Discover Decatur, Alabama: A Holiday Guide for Guests
Lillie Beth Warner • December 22, 2023
Do you have friends or family coming to visit this holiday season? We have something for everyone!
The holiday season is a magical time to share with loved ones, and if you find yourself hosting friends and family in Decatur, Alabama, you're in for a treat! From art lovers to foodies, history buffs to outdoor enthusiasts, Decatur offers a diverse range of activities and attractions to suit every taste. Here's your ultimate guide to making their visit unforgettable.
For the Art Lovers
- Carnegie Visual Arts Center: Discover an artistic oasis at the Carnegie Visual Arts Center in the heart of Decatur. This historic gem, once a Carnegie Library, now hosts compelling exhibitions featuring regional and national artists, offering a diverse range of visual experiences and educational programs that celebrate creativity.
- MoCo Mural Trail: Explore Decatur's streets and immerse yourself in the MoCo Mural Trail, a captivating outdoor gallery showcasing stunning murals. These vibrant artworks, each with its own unique story, weave tales of local culture and heritage, enriching the city's landscape with vivid colors and captivating designs.
- MoCo Art Trail: Journey along the MoCo Art Trail, guiding you through galleries, studios, and public art displays across Morgan County. Delight in the diverse artistic expressions on display, from contemporary marvels to traditional masterpieces, providing an enriching tapestry of the region's artistic richness.
- Alabama Center for the Arts Gallery: Experience an combination of innovation and creativity at the Alabama Center for the Arts Gallery. This dynamic space showcases a captivating array of sculptures, paintings, and photography, offering a glimpse into the diverse visions of Alabama's talented artists. Explore thought-provoking exhibitions that reflect the cultural heritage and artistic brilliance of the region.
For the History Buff
- Step Back in Time: Visit the historic housing districts of Old Decatur and Albany and relish in the preserved antebellum homes and charming streetscapes.
- Blast from the Past: Experience the rich history of the area at the Old State Bank, a stunning Greek Revival-style building that stands as a symbol of Decatur's past. This 190 year old building is the oldest bank building in Alabama!
- Watch the trains pass by at the Historic Decatur Union Train Depot & Railroad Museum: Take a tour of the beautiful restored train depot in the heart of Downtown Decatur. This museum is great for all ages combining history and fun. You can see the train depot's model train set and even play with their holiday display.
- Visit the Morgan County Archives: This is a great stop for anyone interested in local history. You can explore the Scottsboro boys exhibit and learn all about the history of Morgan County over the years.
- Visit the U.S. Veterans Memorial Park: Pay homage to military heroes at this site honoring veterans, providing a serene space for reflection and gratitude.
For the Foodie
- Culinary Delights: Enjoy local dining experiences ranging from Southern comfort food to international flavors, with options like Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, Simp McGhee's, Alfono's Pizza, Francessco's Italian, and so much more.
- Decatur's Hidden Gems: Explore Decatur Locals favorites places like The RailYard, or the Brick Deli!
- Try Delicious Treats: If you or your party has a sweet tooth make sure to check out local sweet shops like Mel's Sweet Treats, Tennessee Valley Pecan Company, or Morgan Price Candy Company!
For the Kids or Kids at Heart
- Family-Friendly Fun: Visit the Cook Museum of Natural Science for an educational experience with your friends and family. This State-of-the-art museum is perfect for an afternoon exploring the different animals & wildlife in North America.
- Visit GoFAR USA Park: Take a stroll through the Christmas lights in the forest and around the farm at GoFAR USA Park. Hang out around the campfires, make some smores, zip line though the pines, climb the rockwall, shoot some paintballs, and enjoy a Christmas movie. See our calendar for scheduled nights!
For the Outdoor Enthusiast
- Natural Escapes: Discover the beauty of Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, hike the trails of the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge, or enjoy scenic walks along the Tennessee River.
- Outdoor Activities: Engage in outdoor activities like fishing, boating, or picnicking at various parks scattered across the city.
For Everyone
Decatur is a city filled with warmth, charm, and a welcoming atmosphere. No matter your interests, there's something to captivate everyone in your group during the holidays. With its unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, Decatur, Alabama, promises a memorable holiday experience for all who visit. Enjoy your time and make the most out of your holiday in Decatur & Morgan County!
