Image courtesy of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
The Magic City is full of things to do this holiday season. If you’re still figuring out your plans, or hoping to do more than shop ’til you drop, this handy guide may be just what you need.
Ongoing
McWane Center
Winter Wonderland. 11/29-1/5. $12 Adults (13-64). $9 kids (3-12) & seniors. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Birmingham Children’s Theatre
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” 12/6-12/20 $13 adults. $11 children. Times vary.
“Santa’s Adventure at the Merrywood Mega Mall.” 11/24-12/20 $11 adults. $9 children. Times vary.
Glass Half Theatre
“The Xmascist.” Matthew’s Bar & Grill. 12/11-12/14, 12/18-12/21. $20 adults. $12 students. (Wednesdays: Pay what you can.) 8 p.m. Special midnight show 12/14.
Park Players
“It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.” Community Education South Building. $15 adults. $10 students/seniors. 12/12-12/14, 12/19-12/21 7:30 p.m. 12/15 2:30 p.m.
Red Mountain Theatre Company
“‘Tis the Season.” RMTC Cabaret Theatre. 12/6-12/22. $35-$30. Times vary.
Virginia Samford Theatre
“A Bluegrass Christmas Carol.” 12/12-12/22. $20-$25. Times vary.
Theatre Downtown
“The Eight: Reindeer Monologues.” 12/6-12/21. $17 adults. $13 students. 8 p.m. (12/15 2 p.m.)
Terrific New Theatre
“A Tuna Christmas.” 12/6-12/22. $25. Thursdays pay what you can. 8 p.m. except Sundays, 2:30 p.m.
Image courtesy of the Birmingham Zoo.
Birmingham Zoo
Zoolight Safari. $8 Nonmembers. 5-9: p.m. Christmas tree lighting at 6 p.m.
Naked Art Gallery
Kitschmas. 12/6-12/24.
Barnes & Noble at the Summit
Holiday Charity Book Drive. 12/6-12/31.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11
Aldridge Repertory Theatre
Langston Hughes’ “Black Nativity.” $15 adults. $10 seniors and students. 7:30 p.m.
Central Library
Healthy holiday treats with Chef E, Story Castle. Must pre-register. For third to eighth grade. 4-5 p.m.
Five Points West Library
Healthy holiday treats with Chef E. For adults. 10:30 a.m.
North Birmingham Library
Tweens and Holiday Books. 4 p.m.
Five Points West Library
“Mickey’s Christmas Carols.” 4 p.m.
Springville Road Library
Holiday Safari: Exotic animals bring story time alive. 10 a.m.
Wylam Library
Decorate a holiday cupcake with Gigi’s Cupcakes. 10 a.m.
Smithfield Library
“It’s Christmas Time!” Free. 10 a.m.
American Village
A Colonial Christmas. $25. Tours at 10:30 a.m. or 12 p.m.
Briarwood Presbyterian Church
Briarwood Walk Through Nativity. 6:45 p.m.
Leeds Arts Council
“A Christmas Carol.” Actors create the classic play. Leeds Theatre and Arts Center. $10. 7 p.m.
Gallery 1930
Holiday Open House and Small Works Show 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
THURSDAY, DEC. 12
WBHM 90.3
Holiday Open House. Studio tours, holiday treats, visits with on-air hosts. Free. 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Alabama School of Fine Arts
Holiday Music Concert. ASFA’s Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Choir, and Concerto delle Donne. Jemison Day Theater. $10 adults. $5 students. 7:30 p.m.
Samford Legacy League
Christmas Home Tour. 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. & 4-8 p.m.
Hoover Public Library
Chad Fisher Group Holiday Special. Jazz style holiday classes. Free. 6:30 p.m.
Powderly Library
“It’s Christmas Time!” Free. 10:30 a.m.
American Village
A Colonial Christmas. $25. Tours at 10:30 a.m. or 12 p.m.
Irondale Public Library
Dolores Hydock presents “A Christmas Memory.” Free. 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Workplay
A Country Christmas with Richie McDonald of Lone Star, One Night Rodeo, and Justin Chain. 18+. $25 in advance. $30 day of show. Doors at 6:30. Show 7:30-11:30 p.m.
Briarwood Presbyterian Church
Briarwood Walk Through Nativity, 6:45 p.m.
Aldridge Repertory Theatre
Langston Hughes’ “Black Nativity.” $15 adults. $10 seniors and students. 7:30 p.m.
Leeds Arts Council
“A Christmas Carol.” Actors create the classic play. Leeds Theatre and Arts Center. $10. 7 p.m.
Gallery 1930
Holiday Open House and Small Works Show 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
FRIDAY, DEC. 13
North Avondale Library
Enjoy Family Holiday Night with “The Polar Express,’’ crafts and treats. 5-7 p.m.
Alabama Ballet
George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker,” Samford Wright Center, 7:30 p.m.
