It's Christmastime in the City!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year in Morgan County!

Christmastime in Decatur and Morgan County is a time of enchantment and tradition. The community comes alive with festive lights and decorations, creating a captivating atmosphere that draws residents and visitors alike. The Historic Christmas Tour of Homes offers a glimpse into the beautifully adorned historic residences, showcasing the rich heritage of the area. Founders Park transforms into an Enchanted Forest, a delightful wonderland for families with its dazzling Christmas tree displays. Strolling down the charming streets of Bank St or 2nd Ave, you'll find a wealth of unique gifts and holiday treasures in the local shops, adding to the excitement of the season. And don't forget to round off your Christmastime experience with a cozy visit to the historic Princess Theatre, where you can enjoy heartwarming Christmas movies that truly capture the spirit of the season. Christmastime in this region is a true celebration of togetherness, with cherished traditions that bring joy and warmth to all who experience it.

Christmastime Itineraries

Holiday Events in Decatur & Morgan County

Local Holiday Favorites

Christmas Tree Lightings

Christmas tree lightings are a cherished tradition that mark the official start of the holiday season, bringing communities together in a warm and festive atmosphere. The glow of the beautifully decorated tree, combined with the collective joy of the crowd, creates a magical moment that ignites the spirit of Christmas for all who gather to witness it. Listed below are some of Morgan County's local tree lightings


Decatur- November 9th @8:30pm at Alabama Center for the Arts lawn.

Priceville- December 2nd @ 6:00pm at Veteran's Park

Hartselle- December 2nd at EARTH Park

Eva - December 2nd @6:00 pm at Shorty Ryan Park

Falkville- December 3rd @4:00pm at Jack McCaig Park



Christmas Parades

Christmas parades are a beloved tradition that brings communities together in a joyful and colorful procession, featuring elaborately decorated floats, festive music, and a visit from Santa Claus, creating a sense of wonder for all. These parades across Morgan County spread holiday cheer and mark the beginning of the festive season!


Decatur- Jaycee's Annual Decatur Christmas Parade -Saturday, December 2nd @6:30 PM


Hartselle- Hartselle Christmas Parade - Thursday, December 14th @ 7:00 PM


Priceville- The City of Priceville Park and Recreation’s Annual Shelia Smith Christmas Parade -Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 2 P.M


Falkville- Falkville Christmas Parade- Tuesday, December 12th @7:00 PM


Eva- Eva Christmas Parade- Saturday, December 2nd @4:30 PM


Trinity- Trinity Christmas Parade - Saturday, December 2nd @10:00 AM


Decatur's Enchanted Forest

Decatur's Enchanted Forest in Downtown Decatur is a delightful Christmas tree trail situated right in front of the historic Old State Bank building. This annual tradition features a series of live Christmas trees, each lovingly decorated and sponsored by local businesses and organizations. The trees come alive with festive lights, ornaments, and unique themes, creating a magical and heartwarming holiday spectacle for the community to enjoy. It's a cherished seasonal attraction that brings the spirit of Christmas to life in the heart of Decatur, uniting the community in a shared celebration of the holiday season.


Decatur's Enchanted Forest will debut on December 2nd and last throughout the month.

Historic Decatur

Christmas Tour of Homes

Decatur, Alabama is set to dazzle once more as the Historic Christmas Tour of Homes makes a grand return on the second Saturday of December. This annual event promises to enchant visitors with the rich history and architectural beauty of the region. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore beautifully decorated historic homes adorned in their festive best, providing a glimpse into the past while celebrating the holiday season.


The tour will feature a selection of carefully curated, stunning homes, each with its unique charm and history. It's a chance to experience the magic of Decatur's heritage, all while getting into the Christmas spirit. Don't miss this opportunity to step into the past and celebrate the holiday season in style.


December 9, 2023

3:00-8:00 PM

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Holiday Light Shows at the Old State Bank!

The holiday light shows at the Old State Bank are a mesmerizing spectacle that transforms this historic building into a radiant wonderland, captivating visitors of all ages. As the lights dance to the tunes of classic holiday melodies, it's a heartwarming and enchanting experience that brings the spirit of the season to life in a truly captivating way.


December 2nd -(Following Decatur Christmas Parade)

December 15th - Santa visits the Old State Bank from 5:00-9:00. The light show will start at 7:15 pm. (Downtown Hot Cocoa & Cider Stroll)

December 21st- Light show at 6:30pm (Winter Solstice)

Christmas Movies at the Princess Theatre

Enjoying Christmas movies and shows at the beautiful historic Princess Theatre in Downtown Decatur is a cherished holiday tradition. This grand old theater, with its ornate architecture and vintage charm, provides the perfect backdrop for festive entertainment during the holiday season. From timeless classics to heartwarming seasonal performances, the Princess Theatre offers a cozy and enchanting atmosphere for families and friends to gather, creating lasting memories and kindling the warmth of the holiday spirit. It's a place where the magic of cinema and the joy of the season come together, making each visit a treasured experience.

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Historic Decatur Union Train Depot & Railroad Museum -Christmas Display!

The Historic Decatur Union Train Depot and Railroad Museum's Christmas display is a festive wonderland that delights both the young and the young at heart. This charming exhibit features captivating model train sets that visitors can play with, transporting them into a miniature world of railroads and locomotives. Additionally, the museum showcases a rich tapestry of railroad history, offering fascinating insights into the evolution of this iconic transportation mode. As a special treat, visitors can witness real trains passing by, live and in action, adding an extra layer of excitement and authenticity to the experience.


The Historic Decatur Union Train Depot's Open House will be on November 9th from 4:00 pm- 7:00 pm. You can also see Santa from 4:30 pm- 6:30 pm.


Hours of Operation:

Monday 1:30–4 PM

Tuesday 1:30–4 PM

Wednesday 1:30–4 PM

Thursday 1:30–4 PM

Friday 1:30–4 PM

Saturday 10 AM–12 PM

Sunday- Closed

Holiday Events at The Cook Museum of Natural Sciene

Spend the holiday season surrounded by wonder and science at the Cook Museum of Natural Science this Christmas. Their Winter Wonder event, kicking off on November 10th, promises to be a magical experience! They will also "Deck the Halls" with Christmas displays nestled within their captivating exhibits. It's the perfect place to blend education and festive cheer, making it a unique and enriching way to celebrate the season.



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Holiday Shopping Anyone?

Decatur's local boutiques and specialty shops come alive during the holiday season, offering a unique and charming shopping experience. Strolling through these streets, you'll discover a plethora of one-of-a-kind gifts and holiday decorations. Just a short drive away, Hartselle's downtown area also beckons with its own array of festive offerings, perfect for finding that special, locally-sourced holiday treasure. Whether you're exploring Decatur or Hartselle, the spirit of the season is alive in the heart of Morgan County.

Find Where to Shop in Morgan County
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