Christmas Events for Kids in Huntsville (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

14 min read

The Huntsville area has 18 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from VBC Tree Lighting in Huntsville on November 6 to Skating in the Park in Huntsville, which runs through January 3. 10 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

  • 18 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Huntsville for 2026, in Huntsville, Gurley and Madison
  • First: VBC Tree Lighting, Huntsville, November 6. Runs latest: Skating in the Park, Huntsville, through January 3
  • Free: VBC Tree Lighting, Letters to Santa, Huntsville Christmas Parade, Little Sprouts STEAM Storytime: Winter, Nutcracker Storytime Presented by Rocket City Ballet, Rocket City Ballet's Nutcracker Storytime, Little Sprouts Storytime: Holiday PJs, Little Sprouts Storytime: Reindeer, The Island of Misfit Toys Adoption Event and Noon Years Eve Party
  • 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.

Huntsville Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
18 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Huntsville, Gurley and Madison
Season
November 6, 2026 to January 3, 2027
Free events
10
Kinds of events
holiday story time, Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday lights and Santa visit
Last checked

Plan your December

When each Huntsville Christmas event for kids happens

The first is VBC Tree Lighting in Huntsville on November 6; 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.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Huntsville? 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.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

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 Huntsville

14 confirmed events for kids in Huntsville, soonest first.

Huntsville: VBC Tree Lighting

Santa and Mrs. ClausFreeVon Braun Center · Huntsville

Host
Von Braun Center (opens in a new tab)
Where
Von Braun Center, 700 Monroe Street SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
When
Friday, November 6, 2026, 4 to 6 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

For the first time, the Von Braun Center hosts a Christmas tree lighting outside the Propst Arena entrance, overlooking Big Spring Park. From 4 to 6 pm families can mix and mingle with Santa and Mrs. Claus and take cell phone photos. Hot cocoa and cookies are free.

The tree is lit at 5 pm. Doors open at 5:30 pm for a Huntsville Havoc hockey game against the Macon Mayhem, so families who want to stay can buy tickets to the game separately.

Parent tip: Hockey game tickets are separate; the tree lighting itself is free.

See dates and details from Von Braun Center (opens in a new tab)

Huntsville: Galaxy of Lights

Holiday lightsHuntsville Botanical Garden · Huntsville

Host
Huntsville Botanical Garden (opens in a new tab)
Where
Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Avenue SW, Huntsville, AL 35805
When
Friday, November 13, 2026 to Thursday, December 31, 2026 (select walking and driving nights)
Cost
Ticketed, see garden website
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Galaxy of Lights fills the Huntsville Botanical Garden with holiday light displays from November 13 through December 31. The local tourism board describes walking and driving experiences for guests of all ages, along with whimsical scenes that include a Santa Claus display riding a rocket, a nod to Huntsville's space heritage.

The season mixes walking nights, when families stroll the garden paths under the lights, with driving nights, when you tour the displays from your car. That makes it an easy option for little ones who tire quickly or for a cold evening. Specific walking and driving dates, hours and ticket prices are posted on the garden's own Galaxy of Lights page, so check which kind of night you are booking before you go.

Parent tip: Check the garden's schedule for walking versus driving nights and book the format that suits your family.

See dates and details from Huntsville Botanical Garden (opens in a new tab)

Huntsville: Letters to Santa

Santa visitFreeBridge Street Town Centre · Huntsville

Host
Bridge Street Town Centre (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bridge Street Town Centre, 365 The Bridge Street NW, Huntsville, AL 35806
When
Friday, November 13, 2026 to Thursday, December 24, 2026 (all season)
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Bridge Street Town Centre invites children to drop off a letter to Santa at its Santa Mailbox all season long. The listing begins November 13, the same day as the center's tree lighting night.

It is an easy add-on to a shopping or dining trip at the center. The listing gives no mailbox hours, so it is best to visit when the shops are open.

Parent tip: Bring a finished letter so little ones can post it themselves.

See dates and details from Bridge Street Town Centre (opens in a new tab)

Huntsville: Merry & Bright Night (Tree Lighting)

Tree lightingBridge Street Town Centre · Huntsville

Host
Bridge Street Town Centre (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bridge Street Town Centre, 365 The Bridge Street NW, Huntsville, AL 35806
When
Friday, November 13, 2026
Cost
Price not stated
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Merry & Bright Night kicks off the holiday season at Bridge Street Town Centre on Friday, November 13. The center lights a brand new tree and invites families to take a picture with Santa, sip hot cocoa and enjoy a ballet performance and holiday music.

