Christie Dedman/New Staff PhotoI took this picture while at a stop light in front of the Regions building, dowtown Birmingham. There are a number of events going on this weekend.
Check it out and see if there's something in it for you....
Bargain Mom Christmas 2011 Alabama Parade & Free Event Round-up
See if there's one close to your area...
Birmingham Girls Choir Holiday Performance FREE Sunday, Dec. 4
By Christie Dedman -- The Birmingham News al.com
December 02, 2011, 10:51AM
Listen to some holiday tunes Sunday, for free...
Christmas at Arlington Dec. 3-4 Free Admission
By Christie Dedman -- The Birmingham News al.com
December 02, 2011, 10:35AM
Check out Arlington for free this weekend...
Pottery Barn Kinds Free Penguin Event Dec. 3
By Christie Dedman -- The Birmingham News al.com
December 01, 2011, 6:38PM
Penguin fun at PBK this weekend....
Michael's December 2011 Free or Cheap Holiday Make & Take Craft Schedule
By Christie Dedman -- The Birmingham News al.com
December 01, 2011, 5:40PM
Check out the schedule here..
Birmingham Public Library Local Authors Expo Dec. 3
Posted on Birmingham Bargain Mom on December 02, 2011, 11:49AM
Local event happening tomorrow at the Bham library...
The Home Depot Free Kids Workshop Saturday, Dec. 3 - Snowman Napkin Holder
Posted on Birmingham Bargain Mom on December 01, 2011, 10:28AM
Bessemer Public Library Book Sale Dec. 2 & Dec. 3
Posted on Birmingham Bargain Mom on December 01, 2011, 9:44AM
Lowe's Free Caboose Build Saturday (Santa Train Series Part 1)
Posted on Birmingham Bargain Mom on November 30, 2011, 12:47PM
Bird Treat Making
 Bird Treat Making Presented by Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center December 3, 2011
As the holidays approach, let’s make a delicious treat for our wild bird friends. These feeders will add a festive touch to your yard, as well as be a welcome snack to the birds around your house. |
Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve | 12/03/11 | Ruffner Mountain Nature |
Holiday Greenery Sale
 Holiday Greenery Sale Presented by Aldridge Botanical Gardens at Aldridge Botanical Gardens December 3, 2011
Nothing sets the mood of the holidays better than fresh greenery. Get yours at the Aldridge Gardens Holiday Greenery Sale. Select from evergreen garlands, wreaths and bundles of a variety of fresh greenery that you can use to decorate mantles, mailboxes, and entry ways. There will also be large velvet bows to complete your holiday decor. Great prices and all proceeds benefit Aldridge Gardens. |
Aldridge Botanical Gardens | 12/03/11 | Aldridge Botanical Gardens, Hoover |
Holiday Faire!
 Holiday Faire! Presented by Alabama Waldorf School at Alabama Waldorf School December 3, 2011
Join us for an Alabama Waldorf School annual favorite! Bring in the season with games, an international buffet, bake sale, live music, and vendors featuring local artists, crafts & handmade goods. Sat, 12/3/11. 10am-3pm |
Alabama Waldorf School | 12/03/11 | Alabama Waldorf School, Birmingham |
Every Writer Needs an Editor
 Every Writer Needs an Editor Presented by Birmingham Public Library at Birmingham Public Library - Central Branch December 3, 2011 TOOLS OF THE TRADE FOR ASPIRING AUTHORS: "Every Writer Needs an Editor" Saturday, December 3, 2011 presented by Birmingham freelance editor Liz Reed. In addition to working with aspiring authors, Reed is also the editor of the Birmingham Arts Journal. Reed will outline steps in the process of getting your book into print. The program is 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the 4th floor of the East Building of the downtown Birmingham Public Library. The event is FREE, however reservations are requested,... |
Birmingham Public Library | 12/03/11 | Birmingham Public Library - Central Branch, Birmingham |
Bessemer Public Library "Friends of the Library" Book and Bake Sale
 Bessemer Public Library "Friends of the Library" Book and Bake Sale Presented by Bessemer Public Library at Bessemer Library December 1-December 3, 2011
CALLING ALL BOOK LOVERS. Come check out the great deals at our biggest |
Bessemer Public Library | 12/01/11 - 12/03/11 | Bessemer Library, Bessemer |
Local Authors Expo
 Local Authors Expo Presented by Birmingham Public Library at Birmingham Public Library - Central Branch December 3, 2011
