Restaurants, theaters, boutiques, antiques — the Birmingham Shopping District has got everything you need to fill your festive winter wishes. Shop from close to 300 shops (turn the page for our product-packed holiday gift guide, bursting with hand-picked items available in Downtown Birmingham), and round out your day with one (or many) of the community events hosted by the District.
“The holiday season is truly magical in Downtown Birmingham,” says Erika Bassett, executive director of the Birmingham Shopping District. “Our local boutiques offer a wonderfully diverse assortment of goods and unmatched customer service — and our signature holiday events are a part of many families' annual traditions. We are honored to provide a festive setting in which people have the opportunity to make lasting memories.”
For details, visit allinbirmingham.com/events; @bhamshopping.
Small Business Saturday Kick off the holiday season by shopping local in Downtown Birmingham. Nov. 30.
Birmingham Santa Walk Welcome Santa to his annual visit to town and join him to walk through downtown to his home in Shain Park. Registration required. Nov. 30.
Santa House On weekends throughout the season, enjoy a visit with Santa at his quaint home in Shain Park. No charge, but donations benefit local non-profits; reservations required (except Sundays). Nov. 30-Dec. 24.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides Visit Shain Park and hop aboard a complimentary horse-drawn carriage for a short tour of the holiday lights and beautifully decorated park. Carriage rides are first come, first served - no reservations needed! Weekends Nov. 30-Dec. 24.
Complimentary Refreshments Warm up with hot chocolate (courtesy of Hazel’s and Daxton Hotel) and roasted chestnuts (thanks to BSD). Corner of Maple Rd. and North Old Woodward. Nov. 30 and Dec. 14 and 21.
Birmingham Winter Markt The annual German-themed Birmingham Winter Markt returns to Shain Park. Shop more than 70 local artists and vendors offering fresh holiday greens and decor, children’s toys and books, apparel, jewelry, apothecary and more, sample European-inspired cuisine, enjoy live performances, marshmallow roasting and more. Dec. 6-8.
Holiday Tree Lighting Head to opening night on Dec. 6 for the annual Birmingham Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony, featuring live entertainment and the lighting of Birmingham’s holiday tree festooned with more than 45,000 LED lights. Dec. 6-8.