Auburn-Opelika Holidays

Christmas is a special time of the year for any small town, and the Auburn-Opelika area celebrates BIG! We have Christmas in a Railroad Town, Christmas parades, the Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour, the Holiday Art Sale, and more!

We made a list of our favorites sure to keep your holiday spirits high! Join in on the Santa hunt at Kreher Preserve, explore the Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour, and do some Christmas shopping at the Holiday Art Sale!

Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour
December 6; 10
For five days in early December, 60 Victorian and historic homes near downtown Opelika are transformed into colorful, nostalgic reminders of Christmas from a simpler, slower-paced era. The homes are adorned with life-sized Santas, angels, toys, carousel horses, and other Christmas-themed figures, as well as Christmas lights, bows, and greenery. Now in its 24th year, the event is a self-directed driving tour. However, on Saturday night, December 9, North 8th and 9th Streets will be closed to traffic to encourage visitors, friends, and neighbors to stroll through the neighborhood. This enables everyone to leisurely enjoy the homes up-close, listen to the carolers, and talk with residents dressed in Victorian costumes. The tour begins at North 8th Street and 2nd Avenue and includes over 10 city blocks. Admission to this joyful production is free.
Visit opelikavictorianfrontporchtour.com for more info.

SCHEDULE:
Lighted Driving Tour: Wednesday, Dec. 6 - Friday, Dec. 8
& Sunday, Dec.10 from 5-10 p.m.
Walking Tour: Saturday, Dec. 9 from 6-9 p.m.
Tree lighting with Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller and his wife Laura at 6 p.m. at The Heritage House (the corner of North 8th Street and 2nd Avenue).

Christmas in a Railroad Town -- CANCELED 
December 8
6 – 9 p.m.
Whether you’re a young child or simply a child at heart, there will be activities for everyone at this great night out in historic downtown Opelika. Join us for the 23rd annual Christmas in a Railroad Town. Visit with friends and enjoy a variety of food vendors and restaurants. Bring the kids to write letters to Santa, enjoy pony rides, caroling, entertainment, and other new activities! Guaranteed fun for adults includes personalized gifts made on site and bundles of sweet treats for sale. Local retail shops will be open late for all your Christmas needs.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be available for family photos!

Visit opelikamainstreet.org for more info.

Auburn & Opelika Parades
The Auburn Christmas Parade will be held Sunday, December 10, at 2 p.m.
in downtown Auburn. Visit auburnchamber.com for more information.

The Opelika Christmas Parade will be held Saturday, December 2, at 10 a.m. in beautiful historic downtown Opelika. Visit opelikachamber.com for more information.

Holiday Art Sale
December 9
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Auburn Arts Association and Auburn Parks and Recreation Department will host the 11th annual Holiday Art Sale on Saturday, December 9, 2017, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, Frank Brown Recreation Center, and Harris Center. Get in the holiday spirit by attending this festive shopping experience! The Holiday Art Sale is a wonderful place to get a head start on your Christmas shopping while meeting local artists selling their own unique, handmade work. Admission is FREE and open to the public!

Jingle Jog 5k and Santa Stroll Fun Run
December 9
4 p.m.
Join Active Auburn, the Downtown Merchants Association, and the City of Auburn for the Jingle Jog 5k and Santa Stroll Fun Run on Saturday, December 9, beginning at 4 p.m. in downtown Auburn!
The fun run/walk kicks off at 4 p.m. and will begin and end at Toomer’s Corner and venture onto campus. The 5k race will start at 4:30 p.m. and also begin and end at Toomer’s Corner after circling the Auburn University campus. On the race course, participants can expect to see hidden jingle bells and Santas of all shapes and sizes!
Participants are encouraged to come in their best Christmas attire because Active Auburn will also host the Best Dressed Runner/Walk Contest and the Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest, with awards presented after the races are complete.
Registration opens on Monday, September 18, at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds from this event will benefit the addition of an inclusive playground at Town Creek Park. Attendees are also encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to be donated to Toys for Tots.

Auburn Gingerbread Village
December 10
2-5 p.m.
Join the Hotel at Auburn University for the unveiling of the largest Gingerbread Village in East Alabama in the conference center of the hotel on December 10th. After watching the Auburn Christmas Parade, come enjoy complimentary cookies and hot chocolate while admiring the 2017 village. The Gingerbread Village will be on display in the pre-function foyer in the newly renovated conference center until the start of the new year.

Collinwood Luminaries
December 14
5-9 p.m.
Collinwood neighborhood’s 50th annual drive-through tour features luminaries along the route that leads to the nativity scene at the end of the tour, reminding us all that Christ is the reason we have Christmas!
The luminaries follow a one-way route beginning on Collinwood Street at the intersection of North 10th Street and Oakbowery Road. The tour winds through the entire Collinwood subdivision and ends on McLure Avenue.

Rocky Brook Rocket Reindeer Express
December 14 – 16
5-8 p.m.
Children second grade and younger, come enjoy a train ride through the lights at Opelika Municipal Park! Enjoy hot chocolate, face painting, entertainment, and pictures with Santa!

For a full list of seasonal activities please reference our calendar. 

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