It’s almost the most wonderful time of the year in Downtown Huntsville! Two of the Rocket City’s favorite holiday traditions are returning to Big Spring Park this November, bringing ice skating, hundreds of decorated Christmas trees, and plenty of holiday cheer to the heart of downtown.
Skating in the Park opens November 20, followed by Tinsel Trail on November 27. And the best part? These two holiday favorites are neighbors, making it easy to enjoy both in one festive outing!
Whether you’re planning a family night out, a holiday date night, or simply looking for an excuse to get into the Christmas spirit, Big Spring Park is the place to be this season.
Skating in the Park Returns November 20
Lace up your skates! The Huntsville Museum of Art’s Skating in the Park returns for its 15th season, transforming the area behind the museum into an outdoor ice skating rink.
Opening Friday, November 20, 2026, the rink will welcome skaters through January 3, 2027.
Whether you’re a seasoned skater or someone who spends more time holding onto the railing, Skating in the Park is a fun way to celebrate the holidays with friends and family.
The rink features real ice, skate rentals, and skating scooters for those who need a little extra help finding their balance. Visitors can also enjoy concessions from IceWorks.
Skating in the Park Hours
November 20, 2026 – January 3, 2027
- Monday–Thursday: 4–9 pm
- Friday: 4–10 pm
- Saturday: 10 am–10 pm
- Sunday: Noon–8 pm
Hours may vary during school breaks, holidays, and inclement weather. Be sure to check the official Skating in the Park social media pages for updates.
Admission and Skate Rentals
- Children ages 9 and under: $5
- Ages 10 and older: $15
- Skate rentals: $5
- Skating scooter rentals: $5
Tickets are available for purchase at the rink entrance.
School Skate Special: When school is in session, discounted skating is available Monday through Wednesday from 4–5:30 pm. Admission and skate rentals are $8 for ages 10 and older, while children 9 and under are $5. Skating scooters are free during these special hours.
Proceeds from Skating in the Park help support programming and operations at the Huntsville Museum of Art.
Learn More About Skating in the Park
Tinsel Trail Lights Up Big Spring Park November 27
Just a short walk from the skating rink, another beloved Huntsville holiday tradition is preparing to light up the park!
Tinsel Trail returns November 27 through December 31, 2026, filling Big Spring Park with more than 450 live Christmas trees decorated by local businesses, organizations, nonprofits, and families.
Each tree has its own personality, with creative decorations ranging from traditional Christmas themes to designs that celebrate local businesses and community organizations.
It’s always fun to walk through the park and see what everyone has come up with!
Organized by Downtown Huntsville, Inc., Tinsel Trail is completely free to visit and open to the public 24 hours a day throughout the season.
Whether you visit during the day or wait until the lights are glowing after dark, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy the holidays in Downtown Huntsville.
Tinsel Trail Opening Night and Rocket City Tree Lighting
Friday, November 27, 2026
The holiday season officially kicks off at Tinsel Trail on Black Friday with an evening full of festivities!
Visitors can enjoy the Black Friday Market from 3–9 pm, featuring local vendors, food trucks, and opportunities to shop small while enjoying the holiday atmosphere.
At 6 pm, Downtown Huntsville’s Rocket City Tree will officially be illuminated, marking the beginning of another Tinsel Trail season.
The evening will also feature performances from Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre and other local entertainers.
And of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making an appearance! Families can stop by for photos with the jolly couple from 6–8 pm.
Opening Night Schedule:
- 3–9 pm: Black Friday Market
- 6 pm: Rocket City Tree Lighting
- 6–8 pm: Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus
- Throughout the evening: Live entertainment and holiday festivities
Tinsel Trail Dates and Admission
Dates: November 27 – December 31, 2026
Location: Big Spring Park, Downtown Huntsville
Hours: Open daily, 24 hours a day
Admission: FREE!
Two Holiday Traditions, One Festive Night Downtown!
One of our favorite things about these events is how easy it is to enjoy them together!
Start your evening with a few laps around the ice at Skating in the Park, then head over to Tinsel Trail for a walk through hundreds of beautifully decorated Christmas trees.
You can even make a full evening of it by grabbing dinner at a downtown restaurant before or after your visit.
It’s a great way to enjoy the holiday season without having to travel all over town, and with both events running throughout December, there are plenty of opportunities to plan a visit.
Plan Your Holiday Visit to Big Spring Park
Skating in the Park
- November 20, 2026 – January 3, 2027
- Huntsville Museum of Art, 300 Church Street SW
- Paid admission and skate rentals
Tinsel Trail
- November 27 – December 31, 2026
- Big Spring Park, Downtown Huntsville
- Free admission
Both events are located within walking distance of each other in Downtown Huntsville.
Whether you’re gliding across the ice, admiring the Christmas trees, or simply enjoying a festive evening downtown, Skating in the Park and Tinsel Trail are two Huntsville holiday traditions worth adding to your calendar.
Bundle up, grab your favorite people, and enjoy a little Christmas magic in Big Spring Park!