It’s the most wonderful time of the year! We’ve gathered a list of coming events in the Auburn/Opelika area starting after Thanksgiving through the end of the year. From parades, Christmas markets, outdoor activities, festivals, and train rides, to live music and theatre productions, we’re sure you’ll find something for your whole family to enjoy! If we’ve missed an event or your organization would like your event to be included in this list, please contact us. We don’t want our AO Moms readers to miss out on anything! This list includes both free and ticketed events, so be sure to click the link in the title of the event for more information.
November 26th, 9 am – 12 pm: O Grows Community Garden’s Saturdays at the Garden
This fall, O Grows Community Garden will be hosting Saturdays at the Garden! Every Saturday, come join us at 1103 Glenn St., Opelika, for local produce, baked goods, and home goods vendors.
November 27th, 12 – 4 pm: Winter Wonderland Holiday Market
Rape Counselors of East Alabama’s 11th annual Winter Wonderland’s holiday fundraiser kicks off with just about anything one might find on Santa’s list. The market is open from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and features a silent auction. This year’s lineup features locally made artwork, crafts, pottery, jewelry, baby gifts, ornaments, children’s appliqué clothing and more. Santa will be there from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
November 27th, 4 – 6 pm: Auburn University Holiday Lighting Ceremony
Join us for the annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony; where we will light the Christmas Tree and Menorah to celebrate the start of the holiday season. Family holiday activities will be from 4-5 PM. From 5-6 PM there will be performances by local choirs and student performers; where we will wrap up the hour with the countdown to the lighting of the Christmas Tree and Menorah.
December 1st, 3:30 – 4:30 pm: Auburn Public Library’s Letters to Santa
Enjoy cookies, juice and festive music while choosing from an array of fun and festive stationery, markers and stickers as we write our wish list letters to Santa. Caregivers, please join in the fun so that even the youngest writers can clearly express themselves and the librarians can get clear wishes and return addresses for Santa and his elves!
December 1st, 6 – 7:30 pm: Opelika Library’s Very Merry Stroll Tree Lighting
Get in the holiday spirit with a walk through Opelika’s Very Merry Stroll, a holiday showcase made up of locally decorated live Christmas trees. Join us to kick off the Very Merry Stroll with our Tree Lighting! Event begins at 6:00 with the Tree Lighting at 6:30.
December 2nd, 5 – 8 pm: Downtown Auburn Holiday Open House
Check everyone off your holiday list!! Join the Auburn Downtown Merchants Association for our Holiday Open House on December 2nd from 5-8 pm. Merchants will remain open for extended shopping hours and offer exclusive discounts and specials. There will also be children’s activities, Santa, live music, cocktails to go and more!
December 2nd, 5 pm: Sno*pelika Parade & Tree Lighting
Opelika’s official kick-off event for the Christmas season will be at Courthouse Square on Friday, December 2nd, at 5:00 p.m. This is a free event for all! This is an annual community event that kicks off the Christmas season in Opelika with artificial snowfall and tree lighting.
December 2nd, 7:30 pm: Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox
One part a celebration of vintage music and culture, one part “Saturday Night Live” for singers, a Postmodern Jukebox performance is an unforgettable trip back in time that makes pop music history—in your own hometown. Presented by the Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University.
December 3rd, 6:30 am: Jingle Jog 5K and Santa Stroll Fun Run
The Jingle Jog 5k and Santa Stroll Fun Run are back in 2022 – so pull out those ugly sweaters and get ready to run again! Join Active Auburn on Saturday, December 3 at 6 a.m. as we ring in the holiday season in style! The Santa Stroll Fun Run will begin at 6:30 a.m. at Toomer’s Corner. The Jingle Jog 5k will begin at 7:30 a.m. at Toomer’s Corner.
December 3rd, 8 am – 12 pm: Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity Annual Cookie Walk Fundraiser
The annual Cookie Walk Fundraiser is back for the 27th time! The Cookie Walk is a fundraiser sponsored by the WeHelp Coalition of Churches to benefit the mission of Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity.
December 3rd, 8:30 am – 1 pm: AUMC’s 50th Annual Christmas Market
Join us for our community-wide Christmas Market on Saturday, December 3, from 8:30am to 1pm! Get all of your holiday shopping done with arts, crafts, foods, decorations, and more available for purchase. All proceeds go to support local missions through the Auburn UMC United Women of Faith.