Each winter, Decatur becomes a gathering place for nature lovers, artists, families, and birding enthusiasts as we celebrate one of our region’s most remarkable natural events—the return of the sandhill cranes. The Festival of the Cranes returns January 9–11, 2026 , bringing a full weekend of free programs, performances, and hands-on experiences to venues across Decatur. From late fall through early spring, thousands of sandhill cranes migrate to North Alabama, making Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge one of the best places in the country to witness their graceful flight and unforgettable calls. Festival programming offers visitors a deeper understanding of these incredible birds through expert-led talks, storytelling, and interactive experiences that celebrate both the cranes and the landscape they depend on.
Did you know that Decatur offers a mile a Christmas magic and memories? Check out the Merry Mile!
There’s something undeniably special about Christmas in a small town. The streets come alive with twinkling lights, the sound of cheerful carols fills the air, and the community gathers together to celebrate the magic of the season. Few traditions capture that feeling quite like a Christmas parade. Across Morgan County, our towns roll out the holiday spirit with beloved parades featuring brightly decorated floats, festive music, and of course—a visit from Santa Claus himself. These annual celebrations mark the start of the holiday season, spreading joy and togetherness to all who attend. Here’s a look at this year’s lineup of Christmas parades throughout Morgan County: Trinity Christmas Parade Saturday, December 6th at 10:00 AM Start your day with holiday spirit as the Trinity community lines the streets for a morning of fun, family, and festive floats. Priceville’s Annual Shelia Smith Christmas Parade Saturday, December 6th at 3:00 PM Presented by the City of Priceville Parks and Recreation Department, this cherished tradition honors the late Shelia Smith and her legacy of community pride. Eva Christmas Parade Saturday, December 8th at 7:00 PM Bundle up and enjoy the twinkle of lights at night as Eva’s Christmas parade rolls through town—an event that always delights both kids and adults. Decatur’s “Lights, Camera, Christmas” Parade Monday, December 8th at 6:00 PM Hosted by the Young Professionals of Decatur, this year’s theme brings the magic of the movies to life! Expect creative floats, bright lights, and plenty of cinematic holiday flair. Falkville Christmas Parade Tuesday, December 9th at 3:00 PM This afternoon parade is packed with small-town charm, classic cars, and festive community spirit. Hartselle Christmas Parade Thursday, December 11th at 7:00 PM Presented by the Kiwanis Club of Hartselle, this beloved parade is one of the county’s largest, drawing visitors from near and far to celebrate under the glow of holiday lights. From morning marches to sparkling evening parades, each celebration showcases the heart and hospitality of Morgan County. Gather your family, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and make your way to one—or all—of these festive parades. There’s no better way to kick off the holiday season than right here at home.
Looking to make spooky memories this fall? Check out all the ways to celebrate the season throughout Decatur-Morgan County!
Big news for country music fans: Rock the South, one of the South’s most beloved music festivals, is making a major move. Beginning in 2026 , the three-day summer tradition will take place at its brand-new, permanent home— The Fields at Decatur —from June 11–13, 2026 . For more than 14 years, Rock the South has grown into a can’t-miss event, drawing fans from across the region to celebrate music, community, and Southern culture. Now, with its move to Decatur (just south of Huntsville and an hour from Birmingham), the festival is stepping into a bold new chapter. This relocation marks the first time Peachtree Entertainment—the team behind Rock the South—will fully own its festival grounds. That means long-term investments to enhance comfort, convenience, and fan experiences for years to come. The new site promises: 150+ acres of usable space for easy flow and bigger crowds. Expanded campgrounds with engineered drainage, designed to keep the fun going rain or shine. More shade and cooling zones to beat the Alabama heat. A reimagined VIP area plus new fan hangout spaces. A second stage presented by Raised Rowdy , doubling the music and energy. Nathan Baugh, CEO of Peachtree Entertainment, summed it up: “Rock the South has always been about more than music; it’s about tradition, community, and celebrating the South at its best. The Fields at Decatur gives us the space to do it right—and to make even bigger moments than ever before.”
Ninety-nine of the nation’s top high school anglers gathered in Decatur!
Counting down to the #1 spot, here’s what you don’t want to miss this month:
Decatur is about to trade its quiet hum for the roar of engines as the Driven To Give Auto & Bike Show takes over the brand-new Morgan County/Decatur Farmers Market on Saturday, September 27, from 3:00–7:00 PM. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Decatur Daybreak in partnership with The Decatur-Morgan County Farmers Market and presented by Lynn Layton Chevrolet, this high-octane gathering isn’t just for car and bike lovers — it’s for anyone who enjoys live music, good food, and giving back to the community.
No matter what type of food sounds good to you, Decatur has good restaurants that fall under every single category! Here is a guide to the most popular menu items at the best restaurants in Decatur!
The Princess Theatre has two live productions coming up in the month of July that you do not want to miss!