Alabama School of Fine Arts
Holiday Music Concert. ASFA’s Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Choir, and Concerto delle Donne. Jemison Day Theater. $10 adults. $5 students. 7:30 p.m.
Hoover Public Library
Holiday Gift Workshop. Grades 1-3. Free. 4-5 p.m.
Briarwood Presbyterian Church
Briarwood Walk Through Nativity, 6:45 p.m.
Wylam Library
“It’s Christmas Time!” Storytime with Santa sighting. Free. 10 a.m.
Alabama Theatre
“White Christmas.” Movie begins with a sing-along with the Wurlitzer Organ. $8. 7 p.m.
Birmingham Ballet
“The Mutt-Cracker,” canine-filled version of the holiday classic. BJCC Concert Hall. $25-$45. 7:30 p.m.
Downtown Dance Conservatory
“Cathedrals of Winter.” Evening of neo-classical works inspired from sacred spaces. $12. 6:30 p.m.
Aldridge Repertory Theatre
Langston Hughes’ “Black Nativity.” $15 adults. $10 seniors and students. 7:30 p.m.
ACTA Theatre
“Madeline’s Christmas.” $12 adults. $10 seniors. $8 students/children. 7 p.m.
Montevallo Main Street Players
“It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.” $15 adults. $10 students. 7:30 p.m.
Leeds Arts Council
“A Christmas Carol.” Actors create the classic play. Leeds Theatre and Arts Center. $10. 8 p.m.
REV Birmingham and South Avondale Forest Park Business Association
Holiday Craft Bazaar. Over 30 artists and crafters. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Gallery 1930
Holiday Open House and Small Works Show. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
SATURDAY, DEC. 14
Birmingham Museum of Art
Shopping Weekend 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Bart’s Art Cart 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Birmingham Museum of Art
Visually Impaired Program Tour featuring holiday feasts and celebrations. Register on artsbma.org. 10 a.m.
McWane Center
Breakfast in Santa’s Workshop. 8:30-10 a.m.
Alabama Ballet
George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker.” Samford’s Wright Center. 2:30 & 7:30 p.m.
Alabama Dance Academy
“The Nutcracker.” Oak Mountain High School Theater. 2 & 7:30 p.m.
Birmingham Ballet
“The Nutcracker.” BJCC Concert Hall. 2 & 7:30 p.m.
Shelby County Arts Council
Christmas with the Hot Tamales, Jan D. Hunter and Krista Tingle Higginbotham. Shelby County Arts Council Gallery. $20. 7 p.m.
City of Clay
Clay Christmas Parade. Free. 3 p.m.
North Shelby Library
Breakfast with Santa. Breakfast from 9-9:30. $5. Registration required. Pictures and crafts from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Central Alabama Caribbean American Organization
3rd Annual Christmas Dinner Dance. Special guest: His Excellency Dr. Neil Parsan, ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago to the United States. Hilton Birmingham Perimeter Park. $50. 6:30-7:30 reception. Ballroom opens at 7:30 p.m.
Alabama Wildlife Center
Holiday Craft and Bake Sale. Veteran’s Park-Hoover. Free. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Arc of Jefferson County
The Decked Out Dash 5K and One Mile Fun Run. Oak Mountain State Park. Runners in holiday clothes. $25 for 5K and $20 for one mile fun run. 8 a.m.
Alabama Theatre
“The Polar Express.” Movie begins with a sing-along with the Wurlitzer Organ. $12. Benefits Kid One Transport. 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.
“It’s A Wonderful Life.” Movie begins with a sing-along with the Wurlitzer Organ. $8. 7 p.m.
Downtown Dance Conservatory
“Cathedrals of Winter.” Evening of neo-classical works inspired from sacred spaces. $12. 6:30 p.m.
Platinum Design & Eventz
Skate with Santa Toy Drive. Skating, face painting, photos with Santa. Roller Motion. $5. 12-5 p.m.
Aldridge Repertory Theatre
Langston Hughes’ “Black Nativity.” $15 adults. $10 seniors and students. 7:30 p.m.
Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce
Trussville Annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting. Begins 3 p.m.
Blue Star Salute Foundation
Annual Wreaths Across America. Alabama National Cemetery. $15 to sponsor a wreath. Attendance free. 11 a.m.
Alabama Youth Ballet Company
Stevan Grebel’s “The Nutcracker.” Pelham High School. $15 adults. $10 children. $7.50 seniors and military. 7 p.m.
ACTA Theatre
“Madeline’s Christmas.” $12 adults. $10 seniors. $8 students/children. 7 p.m.
Montevallo Main Street Players
“It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.” $15 adults. $10 students. 7:30 p.m.
Leeds Arts Council
“A Christmas Carol.” Actors create the classic play. Leeds Theatre and Arts Center. $10. 7 p.m.