Seasonal shopping is part of the evening, and the night ends with the debut of the center's holiday experience show. The listing does not give a start time, so check with the venue. A Santa mailbox for letters is also set up at the center for the season.

Parent tip: No start time is on the listing, so confirm with Bridge Street before you go.

See dates and details from Bridge Street Town Centre (opens in a new tab)

Huntsville: Skating in the Park

Holiday eventHuntsville Museum of Art · Huntsville

Host
Huntsville Museum of Art (opens in a new tab)
Where
Huntsville Museum of Art, 300 Church Street SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
When
Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (hours vary by day)
Cost
Tickets sold at the entrance
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Skating in the Park is a seasonal outdoor ice rink hosted by the Huntsville Museum of Art in downtown Huntsville. It runs from November 20 through January 3. Skate and scooter rentals are available, and IceWorks runs the concessions so skaters can warm up with a treat.

Hours vary through the week, with extended evening and weekend hours. Tickets are sold at the entrance, and weather updates are posted on the rink's social media channels. Proceeds support programs at the museum.

Parent tip: Hours change by day and weather, so check the rink's social media before you go.

See dates and details from Huntsville Museum of Art (opens in a new tab)

Huntsville: Tinsel Trail

Holiday lightsTinsel Trail · Huntsville

Host
Tinsel Trail (opens in a new tab)
Where
Big Spring Park, 200 Church Street NW, Huntsville, AL 35801
When
Friday, November 27, 2026 to Thursday, December 31, 2026 (nightly through the season)
Cost
Price not stated
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Tinsel Trail turns Big Spring Park into a holiday wonderland with more than 450 live Christmas trees, each decorated by local businesses, nonprofits and families. The 2026 season runs from November 27 through December 31.

The tree registration for 2026 is sold out, but visitors can still stroll the trail. The organizers say a 2026 event calendar, with activities such as pop-up coffee shops, live music and the Tinsel Trail Trot, will be posted closer to the season. Opening night adds the lighting of the Rocket City Tree, a market and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Parent tip: The site notes the 2026 event calendar will be updated closer to the season, so check it for special nights.

See dates and details from Tinsel Trail (opens in a new tab)

Huntsville: Tinsel Trail 2026 Opening Celebration

Tree lightingTinsel Trail · Huntsville

Host
Tinsel Trail (opens in a new tab)
Where
Big Spring Park, 200 Church Street NW, Huntsville, AL 35801
When
Friday, November 27, 2026, 3 to 9 pm
Cost
Price not stated
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Tinsel Trail season begins on Friday, November 27, at Big Spring Park. The official lighting of Downtown Huntsville's Rocket City Tree happens at 6 pm.

Earlier in the day, a Black Friday Market runs from 3 to 9 pm with local vendors and food trucks. Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre and other local performers entertain, and Santa and Mrs. Claus pose for pictures throughout the evening from 6 to 8 pm. The Tinsel Trail itself, with over 450 decorated trees, stays open through December 31.

Parent tip: Santa and Mrs. Claus photos run 6 to 8 pm.

See dates and details from Tinsel Trail (opens in a new tab)

Huntsville: Huntsville Christmas Parade

Holiday paradeFreeVon Braun Center · Huntsville

Host
Von Braun Center (opens in a new tab)
Where
Von Braun Center, 700 Monroe Street SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
When
Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 6 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The 12th annual Huntsville Christmas Parade, presented by Food City, takes place on Tuesday, December 1, at 6 pm. The Huntsville tourism calendar describes a nighttime celebration with dazzling lights, festive floats, marching bands and holiday characters.

The parade is open to all ages and is free to attend. It travels through the streets of downtown Huntsville, and the listing places it at the Von Braun Center lot, 700 Monroe Street SW. Families should bundle up and find a spot along the route early.

Parent tip: Bundle up and arrive early to claim a viewing spot.

See dates and details from Von Braun Center (opens in a new tab)

Huntsville: Mrs. Claus' Snow Stroll at Stovehouse

Santa and Mrs. ClausStovehouse · Huntsville

Host
Stovehouse (opens in a new tab)
Where
Stovehouse, 3414 Governors Drive SW, Huntsville, AL 35805
When
Thu December 3, Fri December 4 and Sat December 5, 2026, 5:30 pm
Cost
Price not stated
Ages
Family; bar area 21 and over
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Stovehouse's signature holiday event runs December 3 through 5. At 5:30 pm, Gas Light Alley fills with snow flurries every 30 minutes while Mrs. Claus says hello and poses for photos from 5:30 to 7 pm. Kids can make crafts and join activities, and local shops are open.

