The air is crisp and the holidays are quickly approaching! In this edition of the Downtown Explorer, get a sneak peek at what events are coming to downtown Huntsville this Winter. From the grand opening of Skating in the Park, the new 10 Nights of Santa, and of course our very own Tinsel Trail, this holiday season is guaranteed to be filled with cheer!
The Huntsville Museum of Art (HMA) is opening its ninth season of Skating in the Park this year! The outdoor ice skating rink will officially open at 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20.
The Museum invites people of all ages to make their holiday season merry and bright at Skating in the Park. Skating in the Park has updated its health and safety policies. All patrons must wear a mask when inside Skating in the Park's boundaries. Guests should also practice social distancing. The rink is limited to 125 skaters at one time, and railings will be disinfected every 90 minutes.
The rink will close on Sunday, Jan. 10 at 8:00pm. Visit HMAs website for hours, special events, and pricing.
Amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic the organizers of Santa’s Village, a north Alabama holiday tradition, have decided to reimagine and relocate the family experience for this year. The 2020 edition of Santa’s Village will be called Ten Nights of Santa. The event will be held indoors December 13-23 at the EarlyWorks Children’s Museum. The new location will allow organizers to uphold safe capacity limits, social distancing and sanitizing protocols.
The reimagined program will offer several “safety inspired” twists, including Santa visiting with children while being protected by “Santa’s Magic Snow Globe.” Due to an accidental spill of “magic elf dust” at the North Pole, Santa has been confined in a “magic snow globe.” However, the jolly old elf is determined that his confinement will not impact his ability and desire to meet with children and spread Christmas cheer.
A limited number of tickets for the 10 night event will be offered online and will adhere to EarlyWorks and ADPH safety protocols. This will be a timed entry, limited capacity event to ensure the safety of all involved. Tickets for the 10 night event will sell out fast!
Tickets for the event must be pre-purchased online. Cost for Ten Nights of Santa is $10 per person (children 12 months and below are free and do not require a ticket). For more information visit online at earlyworks.com
Tinsel Trail 2020, presented by Facebook, is only a few days away!
This years lighting ceremony will be held on November 27th at 6pm as Mayor Battle will kick off Tinsel Trail in Big Spring Park East. After the lighting of the trees, enjoy a special appearance by Mr. and Mrs. Claus, as well as, food from Golden Years Ice Cream Parlor and Diner food truck, hot chocolate from Southerland Sno Depot’s truck, treats from Nothing Bundt Cakes tent, and coffee from Gold Sprints pop-up tent available for purchase.
This free annual event will last from November 27th until January 3rd! Visit Tinsel Trail’s Facebook or Instagram page for more information and a list of special events!