I begin thinking about family outings when the winter holidays are fast approaching. In December, we usually do the same local activities we have done year after year. I recently heard about a new event in a neighboring town; it got me thinking: what else could I find nearby that’s a unique, new to us seasonal activity? I found everything from an Ice adventure to a cultural German experience to break the holiday outing norm! If you want to do something different and get out of town, here are a few Christmas adventures you can take within forty-five minutes to two hours of Huntsville.
Guntersville: Lights on the Lake
Approximate distance from Huntsville: 55 minutes
Any chance I get to drive over Lake Guntersville raises my heart rate! I get excited about the mountains rising up in the background of the glistening and shining lake with the expansive sky overhead. In years past, Lake Guntersville has hosted a beautifully lit boat parade across the lake best viewed from City Harbor. This year, beginning December 9th, Lights on the Lake will feature stationary decorated boats around the harbor, fully lit with Christmas lights. Viewers can stop in all night after 4 pm, viewing at their own pace as they stroll through the harbor. This new approach is due to weather challenges in the previous years, and with the boats parked, potential interruptions are eliminated. Prizes will be awarded for the most festive boat, so check out the website for more information if you wish to register your boat for the event!
https://guntersvillelightsonthelake.com/
Cullman Christkindlemarkt
Approximate distance from Huntsville: 57 minutes
If you’re looking for a cultural holiday experience, Cullman’s annual Christkindlmarkt invites locals and visitors to pay homage to Cullman’s German heritage. Melding Germany’s historic Christmas market, known for its iconic welcoming spirit, blended with America’s Southern hospitality, the tagline says it all: ‘Where German Tradition Meets Southern Charm”. The bustling street market runs throughout Advent in town squares across Germany. Cullman’s CHristkindlmarkt is located in downtown Cullman and is designed to resemble the markets that spread cheer centuries ago. Strolling the lanes, you’ll find charming wooden huts selling handcrafted ornaments, textiles, nutcrackers, and pyramids. Vendors sell holiday delicacies, including Stollen, a German bread-like fruit cake, and warm beverages. The most unique part of Cullman’s celebration is the Weihnachtspyramide, a Pyramid that has a rich history. The idea was established in the 1700s as an economical alternative to live Christmas trees; these wooden fixtures rotate and spread light.
The Christmaskindlmarkt runs from November 24 through December 24, hours as follows:
Thursday 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday & Saturday 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
https://www.cullmanchristkindlmarkt.com/
Santa in the Village / Arab Historic Village
Approximate distance from Huntsville: 33 minutes
Santa in the village is returning for its thirteenth year! Located in the Arab Historic Village and set to look like a 1920s, complete with a church, schoolhouse, and museum, the replicated town is brought to life with reenactments of that period. There are a variety of things for families to do; people are working in each building, kids can meet Santa and the Grinch, you can visit Phillips Blacksmith shop to watch town people make reindeer shoes, go to Rice church and let children write a letter to Santa, stop at the post office to make sure the letter is delivered in time, decorate an ornament at the station and ride a train all over the village, Don’t forget to stop at the Smalley Grist Mill where you can purchase a bag of fresh reindeer food to take home for Christmas eve, the park is decorated with more than a million Christmas lights!
Beginning Friday, November 24, and continuing every Friday and Saturday until December 16. Admission for the Santa Village is $6 per person, and children under 2 are free.
https://www.arabcity.org/historic-village/
Enchanted Forest of Decatur
Approximate distance from Huntsville: 37 minutes
The Enchanted Forest of Decatur is a Christmas tree display in Founders Park that is open throughout December. Daytime and nighttime hours feature unique experiences, including live music. Each tree tells its unique story through decorations sponsored by an area business, nonprofit, or family. Special events will be announced closer to the start date via their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EnchantedForestOfDecatur/
Christmas at Gaylord Opryland
Approximate distance from Huntsville: 2 hours
Though a little bit further of a drive than the other options listed above, Christmas at Gaylord Opryland is worth the trip! Explore enormous ice sculptures inspired by The Polar Express™ book and film, with exhilarating ice slides and beautiful tunnels to explore! Masterfully crafted by accomplished artisans, the chilly yet beautiful experience features the iconic train, Santa, his elves, and Santa’s village, as well as bumper cars, ice skating, and many other activities. This is a ticketed event, with individual activity tickets and silver and gold level tickets available. More information is available on their website: https://christmasatgaylordopryland.marriott.com/
Cyle Augusta Lewis enjoys asking questions. A freelance writer for thirteen years, she is happiest when stringing words together to tell a story. A Southerner that doesn’t like sweet tea, Cyle grew up on the Georgia coast, riding bikes on the beach, reading Anne of Green Gables, and being curious about everything. Cyle is a ministry wife and mother of four active kids. She goes by Rocket City Writer on Instagram.