REV Birmingham and South Avondale Forest Park Business Association
Holiday Craft Bazaar. Over 30 artists and crafters. (Santa at Silvertron Cafe from 7-11 a.m.) 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
Santa Special at the Heart of Dixie Museum. $17 person. 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
SUNDAY, DEC. 15
Alabama Ballet
George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker.” Samford’s Wright Center. 2:30 p.m.
Alabama Dance Academy
“The Nutcracker.” Oak Mountain High School Theater. 3 p.m.
Birmingham Ballet
“The Nutcracker.” BJCC Concert Hall. 2 p.m.
Alabama Symphony Orchestra and Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra
Free Holiday Concert in Riverchase Galleria food court. 2 & 4 p.m.
Briarwood Presbyterian Church
Briarwood Walk Through Nativity. 6:45 p.m.
Alabama Youth Ballet Company
Stevan Grebel’s “The Nutcracker.” Pelham High School. $15 adults. $10 children. $7.50 seniors and military. 3 p.m.
ACTA Theatre
“Madeline’s Christmas.” $12 adults. $10 seniors. $8 students/children. 2:30 p.m.
Cathedral Church of the Advent
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. Free. 3 p.m.
Alabama Theatre
“A Christmas Story.” Movie will begin with a sing-along with the Wurlitzer Organ. $8. 2 p.m.
Montevallo Main Street Players
“It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.” $15 adults. $10 students. 2 p.m.
Leeds Arts Council
“A Christmas Carol.” Actors create the classic play. Leeds Theatre and Arts Center. $10. 2 p.m.
Homewood Public Library
The Seasoned Performers Present “The Magic of Christmas.” Free. 3 p.m.
REV Birmingham and South Avondale Forest Park Business Association
Holiday Craft Bazaar. Over 30 artists and crafters. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Mountain Brook Art Association and Glenwood Autism & Behavioral Health Center
Holiday Art Show. Colonial Brookwood Village. 12-6 p.m.
MONDAY, DEC. 16
Image courtesy of the Birmingham Public Library.
Five Points West Library
“Home Alone.” 4 p.m.
Central Library
Holiday Family Night, Story Castle. 3:30 p.m.
North Birmingham Library
Holiday movie in the Adult Department. 4 p.m.
Homewood Public Library
Holiday Monday Movie. Free. 3:30 p.m.
Alabama Theatre
“A Christmas Story.” Movie will begin with a sing-along with the Wurlitzer Organ. $8. 7 p.m.
TUESDAY, DEC. 17
Fresh Air Family
Wacky Tacky Christmas Light Tour. One-hour bus tour leaving from Avondale Brewery. Before Dec. 10: $20 adults ($15 members). $10 kids 12 and under ($7.50 members). Adults prices go up $5 after Dec. 10. Buses leave every 30 minutes, with family-friendly buses from 5:30-7 p.m. Adult buses 7:30-10 p.m.
Five Points West Library
“The Preacher’s Wife.’’ 4 p.m.
Smithfield Library
Ornament Party. For all ages and parents. 4-5 p.m.
Hoover Public Library
A Roger Day Christmas. Library Theatre. 10:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Alabama Theatre
“Home Alone.” Movie will begin with a sing-along with the Wurlitzer organ. $8. 7 p.m.
Gallery 1930
Holiday Open House and Small Works Show 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 18
Positively Funny, Inc.
PFI presents, “It’s a Narcissistic Holiday, or Hark the Herald Angels are Singing About Me!” Fully improvised holiday performance. Iron City. $7. 7-9 p.m.
Central Library
Celebrate the holidays with songs and crafts. Singer Monica Slater to perform. For third to eighth grade. 3:30 p.m.
Five Points West Library
“This Christmas.’’ 3 p.m.
North Birmingham Library
Spend an afternoon with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Stories, goodies and fun. 4 p.m.
North Avondale Library
Chapter Chatters Book Club Holiday Party. 10:30 a.m.
Smithfield Library
Holidays and Hot Cocoa. Free. 4 p.m.
Alabama Theatre
“Miracle on 34th Street.” Movie will begin with a sing-along with the Wurlitzer Organ. $8. 7 p.m.
Gallery 1930
Holiday Open House and Small Works Show. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
THURSDAY, DEC. 19
Opera Birmingham
“Home for the Holidays.” Brock Recital Hall. Tickets at operabirmingham.org/ 7:30 p.m.
Five Points West Library
“Tyler Perry’s: A Madea Christmas.” 3 p.m.
Smithfield Library
Come inside for some holiday cheer and hot cocoa. Write letters to Santa, listen to holiday tunes and enjoy Wii games. 4-5 p.m.
Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest
Preschool Party: Life-Size Candyland. 5 and under. Free. 10:30 a.m.
David’s Arts & Frames
David’s Holiday Open House. Free. 2-7 p.m.
