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Looking for the best Christmas markets in Alabama? You’ve come to the right place!
Alabama’s Christmas market scene starts early and combines old-world German markets, settler celebrations, artisan crafts, and fairs with Gulf Coast charm. If you’ve never been to the Gulf Coast (or to the South) for the holidays, you are in for something magical.
So, from the wonders of the Christmas Village Festival in Birmingham to the magic of Cullman Christkindl Market, in Cullman, here are our top picks for Alabama Christmas markets!
Be sure to check out our full list of festive fairs & markets in Alabama & our list of Christmas markets in the USA dates for more inspo.
1. CHRISTMAS VILLAGE FESTIVAL | Birmingham, AL
The Christmas Village Festival is a holiday arts, crafts, and artisan holiday shopping event.
Need a place to stay hotel close to the event? Try the official hotel, Sheraton Birmingham Hotel.
The Festival will run from November 3 to November 7, 2021. If you’re a serious shopper, consider VIP day, where you get a sneak peek at all the goodies. Admission Tickets are available on the website, beginning October 1, 2021.
2. Christkindl Market | Cullman, AL
If it’s Christmas, Cullmen, Alabama is the place to be! In Cullmen, you’ll find two especially wonderful events to share with family and friends.
First – there’s the Cullman Christkindl Market, a magical European-style Christmas market. Here, you can start off your experience with a mug of authentic Glühwein, mulled wine, or some creamy hot chocolate before enjoying German delicacies such as bratwurst, traditional European desserts, and baked goods.
Of course, there will also be a fair share of home-cooked dishes. As you are snacking, stroll through the rows of German-style wooden huts, searching for that perfect Christmas gift from local artists.
Besides shopping, Christmas in Cullman means holiday entertainment from the Civic Ballet, local bands, and theatre groups which are guaranteed to lighten your spirits.
Of course, there are plenty of activities for the children, and Santa is scheduled for an appearance. The festivities will be held December 10-11, 2021, at the Cullman County Museum, 211 2nd Avenue NE, Cullman, AL 35055. Admission is Free. For more information, visit the official website.
Another highlight of Christmas in Cullman is the Christmas in Cullman parade and tree-lighting, which feel like stepping into your very own Hallmark Christmas movie.
From the parade filled with hundreds of lights and crafts in Santa’s workshop, to the lighting of the tree and meeting Santa himself, this event is nothing short of a magical Christmas experience. The tree-lighting and parade will be held on December 3, 2021 (Rain Date: December 4, 2021). Admission is Free.
3. Winter Solstice Market | Huntsville, AL
The Winter Solstice Market will be held at Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment in Hunstville, Alabama, and is a perfect family event.
Wander through the artist market, shop for candles, unique art, and of course, delicious chocolate. This is the ideal place to find holiday gifts for family, friends, and co-workers.
The Market will be held on December 18, 2021. Between 11 AM and 7 PM. Admission is Free – ample parking for all. For more information, visit the official website.
4. Yule Y’all | Huntsville, AL
The Yule Ya’ll: Christmas Market and Spirit Sampling is a wonderful event that includes crafts, food, and music.
Here, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through freshly decked and decorated booths, sample local spirits and tasty holiday treats while you wait for Krampus to arrive.
The Yule Y’all will be held at the Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, on December 4, 2021, from 11 AM to 7 PM. Admission is free, with ample parking for all. For more information, visit the official website.
5. Annual Holiday Market | Montgomery, AL
The 34th Annual Holiday Market in Montgomery is a Christmas shopper’s dream – sponsored by the Junior League of Montgomery.
Here, you can nibble on holiday snacks while you browse the booths for one-of-a-kind clothing, handmade jewelry, toys, art, gourmet food, spices, candles, and more.
The Market can be found at the Multiplex At Cramton Bowl on October 6-9, 2021. Shopping times are October 7-8, 2021: 9 AM to 9 PM, and October 9: 9 AM to 5 PM. And, Santa arrives Saturday.
Pre-Purchase $5 Tickets through Eventbrite until September 30, after which $10 tickets are available at the door. Adults 65+ will be $5. Kids 10 and under get in Free. Parking for the event is Free.
If you can make it, don’t miss Prancer’s Preview Party, with a silent auction, live band, small plates, and drinks on October 6, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Tickets are available at the door for $40, and parking is Free. For more information, visit the official website.
6. Market Noel | Hoover, AL
Market Noel is sponsored by the Junior League of Birmingham and will be held November 17 through the 20th, 2021, at the Finley Center in Hoover, AL – just outside Birmingham.
Local artists and merchants will be on hand to help you with your Christmas list.
Want a sneak peek? Consider attending the ‘Preview Noel.’
Upgrade your tickets for the after-party, and don’t forget Milk and Cookies or even Brunch with Santa. Admission is $15, and tickets are available through the JLOB. For more information, visit the Market Noel website.
7. NAC Christmas Arts & Crafts Show | Gardendale, AL
The North Arts Council Christmas Arts and Crafts Show brings together over 85 artisans and musicians to celebrate Central Alabama’s season.
This is an intimate setting, but it still evokes the joy and happiness of the Holiday Season.
While choosing stocking stuffers and munching on holiday treats, don’t forget to listen as they award Door Prizes every hour! Even Santa puts in an appearance on Saturday from 9 AM to 3 PM.
The NAC Christmas Show will be held at the Gardendale Civic Center a few miles north of Birmingham on November 12 – 13, 2021. Shopping times are Friday 9 AM-6 PM; Saturday 9 AM-4 PM. Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit the official website.