Start your holiday shopping with a visit to the Birmingham Public Library's Local Authors Expo The Sixth Annual Local Author's Expo is an extraordinary event showcasing Alabama authors and their books, including independent press and self-published titles. Shoppers will be able to meet each writer, purchase books, and obtain personalized autographed copies. 2011 Authors Kimberly S. Barnett |
Birmingham Public Library | 12/03/11 | Birmingham Public Library - Central Branch, Birmingham |
Everything Christmas
 Everything Christmas Presented by Trussville Historical Society at Trussville Civic Center December 2-December 3, 2011
The Trussville Historical Society along with the City of Trussville and Trussville Fire Department are sponsoring the "Everything Christmas" event on Friday, December 2nd from 1-8pm and Saturday, December 3rd from 9-1 pm at the Trussville Civic Center. The name says it all. You will find everything you need for Christmas at this show. We have already lined up local retailers such as Gigi’s Boutique, All About Décor, Southern Magnolia Gifts and Plant’s... |
Trussville Historical Society | 12/02/11 - 12/03/11 | Trussville Civic Center, Trussville |
A Taste of the Season
 A Taste of the Season Presented by Birmingham-Southern College Theatre & Dance Department at Birmingham-Southern College Theatre December 2-December 3, 2011
Fun-filled, classic, and contemporary Christmas tunes will be played out in dance at Birmingham-Southern’s annual holiday show “A Taste of the Season.” |
Birmingham-Southern College Theatre & Dance Department | 12/02/11 - 12/03/11 |
Birmingham-Southern College Theatre, Birmingham
|
6th Annual Holiday Craft Bazaar 2011
 6th Annual Holiday Craft Bazaar 2011 Presented by Main Street Birmingham at Bottletree Cafe December 2-December 4, 2011
The 6th Annual Holiday Craft Bazaar takes place during the first weekend of December. This event is marketed towards the holiday gift shoppers interested in original handmade products, well also shopping at local merchants in the area. Over 40 crafter/artists will be selling their handcrafted wares inside storefronts and empty retails spaces along 41st Street South, the Forest Park Village and at Bottletree. The following local merchants will be open as well for shopping, eating and... |
Main Street Birmingham | 12/02/11 - 12/04/11 |
Bottletree Cafe, Birmingham
|
2nd Annual Birmingham Jewish Film Festival
 2nd Annual Birmingham Jewish Film Festival Presented by Levite Jewish Community Center at Levite Jewish Community Center December 3-December 4, 2011
We have an excellent line up of films for our Jewish Film Festival to be held the weekend of December 3rd and 4th. |
Levite Jewish Community Center | 12/03/11 - 12/04/11 | Levite Jewish Community Center, Birmingham |
Holiday Open House at Springville Road
 Holiday Open House at Springville Road Presented by Birmingham Public Library at Springville Road Regional Library (BPL) December 4, 2011
Join us at the library for an afternoon of holiday crafts for everyone! |
Birmingham Public Library | 12/04/11 | Springville Road Regional Library (BPL), Birmingham |
NEACA 2011 Craft Shows [Huntsville] [Feb 4-Dec 4, 2011]
Dec 2-4, Huntsville NEACA Spring, Fall and Christmas Craft Shows 256-883-2199 or 256-423-4312. Von Braun Center--250 craftsmen with teddy bears, dolls, doll furniture, pottery, toys, jewelry, clothes, room decor, kitchen accessories. Fri. & Sat., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.
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2011 Montgomery Interfaith Nativity Exhibit [Montgomery] [Dec 1-4, 2011]
Dec 1-4, Montgomery 2011 Montgomery Interfaith Nativity Exhibit 334-396-0880. montgomerynativity.com. Free. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Carter Hill chapel--Free exhibit of hundreds of nativities from around the world and representing more than 50 Montgomery-area churches. Additionally, local groups will perform free concerts every day, ending with a televised broadcast of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's annual Christmas broadcast. Visit the website for directions and hourly concert schedules. 1-8 p.m.
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Christmas on the River [Demopolis] [Dec 1-4, 2011]
This festival is jam packed with four days of activities, including Christmas in the Canebrake, the Alabama State Championship BBQ Cook-off, a children's day parade, 5k Jingle Bell Run, a nautical parade with a fireworks extravaganza, and lighting of the Love Light Christmas tree.
