Top 5 Things To Do Before Christmas in Decatur

Lillie Beth Warner • December 16, 2022

Christmas is coming and we know everything you must do before the big day!

Gather your friends and family and head out to celebrate the most joyous season! Decatur is decorated and full of festive fun this holiday. There are only a few days left before Santa makes his visit and we have a list of all the things you should do before Christmas officially comes! Whether you are looking for something to do with the family or a way to embrace all the Christmas feeling there is plenty to do in Decatur!

1.) Visit Decatur's Enchanted Forest

Take a stroll along the FREE Enchanted Forest of Decatur this December! This event is made up of live Christmas Trees sponsored and decorated by local organizations. The colorful trees give off a beautiful glow in the night at their home in Founder's Park located in front of the Old State Bank. Families and friends of all ages can enjoy the decorations and if you are lucky you may experience falling snow at the amphitheater! This event will be available to the public until January 1st, 2023!

2.) Watch a Christmas Movie at the Historic Princess Theatre

The Historic Princess Theatre is a gorgeous place to watch a play, show, or movie! This holiday season the Princess has been showing everyone's favorite holiday films. You can grab some popcorn and pick your seat for a lovely night at the Princess watching Christmas classics like The Grinch, Elf, and White Christmas! You can buy your tickets at the Princess Box Office, or online at www.Princesstheatre.org

3.) Play with model trainsets at the Historic Train Depot and Railroad Museum

Decatur's Historic Train Depot and Railroad Museum has created a holiday train display like no other! This display contains many different model train sets including the Hogwarts Express, and a Monorail from Walt Disney World. Children are encouraged to run the trainset themselves and help be in charge of the trains that run through the Christmas Village. While at the Train Depot you can learn all about the rich history of Decatur's famous trains and even view real-life trains passing by on the viewing landing! This is a must-do for any train enthusiast or child who loves trains!

4.) See the incredible lights at GoFar USA's Forest of Lights

Visit GoFar USA Park's Forest of Lights for a light spectacular like no other! You can walk through and on special nights join a hayride that will take you through the forest to show you all sorts of festive lights. The Forest of Light is happening until January 3rd. Tickets are $8.00 for the walking tour or $10 for the Hayride which includes admission for the movie and or live entertainment that is happening each night. GoFar USA Park also will have campfires available and s'mores kits for $2.00. The Forest of Lights is a great family event located at GoFar USA Park located at 895 S Bethel Rd, Decatur, AL 35603.

5.) Finish Christmas Shopping at Downtown Decatur's locally-owned stores!

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If you need to finish up your holiday shopping Downtown Decatur has everything you could need. Both 2nd Ave and Bank Street have fabulous stores from apparel to home goods, to décor, or western wear. You can find something special for anyone on your list. Make sure to check out all of the Downtown Decatur stores' holiday deals and special hours for the season.

We hope you enjoy this time leading up to Christmas! Decatur is such a festive place to enjoy the holidays with it's beautiful decorations and fun community activities! We here at Decatur Morgan County Tourism wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year!

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