20 Places to See Christmas Lights Near Birmingham (2021)

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas (lights) here in Central Alabama. From the quaint cul-de-sacs of Hoover to the businesses and car dealerships lining Birmingham’s 3^rd Avenue, it seems like everyone’s getting into the holiday spirit early this year.

So, why not join them and have yourself a holly, jolly Christmas? It’s the best time of the year. We’re pretty sure we won’t get snow, but your holiday light show tour can still bring loads of cheer. (In other words, add these festive homes and locations to your route this holiday season.)

1. Christmas Fantasyland – 500 County Road 128, Calera, AL

Going on 30 years, the Christmas Fantasyland holiday light display in Calera has been a popular destination for families. And with every year, the Christmas decorations become larger and more interactive. In the past, Fantasyland featured a carousel, miniature train, Ferris wheel, Elsa’s castle, Whoville, and even a North Pole.

Opening night for Christmas Fantasyland is November 25, 2021. Be there or be square. Check Fantasyland’s Facebook page for updated hours.

2. Bama Lights – 8333 W Hill Rd, Pinson, AL

Beginning Thanksgiving night and running through Christmas evening this year, Bama Lights is your source for all things “holiday.” As one of Central Alabama’s best holiday light shows, this popular Pinson spot will have decorations synched to music played on 88.1 FM. There are also plans to have Santa (and his elf Jingles) visit families on select dates throughout December.

As always, the homeowners are accepting donations that will go to Magic Moments, a non-profit organization that grands non-medical wishes to children with potentially fatal illnesses. So, bring some cash and give to a good cause! Check the Bama Lights Facebook page for more details.

3. Palisades Park – 1225 Palisades Parkway, Oneonta, AL

Through the entire month of December, Palisades Park will host their 2021 Christmas Light extravaganza. As a free drive-through Holiday event, visitors can check out the Park’s holiday decorations every day except Christmas Eve and Christmas. These decorations include thousands of lights, festive displays, blow-up characters, lit-up trees, and more.

Unlike previous years, Santa’s Workshop will be closed down for 2021. Still, it’s a great, peaceful place to see Christmas decorations near Birmingham! Visit blountcountypark.com for updates.

4. Glow Wild at the Zoo – 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL

The larger-than-life illuminated experience is back at Birmingham Zoo! Stunning and cute animal lanterns will light up the evening, and guests can ride the Red Diamond Express Train, Protective Life Carousel, or simply nibble on funnel cakes and enjoy the sights.

This event will be held on various dates throughout November, December and even into January, 2022. Tickets go fast, so purchase yours in advance at birminghamzoo.com. 

5. Wacky Tacky Light Tour 2021 – Birmingham, AL

Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater and take a bus tour of some tacky Birmingham Christmas light staples, like Santa’s Trailer Park, the Hanukkah House, Dueling Neighbors, Star Wars Christmas, and more. These holiday decorations may be tacky, and some may even be objectively bad, but that’s the best part! It’s a real blast.

Head to wackytacky.org to purchase tickets and check dates.

6. Bearden Christmas Lights – Bearden Lane, West Blocton, AL

Experience not one, but two fun drive-thru Christmas light displays in West Blocton. Tune into 90.1 FM or 88.7 FM to watch either of the synched holiday decorations. The event usually runs from Thanksgiving to right before Christmas, but check the homeowners’ Facebook page for updates.

7. Christmas Wonderland – 309 Studdard Drive, Clanton, AL

Enjoy stunning Christmas lights, decorations, and even an occasional visit from Santa at this Clanton home. This year, sponsors of Christmas Wonderland are giving away a vacation package to one lucky winner. The catch is you must donate! Every dollar equals one entry, so make it count. Check out Wonderland’s Facebook page for details.

8. Clay-Chalkville Animal Clinic – 6415 Old Springville Rd, Pinson, AL

To check out Christmas lights without all the hustle and bustle, the Clay-Chalkville Animal Clinic is a good spot. The owners usually decorate their building with thousands of LED lights and cute animal-related displays. Contact the clinic if you have questions.

9. Rocket Around the Christmas Tree – Main Street, Gardendale, AL

The people of Gardendale get a Christmas treat every year, as Main Street becomes a festively decorated forest. Dozens of tall Christmas trees are set up on the lawn at Gardendale Civic Center, and each one gets glamorous makeovers by their sponsors. That means you can see elegant, white lights next to the gaudiest, most colorful Christmas tree ever. Sounds kinda fun!

