Go to Talladega’s Christmas on the Square for holiday fun, food and shopping this weekend
Children can have photos made with Santa, have hot chocolate and see free movies during Christmas on the Square in Talladega this weekend. (Contributed)
For a taste of a Victorian-style Christmas in a lovely holiday setting, attend the city of Talladega’s first Christmas on the Square this weekend, Dec. 10-12.
It’s all in the heart of Talladega’s downtown square, magically transformed into a Christmas village.
The fun starts at 6:30 p.m. on Friday with the lighting of the city Christmas tree at the Talladega Courthouse and remarks by City Manager Patrick Bryant. Adding to the festive, holiday atmosphere, the historic Talladega Courthouse, dating to 1836, is bedecked with greenery, red ribbons and bows.
This weekend, Christmas carols fills the air as shoppers visit beautifully decorated stores throughout the square. Kids – and kids at heart – can whisper their holiday wishes to Santa Claus, and get a photo and free hot chocolate. On Friday evening, see a free showing of “Polar Express” at Talladega’s historic Ritz Theatre on the square.
More fun is in store on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Children will love taking rides on a snow slide and talking with Santa. Peruse the “pop-up” vendor village with thoughtful gifts, while enjoying delicious offerings by food trucks.
Parents and grandparents can plan their Saturday shopping around a showing of five holiday-themed movies at the Ritz Theatre, all free. See “Frozen” at 10:30 a.m.; “Santa Claus” at 12:30 p.m.; “Elf” at 3 p.m.; “Home Alone” at 5:15 p.m.; and “Christmas Vacation” at 7:45 p.m. Movie-goers can enjoy $1 popcorn. Call the Ritz at 256-315-0000 for details.
On Sunday, Christmas on the Square is open from noon to 6 p.m. Free movies at Talladega’s historic Ritz Theatre include “Frosty’s Winter Wonderland” at 12:30 p.m.; “The Grinch” at 1:30 p.m.; “A Christmas Story” at 4 p.m.; and “A Wonderful Life” at 6 p.m.
To top off the shopping day, enjoy a leisurely drive through Talladega’s historic Silk Stocking District, with dozens of Victorian and “gingerbread-style” houses across 113 acres. Homeowners such as Charlene Walker, whose Court Street home was built in 1880, said she always decorates her Victorian-style residence at Christmas, enjoying the sight of passersby who stop to view the house.
