Here at Harris Doyle Homes, we love to celebrate the holiday season in style. But, with so many activities available and only so many days in December, we understand the need to be choosy about what you participate in. This year, we've made things easy for you and created a personalized holiday activities guide, highlighting the most festive events in Birmingham, Auburn and Panama City. Follow along with us and start making your activity wish list as you go! 

Birmingham

We'll start out by sharing a few activities in the Birmingham area. First up, City Walk's Festival of Trees. Walk through a winter wonderland lined with holiday trees decorated by sponsors throughout the city. Local companies and organizations participated in creating this festive atmosphere that benefits the A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club and the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. The Festival of Trees is free of charge to walk through and will last through the end of the month. Head to the City Walk Social to experience the magic. 

In need of a place to take photos with Santa? Look no further than Santa at the Summit. Now through December 24th at 6 p.m., Santa will be posted up next to Woodhouse Day Spa in the Summit, ready to smile for the camera. Click here to check Santa's photography hours.

Glow Wild is BACK and better than ever! On select dates now through January 20th, experience life-sized wild animal creations that light up The Birmingham Zoo. You and your family won't want to miss the larger-than-life animal lanterns around every corner, along with the Red Diamond Express Train, guest appearances, and wide selection of food and beverages. Acrobatic shows occur nightly at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Best of all- Santa will be at Glow Wild on December 16th, 17th and 20th. 

Adults, be sure to hop over to Hold Your Horses for a night out on the town. Miracle on 24th Street is back and just as magical as always with decked out holiday decor and a special Christmas-themed cocktail menu. Miracle lasts through Christmas Day!

Auburn

Now, let's chat all things holiday magic in the Auburn/Opelika area. Mark your calendars for the Rocky Brook Rocket Reindeer Express. December 19th-21st from 5-8 p.m., the Opelika Parks and Recreation Department will host an extraordinary train ride experience in Monkey Park. Train rides will be $2 per person (cash only), and will transport riders through captivating Christmas scenes with thousands of lights. Visitors can also enjoy food, hot chocolate, pictures with Santa, and a Christmas market. 

Decorate your home with a wreath made at The Kreher Preserve & Nature Center's Wreath Making Workshop. Attendees will have the opportunity to create their own wreath to take home using natural materials. The event will be guided by an expert, walking participants through the steps of creating and designing a festive wreath to celebrate the season. Wreath Workshop will take place on Sunday, December 17th from 1-3 p.m. in the KPNC covered pavilion. 

Do you have an aspiring young baker in your home? They will thrive at the Holiday Cookie Baking event hosted at Rane Culinary Science Center. On Saturday, December 14th, from 1-4 p.m., kids ages 7-12 are invited to bring a grown-up and learn how to make and decorate gingerbread and other holiday cookies. Guest chef, Alison Smith will impart her skills on the next generation in a fun, kid-friendly format. Purchase your tickets here!

Panama City

First and foremost, we'd like to invite you to a holiday market extravaganza taking place in a Harris Doyle community! Guests of all ages are welcome to attend SweetBay's Holiday Market for a festive blend of shopping and entertainment with over 50 local vendors. Join us this Saturday, December 14th from 4-8 p.m. to complete your holiday shopping, grab photos with Santa, and enjoy delicious treats all in one place. 

We love a good Christmas photo-op, and Aaron Bessant Park offers one of the very best. The 38-foot-tall tree is the perfect backdrop, complete with beautiful ornaments and sparkly bright lights. The tree will be up through New Year's Day, so you've got plenty of time to make a stop and capture this moment in time! 

After we've wrapped up all of the Christmas cheer, ring in the new year at the New Year's Eve Beach Ball Drop Presented by Coca-Cola. This coastal spectacle was named "Best New Year's Eve Drop" by USA TODAY 10Best, and promises fun for all ages! The event kicks off at Pier Park at 4 p.m. and lasts through midnight. Don't miss this epic party to commemorate the beginning of 2025.