December 3rd, 9 am – 5 pm: Downtown Auburn Holiday Market
The Auburn Downtown Merchants Association is pleased to announce the second
annual Loveliest Village Holiday Fair. Vendors are invited to bring their unique
talents and diverse offerings. Come be a part of this great event!
December 3rd, 10 am – 12:30 pm: Ho Ho Ho Hike and Holiday Celebration
If you loved the The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center’s (JDCAC) annual Polar Express, you will LOVE the Ho Ho Ho Hike and Holiday Celebration. The JDCAC and the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center will be joining forces this year to present this festive event. This event will take the place of this year’s Polar Express. Make sure to purchase your tickets early, because this event sells out fast!
December 3rd, 2 pm: Opelika Library’s Family Crafternoon & Movie
Join the Opelika Public Library for an afternoon of fun holiday crafts and a showing of the movie Elf!
December 3rd & 4th: Santa on the Corner
Join us to visit with your favorite man in the red suit! The event will be set up across the street from Toomer’s Corner. Four-legged friends are welcome, too! You must bring your own camera for this event! Saturday 10 am – 2 pm and Sunday 11 am – 1:30 pm.
December 3rd, 10th, & 17th, 10 am & 12 pm: Marriott Grand National Gingerbread Decorating Contest
Join us for our annual Gingerbread House Contest. Dates are December 3rd, 10th & 17th, with times available at 10 am or 12 pm. Time limit is 1 1/2 hours to build your masterpiece to take home. The winner will be selected by our very own Chef.
December 4th, 2 – 3 pm: Auburn Christmas Parade
Join us for your favorite holiday tradition, The Auburn Christmas Parade. The parade will be held in Downtown Auburn on Sunday, Dec. 4th at 2 pm. This year’s parade will feature festive floats, local celebrities and a surprise ending. We are SNOW excited.
December 4th, 3 pm: Auburn Gingerbread Village Unveiling
East Alabama’s LARGEST Gingerbread Village display debuts Sunday December 4th at 3 pm after the Auburn, AL Christmas Parade concludes and is FREE to the general public. The display will remain up through New Year’s Day!
December 6th, 4 – 5 pm: Auburn Public Library’s Doc Magic Elf Show
Everyones favorite entertainer, Doc Magic, will delight us with interactive stories, humorous prestidigitation, and holiday fun!
December 6th, 6 – 8 pm: OHS/OMS Holiday Choral Concert
Opelika Center for Performing Arts
December 8th-10th, 5 – 8 pm: Rocky Brook Rocket Reindeer Express
Come take a train ride through the lights! Enjoy food, hot chocolate, pictures with Santa and a Christmas Market.
December 9th, 5 – 9 pm: Collinwood Luminaries
Collinwood Luminaries is a neighborhood event with live characters and animals showing the path to Christ. Drive-thru this lovely neighborhood by candlelight which leads to a live nativity.
December 9th, 6 – 9 pm: Christmas in a Railroad Town
Opelika’s signature annual Christmas event returns December 9th! Join us as we celebrate the season with Santa, crafts, shopping and live entertainment.
December 9th-10th, 7:30 pm: A Martha’s Trouble Christmas
Join Martha’s Trouble for two nights in December (Dec 9 & 10, 2022) as we celebrate the season with our renditions of your favorite Christmas tunes.
December 9th-10th: Variations Dance Studio presents The Nutcracker
This classic holiday ballet will feature guest artists Lia Cirio and Paul Craig as the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier. Lia Cirio and Paul Craig appear courtesy of the Boston Ballet, Mikko Nissinen, Artistic Director. This magical production will also feature the Company Dancers of Variations Dance Studio and many community members playing hundreds of fun and exciting roles.
December 9th-11th: East Alabama Community Ballet presents The Nutcracker
A holiday tradition since 1995, East Alabama Community Ballet is excited to present The Nutcracker. Join Clara and the Nutcracker as they battle the Mouse Queen and journey through the Land of the Sweets!
December 9th-13th: Victorian Front Porch Tour
Opelika is celebrating Christmas like it’s 1899! From December 9 to 13, 2022, historic homes in Opelika’s northside historic district are transformed into a colorful, nostalgic reminder of Christmas from a simpler era. The event is a self driving tour except for Saturday night when the streets are closed for visitors to stroll through the neighborhood.
