Cocoa or cocktails? Snowballs or fireballs? Peaceful hiking or downhill biking? In the Yellowhammer State, you can do it all. December is here, bringing countless ways to while away the shortest days of the year. From vibrant art markets and festive holiday pop-ups to stargazing amid the state’s darkest skies, these 14 winter activities in Alabama will keep you cheery all month long.
Go outdoors to enjoy nightlife
The longest nights of the year fall in December, making it an ideal time for these after-dark adventures.
Monthly fire jams organized by Birmingham's Luminarts Entertainment light up long winter nights. Photo by Andrew Dolan Photography
1. Cyclists—road and mountain alike—can head to Oak Mountain State Park for Tuesday and Thursday night bike rides to experience 30 miles of riding trails from a whole new perspective. Just bring a working set of lights, a riding buddy, and the love of a good challenge.
2. Down south, 3 stretches of public land offer some of the darkest skies in the state, and all feature overnight camping. Book a site or cabin at Bladon Springs State Park, Roland Cooper State Park in Camden, or Conecuh National Forest near Andalusia for epic views of the Milky Way and beyond.
3. Flames dance in the dark, so why not join them? Fire spinners wielding poi, hoops, fans, and staffs gather at Avondale Brewing Company on December 21—the winter solstice—to practice their art. Novices and spectators await the monthly fire jams organized by Luminarts Entertainment. Bring your own props, and don’t skip the safety meeting.
Read more: Fun things to do in Alabama
Shop ’til you drop
Gift buying can be hard work, but these fabulous winter markets make it easy to find the perfect present from the region’s independent artisans.
The Winter Solstice Market at Huntsville's historic Lowe Mill arts complex gives shoppers access to artisan goods from more than 160 artists. Photo by Eric Schultz/Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment
4. Pop into the Mobile Museum of Art’s Holiday Market on December 3 for original crafts of all kinds.
5. In Huntsville, 3 floors of stalls, studios, and galleries welcome visitors to the largest privately owned arts complex in the country during the Winter Solstice Market at historic Lowe Mill. Expect more than 200 resident artists and makers offering seasonal baubles, handcrafted spa products, home goods, and more at the complex’s biggest bazaar of the year on December 17.
6. Meanwhile, gift buyers have until December 23 to browse the carefully curated selection of paintings, pottery, basketry, and jewelry from more than 35 fine artists at the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art’s Winter Market in Tuscumbia. Organizers promise mantle-worthy masterpieces, budget-friendly stocking stuffers, and treasures at every price point in between.
Raise a glass to winter
Sweaters are cozy. Fires, toasty. But those who like their winter warmers a little more spirited should head to Birmingham.
Sample Alabama's first commercially made Bourbon in more than a century at grain-to-glass Dread River Distilling Co. in Birmingham. Photo by Ellie McKenzie
7. Start at the magical, over-the-top holiday pop-up inside the downtown bar otherwise known as Queen’s Park. From now until December 30, the swank hot spot transforms into Miracle on 24th Street, with a dozen special holiday-themed cocktails, nostalgic snacks, and the chance to drink directly from a disco ball. (Be sure to designate a driver if you plan to drink alcohol.)
8. For a little less tinsel but just as much ABV, drop by the tasting gallery at Dread River Distilling Company on the city’s south side. Sample the first bourbon commercially made in Alabama in more than a century alongside other grain-to-glass spirits. Bonus: On-site mixology classes make a great gift for the cocktail curious.
Birmingham's Dread River Distilling Co. offers cocktails crafted with its grain-to-glass spirits. Photo by Ellie McKenzie
9. And for dessert, an indulgent nonalcoholic option. Treat yourself to a luscious hot cocoa—offered only during the holiday season—at Big Spoon Creamery, which makes its elixir with 2 types of French chocolate and tops it with a toasted, house-made Madagascar vanilla marshmallow. With 2 locations in Birmingham, it’s easy to get your fix.
Read more: Holiday foods around the U.S.
Let it snow
Look up! Those aren’t stars falling on Alabama—they’re snowflakes. Though temps here rarely favor ski bunnies, towns across the state unleash a flurry of flurries each winter.
Opelika's Courthouse Square turns into a winter wonderland during Snopelika, its kickoff for the holiday season. Photo by John Le Photography & Videography
10. Opelika’s picturesque Courthouse Square becomes a twinkle-lighted snow globe the evening of December 2 during its signature Snopelika celebration. The faux snowfall kicks off the Christmas season and ends with a tree lighting.
11. Farther south, flakes flutter over Foley’s Heritage Park on December 3 after the town’s annual Christmas parade. Stick around for the other kid-friendly activities that follow.
12. Can’t get enough of the white stuff? Andalusia’s Christmas in Candyland extravaganza offers multiple snow shows each weekend in December, along with ice skating and tubing down the largest snow slide in the state.
Wander through winter
From Alabama’s northern foothills to its southern shores, winter wonderlands come in all shapes and sizes. And December was made for exploring these great outdoors.
13. High above the bustle of Huntsville, the Madison County Nature Trail loops hikers around tranquil Sky Lake and past the state’s largest and oldest Champion winged elm tree. Along this easy 1.5-mile route, visitors will also find a quaint covered bridge, a chapel, and plenty of places to sit and soak in nature. Enjoy the quiet or venture farther into the 72-acre park nestled into the slopes of Green Mountain.
14. With cooler temps and fewer crowds, winter is the best time for a coastal wander along the Pine Beach Trail at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Follow the trail through a variety of terrain, including a saltwater lagoon, a freshwater lake, and—of course—the beachfront. In winter, keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of bald eagles and peregrine falcons.
Award-winning journalist and travel writer Jessica Fender has happily transitioned into sweater weather. Follow her adventures on Instagram @TravelerBroads.
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