December has arrived and a lot of us use this time to celebrate important firsts in our lives. It’s why “Baby’s First Christmas” and “Our First Home” ornaments hang on so many Christmas trees. Along with those, there is a new opportunity in Huntsville to celebrate a first!
Christmas on the River (COTR) has launched its inaugural season in South Huntsville. In the true spirit of Huntsville holidays past, Ditto Landing has created an event to bring back some familiar sights and sounds this December.
Do you remember the Christmas Card Lane on Holmes Ave? What about the amazing train display at Southerland Station? We know these were traditions for so many local families each Christmas and COTR is capturing that magic again! You will find a Christmas Card Lane, festive miniature train and Christmas village, boats decked out with festive lights, and special events throughout the week. One of the best parts, this is a free attraction!
Christmas on the River will be a regular family tradition 10 years from now and you’ll be able to say “I remember their very first year!” With a holiday market, fireworks, and even pet events – there is plenty to experience!
Check out the dates and descriptions for the special events below. Be sure to find Christmas on the River on Facebook and share your photos with us!
Sea Scout Tree Sale
Monday – Friday, December 5 – 9 5pm – 8pm
Saturday, December 10 10am – 8pm
And more days while supplies last …
Still looking for your live Christmas tree? The Sea Scout Tree Sale still has a selection to choose from, and this fundraiser is for a local Scouting unit created to promote character development, sailing skills, and maritime tradition.
Holiday Market
Saturday, December 10 10am – 4pm
The Holiday Market on the River will be a sight to see! Come visit 30 unique vendors along Christmas Card Lane, shop local, and check off that Christmas list!
Jingle Tail Walk
Monday and Tuesday
December 5 & 6 5pm – 8pm
December 12 & 13 5pm – 8pm
December 19 5pm – 8pm
Each Monday and Tuesday, we would love to see you and your furry best friend walk along Christmas Card Lane. This is a great opportunity to socialize with other pet owners and pose for pictures with the cards.
Cruising the Cards
Wednesday and Thursday
December 7 & 8 5pm – 8pm
December 14 & 15 5pm – 8pm
December 20 5pm – 8pm
It’s time to take a drive! The Christmas Card Lane is normally a walking attraction, but on these special nights we will open it for driving only. This is a great opportunity to experience the lane for the mobility impaired, if you are on a time crunch, or if you are worried about the weather.
Reindeer Rails
Weekends
Friday, December 9 5pm – 8pm
Saturday, December 10 5pm – 8pm
Sunday, December 11 5pm – 8pm
Friday, December 16 5pm – 8pm
Saturday, December 17 5pm – 8pm
Sunday, December 18 5pm – 8pm
Wednesday, December 21 5pm – 8pm
This attraction is truly a labor of love! Each piece has been purchased, donated, or borrowed to create this nostalgic Christmas Village and train. Every time you look, you will see something new!
Holiday Fireworks
Friday, December 9 7pm
Wednesday, December 21 7pm
We have two nights planned with festive fireworks to celebrate the holiday season – weather permitting.
Deck the Docks
Friday and Saturday Dec 16 & 17 4pm – 8pm
Sunday, December 18 4pm – 8pm
It’s a boat parade – well almost! The boats will be lining the marina decorated for the holiday season. They will be parked so you don’t have to worry about missing them!
Photos from Gregg Gilmis with We Run Huntsville
