Alabama's 67 Counties: Unique Christmas Traditions
Alabama, a state known for its rich history and cultural diversity, offers unique and heartwarming Christmas traditions across its 67 counties. From festive parades to historical landmarks adorned with lights, here’s a journey through the state’s yuletide wonders.
1. Autauga County
Home to Prattville’s Annual Christmas Parade, featuring local bands and elaborate floats.
2. Baldwin County
Known for the “Christmas on the Coast” event, blending beach vibes with holiday cheer.
3. Barbour County
Eufaula hosts a Victorian Christmas open house showcasing historic homes in holiday decor.
4. Bibb County
Features Cahaba’s Old-Fashioned Christmas with lantern-lit tours of Alabama’s first capital.
5. Blount County
Famous for the Palisades Park Christmas Lights Display, attracting families statewide.
6. Bullock County
Union Springs celebrates with a live nativity play and downtown light displays.
7. Butler County
Greenville’s “Holiday Stroll” is a favorite, featuring local shops and festive treats.
8. Calhoun County
Jacksonville’s Christmas on the Square offers crafts, carols, and Santa visits.
9. Chambers County
The “Christmas in the Valley” festival in Lanett is a cherished tradition.
10. Cherokee County
Weiss Lake transforms into a winter wonderland with boat parades and fireworks.
11. Chilton County
Peach-themed Christmas ornaments pay homage to the county’s famous fruit.
12. Choctaw County
Butler’s community tree lighting is a beloved annual event.
13. Clarke County
Known for its old-fashioned caroling events around historic landmarks.
14. Clay County
Ashland’s Christmas Parade features antique tractors and festive floats.
15. Cleburne County
Heflin hosts a “Christmas at the Cabin” event with traditional crafts and music.
16. Coffee County
Enterprise is famous for its Boll Weevil Christmas Celebration.
17. Colbert County
Tuscumbia’s Helen Keller Festival incorporates holiday-themed performances.
18. Conecuh County
Evergreen’s Christmas in the Park is a magical display of lights.
19. Coosa County
Rockford’s community potluck and tree lighting bring neighbors together.
20. Covington County
Andalusia’s Candyland Village is a dream for kids and families.
21. Crenshaw County
Luverne’s Christmas Festival includes a 5K run and a gingerbread contest.
22. Cullman County
Known for the Ave Maria Grotto’s nativity scene featuring international designs.
23. Dale County
Ozark’s Festival of Trees highlights local artisans and crafters.
24. Dallas County
Selma’s historic Sturdivant Hall hosts a Christmas Candlelight Tour.
25. DeKalb County
Mentone’s “Christmas in the Clouds” offers a serene mountain holiday experience.
26. Elmore County
Wetumpka’s “Christmas on the Coosa” includes a ski show and fireworks.
27. Escambia County
Atmore’s Poarch Band of Creek Indians hosts a cultural Christmas celebration.
28. Etowah County
Gadsden’s Noccalula Falls Park transforms into a Christmas wonderland.
29. Fayette County
The annual Christmas Cantata brings the community together for holiday music.
30. Franklin County
Russellville’s “Holiday Hoopla” is perfect for family outings.
31. Geneva County
Geneva’s “Festival of Lights” highlights downtown decorations.
32. Greene County
Eutaw’s tree lighting ceremony takes place on the historic courthouse lawn.
33. Hale County
Moundville Archaeological Park hosts a unique Native American-themed Christmas.
34. Henry County
Abbeville’s Christmas Bazaar showcases local crafts and baked goods.
35. Houston County
Dothan’s Christmas Festival features ice skating and live reindeer.
36. Jackson County
Scottsboro’s “Unclaimed Baggage Christmas Celebration” is a shopper’s delight.
37. Jefferson County
Birmingham’s Alabama Theatre hosts classic holiday movie nights.
38. Lamar County
Vernon’s “Holiday Hayride” takes visitors through decorated neighborhoods.
39. Lauderdale County
Florence’s “Lighting of the Shoals” spreads holiday cheer.
40. Lawrence County
The Bankhead Christmas Parade is a favorite for families.
41. Lee County
Auburn’s “Polar Plunge” fundraiser is a chilly but fun event.
42. Limestone County
Athens’ “Christmas Open House” features horse-drawn carriage rides.
43. Lowndes County
Fort Deposit’s community nativity is a spiritual highlight.
44. Macon County
Tuskegee’s Christmas Parade showcases the city’s vibrant culture.
45. Madison County
Huntsville’s Galaxy of Lights at the Botanical Garden is mesmerizing.
46. Marengo County
Demopolis’ Christmas on the River is a nationally recognized festival.
47. Marion County
Winfield’s “Holiday in the Park” is a family tradition.
48. Marshall County
Albertville’s “Santa’s Workshop” brings joy to kids and adults alike.
49. Mobile County
Mobile’s “MoonPie Over Mobile” merges Christmas and New Year’s fun.
50. Monroe County
Monroeville’s “Holiday Literary Walk” celebrates local authors.
51. Montgomery County
The Governor’s Mansion Christmas Open House is a must-see.
52. Morgan County
Decatur’s “Spirit of America” light display draws visitors from across the region.
53. Perry County
Marion’s Christmas Tour of Homes showcases antebellum architecture.
54. Pickens County
Carrollton’s Christmas Tree Lighting features choirs and live music.
55. Pike County
Troy’s “Christmas on the Square” is a beloved community event.
56. Randolph County
Roanoke’s “Christmas in the Park” offers carriage rides and carols.
57. Russell County
Phenix City’s Riverwalk Christmas lights are breathtaking.
58. St. Clair County
Pell City’s Polar Express Night is a hit with children.
59. Shelby County
Columbiana’s Candlelight Tours of historic homes are enchanting.
60. Sumter County
Livingston’s Christmas Market brings holiday shopping to life.
61. Talladega County
Sylacauga’s Marble City Christmas Parade is a standout event.
62. Tallapoosa County
Alexander City’s “Holiday Hoops” basketball tournament is a festive sporting event.
63. Tuscaloosa County
Tuscaloosa’s “Tinsel Trail” showcases beautifully decorated trees.
64. Walker County
Jasper’s “Twilight Christmas Parade” is a magical evening affair.
65. Washington County
Chatom’s community tree lighting is a beloved tradition.
66. Wilcox County
Camden’s Christmas Eve Candlelight Service is serene and spiritual.
67. Winston County
Double Springs’ “Pioneer Christmas” celebrates old-fashioned holiday customs.
From dazzling light displays to unique cultural traditions, Alabama’s 67 counties offer a wealth of Christmas cheer. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, there’s something magical to discover this holiday season!
Conclusion
Alabama’s 67 counties each bring their own flavor to the Christmas season, showcasing the state’s deep-rooted traditions, community spirit, and festive creativity. These celebrations not only highlight the diversity of the state but also serve as a reminder of the joy and unity that the holiday season brings. Whether it’s a small-town parade, a dazzling light show, or a historic home tour, Alabama offers countless ways to create cherished holiday memories. So, pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and explore the heartwarming magic of Christmas in Alabama!