trussville
- First: Holiday in the Hills Tree Lighting, Vestavia Hills, November 19. Runs latest: Glow Wild: A Holiday Lantern Festival for Everyone, Birmingham, through January 3
- Free: Holiday in the Hills Tree Lighting, Christmas Tree Lighting, Holiday Family Movie Matinee, Holiday Parade & Party in the Park, Family Night: Gingerbread House Building, Santa Claus at the Library in the Forest, Storytime: Holiday Edition, Hoover Library Winter Spectacular and Cozy Christmas
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Alabama Christmas train rides page.
Birmingham, AL Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 13 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Birmingham, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Homewood and Trussville
- Season
- November 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027
- Free events
- 9
- Kinds of events
- breakfast with Santa, tree lighting, holiday show and holiday crafts
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Birmingham, AL Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Holiday in the Hills Tree Lighting in Vestavia Hills on November 19; the last runs to January 3. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Holiday in the Hills Tree LightingVestavia Hills · Nov 19
- Glow Wild: A Holiday Lantern Festival for EveryoneBirmingham · Nov 21 to Jan 3
- Christmas Tree LightingHoover · Dec 1
- Breakfast with Santa at Birmingham ZooBirmingham · Dec 5
- Breakfast with Santa presented by Samford UniversityHomewood · Dec 5
- Holiday Family Movie MatineeTrussville · Dec 5
- Holiday Parade & Party in the ParkVestavia Hills · Dec 6
- Family Night: Gingerbread House BuildingBirmingham · Dec 8
- Santa Claus at the Library in the ForestVestavia Hills · Dec 8
- Holiday in the Hills Breakfast with SantaVestavia Hills · Dec 12
- Storytime: Holiday EditionHoover · Dec 12
- Hoover Library Winter SpectacularHoover · Dec 15
- Cozy ChristmasHoover · Dec 18 to Dec 23
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Birmingham, AL? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Birmingham
3 confirmed events for kids in Birmingham, soonest first.
Birmingham: Glow Wild: A Holiday Lantern Festival for Everyone
Holiday lightsBirmingham Zoo · Birmingham
- Host
- Birmingham Zoo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
- When
- Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (select nights), 5 to 9 pm
- Cost
- Advance: $25 adults, $16 kids 2 to 12; members $19 and $12
- Ages
- All ages; child tickets ages 2 to 12
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Glow Wild returns to the Birmingham Zoo on select nights from November 21, 2026 through January 3, 2027, from 5 to 9 pm. Families walk a mile long outdoor route lined with hundreds of handcrafted animal lanterns and more than a million lights, from deep sea creatures to soaring birds, with new installations this year.
A Holiday Village offers carolers, photo spots and Santa visits from 5:30 to 7:30 pm on November 27, 28 and 29 and December 12, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23. A sensory friendly KultureCity night runs December 2 from 6 to 8 pm. Advance tickets are $25 for adults and $16 for children 2 to 12, with member pricing of $19 and $12, and walk up prices are a bit higher. Glow Wild closes on rainy nights, and tickets for a closed night can be used another night. December 3 is an adults only night.
Parent tip: Buy ahead, since capacity is limited. Last tickets sell at 8 pm, and most animals are indoors after dark.
See dates and details from Birmingham Zoo (opens in a new tab)Birmingham: Breakfast with Santa at Birmingham Zoo
Breakfast with SantaBirmingham Zoo · Birmingham
- Host
- Birmingham Zoo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Birmingham Zoo, Nourish 205, 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 8:30 am to noon
- Cost
- $200 per table of four ($160 members); under 2 free
- Ages
- All ages; under 2 free
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Birmingham Zoo hosts Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 5, 2026, with two seatings at 8:30 am and 10:30 am. Breakfast is served inside Nourish 205, and families get a visit with Santa Claus, with a photographer on hand to capture the moment at no extra charge.
The ticket also covers zoo admission for the day, unlimited rides on the Red Diamond Express train, and a chance to write and mail a letter to Santa from the zoo. Tables are sold in groups of four: $200 for non members and $160 for members, counting everyone 2 and older, and children under 2 attend free in a high chair. The event happens rain or shine, tickets are non refundable, and some animals may be off habitat depending on the weather.
Parent tip: Tables of four sell out, so reserve early. Tickets are non refundable and the event runs rain or shine.
