Weekly roundup
Hey Parents! 👋
Is it just me, or did the holiday season sneak up on anyone else this year? I swear we were just picking out Halloween costumes, and suddenly it’s time for tree lightings and ornament crafts! The good news? Mother Nature is giving us the absolute gift of perfect mid-November weather this weekend! We’re talking sunny days and highs near 70°F and cool, crisp evenings.
This weekend is that magical sweet spot where fall meets the holiday season, and Huntsville is bringing it with both indoor and outdoor options. Whether your crew is the hands-in-the-dirt gardening type, the maker-space creative bunch, or just needs some twinkling lights to kick off their holiday spirit, something is happening that’ll make even the teenagers put down their phones (at least temporarily).
Let’s jump into the weekend! It’s time to make some memories before the holiday chaos officially takes over!
Thursday, November 13 | 5 PM
✨ Lights Up! Holiday Kickoff
Bridge Street Town Centre, Huntsville
Bundle up and kick off the holiday season with Huntsville’s favorite festive tradition! This annual celebration transforms Bridge Street into a twinkling winter wonderland right before your eyes. The magic culminates with Santa himself lighting the towering 45-foot Christmas tree, launching the holiday light show that continues throughout the season.
What to expect: Live performances from Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre, local choir groups, holiday character meet-and-greets, and plenty of festive giveaways. The tree lighting launches the weekend light shows that run Friday and Saturday evenings.
Perfect for: Families with children of all ages looking to catch that first spark of holiday magic together.
Pro tip: Arrive early to grab a good viewing spot near the tree, and dress warmly as this is an outdoor event that runs into the evening.
Cost: FREE!
Friday, November 14 | 5 PM - 7 PM
🎄 The Host of Christmas Past
Fayetteville, TN
If you’re willing to travel just north, you can kick off the holiday season with this charming small-town celebration that transforms Fayetteville into a winter wonderland. The evening begins with a magical tree lighting ceremony accompanied by Christmas carols that will get everyone in the festive spirit. For the little ones, Mrs. Claus herself will be hosting a special Reindeer Training Camp, while theater lovers can cap off the night with the holiday play “Silver Belles.”
What to expect: A quintessential small-town Christmas celebration with the perfect mix of outdoor festivities and indoor entertainment. The courthouse lawn becomes the center of holiday magic with twinkling lights and seasonal cheer.
Perfect for: Families with children of all ages, especially those who still believe in the magic of Christmas. The reindeer training camp is particularly engaging for younger kids.
Pro tip: Arrive by 4:30 to find good parking and secure a prime viewing spot for the tree lighting. Consider bringing a thermos of hot chocolate to keep warm during the outdoor activities.
Cost: Tree lighting ceremony and reindeer training are FREE! “Silver Belles” play requires tickets (prices vary).
Saturday, November 15 | 8 AM - 5 PM
🎄 The Host of Christmas Past
Downtown Fayetteville, TN
Such a good event, I had to add an extra block just for Saturday! The day kicks off with an energetic 5K Reindeer Run and continues with festive performances, visits with Santa and his reindeer, and creative workshops scattered throughout the town square. Honestly, this is one of those small-town celebrations that captures the magic of the season with the perfect mix of tradition and charm.
What to expect: A full day of holiday cheer with continuous entertainment on the square, free candy cane hunts, cookie decorating workshops, a craft fair featuring local artisans, and plenty of seasonal treats, including a Frozen Hot Chocolate station.
Perfect for: Families with children of all ages! There’s truly something for everyone, from active kids who’ll love the morning run to creative types who’ll enjoy the ornament painting and craft activities.
Pro tip: Arrive early to secure parking, and bring cash for food vendors and some activities. The Santa photo sessions tend to fill up quickly, so head there first if that’s on your must-do list!
Cost: FREE admission with various activities priced separately (Santa photos $30, Food for the Soul lunch $15, some crafts and activities may have additional costs)
Saturday, November 15 | 10 AM - 12 PM
🌷Gardening with Kids: Daffodil Lasagna
Huntsville Botanical Garden, Huntsville
Get your hands dirty and create something beautiful at this family-friendly gardening workshop! You and your kiddos will learn how to plant daffodil bulbs in layers (the “lasagna” method) to create a stunning display that keeps blooming for weeks. This hands-on activity combines science, nature, and a touch of magic as you plant today for a colorful surprise when spring arrives.
What to expect: A guided workshop where each family creates their own daffodil container to take home, with all materials provided. Knowledgeable garden staff will walk you through the planting process step-by-step.
Perfect for: Families with kids ages 4-12 who enjoy nature, hands-on activities, or are curious about gardening.
Pro tip: Dress for mess! Wear clothes that can get dirty, and bring a camera to document your planting adventure.
Cost: $15 per family (includes all materials and garden admission)
Saturday, November 15 | 10:30 AM
💡Teen Maker Hour: Electric Ornaments
Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville
Looking for something that combines creativity with STEM learning? This hands-on workshop has teens sewing festive felt ornaments that actually light up with LEDs! It’s a perfect intro to electric circuits and wearable tech, all wrapped up in a fun holiday-themed project. The kids get to take home their glowing creations! Something they can proudly display and explain how it works.
What to expect: A guided maker session where teens learn about simple circuits while creating something festive and functional. All materials are provided, and everyone leaves with a completed light-up ornament.
Perfect for: Tweens and teens ages 12+ who enjoy crafting, are curious about electronics, or need a break from screens for some hands-on learning.
Pro tip: Have them wear clothes they don’t mind getting a bit of glue on, and arrive 10 minutes early to get settled before the creative fun begins!
Cost: $25 per participant. Space & Rocket Center members receive a 10% discount.
💡 My Weekend Picks
If I had to narrow it down…
Lights Up! Holiday Kickoff - FREE holiday magic? Count us in. My daughter has been asking if today is Christmas just after we finished trick-or-treating, so this Thursday evening's tree lighting feels like the perfect way to kick off the season. The dance performances will keep her attention, and since it starts at 5 pm, we can be home for bedtime without a meltdown.
The Host of Christmas Past - We will probably make the drive to Fayetteville for the Reindeer Training Camp with Mrs. Claus. My daughter would absolutely flip for this. We will probably head back up on Saturday, too, so she can see Santa and his reindeer!
That’s it for this week.
📝 Before You Head Out:
This weekend’s weather is absolutely perfect for outdoor activities. Mild temps in the 60s-70s and no rain in sight! No need to pack extra layers or umbrellas, but maybe bring a light jacket for evening events.
The Lights Up event at Bridge Street will get crowded fast. We’re planning to arrive by 4:30 pm to snag a good viewing spot and maybe do some window shopping before things kick off. If you’re planning to hit multiple events, pack some car snacks and water bottles. The difference between a fun outing and a tantrum-filled disaster often comes down to whether everyone’s properly fed and hydrated (speaking from experience).
If you do make it to any of these events, come say hi! I’ll be the dad trying to convince my daughter that we can’t actually adopt one of Santa’s reindeer.
Happy adventuring,
Ryan 🚀