NOVEMBER THROUGH DECEMBER — DOWNTOWN AUBURN HOLIDAY SEASON
The downtown Auburn–Opelika district transforms into a holiday destination starting in November with lights, decorations and seasonal events running through January. Visit the downtown greenspace and local businesses for festive displays and community gatherings.
NOV. 26 — VERY MERRY STROLL TREE LIGHTING
Kick off the “Very Merry Stroll” holiday display with the official tree lighting at 6 p.m. on the front lawn of the Opelika Public Library. Decorations will remain through Dec. 29.
NOV. 28 THROUGH JAN. 2 — VISIT OPELIKA’S CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
Take in the sights and lights of the season across the City of Opelika as festive decorations adorn downtown and beyond.
NOV. 28 THROUGH JAN. 2026 — “HEY DAY HOLIDAY” AT GREENS SPACE, AUBURN
Bundle up and enjoy a magical winter season at the greenspace outside Hey Day Market, featuring a 24-foot Christmas tree and an ice-skating rink. Open daily from noon to 8:30 p.m. beginning in November.
NOV. 29 — SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
Shop local and support small businesses throughout Opelika during regular hours as part of this nationwide shopping tradition.
DECEMBER — BRING OPIE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
Throughout December, the City of Opelika Community Relations Office invites families to celebrate the season by participating in the “Bring Opie Home for Christmas” campaign.
DECEMBER — CHRISTMAS IN CAMELOT
Drive through the Camelot neighborhood each evening at dusk to enjoy one of Opelika’s most beloved holiday light displays, running nightly through 10 p.m.
DEC. 1 — OLLI SOCIAL: DECORATING DAY
Help decorate Sunny Slope and the Annex for the season from 9 to 11 a.m. at Sunny Slope. Volunteers will “green” the front porch, adorn the OLLIday tree and create décor for the Winter Social. Apple cider, hot cocoa and light refreshments served. No experience required.
DEC. 1 — EAST ALABAMA COMMUNITY BAND – WINDS OF THE HOLIDAYS
The East Alabama Community Band, under the direction of Joshua Wine, will perform its winter concert Winds of the Holidays. Admission is free, and donations are accepted at First Baptist Church Opelika at 6:30 p.m.
DEC. 2 — OHS/OMS HOLIDAY CHORAL CONCERT
Enjoy an evening of holiday music performed by Opelika High School and Opelika Middle School choirs at 6:30 p.m. at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts.
DEC. 4 — OLLI SOCIAL: WINTER SOCIAL
Join fellow OLLI members for the Winter Social — a Sweet & Savory Swap — from 1 to 3 p.m. at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 100 Church Drive in Auburn. Enjoy festive drinks, sample treats and bring a favorite snack to share (optional). Cost: $5 plus one canned good for the Food Bank of East Alabama. Registration encouraged to let organizers know if you’ll attend and whether you’ll bring a sweet or savory dish.
DEC. 5 — SNOPELIKA CHRISTMAS PARADE & TREE LIGHTING
Downtown Opelika comes alive with the annual “SnopeLika” Christmas Parade and tree lighting. The parade begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by the tree lighting at 7:30 p.m. at Courthouse Square. Event proceeds rain or shine and is hosted by the Opelika Chamber of Commerce.
DEC. 6 — JINGLE JOG 5K & SANTA STROLL FUN RUN
Lace up your sneakers and don your favorite festive attire for Auburn’s annual Jingle Jog 5K and Santa Stroll Fun Run! The Santa Stroll begins at 6:30 a.m., followed by the 5K at 7 a.m. The race starts and finishes at Toomer’s Corner in downtown Auburn. Participants are encouraged to wear holiday-themed outfits, and all ages are welcome. Online registration opens Oct. 27, with early-bird rates available. Day-of registration begins at 5 a.m.
DEC. 6 — HOHOHO HIKE & HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
Santa joins the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center and East Alabama Community Ballet for a family-friendly holiday hike from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center; tickets are $15 and available online only.
DEC. 7 — AUBURN CHRISTMAS PARADE
Celebrate the season during Auburn’s downtown Christmas Parade on Sunday, Dec. 7, beginning at 2 p.m. in downtown Auburn. Local businesses, schools and organizations are invited to participate; parade applications will be posted on the Auburn Downtown Merchants site.
