Rickwood Caverns State Park is once again preparing to turn its underground passageways into a festive spectacle as “Wonderland Under Warrior” returns for the 2025 holiday season.
Now in its ninth year, the popular event invites families to walk through a cave system filled with holiday lights, themed rooms and Christmas characters.
“This is the most exciting time of the year at Rickwood Caverns State Park,” said Park Manager Emily Davis.
“Every year, we see the impact of ‘Wonderland Under Warrior’ through the smiles of children and their parents. This attraction showcases the magic of the holiday season in a truly unique way. We can’t wait for people to see what we have for them this year.”
The holiday attraction opens Saturday, Nov. 22, and runs through Jan. 4, 2026.
Santa Claus will also be available for photos in the park’s Nature Center beginning Friday, Nov. 28, the day after Thanksgiving, and will visit daily through Dec. 22. For the first time this year, the attraction will be open on New Year’s Day.
Tickets can be reserved online or by calling the park at (205) 647-9692. Park officials encourage visitors to secure reservations early and wear closed-toed shoes suitable for hiking. Regular cave tours are suspended during the event and will resume in January 2026.
Guests can expect a self-guided half-mile tour through a series of holiday scenes including elf villages, dancing lights and ice-themed caverns. The experience begins outside the cave entrance, where a large outdoor light display greets visitors as they enter the park. Many guests choose to attend after nightfall to enjoy the full display.
“If you and your family have never experienced ‘Wonderland Under Warrior,’ we encourage you to make the trip this year,” Davis said. “You won’t be disappointed.”
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship said the event highlights a natural space in a remarkable way.
“This really is a must-see holiday experience,” Blankenship said. “It’s hard to describe how the holiday lights combine with the cave’s natural beauty to create a truly magical experience.”
The attraction will be closed on certain days, including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and most Mondays and Tuesdays in December. Rickwood Caverns State Park is located just off I-65 in Warrior, about 30 miles north of Birmingham.
A calendar of events is available here.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
