Rockin’ Around the Rocket City Returns

By Abigail Harrison, DHI Communications Coordinator

Downtown Huntsville, Inc. (DHI) and the Huntsville Museum of Art are proud to partner again this year for the second annual Rockin’ Around the Rocket City, which features three holiday attractions in Big Spring Park: Skating in the Park, Tinsel Trail and the Rocket City Tree.

This is the 12th anniversary of Skating in the Park presented by Redstone Federal Credit Union. The outdoor ice-skating rink officially opens at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024.

The 2024 Tinsel Trail season kicks off in Big Spring Park on Friday, Nov. 29, with a Tinsel Trail Market, featuring over 50 local artisan vendors, from 2 to 8 p.m., and a tree-lighting ceremony for the Rocket City Tree at 6 p.m. The festivities will feature food trucks, free entertainment, photo opportunities, and Mayor Tommy Battle will be speaking at the lighting ceremony.

“Skating in the Park has become a cherished holiday tradition for North Alabama and the surrounding communities, captivating crowds and spreading joy throughout the holiday season and beyond,” said Museum Foundation Board President Julien Speyer. “As we celebrate the 12th anniversary of this beloved event, we are thrilled to witness its continued growth and evolution. This year promises to be even more enchanting and unforgettable as we join forces once again with Downtown Huntsville Inc.’s Tinsel Trail and the Rocket City Tree Lighting. Together, we create a magical atmosphere that celebrates the spirit of the season. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous sponsors, the dedicated HMA Foundation Board and Staff, and the City of Huntsville for their unwavering support in making this annual celebration possible.”

DHI ensures Downtown Huntsville is a vibrant and sustainable downtown through economic studies, dynamic new and redeveloped properties, and festive events just like Tinsel Trail.

Tinsel Trail, presented by Meta, United Community Bank, and Toyota Mazda, is a free event that showcases over 400 live Christmas trees decorated by local businesses, families, and organizations. The trail also includes a 25-foot Christmas tree called the Rocket City Tree, presented by Huntsville Coca-Cola. The public is welcome to join at 6:00 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, for the lighting of the Mayor’s Rocket City Tree!

“Downtown Huntsville, Inc. is thrilled to bring the holiday spirit to Big Spring Park once again with ‘Rockin’ Around the Rocket City,” said Rob Buddo, President & CEO of DHI. “The Tinsel Trail, Skating in the Park, and the Rocket City Tree bring joy to residents and visitors alike, making Downtown Huntsville a truly magical destination throughout the holiday season. We invite everyone to join us in making this year’s Tinsel Trail one to remember.”

Tinsel Trail will be open every day, rain or shine, from Nov. 29 to Dec. 31, and will feature several activities throughout the holiday season. More information can be found at TinselTrail.com.

Located directly behind the Huntsville Museum of Art in Big Spring Park, Skating in the Park will be open seven days a week, including holidays. Rink hours change at different points of the season and can be found at hsvmuseum.org. Admission: $15 ages 10 and up; $10 ages 9 and under; $13 for groups of 10 or more; and $5 scooter rental. There is a $5 discount for those who bring their own skates.

“Skating in the Park brings our community together each year to celebrate the holiday season right in the heart of Downtown Huntsville,” said Museum Director of Development Andrea Petroff. “We are honored to host this festive annual event alongside Tinsel Trail in Big Spring Park to provide our community with family-friendly activities during the holiday season. Skating in the Park is important because it helps to enrich our economy by bringing more people downtown to enjoy all the unique happenings in our flourishing city. There are so many incredible holiday traditions that Huntsville has to offer, and I’m delighted to include Skating in the Park in a group of festivities that bring so much joy to North Alabama.”