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"The Gospel According to Scrooge," 17th Annual [Fayette] [Dec 2-4, 2011]
Dec 2-4, Fayette "Gospel According to Scrooge" 205-932-3727. www.dogwoodproductions.org. Admission charged. Fayette Civic Center—Musical drama spinoff of Charles Dicken's "A Christmas Carol." Angels visit Scrooge instead of ghosts. Wholesome entertainment for the entire family. Fri. & Sat., 7 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.
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Christmas at Oakleigh [Mobile] [Dec 2-4, 2011]
Step back in time and enjoy a festive 19th-century holiday celebration, featuring seasonal music, guided tours, Victorian Santa, exhibitors, and refreshments from 10-4 p.m. Tours by candlelight are 6:30-8 p.m.
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[Tuscaloosa] [Dec 2-4, 2011]
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama College of Arts and Sciences School of Music will present its annual show of holiday music, “Hilaritas,” on Friday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 3 p.m. in the Concert Hall of the Moody Music Building on campus. Friday 7:30 p.m. / Sunday 3 p.m.
The Legend of Toyland [Phil Campbell] [Dec 2-4, 2011]
Dec 2-4, Phil Campbell The Legend of Toyland 256-331-6201. www.nwscc.cc.al.us. Admission charged. Northwest-Shoals Community College -Phil Cambell Campus--The Legend of Toyland, a holiday theatrical performance that traditionally opens the season of music, dance and fun, commemorates a 30-year run with public performances beginning Friday, December 2, 2011 in the gymnasium on the Phil Campbell Campus of Northwest-Shoals. This enchanting production has attracted audiences of all ages from all over the state and is expected to be viewed by over 10,000 people. Toyland is the longest running Christmas musical in the state of Alabama and has been viewed by over 300,000 people. The production is put on by students from Northwest-Shoals Community College
Advent Lessons and Carols [Birmingham] [Dec 4, 2011]
Dec 4, Birmingham Advent Lessons and Carols 205-226-3505. www.adventbirmingham.org. Free. Cathedral Church of the Advent--A service of readings, hymns, and choral anthems. 9-11 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
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[Mobile] [Dec 4, 2011]
Dec 4, Mobile Bragg-Mitchell Mansion Christmas Open House 251-471-6364. www.braggmitchellmansion.com. Admission charged. 1906 Springhill Ave.--. Tour the Mansion with traditional decorations adorning each room and enjoy homemade refreshments, sleigh rides, and children's storytelling as seasonal and sacred music fills the winter air. The gift shop will be open. 1-4 p.m .
Christmas at the Alys [Birmingham] [Dec 4, 2011]
A family-friendly holiday favorite. Free admission. Call 205-975-2787. Visit the department online at www.music.uab.edu. 3 p.m.
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Excel Christmas parade [Excel] [Dec 4, 2011]
Dec 4, Excel Christmas Parade 251-765-2558. Downtown--2 p.m.
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Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis (Chilton County) [Clanton] [Dec 4, 2011]
2011 Jingle Bell Run/Walk® Clanton, AL Sunday, December 4, 2011 Location TBA Be there with bells on! Get in the spirit this holiday season at the Arthritis Foundation's Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis®. Be one of the thousands of runners and walkers who hit the nation's pavements, pathways and parks this winter to fight arthritis, the nation's most common cause of disability. Jingle Bell Run/Walk® is a fun and festive way to kick off your holidays by helping others! Wear a holiday themed costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. Run or walk a 5 kilometer route with your team members and celebrate the season by giving 2:00-5:00
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Nativity Display Wonderland [Red Bay] [Dec 4, 2011]
The First United Methodist Church in Red Bay, Alabama will transform their Fellowship Hall into a Nativity Wonderland with over 200 traditional and unique nativity scenes on display from around the world. Nativity items of all sorts, materials, sizes and shapes. From books and ornaments to a live display. There will be children's crafts, live nativity, raffle for a nativity, nativity ornaments for purchase, refreshments and much more. Display your Nativity scene. If you are interested in offering your Nativity items for display please contact the First United Methodist Church office at 256-356-4654. The event is open to the public, donations will be accepted to benefit Kairos Outside Prison Ministry, a faith based ministry for women whose lives have been impacted by having a family member, friend or themselves incarcerated. Kairos Prison Ministry is an international ministry in 9 countries. Donations collected will stay in Alabama to help the Alabama Kairos group. 1:00pm to 5:00pm
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Plantation Christmas [Tuscumbia] [Dec 4, 2011]
Dec 4, Tuscumbia Plantation Christmas 800-344-0783. www.VisitTuscumbiaAL.com. Admission charged. Belle Mont Mansion--Holiday event reminiscent of the "Old South" with traditional live decorations, period Christmas music, vinage ballroom dancers, and refreshments. Belle Mont, built C.1828, is one of Alabama's most distinguished homes. 1-5 p.m.
