Special to the
Opelika Observer
The City of Opelika has made it a priority to spruce up the holidays this year by investing in new Christmas decorations for the Downtown Historic District.
This year, we are focusing on enhancing Courthouse Square, 8th/9th Streets, and North/South Railroads. Watch for the spirit and lights to turn on Nov. 23.
“Opelika has always been a fun Christmas town. This year, we hope that the new decorations will liven up the downtown even more and create a holiday spirit like no other,” said Leigh Krehling, Community Relations Officer for the City of Opelika. “We created a holiday committee that took an inventory of what the city currently has in place for decorations and where we needed to improve. As we see it, nothing will go unused. We will share current holiday inventory around the city and downtown.”
New to the scene this year will be an increase in Christmas lights and pole wraps on 8th Street, 9th Street, South Railroad and North Railroad; oversized ornament settabouts at Courthouse Square, downtown and at Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library; beautiful ornaments that will adorn the downtown Christmas tree; large stationary “Season Greetings” sign at the Opelika Chamber of Commerce and downtown and skylines at Courthouse Square.
The city’s goal is to create a magical Christmas Destination in Opelika for every citizen to enjoy. The committee is asking the community to look for photo opportunities around town and share your favorite memories on social media using #MyOpelikaChristmas.
“Over the years, Opelika has added some really unique, high caliber events which is a true gift for our citizens and tourists alike. I’m excited for 2018 as we become a place that everyone wants to go to experience multiple holiday events and see the decorations at their leisure. I personally can’t wait to show off what we have to offer,” said Pam Powers-Smith, Opelika Chamber of Commerce President.
There are many events throughout the season which will create ample opportunities for people to share their joy and holiday spirit. A full listing of all Opelika holiday events is below:
• Downtown Holiday Open House
Nov. 4 • noon – 5 p.m.
Opelika Main Street
• Ribbon Cutting for Holiday Shopping
Nov. 20 • Downtown Tree • 10 a.m.
Spotlight with Alabama Retail Association
• Small Business Saturday – Start Your Christmas Shopping!
Nov. 24
Normal shopping hours
• The Christmas Market
Nov. 29 – Dec. 1
The Bottling Plant Event Center
aochristmasmarket.com
• Christmas In Camelot
Month of December • 4:30 – 10 p.m.
Off of Rocky Brook Road
•Opelika Christmas Parade
Dec. 1 • 10 a.m.
opelikachamber.com
• OHS/OMS Christmas Choral Concert
Dec. 4 • 6:30 p.m.
Opelika Center for the Performing Arts
• Victorian Front Porch Driving Tour
Dec. 5-9 • 5 – 10 p.m.
opelikavictorianfrontporchtour.com
• Crafter-Hours Book Arts
Book Page Trees
Dec. 6 • 6 – 7 p.m.
Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library
• Victorian Front Porch Bike Tour
Dec. 6 • 6 p.m.
• Christmas In A Railroad Town
Dec. 7 • 6 – 9 p.m.
opelikamainstreet.org
• Victorian Front Porch Walking Tour
Dec. 8 • 6 – 9:30 p.m.
opelikavictorianfrontporchtour.com
• Holiday Movie at the Plex: The Santa Claus
Dec. 8
6 – 8 p.m. • Free
Opelika SportsPlex
• OHS/OMS
Christmas Band
Concert
Dec. 11 • 7 p.m.
Opelika Center for the Performing Arts
• Reindeer Express
Dec. 13 – 15
5 -8 p.m.
Monkey Park
$1 train rides
Children 2nd grade and younger
• Collinwood
Luminaries
Dec. 14 • 5 – 9 p.m.
51st Anniversary
Off of 10th Street
• Fa-la-la festival
Dec. 21 • 10 a.m. – noon
Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library
For more information, contact Krehling by email at lkrehling@opelika-al.gov or calling 334-705-5136.
