Saint Nicholas is prepping for his annual worldwide journey. His elves are scrambling to make sure all pre-Christmas packages are wrapped and ready. Christmas carolers are warming their vocal chords. Bakeries far and wide are making sugar cookies, cakes, pies, and other delicious treats. And families are decorating. Christmas is just around the corner, and you’ll need to make a note on your Nativity calendar lest you miss out on one of the fun holiday events going on in Calhoun County, Alabama. We’re going to do a city-by-city rundown this year so you’ll be amply prepared to enjoy all that’s going on.
City of Oxford
From parades to holiday shows, there are holiday happenings galore in Oxford, Alabama.
Historic Main Street Oxford will be hosting its annual Christmas on Main event. Get ready to oooh and ahhh over everybody’s favorite pet with the Inaugural Santa Paws Dog Parade. Ride in a horse and carriage around town. Get a picture with Santa. Enjoy their old car show, a children’s holiday story, and the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Christmas on Main is a terrific event for the whole family.
Date: Saturday, December 9
Time: 2:00 – 7:00 pm
Location: Downtown Oxford
It’s the Christmas light extravaganza to beat all others in Calhoun County (we’d wager in the state of Alabama as well). The Oxford Festival of Lights is already going strong and will be open nightly until Christmas Eve. For a complete run down on all the festive details, check out our article The Oxford Festival of Lights Radiates Christmas in 2023.
Dates/Times: Check their schedule
Location: 954 Leon Smith Pkwy., Oxford
Last year we did an in-depth story on the locally-loved Friendship Santa. He decks the halls of his home and outdoor acreage in style annually, and even visits with kids to get their wish lists just right. If you’re in the mood for viewing some Christmas lights and visiting with one of Christmas’s favorite characters, you can drive by 5921 McIntosh Rd in Oxford any night of the week. To see him in person, check out his calendar for the most up-to-date info.
City of Anniston
Christmas parades, markets, and other fun-filled yuletide events await you in the city of Anniston, Alabama this year.
2023 Anniston Christmas Parade
Come one, come all to hear sleigh bells ringing and catch a glimpse of Santa aboard one of the floats at the 2023 Anniston Christmas Parade. Their theme this year is “Christmas Around the World.” Once you’ve enjoyed marching bands, Christmas characters, and tasty street food, you can take your kids to meet Santa at the Classic on Noble till 9 pm that evening.
Date: Tuesday, December 5
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Noble Street, Anniston
More Info: Kristin Smith (256) 231-7633
Christmas at the Berman Family Fun Night
The Berman Museum always has something celebratory planned, no matter what the holiday occasion may be. This year they are providing an opportunity to sing Christmas carols, hear stories, eat a scrumptious dinner, munch on cookies, and sip hot cocoa with the entire family in tow. There will also be specially planned World War II-era games and crafts to help you imagine how your ancestors may have celebrated Christmas.
Date: Friday, December 1
Time: 5:30 -7:30 pm
Location: 800 Museum Drive, Anniston
Registration: Visit www.ExploreAMAG.org or call 256-237-6766
Jingle Toy Drop Drive-Up Donation
If Christmas conjures your spirit of giving, there’s a wonderful opportunity waiting at the Jingle Toy Drop Drive-Up Donation event. Hosted by the Marine Corps League, you are invited to drive by their Anniston location and drop off new, unwrapped toys that will be distributed to children in need of some holiday cheer. Once you’ve donated, you can enjoy some holiday cookies and have your photo taken in remembrance.
Date: Friday, December 1
Time: 6:30 am – 12:00 pm
Location: 1330 Quintard Ave, Anniston
Live Nativity at Greenbrier Road Baptist Church
What could be a better way to celebrate what is for many the true meaning of Christmas–Christ’s birth? Greenbrier Road Baptist Church is once again putting on a Live Nativity for Anniston locals to enjoy.
Date: Friday thru Sunday, December 8, 9, and 10
Showtimes 6 pm, 7 pm, and 8 pm each evening
Location: Greenbrier Road Baptist Church, 1235 Greenbrier-Dear Rd, Anniston
If you are still searching for that perfect Christmas gift for a friend or loved one, there’s another chance to catch a Christmas Market in Calhoun County at the Merry Little Christmas Market, hosted by the YMCA of Calhoun County. While you shop for wares among countless local vendors, you can also enjoy holiday music, sample baked goods, and enter to win one of their gift basket giveaways. Some of the expected vendors include:
-KNS Jewelry Boutique & More (wreaths, bows, signs, cups, t-shirts, door hangers)
-Mary Kay by Tiffany Hardy (skin care, beauty products)
-Anniston FGHT (jewelry, crafts, shirts, cups, sunglasses)
-Jazzy Bling Things ($5 Paparazzi jewelry)
-Stephney Wreaths (Christmas decor)
-Mia’s Bites (gluten-free baked goods & handmade jewelry)
-Oven Odyssey
-Sensenbach Cookie Co.
-Holy Script
-Fun Pillows & More
-Avon
-Swink Vintage
-AM Earth Creations
Date: Saturday, December 2
Time: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: YMCA of Calhoun County, 29 W. 14th St., Anniston
More Christmas Parades
Other towns local to Calhoun County are planning their own jolly parades.
The Jacksonville Christmas Parade will kick off at Pelham Plaza in the area of Johnson’s Giant Food Store, and proceed up Pelham Road all the way to JSU’s Houston Cole Library. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness charming homemade floats, people in fetive garb, and hear your favorite holiday tunes performed by local marching bands.
Date: Thursday, November 30
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Pelham Plaza, Jacksonville
City of Piedmont Christmas Parade
Piedmont has its own colorful, festive parade that begins at the intersection of Brock St. and Main St., travels up Ladiga St., and concludes at Clyde Pike Civic Center, where refreshments await participants and spectators alike. Dress up in your brightest reds, greens, and golds, and come out for a jolly evening of fun.
Date: Monday, December 4
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Ladiga St., Piedmont
More info: Ben Singleton (256) 447-3582 or email ben.singleton@piedmontcity.org