See dates and details from Birmingham Zoo (opens in a new tab)Birmingham: Family Night: Gingerbread House Building
Holiday craftsFreeBirmingham Public Library · Birmingham
- Host
- Birmingham Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Avondale Regional Branch Library, 509 40th St S, Birmingham, AL 35222
- When
- Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 6 to 7 pm
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- Children and families
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Birmingham Public Library's Avondale Regional Branch hosts Family Night: Gingerbread House Building on Tuesday, December 8, 2026 from 6 to 7 pm. The library promises a night of gingerbread house building and family fun, with the cheerful reminder that sugar and spice make Christmas so nice.
The program is listed in the library's seasonal category for children, and space is limited, so registration is required. Sign up through the RSVP link on the library calendar page. The event is free, and the evening time works well for school age kids and working parents. Avondale is just east of downtown, so it is easy to reach from most of the city. Families who enjoy it can watch the Birmingham Public Library calendar for other seasonal programs at its branches across the city.
Parent tip: Space is limited; register through the library calendar link.
See dates and details from Birmingham Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Hoover
4 confirmed events for kids in Hoover, soonest first.
Hoover: Christmas Tree Lighting
Tree lightingFreeCity of Hoover and Hoover Public Library · Hoover
- Host
- City of Hoover and Hoover Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Hoover City Hall, 100 Municipal Dr, Hoover, AL 35216 (near Birmingham)
- When
- Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 6 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Preschool, kids, tweens, teens, adults
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The City of Hoover's Christmas Tree Lighting takes place on Tuesday, December 1 from 6 to 8 pm at Hoover City Hall, and it is listed on the Hoover Public Library's event calendar. The evening is a festive community celebration that brings neighbors together to kick off the holiday season.
Attendees can enjoy music, entertainment and family friendly activities as the city lights its holiday tree. The listing is aimed at all age groups, from preschoolers through adults, and no registration is needed. City Hall sits on Municipal Drive next to the library, so it is easy to pair the lighting with a look at the library's December programs. Bring warm layers, since much of the celebration happens outdoors after dark.
Parent tip: City Hall is next to Hoover Public Library on Municipal Drive.
See dates and details from City of Hoover and Hoover Public Library (opens in a new tab)Hoover: Storytime: Holiday Edition
Holiday story timeFreeHoover Public Library · Hoover
- Host
- Hoover Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Dr, Hoover, AL 35216 (near Birmingham)
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10:30 to 11 am
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Hoover Public Library celebrates the season with Storytime: Holiday Edition on Saturday, December 12 from 10:30 to 11 am in the Youth Program Room. The library describes it as a holly jolly story time with stories, music and movement.
The program is open to all ages, which makes it a good fit for families with a mix of toddlers, preschoolers and early readers, and a Saturday morning slot means working parents can come too. At about 30 minutes it is short enough for little attention spans. Afterward, families can browse holiday picture books in the children's area or check the library calendar for its other December events, including the Cozy Christmas crafts the following week.
Parent tip: A short, 30 minute program; no registration is listed.
See dates and details from Hoover Public Library (opens in a new tab)Hoover: Hoover Library Winter Spectacular
Holiday showFreeHoover Public Library · Hoover
- Host
- Hoover Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Hoover Public Library, The Library Theatre, 200 Municipal Dr, Hoover, AL 35216 (near Birmingham)
- When
- Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 4 to 7:15 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Kids
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Hoover Public Library's Winter Spectacular is a winter themed variety show starring library staff, with plenty of chances for kids to sing along with their favorite staff members. It takes place on Tuesday, December 15 in The Library Theatre, with two performances: 4 to 4:45 pm and 6:30 to 7:15 pm.
The show is listed for kids, and the two showtimes give families the choice of an after school or after dinner visit. Each performance runs about 45 minutes, a comfortable length for young audiences. The library's theatre is inside the main library on Municipal Drive, so the event stays warm and dry no matter the weather. It is a free, festive way to see the people who run story time in a different role.
Parent tip: Choose the 4 pm or 6:30 pm show; both are about 45 minutes.
See dates and details from Hoover Public Library (opens in a new tab)Hoover: Cozy Christmas
Holiday craftsFreeHoover Public Library · Hoover
- Host
- Hoover Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Hoover Public Library, Children's Department, 200 Municipal Dr, Hoover, AL 35216 (near Birmingham)
- When
- Friday, December 18, 2026 to Wednesday, December 23, 2026 (daily during library hours)
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Preschool and kids
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
From Friday, December 18 through Wednesday, December 23, the Hoover Public Library's Children's Department hosts Cozy Christmas, a drop in celebration of the season in a Hygge style. Families can stop by any time the library is open to enjoy holiday themed crafts and calm, low key activities together.