8. Homestead Hollow Christmas | Springville, AL
The Homestead Hollow Christmas in the Country event is a handmade, one-of-a-kind arts and crafts festival in a recreated pioneer setting.
Here, you can admire demonstrations of blacksmithing, soap making, wood carving, weaving, open-hearth cooking, and candle making.
As a bonus, the Hollow has Alabama’s only licensed moonshine still!
Throughout the day, enjoy live entertainment, children’s activities, and delicious food.
Don’t forget to visit the general store for homemade jams, jellies, and even pickles. They make excellent gifts for those unexpected guests.
The Homestead Hollow Christmas is a perfect family event that will be held at the Homestead Hollow, November 12 through 14, 2021, from 9 AM to 4 PM on both days.
Springville is located in the Chandler Mountain area of North Alabama. Admission is $8 for ages 12 and up, $4 for ages 3 to 12, ages 2 and under are Free. Parking is also Free. For more information, visit the official Homestead Hollow website.
9. JLoM Christmas Jubilee | Mobile, AL
First held in 1985, the 37th annual Christmas Jubilee is a special Gulf Coast event.
This Christmas in Alabama favorite will be held November 12-14, 2021, at the Arthur R. Outlaw downtown Mobile Convention Center on the waterfront.
Tickets are $30 for VIP Shopping, with regular tickets going for $10 in advance, and $12 at the door. There are also $10 discount tickets for College Students, Senior Citizens, and Military personnel and $5 for Children (ages 6-12), with children 5 and under getting in free.
Ample parking is available. For more information, visit the JLOM website.
10. Totally Christmas Fair | Trussville, AL
If you are in the area, plan to spend a day at the Totally Christmas Fair in Trussville, Alabama.
The Trussville Civic Center is alight for ‘Totally Christmas,’ where over 100 vendors will help you be a Christmas shopping rockstar. Discover unique artisan and lifestyle items, including handmade crafts, Christmas sweets, clothes, and jewelry. And don’t forget to look for Santa – he has a long list to fill.
The Market will be held Friday, November 19 from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Saturday, November 20 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at the Trussville Civic Center 5381 Trussville Clay Rd, Trussville, AL, US 35173, Northeast of Birmingham along I-99. Admission is Free. For more information, visit the Totally Christmas website.
11. Christmas on the Gulf Show | Gulf Shores, AL
Now, this event has everything – Christmas, shopping, Santa, and sand.
For those who live in the Gulf, Christmas Day means sunglass and flip-flops, but even without snow, the Christmas on the Gulf Gift Show is a magical event.
Find stocking stuffers and unique, handmade ornaments, fashion, jewelry, candles, and more.
The Christmas on the Gulf Gift Show will be held, Saturday, November 6, 2021, from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Erie Meyer Civic Center, 1930 W. 2nd Street, Gulf Shores, AL 36542. Admission is $5.00 +$1.94 Fee. Kids 12 and younger are free. VIP Admission (includes Swag Bag) $15.00 +$2.55 Fee. Tickets will be available at the door. For more information, visit the official website.
A Few Extra Things to See and Do At Christmas in Alabama
In addition to Christmas Markets and Fairs, there are Holiday festivals, Miss Christmas pageants, parades, and activities celebrating Alabama’s Holiday Spirit.
Here are a few favorites. For a complete list, visit the Alabama Festival website.
Galaxy of Lights | Huntsville, AL
Held each year beginning in early November through Epiphany, the Galaxy of Lights is a magnificent 2.5 miles path through the Huntsville Botanical Garden.
This holiday light extravaganza features larger-than-life animated light displays and can even be enjoyed while walking with your favorite pup. November 11, 2021 – Jan 1, 2022. Admission is TBA.
Tinsel Trail | Huntsville, AL
The Tinsel Trail is a free annual display of live Christmas trees in downtown Huntsville’s Big Spring Park. If you are already in Hunstville, this is a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.
This year the exhibit will run from November 26, 2021, to January 2, 2022. An estimated 300 trees will be decorated and displayed from 8 AM to 10 PM daily.
Looking for more US travel inspiration?
Check out these guides on the best places to visit in…
Did we miss any of your favorite Alabama Christmas markets?
Let us know in the comments so we can update our list!
It is not Springdale, AL; it is Springville, AL, for Homestead Hollow.
Hi Cindy – thanks for pointing out that typo! The post has been corrected now. Thanks a bunch!
It is Cullman, AL, not Cullen.
Hi Cindy – thanks for pointing out that typo! The post has been corrected now. Thanks a bunch!
So awesome that we’ve got TWO fantastic Huntsville markets featured…but Nerdy Noel wants to feel some of that Christmas Market Guides love!
This is Komai’s Oh My’s FIFTH year hosting Nerdy Noel: North Alabama’s ONLY holiday market just for the nerds! We’ve got dozens of artists & vendors who will have a variety of items for sale, all focused on geeky/pop culture/sci-fi/fantasy/gaming/anime themes! The best part is that it’s taking place at Straight To Ale Brewing in Huntsville, so there’s delicious food and brews available, too!😃
Nerdy Noel is December 12th from 12pm to 6pm, and here’s the Facebook Event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/420885559544773
Hi Kerry, as a pop culture nerd, I love this! We’ve added your market to our dates list here: https://christmasmarketguides.com/alabama-christmas-markets-fairs-opening-dates/
Do you have a photo we could use so we can add you to this list too, maybe? Let us know! Happy to provide the necessary credit/photo attribution in the caption, of course 🙂