At 7:30 pm Mrs. Claus and the Electric Elves perform holiday favorites live in the Food Garden. A separate pop-up bar on the terrace from 6 to 10 pm, with a silent disco and karaoke, is 21 and over only. The listing does not say whether the event is free.

Parent tip: The terrace pop-up bar is 21 and over only; the alley and Food Garden events are the family parts.

See dates and details from Stovehouse (opens in a new tab)

Huntsville: Nutcracker Storytime Presented by Rocket City Ballet

Holiday story timeFreeHuntsville-Madison County Public Library · Huntsville

Host
Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Downtown Huntsville Library, 915 Monroe Street SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
When
Thursday, December 3, 2026, 10 to 10:30 am
Cost
Free
Ages
Young children
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Rocket City Ballet, formerly Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre, visits the Downtown Huntsville Library to present the classic Nutcracker story as a storytime. The program features a performance by the Sugar Plum Fairy.

It runs from 10 to 10:30 am on Thursday, December 3, and is part of the library's children's programming. The library is at 915 Monroe Street SW, close to the Von Braun Center. It is a short session, which suits toddlers and preschoolers.

Parent tip: Short 30 minute session, so arrive a few minutes early for a good spot.

See dates and details from Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Huntsville: Rocket City Ballet's Nutcracker Storytime

Holiday story timeFreeHuntsville-Madison County Public Library · Huntsville

Host
Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
South Huntsville Public Library, 7901-L Bailey Cove Road, Huntsville, AL 35802
When
Sunday, December 6, 2026, 3 to 4 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Families
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Rocket City Ballet, which used to be called Alabama Youth Ballet, performs brief excerpts from The Nutcracker in the South Huntsville Library's children's section. Families should gather by the rocket in that area.

The one-hour afternoon program begins at 3 pm on Sunday, December 6 and ends at 4 pm. The branch address is 7901-L Bailey Cove Road. Send questions to southhuntsville@hmcpl.org.

Parent tip: Gather by the rocket in the kids' section.

See dates and details from Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Huntsville: The Nutcracker (Huntsville Ballet)

Holiday showHuntsville Ballet · Huntsville

Host
Huntsville Ballet (opens in a new tab)
Where
Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, Von Braun Center, 700 Monroe Street SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
When
Fri December 11, Sat December 12 (2 pm) and Sun December 13 (1 pm), 2026
Cost
Tickets required
Ages
Family
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Huntsville Ballet stages its 56th yearly Nutcracker, accompanied by the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, at the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall. Tchaikovsky's music animates Clara and her Prince, twirling snowflakes, the Sugar Plum Fairy and Mother Ginger.

Shows take place December 11 through 13. Per the ballet's Sweet Seats notice, Saturday's performance begins at 2 pm and Sunday's begins at 1 pm. Sweet Seats is an add-on package with a backstage tour guided by a cast member, photos on stage and special treats from the Sugar Plum Fairy. Only 15 seats are available per show, and it applies just to those two showtimes, Saturday at 2 pm or Sunday at 1 pm. To purchase, phone 256-539-0961.

Parent tip: Sweet Seats sales end Dec 1 and can only be made by phone at 256-539-0961.

See dates and details from Huntsville Ballet (opens in a new tab)

Huntsville: 12 Nights of Santa

Santa visitEarlyWorks Children's Museum · Huntsville

Host
EarlyWorks Children's Museum (opens in a new tab)
Where
EarlyWorks Children's Museum, 404 Madison Street SE, Huntsville, AL 35801
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026 to Wednesday, December 23, 2026 (12 nights)
Cost
Price not stated
Ages
Children
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

12 Nights of Santa at EarlyWorks Children's Museum runs December 12 through 23. The Huntsville tourism calendar says it has everything imaginable: kids can write a letter to Santa, decorate a gingerbread cookie, visit with Santa, play in snow and make an ornament.

The listing does not give hours or ticket prices, so check the museum before you go. EarlyWorks is at 404 Madison Street SE in downtown Huntsville.

Parent tip: Hours and prices are not on the listing, so confirm with the museum first.

