From large-scale drive-thru extravaganzas to underground holiday displays, Alabama offers a wide variety of Christmas light experiences each season.

Here are some of the best Christmas light shows in Alabama:

Best drive-thru Christmas light shows

Lights of Noel — Birmingham Racecourse

Lights of Noel is billed as Alabama’s largest drive-through animated Christmas light show, featuring millions of lights synchronized to festive holiday music. Vehicles cruise through spectacular illuminated tunnels — including multiple 300-foot light tunnels — and themed displays set to a custom music soundtrack. The show typically opens in late November and runs nightly from 5 p.m. until midnight, making it perfect for family outings or date nights under the lights. Tickets are priced per vehicle with variable pricing on weekdays versus weekends and holidays.

Oxford Festival of Lights — Choccolocco Park

The Oxford Festival of Lights turns Choccolocco Park into a Winter Wonderland, with a beautifully orchestrated drive-through light show that welcomes guests to enjoy over 2 million twinkling lights across 40 acres. After driving the display, visitors can exit their vehicles and stroll through “Santa’s Village,” which features holiday attractions like snow tubing, synthetic ice skating, towering Christmas trees, food trucks, festive photo ops with Santa, and more family-friendly activities.

Best value 

Winter Wonderland at Sportsman Lake Park — Cullman

The 23rd annual Winter Wonderland at Cullman’s Sportsman Lake Park is a beloved budget-friendly holiday tradition where more than a million lights transform the park into a festive drive-through light display on select evenings from November through late December. Beyond the lights, the event often includes a Christmas train ride, horse-drawn carriage rides, a snow machine, hot chocolate and treats, photo booths, and chances to visit Santa. Admission is typically low-cost per vehicle, making it a great value for families or groups.

Lights on the Landing — Gadsden

Load the family, tune the radio, and wind through thousands of synchronized lights dancing along the Coosa River. The drive-through wonderland returns with even more sparkle, festive flavors, and joyful memories waiting at every turn with Christmas lights displays. End your drive beside Pique Nique where hot chocolate, festive treats, and photo ops with Santa keep the magic going.

Wonderland Under Warrior — Rickwood Caverns State Park

Wonderland Under Warrior is an underground holiday light experience at Rickwood Caverns State Park where the cave system itself is transformed into a winter wonderland. Visitors walk approximately 1 mile through festively lit caverns — a unique setting with lights, holiday characters, glowing formations, and a constant comfortable cave temperature. Special features often include Santa appearances, gift shop treats, and food/snacks available during the event.

Christmas at the Grotto — Ave Maria Grotto

At the Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman, Christmas at the Grotto brings holiday magic to this miniature landmark park with glowing lights illuminating the quirky, intricate sculptures created by Brother Joseph Zoettl. Visitors can stroll among the lit displays, enjoy live holiday music, food trucks, horse-drawn wagon rides on select weekends, and meet Santa Claus. Admission fees vary by age, and children under a certain age are typically free.

Best Christmas Light Show for Kids

Oxford Festival of Lights — Choccolocco Park

With snow tubing, ice skating, big Christmas trees, playful inflatables, and plenty of sugary treats and photo ops — plus your classic drive-through lights — the Oxford Festival of Lights is tailor-made for kids and families looking for fun beyond just lights.

Christmas at the Falls — Noccalula Falls Park

Christmas at the Falls transforms Noccalula Falls Park into a sparkling walk-through holiday wonderland with millions of lights winding throughout the park, colorful displays, and a holiday-themed train ride. Children can visit Santa during designated times, and food vendors provide seasonal snacks while guests enjoy the scenery along paved walking trails.

Other great Christmas light displays

Glow Wild — Birmingham Zoo

Glow Wild is an immersive holiday lantern festival at the Birmingham Zoo featuring over one million lights and hundreds of handcrafted lanterns. Guests walk along mile-long outdoor trails showcasing illuminated animals and nature scenes, enjoy seasonal treats like hot cocoa and s’mores, explore Holiday Village with Santa and carolers, and even take a scenic ride on the Red Diamond Express Train.

Magic of Lights — Alabama Adventure

Magic of Lights returns to Alabama Adventure with a festive drive-through spectacular that lights up the park with animated displays, larger-than-life characters (including Holiday Barbie™, Bigfoot® Monster Truck, and prehistoric dinosaurs), and millions of LED lights creating whimsical holiday scenes. One carload price covers the whole experience, and this event often includes a “Jolly Holiday Village” area where guests can stroll, sip hot cocoa, and meet Santa.

 Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].