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St. Olaf Christmas Festival Live [Trussville] [Dec 4, 2011]
One of the oldest holiday choir celebrations is coming to movie theaters for a special, live concert event, just in time for the Christmas season. This year marks the 100th annual St. Olaf College's Christmas Festival, and to celebrate they are broadcasting the event— Rejoice, Give Thanks, and Sing — live to nationwide movie theaters on Dec. 4. The concert features more than 500 St. Olaf College student musicians, all members of five choirs and the St. Olaf Orchestra, and will be broadcast directly from the Northfield, Minn. campus. The movie event will begin with a video retrospective of the Christmas Festival. This is a great way to kick off the holiday season, and the perfect event to inspire the whole family. Rejoice, Give Thanks, and Sing – 100th St. Olaf Christmas Festival Live will broadcast at 2:30 p.m. CT on Sunday, Dec. 4.
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LIST AND LINKS OF HOW TO FIND MORE TO DO ACROSS THE STATE:
GO
F BIRMINGHAM EVENTS FOR ALL AGES.
GO
F HUNTSVILLE DECATUR MADISON EVENTS FOR ALL AGES.
GO H
ERY EVENTS FOR ALL AGES.
GO
LL LIST OF MOBILE EVENTS FOR ALL AGES.
GO
LIST OF TUSCALOOSA EVENTS FOR ALL AGES.
GO
PARK EVENTS.
MY LIST OF HOT SPOTS IF YOU WANT TO HIT THE ROAD:
in Anniston -
Aldridge Gardens -
- Hooks in the Garden -- fishing all week long.
Turk
/turkey-creek
Alabama Veterans Memorial off I-459
.htm
Birmingham Civil Rights Museum
is free on Sundays only from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
: http://www.bcri.org/index.html
Arlington Antebellum Home
is open Tuesday through Saturday.
$5 for adults and $3 for kids 18 and under.
http://
htm
Also --
- $3 or less for park entrance.
County Rd 314
Natural Bridge, AL 35577
(205) 486-5330
Montgomery -
This could be a great time to take the kids to see the capitol, archives, Little White House of Confederacy, Old Alabama Town and more.
Go here to see a complete list of attractions and options for educational entertainment.
You might surprise yourself by learning something.
Most of the government attractions are free.
Old Alabama Town is not.
Here's their info:
Hours and Admission
Hours: Old Alabama Town is open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Our last ticket is sold at 3 p.m. We're closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
Admission: Adults, $10; Children ages 6-18, $5. Free to ages 5 and younger. A 10 percent discount is offered to AAA, military and seniors.
Cathedral Caverns State Park Headquarters637 Cave RoadWoodville, AL. 35776256-728-8193The Park is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m
Here's a brief description:
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The first thing you notice about Cathedral Caverns is the massive entrance. The huge opening measures 126 feet wide and 25 feet high. And it gets even better. Inside the cavern, you will find Big Rock Canyon, Mystery River and some of the most beautiful formations Mother Nature has ever created. Among them, you will see Stalagmite Mountain, The Frozen Waterfall and Goliath, a huge stalagmite column that reaches the ceiling of the cave some 45 feet above! Cathedral Caverns is the perfect field trip for your school, church or other group. You can visit anytime, as the cave maintains a comfortable 60-degree temperature year round. Call and make plans today and you will see why we are excited about Alabama's newest state park!
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Monday- Saturday
8:30- 5:00
Sunday
Closed
Caverns Admission
Adults $15.95
Child (4-12) $8.95
Under 4 Free
Group Rates $10.95/$5.95
(15 or More)
GO HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND DIRECTIONS.
