holiday season

The holiday season often brings a festive time full of cheer and warmth. But for some Alabamians, this can be a time of grief. Significant losses such as the death of a loved one, divorce, job loss or major life changes could all be factors.

Kids along the Gulf coast can experience a little liquid nitrogen along with some holiday fun this Saturday. The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center in Mobile is hosting what it’s calling Christmas at the Castle.

The holiday season often brings joy and celebration— but it also brings a rise in cybercrime. The FBI says 12,000 victims lost $73 million to online scams during the holiday season in 2022, including in Alabama. UAB is now offering a guide for residents to preserve their cybersecurity.

The Christmas Lights Festival is back at the Montgomery Zoo with new light displays. This 33rd annual tradition runs through Dec. 31. Visitors can experience a Winter Wonderland, featuring thousands of sparkling lights and decorations— plus some festive new additions to the 2025 season.

December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month. Alabamians are now being cautioned about potential risks associated with toys. Most toy-related deaths have been linked to choking on small balls or crayons, drownings associated with flotation toys and entrapment inside toy chests.

Governor Kay Ivey is preparing to light the Alabama Capitol Christmas tree. The theme of this year’s ceremony is “Every Light a Prayer for Peace.” The official state Christmas tree is a 38-foot Eastern Red Cedar from Bullock County. Throughout the week, the tree has been adorned with approximately 40,000 lights and an assortment of ornaments.

Santa Claus, free hot chocolate, live music, a coat collection drive and the holiday spirit will be front and center at “A ‘Claus’ for Celebration” in Huntsville this weekend. The inaugural event promises to warm even the Grinch-iest of hearts.

The Auburn Community Orchestra is set to provide an evening of musical cheer. The annual holiday concert will take place at the Auburn United Methodist Church on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., featuring traditional and several sing-along tunes.

Holiday cheer is being spread around by The University of Alabama Museums. Free events are being offered at Gorgas House Museum, Paul W. Bryant Museum and Alabama Museum of Natural History during "the most wonderful time of the year."

The City of Tuscaloosa’s seasonal ice-skating rink is returning to Government Plaza in downtown Tuscaloosa this week. Holidays on the Plaza is set to open on Friday Nov. 29, alongside the Tuscaloosa One Place's Tinsel Trail.