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.
NOW THROUGH DEC. 29 — VERY MERRY STROLL TREE
The “Very Merry Stroll” holiday display will be open for viewing on the front lawn of the Opelika Public Library. Decorations will remain through Dec. 29.
NOW 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.
NOW 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.
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.
NOW 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.
NOW THROUGH DEC. 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.
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS: ROCKY BROOK POTTERS FUNDRAISER
The Rocky Brook Potters are hosting their annual 12 Days of Christmas sale now through Dec. 20 at the Denson Drive Recreation Center, offering handcrafted ornaments, gift baskets and pottery items to support the Food Bank of East Alabama. Adult and children’s pottery classes have created a wide variety of pieces — from nativity-themed ornaments to bowls and holiday designs — with all proceeds benefiting the food bank. Visitors can also donate canned goods on-site. A raffle basket and additional artist booths will be available, though sales from the separate artists’ hall do not go toward the fundraiser. The sale is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1102 Denson Drive in Opelika.
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. 13, 20 — BUILD-A-GINGERBREAD HOUSE & CONTEST (AUBURN MARRIOTT OPELIKA RESORT & SPA AT GRAND NATIONAL)
Families are invited to take part in a hands-on holiday tradition during the resort’s Build-a-Gingerbread House & Contest. Sessions will be held each Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 2 p.m. Each family/group receives one gingerbread house and all decorating supplies, with one hour to create their design before judging by the resort’s chef. Cost is $30 per family/group. Reservations are encouraged at ipoolside.com; walk-ins accepted as space allows.
DEC. 13, 14, 20, 21 — BRUNCH WITH SANTA (AUBURN MARRIOTT OPELIKA RESORT & SPA AT GRAND NATIONAL)
Families are invited to enjoy a festive holiday brunch with Santa at Southern Oak Restaurant, with seatings at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The event features a full holiday buffet, family photos, kids’ crafts, seasonal movies and a special visit from Santa. Reservations are available by calling (334) 737-2117 or through OpenTable. Cost is $39 for adults, $25 for children 6 to 12 and free for children 5 and under.
DEC. 14 — WINTER GYMNASTICS CAMP (AUBURN UNIVERSITY)
Auburn University will host its 2025 Winter Gymnastics Camp from 12:30 to 5 p.m. at the McWhorter Gymnastics Center. Open to girls ages 6–12, the camp welcomes all skill levels and is ideal for beginners through USAG Level 4. Participants will train with Auburn coaches, Auburn gymnasts and top USAG professionals. Space is limited to 90 campers. Register at jeffgrabacamps.com.
DEC. 15–19 — MERRY ART MARKET (AUBURN-OPELIKA TOURISM)
Last-minute holiday shoppers are invited to Auburn-Opelika Tourism’s inaugural Merry Art Market, held at the downtown Auburn office. The pop-up market will feature locally crafted works including paintings, pottery, candles and handmade goods. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 15 and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 16 through 19. For details, contact Cat Bobo at cat@aotourism.com or visit aotourism.com.
DEC. 15 — COMMUNITY CHEERS EVENT (THE GRADUATE AUBURN)
The Graduate Auburn will host a Community Partner Appreciation event for Auburn Chamber members from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Supper Club. Enjoy appetizers and cocktails as the chamber celebrates the end of the year. Space is limited; registration is required.
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 to 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.
DEC. 31 — NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH (AUBURN MARRIOTT OPELIKA RESORT & SPA)
Ring in 2026 at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National during its Annual New Year’s Eve Bash. The celebration includes a gourmet dinner, live entertainment, a photo booth, balloon drop and a midnight countdown with a champagne toast. Several event packages are available. Visit Eventbrite.com for options and reservations. For more information, call 334-741-9292.
DECEMBER — AUSTIN 1ST FOUNDATION CHARITY CHRISTMAS GIVEBACK
Austin’s 1st Christmas, the Austin 1st Foundation’s annual holiday giveback, is collecting gifts for children at Children’s Hospital of Alabama. Community members can help fill the Sugar Plum Shop by donating through the foundation’s Amazon Wish List. All gifts will be delivered to bring joy to patients and their families during the holiday season. Learn more or participate at austin1stfoundation.org/a1c.
JAN. 16–18, 23–25 — “SOMETHING ROTTEN”
Opelika Community Theatre presents the musical comedy “Something Rotten!” at 1220 Fox Run Parkway, Suite 216, Opelika. Tickets start at $16 for early-bird pricing. For details and showtimes, visit www.opelikacommunitytheatre.org.