 Head to gardendalechamber.com for updates or to learn how you can sponsor and decorate your own tree.

10. Waltchack Christmas Lights – 2445 Chestnut Road, Vestavia, AL

You’ve got to check out this Christmas light show in Vestavia. The home is beautiful, and that beauty is matched by the splendor of the themed and synchronized holiday lights. Turn the dial to 100.9 FM to fully enjoy the show.

11. The Preserve – 616 Preserve Parkway, Hoover, AL

The small-town charm of Hoover is ramped up to 11 on Christmas, mainly because of The Preserve’s glamorous holiday decorations. Drive by or take a walk through the community to view the townhomes, businesses and houses as they glow, sparkle and blink all season long.

Go to The Preserve Facebook page for more info.

12. Richardson Family Christmas Light Show – 1813 Arrow Drive, Alabaster, AL

When the weather’s nice, traffic can be pretty rough around this Alabaster neighborhood. It’s worth the wait, though, as the Richardson Family Christmas Light Show features dancing lights and decorations that are set to dozens of classic holiday songs. Each show is unique, so you can literally spend a couple hours watching them all.

To see videos and get mode details, follow the Richardsons’ Facebook page.

13. Cloutier Christmas Lights – 5703 Highway 39, Chelsea, AL

This ENORMOUS Christmas light display takes literally months to put up. Most of October and through to Thanksgiving, the owners spend hours decorating and stringing up lights, while also adding new items to the mix each year – like a new donut machine for 2021. Our favorite decoration is still the Cloutier sleigh, which sits front and center.

Check 2021 opening dates at the Cloutier Facebook page.

14. Christmas at the Falls – 1500 Noccalula Road, Gadsden, AL

The absolutely stunning landscape at Noccalula Falls Park is made even better with their annual Christmas decorations. In all, there are over 1 million holiday lights and displays set up throughout the park, as well as some kid-friendly activities and visits from Santa. Christmas at the Falls sells out fast, so purchase yours online ASAP.

Go to noccalulafallspark.com to buy tickets and view dates.

15. Cuzzort Christmas Lights – 1136 Kornegay Road, Oneonta, AL

The Friday’s Crossing community has been home to the Cuzzort family’s Christmas light display for nearly a decade and a half. Their holiday decorations include flower gardens, dancing lights, and one of the most intricate Nativity scenes you’ll ever see. If you’re looking for a place to watch Christmas lights in Oneonta, head to Kornegay Road. You won’t be disappointed.

16. Peppertree Subdivision – 5242 Peppertree Circle, Trussville, AL

The Peppertree neighborhood is another great place to see Christmas lights near Birmingham. Virtually every house within the subdivision has some sort of holiday decorations set up, including several large Christmas light shows and the Neiborhood’s iconic Santa’s House display. Park and take a stroll! Click here for directions.

17. Burkwood Road, Fultondale, AL

Several homes on Burkwood Road have put up holiday decorations and Christmas lights in the past. Click here for directions.

18. Doss Ferry Lane, Kimberly, AL

This newer subdivision in Kimberly is quite lovely, especially in December, which is when many of the homeowners put up their Christmas decorations. These range from elegant, traditional white lights to colorful Christmas light shows with lasers and all that jazz. Click here for directions.

19. Biltmore Estates, Vestavia Hills, AL

When it comes to Christmas cheer, you can’t go wrong with neighborhoods near the Vestavia Country Club. That includes Biltmore Estates, the luxurious region to the west of the golf course. Drive through and check out the holiday decorations. Click here for directions.

20. Brookhill Drive, Meadowbrook, AL

Last but certainly not least is Meadowbrook’s Brookhill Drive, which features at least one Christmas light show synched to music. The street also has illuminated walking paths, which offer a real treat to families wanting to take an evening walk. Click here for directions.

Did we miss one of your favorite Christmas light displays near Birmingham? Shoot us a message or leave a comment, and we’ll certainly do our best to add it to the list!

When all else fails, you can always just check out the thousands of lights at our Birmingham Nissan dealership. Of course, we’re talking about headlights on our used cars and new Nissan vehicles for sale! (Sure, it’s a shameless plug, but that’s our Christmas gift to ourselves.)

If you’d like to give yourself a gift this holiday season, venture into Jim Burke Nissan to check out our holiday specials on new and pre-owned vehicles for sale in Birmingham. We have excellent car deals available through the New Year! Find us at 1300 3^rd Ave North.