The program is listed for preschoolers and kids and runs all day on each of the six days, so there is no set start time to plan around. That makes it a handy stop during winter break, when kids are home and parents want a relaxed indoor outing. Pair a craft session with checking out a stack of holiday books for the days leading up to Christmas.
Parent tip: Drop in any time during library hours; no set start time.
See dates and details from Hoover Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Vestavia Hills
4 confirmed events for kids in Vestavia Hills, soonest first.
Vestavia Hills: Holiday in the Hills Tree Lighting
Tree lightingFreeCity of Vestavia Hills · Vestavia Hills
- Host
- City of Vestavia Hills (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Vestavia Hills Civic Center, 1975 Merryvale Rd, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 (near Birmingham)
- When
- Thursday, November 19, 2026, 6 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The City of Vestavia Hills holds its official Christmas tree lighting on Thursday, November 19 at 6 pm at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center. It is one of the first events in the city's Holiday in the Hills series, which runs from mid November through late December.
The city notes that this Civic Center lighting remains the official city tree lighting, separate from the secondary tree lighting at Liberty Park after the December parade. Coming early in the season, it is a nice way for families to start the holidays before Thanksgiving. Other Holiday in the Hills events include a photo booth at the library, the Light Up Vestavia Hills display beginning December 1, a parade and party in the park, and Breakfast with Santa at the Civic Center.
Parent tip: This is the official city lighting; a second, separate lighting follows the December 6 parade at Liberty Park.
See dates and details from City of Vestavia Hills (opens in a new tab)Vestavia Hills: Holiday Parade & Party in the Park
Holiday paradeFreeCity of Vestavia Hills · Vestavia Hills
- Host
- City of Vestavia Hills (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Liberty Park, The Great Lawn and The Bray, Vestavia Hills, AL 35242 (near Birmingham)
- When
- Sunday, December 6, 2026, 4 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Vestavia Hills Holiday Parade and Party in the Park is set for Sunday, December 6 at 4 pm at Liberty Park, along the Great Lawn and The Bray, with a rain date of December 13. The city moved the parade to a later start so that participants can add lights to their floats and make the procession even more festive as it gets dark.
After the parade, the celebration continues with a Party in the Park. Liberty Park Joint Venture has added a large outdoor Christmas tree on The Great Lawn, and a tree lighting ceremony will close the evening. The parade graphic on the city page features Santa, and the event is free to watch. Groups that want to enter a float or sponsor the parade can register through the city's online portal.
Parent tip: Note the later 4 pm start; the rain date is December 13.
See dates and details from City of Vestavia Hills (opens in a new tab)Vestavia Hills: Santa Claus at the Library in the Forest
Santa visitFreeVestavia Hills Library in the Forest · Vestavia Hills
- Host
- Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest, Community Room, 1221 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 (near Birmingham)
- When
- Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 6:30 to 7:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Children
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Santa Claus is coming to the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest on Tuesday, December 8 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. The visit takes place in the library's Community Room and is listed as a featured children's program.
The evening time slot lets families come after school and dinner, and it is part of the city's wider Holiday in the Hills season. The library also hosts a holiday photo booth in December, so plan a few extra minutes for pictures while you are there. Library programs are free, but check the event page closer to the date in case the library adds sign up details or suggestions such as bringing a camera or a wish list.
Parent tip: Check the event page closer to the date for any added details.
See dates and details from Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest (opens in a new tab)Vestavia Hills: Holiday in the Hills Breakfast with Santa
Breakfast with SantaCity of Vestavia Hills · Vestavia Hills
- Host
- City of Vestavia Hills (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Vestavia Hills Civic Center, 1975 Merryvale Rd, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 (near Birmingham)
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 7:30 to 10 am
- Cost
- Not stated; check with the city
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
As part of its Holiday in the Hills season, the City of Vestavia Hills hosts Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 12 from 7:30 to 10 am at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center on Merryvale Road.
The city's events page lists the date, time and place but does not post ticket prices or registration steps, so call the city at 205 978 0100 or watch its community news for details before you go. The early start makes it a good fit for families with young children who are up with the sun. The same Civic Center hosts the city's official tree lighting in November, and the library across Montgomery Highway has its own Santa visit and holiday photo booth earlier in December.
Parent tip: Prices and sign up details were not posted; call the city at 205 978 0100.
See dates and details from City of Vestavia Hills (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Homewood
1 confirmed event for kids in Homewood, soonest first.
Homewood: Breakfast with Santa presented by Samford University
Breakfast with SantaHomewood Chamber of Commerce · Homewood
- Host
- Homewood Chamber of Commerce (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Rotunda Club at Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Homewood, AL 35229 (near Birmingham)
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 8 am to noon
- Cost
- Ticketed, price not listed
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Homewood's Breakfast with Santa takes place on Saturday, December 5, at the Rotunda Club on the Samford University campus. The morning runs from 8 am to noon and is presented by the Homewood Chamber of Commerce together with Samford University.
