North Alabama tourism

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.

Workshops aimed at drawing the connections between Native American cultures, Alabama plants and the products created by people rooted in early traditions are coming to North Alabama. The Alabama Plants Series is a set of six free workshops hosted at Pope’s Tavern Museum.

A day meant to focus on creativity and community is coming to North Alabama this week through a series of art workshops. The Shoals Art Collective is partnering with Florence Arts and Museums to present the inaugural Pope’s Tavern Family Art Day.

Downtown Huntsville, Inc. is launching the return of Movies in the Park, presented by Meta and Buffalo Rock. It kicks off this Friday night in Big Spring Park East. The free outdoor movie series will run every Friday in October, each with a fall theme.

In a state where snow is a rarity, thousands of winter sports enthusiasts and savvy shoppers will descend to Scottsboro for the 43rd Annual Ski Sale Event at Unclaimed Baggage. A tradition since 1981, this event has become one of the most unique winter shopping experiences in the U.S., an experience that's part treasure hunt and part winter celebration.

The inaugural South Star Festival is set for Sept. 28 and Sept. 29 at the John Hunt Park Festival Grounds, where crowds of thousands of people are expected to attend. Gates open both days at 1:00 p.m. and the music will end at 11:00 p.m.

The El Mercado del Pueblo is being announced as a new initiative to serve Latino families in the greater North Alabama area. The market will be held every Saturday through Nov. 9 at the University Pickers parking lot on Triana Blvd SW in Huntsville.

Children and tweens from North Alabama are gaining knowledge on Native American culture and history at the Florence Indian Mound Museum. The institution is hosting the Young Learners Series with lessons and hands-on learning exercises. The focus of the next class, to be held on Sept. 28, will be on Native American Music of the Southwest.

Women in Music Week is a platform for Huntsville to showcase over 50 women in the music industry at various venues and stages throughout the Rocket City. The event runs through Sept. 22 and is meant to showcase the talent within Huntsville’s thriving music scene.

Huntsville Music Month is offering residents and visitors free community events and programs through Sept. 30. The happenings are being billed by Rocket City leaders as entertaining, educational and enriching experiences.