December 10th, 8 am: 2022 Toys for Tots 1 Mile, 5K, and 10K
In partnership with the Marine Corps Reserve Toys-for-Tots program and the Auburn Police Department Toy Drive, the Auburn Opelika Running & Track Association (AORTA) is hosting the 2022 Auburn Toys-for-Tots Race featuring a 1-Mile Fun Run and a 5K/10K Run. This local favorite will kick-off at 8:00 am, Saturday, December 10, 2022, at Wrights Mill Road Elementary School in Auburn, AL.
December 10th, 10 am – 3 pm: The Art Market at the Opelika Art Haus
Art, games, food, and fun!
December 10th, 10 am – 8 pm: Christmas Festival at Choctafaula Farms
Choctafaula is an agritourism destination located just a few miles from downtown Auburn, AL. The Christmas season transforms Choctafaula into a winter wonderland with beautiful decorations, activities for all ages, and even visits from Santa! Tickets include a guided wagon ride to see domestic and exotic animals, games & activities, inflatables, a petting zoo and live music.
December 10th, 10 am: East Alabama Community Ballet hosts Clara’s Tea Party
For younger audiences, Clara’s Tea Party is a shorter performance of The Nutcracker. Experience all the magic of Act II, The Land of Sweets! Meet the dancers while enjoying treats and crafts!
December 10th, 10 am & 12 pm: Marriott at Grand National’s Brunch with Santa
Come be our special guest for our annual Brunch with Santa, December 10th! Times available are 10 am or 12 pm. While you are here enjoy our festive decor throughout the resort and take pictures with Santa.
December 11th & 12th, 6:30 – 10 pm: The Sound Wall Holiday Supper Club
The Sound Wall Holiday Supper Club is a reservation-only Supper Club featuring Chef Chris Wilton’s fan favorite Beef Wellington with an exquisite 4 course chef’s menu.
December 12th-18th, 7:30 am – 12 pm: The Holiday Wrap Up
Auburn Parks and Recreation will offer its 2nd annual gift-wrapping service just in time for the 2022 holidays. Sign up for the day that fits your schedule best and drop off the items you need wrapped. Pick them up wrapped and ready to go same day.
December 13th, 7 – 9 pm: OHS/OMS Christmas Band Concert
Opelika Center for Performing Arts
December 14th, 6 pm: First Baptist Church of Opelika’s Live Nativity
The Christmas story, music, inflatables, animals & more! In Courthouse Square, downtown Opelika.
December 15th, 6 – 8 pm: Covington Recreation Center’s Christmas Drop-In
A special occasion drop-in featuring food, fun and games.
December 15th, 7:30 pm: A Winter’s Evening with RYANHOOD
An evening of songs and storytelling, heartstrings and laughter, A Winter’s Evening with Ryanhood is a live holiday touring show based on the duo’s record, On Christmas, that showcases the high-energy, big-harmony, dueling acoustic guitar approach that Ryanhood fans across the country have come to expect.
December 15th, 6:30 – 7:45 pm: GUTS: Santa’s Little Scientists
Santa needs help getting ready for the holidays! Solve STEM puzzles with COSAM Outreach staff to make sure he is prepared.
December 16th, 6:30 – 8:30 pm: Christmas Movie at the Sportsplex
Children and families of all ages are welcome to the Opelika Sportsplex to watch Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch and eat cookies in the basketball gym.
December 16th & 17th: A Holiday Walk in the Woods
In the spirit of unity and peace, Auburn Area Community Theatre and the Kreher Preserve are bringing back their special December event for our broader Auburn community to celebrate together. At three different performance events, there will be a series of staggered and timed walking small group tours with a guide on a well-lit and easy trail through the piney woods at the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center. Friday, December 16th (12/16) from 5 – 8 PM and Saturday, December 17th (12/17) from 10 AM – 1 PM and from 5 – 8 PM.
December 17th, 10 am – 12 pm: Opelika Library’s Fa La La Fest
Join the Opelika Public Library staff and explore the magic of Christmas at this fun, one-day festival. There will be activities and crafts for all ages. This indoor event is drop-in and at your own pace.
December 23rd, 10 am – Close: Opelika Library’s Christmas Movie Marathon
A new movie starts every two hours until close!
December 31st, 8 pm – 1 am: Drop and Pop New Year’s Bash at Marriott Grand National
Our annual Drop and Pop New Year’s Bash returns and is bigger than ever before. The Auburn Knights Jazz Orchestra will ensure a lively night on the dance floor!