See dates and details from EarlyWorks Children's Museum (opens in a new tab)

Huntsville: The Island of Misfit Toys Adoption Event

Holiday craftsFreeHuntsville-Madison County Public Library · Huntsville

Host
Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
South Huntsville Public Library, 7901-L Bailey Cove Road, Huntsville, AL 35802
When
Friday, December 18, 2026, 11 am to 4:30 pm
Cost
Free while supplies last
Ages
Kids and teens
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The library's Makerspace welcomes caring kids to the Island of Misfit Toys, a gathering of offbeat 3D-printed creatures, characters and oddities. Children come by, pick the toy they connect with and bring home a new buddy for the season.

The library points out that a slightly odd print is just what gives it character. The event is on Friday, December 18, between 11 am and 4:30 pm, for as long as supplies hold out. It is held in the Makerspace Studio inside the South Huntsville Library, 7901-L Bailey Cove Road.

Parent tip: Toys go to whoever arrives first until they run out, so an earlier visit is safer.

See dates and details from Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Gurley

3 confirmed events for kids in Gurley, soonest first.

Gurley: Little Sprouts STEAM Storytime: Winter

Holiday story timeFreeHuntsville-Madison County Public Library · Gurley

Host
Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Gurley Public Library, 225 Walker Street, Gurley, AL 35748 (near Huntsville)
When
Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 11 am to noon
Cost
Free
Ages
Ages 0 to 5
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

This special first-Tuesday edition of Little Sprouts storytime adds science to the usual stories and songs. The Nutty Professor Proton joins the group for a fun-filled session with read-aloud stories, songs and a toddler-appropriate science experiment about winter weather.

The program is at Gurley Public Library on Tuesday, December 1, from 11 am to noon and is listed for children from birth to age 5. The library's weekly Little Sprouts storytime is described as a good way to introduce lap babies and toddlers to reading, and no reservation is needed for the regular sessions.

Parent tip: Reservations are not required for Little Sprouts sessions.

See dates and details from Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Gurley: Little Sprouts Storytime: Holiday PJs

Holiday story timeFreeHuntsville-Madison County Public Library · Gurley

Host
Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Gurley Public Library, 225 Walker Street, Gurley, AL 35748 (near Huntsville)
When
Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 11 am to noon
Cost
Free
Ages
Ages 0 to 5
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Little Sprouts is a Tuesday preschool story time run by Ms. Brooke at Gurley Public Library, and the December 8 session is themed Holiday PJs. She chooses several stories, leads sing-along songs with instruments and offers a theme-related craft.

The session is listed for children from birth to age 5 and runs from 11 am to noon. The library says the program works for lap babies and toddlers alike, and reservations are not required. Gurley is a small town east of Huntsville.

Parent tip: No reservation needed. Wearing pajamas fits the theme.

See dates and details from Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Gurley: Little Sprouts Storytime: Reindeer

Holiday story timeFreeHuntsville-Madison County Public Library · Gurley

Host
Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Gurley Public Library, 225 Walker Street, Gurley, AL 35748 (near Huntsville)
When
Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 11 am to noon
Cost
Free
Ages
Ages 0 to 5
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The December 15 edition of Little Sprouts storytime at Gurley Public Library is themed around reindeer. Ms. Brooke reads several hand-selected stories, leads songs with instruments and offers a craft to match.

The program is listed for children from birth to age 5 and runs from 11 am to noon. The library describes it as a way to introduce the littlest patrons to reading, and reservations are not required.

Parent tip: Drop in; no reservation required.

See dates and details from Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Madison

1 confirmed event for kids in Madison, soonest first.

Madison: Noon Years Eve Party

Holiday craftsFreeHuntsville-Madison County Public Library · Madison

Host
Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Madison Public Library, 142 Plaza Boulevard, Madison, AL 35758 (near Huntsville)
When
Thursday, December 31, 2026, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Madison Public Library celebrates the new year at midday with its fourth annual Noon Years Eve party. This year's theme is Dolly Parton, with lots of glitz and library love.

Festivities include snacks, crafts, a photo booth, a dance party and a noon countdown with a confetti drop. The celebration starts at 10:30 am, and the confetti falls at 12:00 pm. All ages are welcome, and fancy dress, costumes and pajamas are encouraged. Questions can go to madison@hmcpl.org.

Parent tip: Confetti drops at noon, so be there by 11:45 am if you want the countdown.