DEC. 8 THROUGH JAN. 1 — AUBURN GINGERBREAD VILLAGE DISPLAY
Experience the magic of the holidays with the annual Gingerbread Village inside the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center at Auburn University. The display opens Dec. 8 and runs through New Year’s Day. Created by Auburn’s architecture and culinary students, this intricate exhibit features edible replicas of Auburn landmarks and is free and open to the public daily.
DEC. 8 THROUGH 12 — WHERE’S THEODORE ELF HUNT
Families can join the fun searching for Theodore the Elf at Opelika Parks & Recreation locations all week long.
DEC. 8 — OPELIKA HOLIDAY LIGHT FIGHT
Final displays must be completed and submitted by Dec. 8. Judging will occur the week of Dec. 15, with winners announced Dec. 19 on Keep Opelika Beautiful’s Facebook page.
DEC. 9 — EAST ALABAMA CIVIC CHORALE – CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE
The East Alabama Civic Chorale, directed by Teresa Rhyne, will present its holiday concert Christmas Time Is Here at Auburn United Methodist Church at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free, and donations are accepted.
DEC. 9 — OHS CHRISTMAS BAND CONCERT
The Opelika High School Band presents its annual Christmas concert at 6:30 p.m. at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts.
DEC. 10 THROUGH 14 — VICTORIAN FRONT PORCH CHRISTMAS TOUR
Enjoy a nostalgic stroll or drive through Opelika’s historic district, decked out in Victorian-era holiday décor. Walking tour held Dec. 13 from 5 to 9 p.m.; driving tours Dec. 10, 11, 12 and 14.
DEC. 12 — CHRISTMAS IN A RAILROAD TOWN
Join Opelika Main Street for “Christmas in a Railroad Town” from 6 to 9 p.m. in downtown Opelika. The event includes live entertainment, shopping and family activities.
DEC. 12 AND 13 — ROCKY BROOK ROCKET REINDEER EXPRESS
Take a festive ride on the Rocky Brook Rocket and enjoy Christmas lights, holiday music, and Santa sightings from 5 to 9 p.m. at Opelika Parks & Recreation.
DEC. 13 — HOLIDAY WREATH-BUILDING WORKSHOP
Create a nature-inspired holiday wreath using seasonal foliage during a 1 p.m. workshop at the KPNC; $20 per person, ages 13+, preregistration required.
DEC. 13 — VICTORIAN FRONT PORCH TOUR HOLIDAY PUB CRAWL
Enjoy a night of holiday spirits and community fun from 6:30–10 p.m. as part of Opelika Main Street’s annual Pub Crawl.
DEC. 13 — COLLINWOOD LUMINARIES: 58TH ANNIVERSARY
Stroll through Collinwood neighborhood from 5 to 9 p.m. and enjoy this long-standing Opelika tradition. No rain date scheduled.
DEC. 13 — AUBURN TOYS FOR TOTS 5K/10K & 1-MILE FUN RUN
Join the festive run on Saturday, Dec. 13 at Wrights Mill Road Elementary, with the 1-Mile Fun Run at 8 a.m., followed by the 5K/10K at 8:30 a.m. Participants are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to benefit the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program and children in need.
DEC. 19 AND 20 — HOLIDAY WALK IN THE WOODS
Enjoy a lantern-lit trail walk featuring music, spoken word and cultural performances; hikes depart every 10 minutes on Dec. 19 from 5–8 p.m. and Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.; tickets are $8 through Auburn Area Community Theatre.
DEC. 20 — WINTER WONDER WORKSHOP
Kids can enjoy hands-on winter crafts and activities at the Opelika Public Library from 10 a.m. to noon.
DEC. 21 — WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION
Celebrate the longest night of the year from 4–7 p.m. with lighted trails, a fire pit, marshmallow roasting and lantern crafts at the KPNC; free entry.
DEC. 23 — CHRISTMAS MOVIE MARATHON
Relax at the Opelika Public Library for a full day of classic holiday films beginning at 10 a.m.