Alabama Theatre
“It’s A Wonderful Life.” Movie will begin with a sing-along with the Wurlitzer Organ. $8. 7 p.m.
Leeds Jane Culbreth Library
Christmas Crafts. Second and final crafting session to make traditional bread dough ornaments. Free. 4 p.m.
Gallery 1930
Holiday Open House and Small Works Show. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
FRIDAY, DEC. 20
Five Points West Library
“It’s A Wonderful Life.” 3 p.m.
Alabama Ballet
George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker.” Samford’s Wright Center. 7:30 p.m.
Gallery 1930
Holiday Open House and Small Works Show. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Gardendale Martha Moore Public Library
Christmas Cookie Swap. Free. 12 p.m.
Alabama Theatre
“Elf.” Movie begins with a sing-along with the Wurlitzer Organ. $8. 7 p.m.
North Shelby Library
Christmas Movie Marathon. Free. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center
ArtPlay Presents: “Yuletide in Dogtown.” $10 adults. $8 kids. 7 p.m.
Wright-Way Production
Brookwood Village Mall Mistletoe Market. Free. 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
SATURDAY, DEC. 21
Birmingham Museum of Art
Bart’s Art Cart 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
McWane Center
Breakfast in Santa’s Workshop 8:30-10 a.m.
Alabama Ballet
George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker.” Samford’s Wright Center. 2:30 & 7:30 p.m.
Alabama Symphony Orchestra
Handel’s “Messiah.” Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center Jemison Concert Hall. 7:30 p.m.
Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
Santa Special at the Heart of Dixie Museum. $17 person. 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve
Christmas Bird Count Hike. Free. 8:30 a.m.
Zydeco
Dirty Pop Tacky Christmas Party. 18+. $7 person. 9:30 p.m.
Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center
ArtPlay Presents: “Yuletide in Dogtown.” $10 adults. $8 kids. 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 7 p.m.
Alabama Theatre
Holiday Cartoon Triple Feature. Movie begins with a sing-along with the Wurlitzer Organ. $8. 2 p.m.
“Christmas Vacation.” Movie begins with a sing-along with the Wurlitzer Organ. $8. 7 p.m.
Cheerful Gift Givers
Holiday Party in the Park. Linn Park. Free, geared toward those in need. 12 p.m.
Black Market Bar & Grill
Winter Bazaar. Free. 8 p.m.
Railroad Park
Mayor William A. Bell Sr. presents Happy Holidays at Railroad Park. Free. 3 p.m.
Wright-Way Production
Brookwood Village Mall Mistletoe Market. Free. 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
SUNDAY, DEC. 22
Alabama Ballet
George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker.” Samford’s Wright Center. 2:30 p.m.
Independent Presbyterian Church
Service of Choral Evensong. Free. 4 p.m.
Alabama Theatre
“White Christmas.” Movie begins with a sing-along with the Wurlitzer Organ. $8. 7 p.m.
Homewood Public Library.
Christmas Movie. Free. 2:30 p.m.
THRACKADOOM
Davidson Family Christmas. Das Haus: German Club. Donations. 2:30 p.m.
Wright-Way Production
Brookwood Village Mall Mistletoe Market. Free. 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
MONDAY, DEC. 23
Central Library
Holiday movies, Story Castle, and snacks. For all ages. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Homewood Public Library
Last-Minute Christmas Crafts. Free. 11 a.m.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 25
Extemporaneous Theatre Company
“Santa’s Underpants.” Fifth Avenue Antiques-Theatre Downtown. One night only improv comedy show. $8 in advance. $10 at door. 8 p.m.
THURSDAY, DEC. 26
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Community Kwanzaa Celebration. Free. 6 p.m.
SATURDAY, DEC. 28
Zydeco
3rd Annual Holiday Throwdown featuring The Bama Gamblers. 18+. $7. 9 p.m.
TUESDAY, DEC. 31
Zydeco
10th Annual New Year’s Eve Party with Trotline Band. 18+. $15. 9 p.m.
B.O.S.S. Ultra Lounge
The Resolution! NYE2k14. Free buffet while it lasts.
Alabama Symphony Orchestra
New Year’s Eve: A Viennese Celebration. Alabama Theatre. 6 p.m.
Sheraton Hotel
2014 Annual All Black Nye Party, Hosted by Sly King from Hot 107.7. 8:30 p.m.
Pell City Center
Pell City’s New Year’s Eve Party with the Silk E Smooth Band. $80 couple. $45 individual. 9 p.m.
Shelby County Arts Council
New Year’s Eve Bash with Rollin’ in the Hay. $70 couple. $40 individual. 8 p.m.
Comedy Club at the Stardome
New Year’s Eve with Jay Pharoah. 7:45 p.m. Dinner and Show $49.95. 10 p.m. show $27.50.