See dates and details from Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Looking further afield? Our Alabama Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Birmingham, AL, Mobile, AL and Montgomery. 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.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

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 Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Huntsville Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in Huntsville in 2026?

We confirmed 18 Christmas events for kids in Huntsville for 2026 on each host’s own page: VBC Tree Lighting in Huntsville (November 6), Galaxy of Lights in Huntsville (November 13), Letters to Santa in Huntsville (November 13), Merry & Bright Night (Tree Lighting) in Huntsville (November 13), Skating in the Park in Huntsville (November 20), Tinsel Trail in Huntsville (November 27), Tinsel Trail 2026 Opening Celebration in Huntsville (November 27), Huntsville Christmas Parade in Huntsville (December 1), Little Sprouts STEAM Storytime: Winter in Gurley (December 1), Mrs. Claus' Snow Stroll at Stovehouse in Huntsville (December 3), Nutcracker Storytime Presented by Rocket City Ballet in Huntsville (December 3), Rocket City Ballet's Nutcracker Storytime in Huntsville (December 6), Little Sprouts Storytime: Holiday PJs in Gurley (December 8), The Nutcracker (Huntsville Ballet) in Huntsville (December 11), 12 Nights of Santa in Huntsville (December 12), Little Sprouts Storytime: Reindeer in Gurley (December 15), The Island of Misfit Toys Adoption Event in Huntsville (December 18) and Noon Years Eve Party in Madison (December 31). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in Huntsville, Alabama?

For families in and around Huntsville, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: VBC Tree Lighting (Fri, Nov 6, 4 to 6 pm, free); Galaxy of Lights (Nov 13 to Dec 31, ticketed, see garden website); Letters to Santa (All season, from Nov 13, free); Merry & Bright Night (Tree Lighting) (Fri, Nov 13, price not stated); Skating in the Park (Nov 20 to Jan 3, tickets sold at the entrance); Tinsel Trail (Nov 27 to Dec 31, price not stated); Tinsel Trail 2026 Opening Celebration (Fri, Nov 27, market 3 to 9 pm, tree lighting 6 pm, price not stated); Huntsville Christmas Parade (Tue, Dec 1, 6 pm, free); Mrs. Claus' Snow Stroll at Stovehouse (Dec 3 to 5, from 5:30 pm, price not stated); Nutcracker Storytime Presented by Rocket City Ballet (Thu, Dec 3, 10 to 10:30 am, free); Rocket City Ballet's Nutcracker Storytime (Sun, Dec 6, 3 to 4 pm, free); The Nutcracker (Huntsville Ballet) (Dec 11 to 13 (Sat 2 pm, Sun 1 pm), tickets required); 12 Nights of Santa (Dec 12 to 23, price not stated); The Island of Misfit Toys Adoption Event (Fri, Dec 18, 11 am to 4:30 pm, free while supplies last). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Huntsville section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Gurley, Alabama?

For families in and around Gurley, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Little Sprouts STEAM Storytime: Winter (Tue, Dec 1, 11 am to noon, free); Little Sprouts Storytime: Holiday PJs (Tue, Dec 8, 11 am to noon, free); Little Sprouts Storytime: Reindeer (Tue, Dec 15, 11 am to noon, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Gurley section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Madison, Alabama?

For families in and around Madison, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Noon Years Eve Party (Thu, Dec 31, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Madison section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Huntsville?

Yes. 10 of the 18 events here are free: VBC Tree Lighting in Huntsville, Letters to Santa in Huntsville, Huntsville Christmas Parade in Huntsville, Little Sprouts STEAM Storytime: Winter in Gurley, Nutcracker Storytime Presented by Rocket City Ballet in Huntsville, Rocket City Ballet's Nutcracker Storytime in Huntsville, Little Sprouts Storytime: Holiday PJs in Gurley, Little Sprouts Storytime: Reindeer in Gurley, The Island of Misfit Toys Adoption Event in Huntsville and Noon Years Eve Party in Madison. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in Huntsville this December?

Santa appears at VBC Tree Lighting in Huntsville (November 6), Letters to Santa in Huntsville (November 13), Merry & Bright Night (Tree Lighting) in Huntsville (November 13), Tinsel Trail in Huntsville (November 27), Tinsel Trail 2026 Opening Celebration in Huntsville (November 27) and 12 Nights of Santa in Huntsville (December 12). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Huntsville?