Each ticket includes the breakfast buffet, activities and a complimentary photo with Santa, so it is a simple way to fold a Santa visit into a family breakfast without a separate photo line elsewhere. Tickets are sold through the Chamber's online registration page, and the listing does not post a price or age range, so check the registration page for current ticket costs and any session times within the morning. The event is indoors, which makes it a reliable choice in any December weather.
Parent tip: Register through the Chamber's event page ahead of time; the Santa photo is included with each ticket.
See dates and details from Homewood Chamber of Commerce (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Trussville
1 confirmed event for kids in Trussville, soonest first.
Trussville: Holiday Family Movie Matinee
Holiday showFreeTrussville Public Library · Trussville
- Host
- Trussville Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Trussville Public Library, 201 Parkway Dr, Trussville, AL 35173 (near Birmingham)
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10:30 am to noon
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Trussville Public Library hosts a Holiday Family Movie Matinee on Saturday, December 5 from 10:30 am to noon in the library auditorium. The feature is The Polar Express, and kids are welcome to wear their pajamas while they decorate a train craft and enjoy hot chocolate during the showing.
Popcorn and snacks are provided, and extra children's crafts are available while supplies last. The event is open to all ages and no registration is needed, so families can simply show up. A Saturday morning time makes it an easy, cozy start to a December weekend, and the pajama theme is a fun excuse for little ones to stay comfortable. The movie runs in the library auditorium, which keeps the morning warm and relaxed for families with younger children.
Parent tip: No registration needed. Pajamas encouraged; popcorn and snacks provided.
See dates and details from Trussville Public Library (opens in a new tab)Looking further afield? Our Alabama Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonBirmingham, AL Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Birmingham, AL in 2026?
We confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Birmingham, AL for 2026 on each host’s own page: Holiday in the Hills Tree Lighting in Vestavia Hills (November 19), Glow Wild: A Holiday Lantern Festival for Everyone in Birmingham (November 21), Christmas Tree Lighting in Hoover (December 1), Breakfast with Santa at Birmingham Zoo in Birmingham (December 5), Breakfast with Santa presented by Samford University in Homewood (December 5), Holiday Family Movie Matinee in Trussville (December 5), Holiday Parade & Party in the Park in Vestavia Hills (December 6), Family Night: Gingerbread House Building in Birmingham (December 8), Santa Claus at the Library in the Forest in Vestavia Hills (December 8), Holiday in the Hills Breakfast with Santa in Vestavia Hills (December 12), Storytime: Holiday Edition in Hoover (December 12), Hoover Library Winter Spectacular in Hoover (December 15) and Cozy Christmas in Hoover (December 18). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Birmingham, Alabama?
For families in and around Birmingham, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Glow Wild: A Holiday Lantern Festival for Everyone (Select nights, Nov 21 to Jan 3, 5 to 9 pm, advance: $25 adults, $16 kids 2 to 12; members $19 and $12); Breakfast with Santa at Birmingham Zoo (Sat, Dec 5, seatings at 8:30 and 10:30 am, $200 per table of four ($160 members); under 2 free); Family Night: Gingerbread House Building (Tue, Dec 8, 6 to 7 pm, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Birmingham section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Hoover, Alabama?
For families in and around Hoover, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Christmas Tree Lighting (Tue, Dec 1, 6 to 8 pm, free); Storytime: Holiday Edition (Sat, Dec 12, 10:30 to 11 am, free); Hoover Library Winter Spectacular (Tue, Dec 15, 4 pm or 6:30 pm, free); Cozy Christmas (Daily, Dec 18 to 23, during library hours, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Hoover section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Vestavia Hills, Alabama?
For families in and around Vestavia Hills, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holiday in the Hills Tree Lighting (Thu, Nov 19, 6 pm, free); Holiday Parade & Party in the Park (Sun, Dec 6, 4 pm (rain date Dec 13), free); Santa Claus at the Library in the Forest (Tue, Dec 8, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, free); Holiday in the Hills Breakfast with Santa (Sat, Dec 12, 7:30 to 10 am, not stated; check with the city). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Vestavia Hills section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Homewood, Alabama?
For families in and around Homewood, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Breakfast with Santa presented by Samford University (Sat, Dec 5, 8 am to noon, ticketed, price not listed). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Homewood section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Trussville, Alabama?
