Birmingham is brimming with special events this holiday season. From holiday movies at the historic Alabama Theatre (www.alabamatheatre.com) to the tradition of The Nutcracker ballet, seasonal events are plentiful in Alabama’s largest city. Here are just a few:
Zoolight Safari – The Birmingham Zoo’s annual event begins December 4 and continues throughout the month. New this year is the Glacier Glide Ice Rink located in the Trails of Africa. Visitors can also take a ride on the Yuletide Slide, a 100-foot inner tube ride near the Primate Building. Take a spin on the Jingle Bell Carousel and ride the Candy Cane Train too. A nightly tree lighting ceremony is the centerpiece of more than one million lights that transform the zoo into a festive Christmas wonderland. birminghamzoo.com- The Nutcracker – The Birmingham-based Alabama Ballet is one of only eight companies in the world, and the only in the Southeast, licensed to perform George Balanchine’s version of this American treasure. With choreography by Balanchine, The Nutcracker has opulent props and scenery including the dream-like Kingdom of Sweets. The production is performed by the company’s entire roster of dancers with dozens of community cast members. Eight performances are scheduled from December 11-20 at Samford University’s Wright Center. alabamaballet.org
- Winter Wonderland at McWane – McWane Science Center rings in the season for the entire family with a coast down the Ice Slide and a whirl on the extended zip line. Visitors can also climb aboard the McWane Train or try their luck at ice fishing. An annual favorite returns with the Magic of Model Trains Trains of every shape and size fill the space, each with different sets of meticulously detailed scenery. For more events and ticket information, go to www.mcwane.org.
- Vulcan in Lights – Now through December 31 visitors can stroll through Vulcan Park and Museum and enjoy the holiday lights at the big iron dude. The world’s largest cast iron statue, Vulcan keeps his vigil over the city from Red Mountain and is a must-see attraction for visitors to the city. He’s especially festive in the glow of decorative lighting. visitvulcan.com
- Christmas with Amy Grant – The Alabama Symphony Orchestra is in concert with recording artist Amy Grant December 4 at Samford University’s Wright Center. Grammy winner Grant is the best-selling contemporary Christian artist of all time. Christopher Confessore conducts. alabamasymphony.org
- Gaither Homecoming Christmas Spectacular – Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex will be filled with the sounds of Christmas December 11 as the Gaithers take the stage. This popular Southern gospel group regularly performs songs written by Bill and Gloria Gaither. http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/262203/1052261?brand=bjcc&camefrom=EMCL_873771_35660654
Zoolight Safari – The Birmingham Zoo’s annual event begins December 4 and continues throughout the month. New this year is the Glacier Glide Ice Rink located in the Trails of Africa. Visitors can also take a ride on the Yuletide Slide, a 100-foot inner tube ride near the Primate Building. Take a spin on the Jingle Bell Carousel and ride the Candy Cane Train too. A nightly tree lighting ceremony is the centerpiece of more than one million lights that transform the zoo into a festive Christmas wonderland. 
Christmas with Amy Grant – The Alabama Symphony Orchestra is in concert with recording artist Amy Grant December 4 at Samford University’s Wright Center. Grammy winner Grant is the best-selling contemporary Christian artist of all time. Christopher Confessore conducts.