Catch the spectacular display of lights at these 10 Alabama Tourism recommended Holiday Light Festivals:
Arab — Christmas in the Park
For the 13th consecutive year, the City of Arab will offer a dazzling display of nearly 2 million holiday lights in the park. Enjoy live entertainment by local church groups and individuals, holiday music and special decorations in the Historic Complex, which features an old church, a school and an operational gristmill. 256.586.8128, www.arabcity.org. November 28-December 31, 2008
Bellingrath Gardens — Mobile — Magic of Christmas in Lights
Stroll through a wonderland of more than three million twinkling lights and 600 custom-designed holiday displays during Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens in Mobile. Tour the historic Bellingrath Home decorated in its holiday finery, enjoy nightly entertainment and visit with Santa. 251.973.2217, www.bellingrath.org. November 28-December 31, 2008
Birmingham — Lights Up at the Summit
The holiday season officially begins in Birmingham November 8 when more than one million lights come alive on the rooftops and Santa throws the switch at Saks Plaza to light the Christmas tree. Also enjoy a spectacular fireworks display and holiday music. 205.967.0111, www.thesummitonline.com/birmingham. November 8, 2008
Birmingham — Zoolight Safari at the Birmingham Zoo
Ride the
Zoolight Express train while enjoying a half-million twinkling lights.
The spirit is festive and the tradition comes complete with hot cocoa,
a light show synchronized to favorite holiday tunes, Santa and snow.
205.879.0409, www.birminghamzoo.com. December 12-23 & 26-30, 2008
Decatur — Albany and Old Decatur Historic Districts
Decatur’s
historic districts are decorated with luminaries, greenery and
thousands of lights. Several homes are open for tours. Refreshments are
served and carriage rides are available. The tour is from 4-8 p.m.
256.350.2028, www.decaturcvb.org. December 13, 2008
Florence — Festival of Lights
Florence
businesses and Wilson Park will be decorated for Christmas. Visitors
can shop while listening to music on the street corners and in the
park. The jingle of bells on horses giving carriage rides adds to the
festive atmosphere. 256.740.4141, www.flo-tour.org. December 5, 2008
Huntsville — Galaxy of Lights
Celebrate
the holiday season with a drive or a stroll through the Huntsville
Botanical Garden. This magnificent holiday light extravaganza features
600 lighted displays arranged in 125 varied holiday scenes and themes,
including a Patriotic Celebration, Winter Wonderland, Santa’s Workshop,
Christmas Celebrations, Nursery Rhymes, Birds, Bees and Butterflies.
256.830.4447, www.hsvbg.org. November 27-December 31, 2008
Montgomery — Animals in Lights at the Montgomery Zoo
More
than a half-million lights illuminate the pathways on a leisurely
stroll through the Montgomery Zoo during the city’s Holiday Lights
Festival. Ride a train through the forested wonderland and see animals
come alive in lighted displays. 334.240.4900, www.montgomeryzoo.com. November 26-December 31, 2008
Opelika –Victorian Christmas
Step
back in time with a visit to an Ole World Christmas wonderland in
Opelika. On the Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour, you’ll see more
than 60 turn-of-the-century homes in all their lighted glory featuring
life-sized Santas, angels, toy and teddy bear displays, carousel horses
and other figures. Also enjoy live holiday entertainment. 334.887.8747,
www.aotourism.com. December 9-13, 2008
Valley — Rails-to-Trails Luminary Walk
Enjoy
hot chocolate, sweets and more on the walk through the luminaries along
the rails-to-trails. Mrs. Claus and her elves will be at the Fairfax
Depot reading Christmas stories and enjoying other fun activities with
the children. 334.756.5290, www.cityofvalley.com. December 5, 2008
For more information on holiday light festivals, visit the Alabama Tourism Department Web site at www.alabama.travel.