Holiday story times on this page: Little Sprouts STEAM Storytime: Winter in Gurley, Nutcracker Storytime Presented by Rocket City Ballet in Huntsville, Rocket City Ballet's Nutcracker Storytime in Huntsville, Little Sprouts Storytime: Holiday PJs in Gurley and Little Sprouts Storytime: Reindeer in Gurley. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.

Which Huntsville Christmas events are best for toddlers?

These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Little Sprouts STEAM Storytime: Winter in Gurley (Ages 0 to 5), Little Sprouts Storytime: Holiday PJs in Gurley (Ages 0 to 5) and Little Sprouts Storytime: Reindeer in Gurley (Ages 0 to 5).

Are there kids' Christmas events in Huntsville on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes: Galaxy of Lights in Huntsville (through December 31), Letters to Santa in Huntsville (through December 24), Skating in the Park in Huntsville (through January 3), Tinsel Trail in Huntsville (through December 31) and Noon Years Eve Party in Madison (through December 31).

How much is VBC Tree Lighting in Huntsville?

Free. VBC Tree Lighting is on Friday, November 6, 2026, 4 to 6 pm at Von Braun Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Galaxy of Lights in Huntsville?

Ticketed, see garden website. Galaxy of Lights is on Friday, November 13, 2026 to Thursday, December 31, 2026 (select walking and driving nights) at Huntsville Botanical Garden. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Letters to Santa in Huntsville?

Free. Letters to Santa is on Friday, November 13, 2026 to Thursday, December 24, 2026 (all season) at Bridge Street Town Centre. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Merry & Bright Night (Tree Lighting) in Huntsville?

Price not stated. Merry & Bright Night (Tree Lighting) is on Friday, November 13, 2026 at Bridge Street Town Centre. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Skating in the Park in Huntsville?

Tickets sold at the entrance. Skating in the Park is on Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (hours vary by day) at Huntsville Museum of Art. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Tinsel Trail in Huntsville?

Price not stated. Tinsel Trail is on Friday, November 27, 2026 to Thursday, December 31, 2026 (nightly through the season) at Big Spring Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Tinsel Trail 2026 Opening Celebration in Huntsville?

Price not stated. Tinsel Trail 2026 Opening Celebration is on Friday, November 27, 2026, 3 to 9 pm at Big Spring Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Huntsville Christmas Parade in Huntsville?

Free. Huntsville Christmas Parade is on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 6 pm at Von Braun Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Little Sprouts STEAM Storytime: Winter in Gurley?

Free. Little Sprouts STEAM Storytime: Winter is on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 11 am to noon at Gurley Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Mrs. Claus' Snow Stroll at Stovehouse in Huntsville?

Price not stated. Mrs. Claus' Snow Stroll at Stovehouse is on Thu December 3, Fri December 4 and Sat December 5, 2026, 5:30 pm at Stovehouse. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Nutcracker Storytime Presented by Rocket City Ballet in Huntsville?

Free. Nutcracker Storytime Presented by Rocket City Ballet is on Thursday, December 3, 2026, 10 to 10:30 am at Downtown Huntsville Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Rocket City Ballet's Nutcracker Storytime in Huntsville?

Free. Rocket City Ballet's Nutcracker Storytime is on Sunday, December 6, 2026, 3 to 4 pm at South Huntsville Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Little Sprouts Storytime: Holiday PJs in Gurley?

Free. Little Sprouts Storytime: Holiday PJs is on Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 11 am to noon at Gurley Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is The Nutcracker (Huntsville Ballet) in Huntsville?

Tickets required. The Nutcracker (Huntsville Ballet) is on Fri December 11, Sat December 12 (2 pm) and Sun December 13 (1 pm), 2026 at Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, Von Braun Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is 12 Nights of Santa in Huntsville?

Price not stated. 12 Nights of Santa is on Saturday, December 12, 2026 to Wednesday, December 23, 2026 (12 nights) at EarlyWorks Children's Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Little Sprouts Storytime: Reindeer in Gurley?

Free. Little Sprouts Storytime: Reindeer is on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 11 am to noon at Gurley Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is The Island of Misfit Toys Adoption Event in Huntsville?

Free while supplies last. The Island of Misfit Toys Adoption Event is on Friday, December 18, 2026, 11 am to 4:30 pm at South Huntsville Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Noon Years Eve Party in Madison?

Free. Noon Years Eve Party is on Thursday, December 31, 2026, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at Madison Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Huntsville?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Huntsville 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.

Kelsey Cecil
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