Birmingham's Best Holiday Attractions

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Christmas is getting close, and Hanukkah begins December 2. While shopping malls are already full of holiday decorations, and Christmas lights are adorning neighborhood homes, where are some of the Birmingham area's best holiday attractions?

While the options are plentiful, here are five local attractions that will help enhance the family's holiday spirit:

Brrrmingham! Ice Skating; Railroad Park, 1600 First Ave. South, Birmingham: The rink will be open seven days a week through January 6, only closing on Christmas Day. Hours of operation for the rink are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Ticket prices include skate rental, tax, and unlimited time on the ice. Children 12 and under are $10, adults are $12, and groups of 20 or more skate for $9 per person. Tickets are available online or at the rink.

"Holiday Spectacular" variety show; Red Mountain Theatre Company, Cabaret Theatre, 301 19th St. North, Birmingham: A family-friendly variety show, with music, comedy and holiday cheer featuring some of Alabama's best local theater performers, this show runs through December 16. Tickets range from $19 to $55.

Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland; Birmingham Race Course, 1000 John Rogers Drive, Birmingham: This drive-through holiday light show with synchronized music runs through Jan. 6, and operates from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. daily, but can run later on Saturdays and Sundays. Cost is $25-$80 per vehicle, depending on the size of vehicle.

Pictures with Santa; Summit Shopping Center, 214 Summit Blvd., Birmingham: Children can sit in Santa's lap and have a professional photo taken through Dec. 24. Hours are 12 p.m.-6 p.m. daily, except for Tuesdays, 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Walk-ins welcome, but the photographer is available Thursdays-Sundays. Appointments are recommended, and can be made online. Cost is $20 for sitting, print and digital file.

"The Snowy Day" holiday musical; BJCC Theater, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, Birmingham: Musical play based on stories by Caldecott Award-winning author Ezra Jack Keats, presented by Birmingham Children's Theatre. The show runs Dec. 1, 8 and 15 at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Tickets are $10-$15.

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