Fairhope has earned national recognition as one of the best small towns in the country to visit for Christmas.
HGTV put Fairhope, Alabama, on the list of 50 small towns, highlighting the city’s signature holiday traditions, coastal charm and festive atmosphere along Mobile Bay.
HGTV said Fairhope stands out for hosting Alabama’s most well-known Christmas parade, the Fairhope Magical Christmas Parade, along with its annual Lighting of the Trees, which officially kicks off the holiday season downtown.
Throughout December, downtown Fairhope is transformed into a Christmas showcase, with more than one million lights illuminating tree-lined streets, storefronts decorated with garland and public gathering spaces glowing for the season.
The city’s Christmas kickoff draws large public crowds and features long-standing community traditions, live music and family-friendly celebrations. One of Fairhope’s most distinctive holiday customs — the lighting of the goat at Lyons Share Framing and Art Gallery — remains a local favorite each year.
The Fairhope Magical Christmas Parade features locally decorated floats, live holiday music and Santa Claus arriving on a fire truck, drawing families and visitors from across the state.
Holiday activities extend beyond the parade. The Grand Hotel Resort and Spa hosts recurring seasonal events, including holiday strolls with festive décor, hot chocolate and s’mores, breakfasts with Santa and gingerbread house decorating classes led by hotel chefs.
Additional December events include “Santa Saturdays” at the Fairhope Museum of History, guided holiday walking tours through downtown, food and cocktail tours, holiday concerts, author events, artisan markets and seasonal culinary experiences at local restaurants.
Fairhope’s Christmas season continues through the end of the year, culminating in a family-friendly New Year’s Eve street party downtown featuring live music, children’s activities, fireworks and a midnight ball drop.
Fairhope Mayor Sherry Sullivan described her beloved city to Yellowhammer News.
“Fairhope shines during the Christmas season with a unique magic shaped by the city’s charm, cherished traditions, and strong sense of community,” she said. “From our holiday events and gatherings to the sparkle throughout downtown, the season offers something special for families, friends, and visitors to enjoy together. That spirit is brought to life each year by City of Fairhope employees who take pride in lighting our trees and thoughtfully preparing and decorating our public spaces, creating a holiday experience that residents and visitors alike can share and remember. The qualities that make Christmas in Fairhope so memorable are the very same ones that make it a remarkable place to call home throughout the year.”
Fairhope was one of several Southern destinations recognized by HGTV for their Christmas traditions.
A few other Southern cities made the list, including St. Augustine, Florida; Dahlonega, Georgia; and Natchez, Mississippi — communities known for blending historic charm, regional culture and signature holiday events into seasonal attractions that draw visitors from across the country.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
