Unfold holiday magic and joy with Can’t Miss Alabama
Step into a world of Christmas make-believe with a special presentation of the Magic City Nutcracker, featuring about 80 dancers from central Alabama. The Nutcracker ballet meshes the classical score by Tchaikovsky and the fluid beauty of ballerinas who share the popular Christmas tale through the beauty of dance. (Stephanie Rangel/Magic City Nutcracker)
Indulge in holiday adventures with these family fun ideas.
Virtual Magic City Nutcracker
Gather your family for a showing of the holiday Nutcracker ballet in the comfort and safety of your home Dec. 24-Jan. 1. The Magic City Nutcracker features nearly 80 dancers from Alabama. Take part in Clara’s enchanting journey as she follows the Nutcracker prince through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets. This magical tale is filled with the joy and hope of the Christmas season.
Portions of the production were filmed at the Clubhouse on Highland, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and the Temple of Sibyl in Vestavia Hills.
Watch the ballet for free during the holidays. See Facebook for details. A DVD will be available for sale later.
Travel Huntsville’s Tinsel Trail
Go rockin’ around the Christmas trees at Huntsville’s Tinsel Trail at Big Spring Park through Dec. 31. The trail features 300 imaginatively decorated trees. There’s no admission fee, and the trail is open from dusk through midnight at 200 Church St. SW.
You’ll find street parking along Williams Avenue and Church Street, and there are parking garages at the Von Braun Center at Monroe Street and on Church Street.
Rocket City Christmas Spectacular
A winter wonderland with hundreds of thousands of lights awaits at the Rocket City Christmas Spectacular at Toyota Field in Madison, about 11 miles from Huntsville.
From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Jan. 3, drive through the magical “Santa’s Mountain” themed light show. The event is closed Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31-Jan. 1. Tune to your car’s radio and see a spectacular synchronization of music and lights. Afterward, park and enter the winter wonderland in the stadium, which holds holiday fun for the entire family. Let kids decorate cookies and make s’mores while you sip hot chocolate, shopping your way through. The cost is $25 per car. The Winter Wonderland opens at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Buy tickets at the event at 500 Trash Panda Way.
Galaxy of Lights at Huntsville Botanical Gardens
Through Jan. 2, enjoy the dazzling Galaxy of Lights at the Huntsville Botanical Gardens. Hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights set off the 25th anniversary season. Families can enjoy walk- and drive-thru experiences with holiday themes, classic characters and natural scenes. The show starts at 5:30 p.m., and 9 p.m. is the latest admission. The Huntsville Botanical Gardens is at 4747 Bob Wallace Ave.
2020 Inspiration Home in Fairhope
After eating all the turkey you can hold, entertain your guests with a visit to Mobile Bay Magazine’s 2020 Inspiration Home. Get decorating tips as you view this beautifully decorated home Dec. 26-Jan. 24. Take a tour Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Buy a $10 ticket to enter the home at 140 Mount Pleasant Blvd. in Fairhope. Guests must wear a mask while touring.
‘Wonderland under Warrior’ at Rickwood Caverns
Travel 175 feet underground to experience the magic of twinkling lights at the “Wonderland under Warrior” show at Rickwood Caverns State Park. Attend the spectacle of lights Dec. 26-30 from 2 p.m. to 7:25 p.m. Tours are held every 25 minutes.
Attendees must wear a mask throughout the cave and in buildings. Hand sanitizer is available throughout. Call 205-647-9692 to make reservations for the day you’ll attend. Pay $10 per person to hold your spot; children ages 4 and younger are admitted free.
