‘Tis the season and luckily your four-legged friends don’t have to miss out on all that’s merry and bright! Here’s some places Fido can get festive.
Galaxy of Lights
Huntsville, AL
Huntsville Botanical Garden
December 19, 20, 26 and 27
Huntsville Botanical Garden is a local fave and, this year, they’ve expanded the ever-popular walking nights. There’s fun new features and the icicle forest is back on the path. Hector wasn’t sure quite what to make of the smoke bubbles but we saw other dogs, and plenty of children, loving them.
Pricing varies by night and for members and non-members. You should definitely book your timed tickets in advance. Last year we waited and the night we wanted to go was sold out. You can also drive with your dog, driving nights are December 1-16, if you want to take it easy. All the tickets and info are online here.
Enchanted Garden of Lights
Chattanooga, TN
Rock City Gardens
Now through January 1, 2023
The Enchanted Garden of Lights at Rock City is one of our favorites and dogs are welcome every night. Rock City is very dog friendly in general and there’s even a pet menu and section at Café 7-though we haven’t tested it out yet. There are multiple realms to explore including the all-new Heart of the Mountain. You do have to backtrack a little bit to hit them all and much of the walk is not stroller friendly. Hector met lots of people and I heard two littles yell from far away asking if he was a reindeer. Ticket prices vary from $9.95 for a child on a value night to $31.95 for an adult on a peak night. Tickets are only sold online and are timed which does a great job spreading people out. Santa and Mrs. Claus are on-hand for visits and photos are available for purchase. One note-it can get cold on Lookout Mountain so be prepared. We bought hats there one year.
Christmas at the Grotto
Cullman, AL
Ave Maria Grotto
Select Nights November 25-December 26
If you’ve never been to Ave Maria Grotto down in Cullman, you are missing out. It’s really a charming and amazing display. This year they are hosting their 4th Annual Christmas at the Grotto. The Grotto is lit with white lights and it’s lovely. Dogs are welcome every night. They often have food trucks and some evenings have wagon rides through the grounds of St. Bernard’s. One year we attended when some of the monks were singing down in the Grotto and it was truly beautiful. Pro tip: don’t leave without checking out their gift shop where you can scoop up cookies and fresh bread baked by the monks. Admission ranges from $7-$10 and tickets can be purchased in the Gift Shop on arrival. More information and all dates can be found on Facebook.
Christmas in Cullman
Cullman, AL
Depot Park
Christmas in Cullman is delightful, and their Depot Park area features a giant Christmas tree, the Christmas Pyramid and various light displays. The Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting are December 2 and December 9-11, there will be a Christkindlmarkt. Admission to all events is free and dogs are welcome. The Pyramid is lit the day after Thanksgiving and stays lit until after the New Year. For more info on all the festivities, head here. Check it out if you head down for Christmas at the Grotto.
Tinsel Trail
Huntsville, AL
Big Spring Park
November 25-January 2, 2023
Tinsel Trail is one of North Alabama’s most popular displays. Big Spring Park is adorned with the most colorful, creative and beautiful trees decorated by community members, businesses and organizations. More than 350 trees will be on display and it’s always a fun hunt to pick your favorite. Trees are lit nightly dependent on weather. Keep up with the happenings on Facebook. No admission charge.
Rocket City Christmas Light Show
Madison, AL
Toyota Field
Now through New Year’s Day
New to the pet-friendly list this year is the Rocket City Christmas Light Show and Winter Wonderland at Toyota Field. Take a drive through this stunning display and then head inside the stadium for a Winter Wonderland featuring hot chocolate and s’mores (not for our furry friends of course) plus photo opps, ornament and cookie decorating, character visits and more. This one is on our list to check out. Price is $30 a car and Winter Wonderland is included though some experiences are an additional purchase. Tickets and more info are online.
As always, please ensure your pup is feeling social. Keep them on a short leash and always pick up after them. Don’t let them pull towards other dogs or use trees and décor as a restroom. Have fun and take lots of pics!
Did I miss something? Let me know in the comments!
