It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the city of champions! The holiday season is the most wonderful time of year in Tuscaloosa (other than football season, of course). We love any cause for a city-wide celebration, especially when it fills our streets with holly jolly cheer. And because we never do anything halfway, we channel our legendary spirit into celebrating the holiday season with festive events and local traditions that turn our town merry and bright. If you’ll be treating yourself to a stay at WestGate this season, check out our favorite holiday happenings (they’re not far from your front door)!
The Tuscaloosa Tinsel Trail
November 24, 2025 – January 3, 2026
Government Plaza
This beloved holiday tradition fills the heart of Tuscaloosa with twinkling lights and Christmas cheer as more than 200 festive trees take over Government Plaza. The trees are sponsored and decorated by local businesses, organizations, and individuals, and awards are given to the most popular designs. Don’t miss the grand opening on Monday, November 24th, when Santa himself stops by to take in the trees and a holiday flourish of music, refreshments, activities and more! The 2025 Tinsel Trail will deck the halls through the New Year and is free to attend for all ages. Proceeds benefit Tuscaloosa’s One Place, a local family resource center.
Holidays on the Plaza
November 24, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Government Plaza
We may not get snow, but we do have ice! Strap on a pair of skates and glide your heart out at Holidays on the Plaza, Tuscaloosa’s own ice-skating rink and winter wonderland. The event opens on November 24th, 2025 and slides right through the season until January 1st, 2026. Tickets are $15 per person and include your skate rental and full rink access during operating hours. Take the whole family on Tuesdays to score discounted tickets!
Dickens Downtown
December 2, 2025
Downtown Northport
On December 2nd, head to nearby Northport for a family celebration full of Christmas cheer. Based on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, the annual event includes live Christmas carols, snow machines, artist demonstrations, and a visit from Father Christmas himself. Guests are encouraged to dress in their best Dickens-era costumes to fully embrace the festive spirit!
Tuscaloosa Retail Trail
December 4-7, 2025
Downtown Tuscaloosa (Various Locations)
Enjoy exclusive discounts, festive fun, and special promotions all weekend long as local retailers come together to spread holiday cheer across our community. Downtown will be fully decorated for the holidays, complete with live Christmas music and free photos with Santa under the TDMA tent. The festivities begin on December 4th at 4 pm and sleigh all weekend long, so be prepared to shop ‘til you drop!
West Alabama Christmas Parade
December 8, 2025 @ 6:30 pm
Downtown Tuscaloosa
The 49th Annual West Alabama Christmas Parade will roll down Greensboro Avenue at 6:30pm on Monday, December 8th. This historic parade is one of the biggest in the state and fills our downtown streets with decorated floats, marching bands, holiday characters and more. Arrive early to snag a good seat and enjoy a night of “Snow Much Fun!”
Home for the Holidays
December 8, 2025 @ 7 pm
Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra
Can’t pass up a good Christmas carol? Take holiday music to new heights at TSO’s annual holiday concert on December 8th at 7pm. This year’s lineup will feature festive holiday music from Alabama Choir School, Alabama Choral Society, and Prentice Concert Chorale. Tickets are $48 and can be purchased online at the venue website.