ONE YEAR Adult Cave Tour for just $5 more $23.99
ONE YEAR Child Cave Tour for just $5 more $21.99
Civil War soldiers, a Talking Tree and whimmy diddles - see them all at the EarlyWorks Museums- Alabama Constitution Village, the Historic Huntsville Depot and EarlyWorks Children's History Museum.
| Individual Admission | Adult | Senior | Youth | Toddler |
| Earlyworks Children's Museum | 12.00 | 10.00 | 10.00 | 5.00 |
| Constitution Village | 12.00 | 10.00 | 10.00 | 5.00 |
| Huntsville Depot | 12.00 | 10.00 | 10.00 | 5.00 |
| 2 Museums | 20.00 | 15.00 | 15.00 | 5.00 |
| THE WORKS - all 3 | 25.00 | 20.00 | 20.00 | 5.00 |
Admission: $12 for adults, $5 for kids age 6-12 and free for kids age 5 and younger.
Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 7 days a week with the exception of major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, and Easter). Extended summer hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 7 days a week
GO HERE.
--
Palisades Park in Blount County -- Go here. They've got a great new kids area that just opened in May.
-- Go
-- miniature Jerusalem. Go
-- great for kids. Go
Little River Canyon i
n Fort Payne is a nature lovers' paradise. Hike down to the bottom of the gorge, check out the falls up close and enjoy some majestic birds.
You'll spot hawks, eagles, vultures and falcons from overlooks. Take a picnic.
There are also a ton of kid friendly parks in downtown Fort Payne. Go
www.nps.gov/liri
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center in East Lake
-- They've got new nature center and trails galore.
Adult/$6
Senior Citizen (age 60+)/$5.50
Child(4–17)/$5 & ages 3 & under/free
This is a fun museum to explore.
G
or more info.
Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–5 p.m. Sunday 1–5 p.m.
Rickwood Caverns State Park in Hayden
It's $1 to get in and enjoy just the park, trails and playground.
Cave tours are only available on weekends.
Saturday and Sunday schedule:
10:15 a.m.
12:15 p.m.
2:15 & 4:15
Cave Tour Admission Fee:
Age 12 to adult: $10
Age 6 to 11: $5
Under age 6: FREE with parent or guardian
Group discount: $2 off each person for groups of 25 or more.
and more.
Oak Mountain State Park
C
heck out the Alabama Wildlife Refuge Center.
The Wildlife Center: Located in Oak Mountain State Park, it is the largest wildlife rehabilitation center in Alabama and cares for over 2,000 injured and orphaned wild creatures each year. Visitors may view the rehabilitation process through one-way glass and learn about native species.
$3 for adults
Mt. Cheaha --
The tallest point in Alabama is a beautiful drive through the mountains. Take Bald Rock trail out to a gorgeous overlook.
Bring a picnic for sure. There are some great hiking trails.
on, hours and directions.
Southern Museum of Flight by the Birmingham Airport
Colorful Kite Tales Exhibit & Programs
Colorful Kite Tales Exhibition chronicles the colorful history and science of kites. These sixteen panels and an array of kites detail kite basics and historical kiting events Developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services and on loan by the Drachen Foundation of Seattle, Washington.
Free with Museum Admission
Members Free
Group Tours with Hand-on Kite-Making Available - $7 per person
Active military and their families are admitted free.
Adults are $6, Seniors & students are $5 - children 3 and under are free.
Open Tuesday through Saturday 9:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Vulcan Park is also another option.
Go here to learn more about their coming events.
Daily Admission Rates (plus tax) 10 am - 6 pm:
(Includes park grounds, Vulcan Center Museum and Observation Balcony)
$6 Adults
$5 Seniors (65+)
$4 Children ages 5-12
Children 4 years and under are admitted free.
and more.
They also have some great kids games and information for you to share with your kids before you get there.
Address:
300 North Commons Street, West
Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674
(256) 383-4066
Hours:
Monday through Saturday 8:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Last tour starts at 3:45 p.m. daily
Home Tour Admission:
Adults..........................................$6.00
Students ages 5 -18..................$2.00
Seniors & "AAA" members......$5.00
Military (Active and Retired).....$5.00
Group of 20 or more..................Adults $5 & Children $1.50 (Group reservations requested)
American Village in Montevallo -
Go
sion.
Mondays - Fridays from 10-4 PM