For families in and around Trussville, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holiday Family Movie Matinee (Sat, Dec 5, 10:30 am to noon, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Trussville section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Birmingham, AL?
Yes. 9 of the 13 events here are free: Holiday in the Hills Tree Lighting in Vestavia Hills, Christmas Tree Lighting in Hoover, Holiday Family Movie Matinee in Trussville, Holiday Parade & Party in the Park in Vestavia Hills, Family Night: Gingerbread House Building in Birmingham, Santa Claus at the Library in the Forest in Vestavia Hills, Storytime: Holiday Edition in Hoover, Hoover Library Winter Spectacular in Hoover and Cozy Christmas in Hoover. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Birmingham, AL this December?
Santa appears at Glow Wild: A Holiday Lantern Festival for Everyone in Birmingham (November 21), Breakfast with Santa at Birmingham Zoo in Birmingham (December 5), Breakfast with Santa presented by Samford University in Homewood (December 5), Holiday Parade & Party in the Park in Vestavia Hills (December 6), Santa Claus at the Library in the Forest in Vestavia Hills (December 8) and Holiday in the Hills Breakfast with Santa in Vestavia Hills (December 12). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Birmingham, AL?
Holiday story times on this page: Storytime: Holiday Edition in Hoover. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.
Where can we have breakfast or a meal with Santa in Birmingham, AL?
Meals with Santa confirmed for 2026: Breakfast with Santa at Birmingham Zoo in Birmingham (Sat, Dec 5, seatings at 8:30 and 10:30 am), Breakfast with Santa presented by Samford University in Homewood (Sat, Dec 5, 8 am to noon) and Holiday in the Hills Breakfast with Santa in Vestavia Hills (Sat, Dec 12, 7:30 to 10 am). These usually sell out, so book as soon as you pick a date.
Which Birmingham, AL Christmas events are best for toddlers?
These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Christmas Tree Lighting in Hoover (Preschool, kids, tweens, teens, adults) and Cozy Christmas in Hoover (Preschool and kids).
Are there kids' Christmas events in Birmingham, AL on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes: Glow Wild: A Holiday Lantern Festival for Everyone in Birmingham (through January 3).
How much is Holiday in the Hills Tree Lighting in Vestavia Hills?
Free. Holiday in the Hills Tree Lighting is on Thursday, November 19, 2026, 6 pm at Vestavia Hills Civic Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Glow Wild: A Holiday Lantern Festival for Everyone in Birmingham?
Advance: $25 adults, $16 kids 2 to 12; members $19 and $12. Glow Wild: A Holiday Lantern Festival for Everyone is on Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (select nights), 5 to 9 pm at Birmingham Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Christmas Tree Lighting in Hoover?
Free. Christmas Tree Lighting is on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 6 to 8 pm at Hoover City Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Breakfast with Santa at Birmingham Zoo in Birmingham?
$200 per table of four ($160 members); under 2 free. Breakfast with Santa at Birmingham Zoo is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 8:30 am to noon at Birmingham Zoo, Nourish 205. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Breakfast with Santa presented by Samford University in Homewood?
Ticketed, price not listed. Breakfast with Santa presented by Samford University is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 8 am to noon at Rotunda Club at Samford University. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Family Movie Matinee in Trussville?
Free. Holiday Family Movie Matinee is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10:30 am to noon at Trussville Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Parade & Party in the Park in Vestavia Hills?
Free. Holiday Parade & Party in the Park is on Sunday, December 6, 2026, 4 pm at Liberty Park, The Great Lawn and The Bray. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Family Night: Gingerbread House Building in Birmingham?
Free, registration required. Family Night: Gingerbread House Building is on Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 6 to 7 pm at Avondale Regional Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Santa Claus at the Library in the Forest in Vestavia Hills?
Free. Santa Claus at the Library in the Forest is on Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 6:30 to 7:30 pm at Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest, Community Room. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday in the Hills Breakfast with Santa in Vestavia Hills?
Not stated; check with the city. Holiday in the Hills Breakfast with Santa is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 7:30 to 10 am at Vestavia Hills Civic Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Storytime: Holiday Edition in Hoover?
Free. Storytime: Holiday Edition is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10:30 to 11 am at Hoover Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Hoover Library Winter Spectacular in Hoover?
Free. Hoover Library Winter Spectacular is on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 4 to 7:15 pm at Hoover Public Library, The Library Theatre. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Cozy Christmas in Hoover?
Free. Cozy Christmas is on Friday, December 18, 2026 to Wednesday, December 23, 2026 (daily during library hours) at Hoover Public Library, Children's Department. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Birmingham, AL?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Birmingham, AL Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
