Field Trip Finder Birmingham

Homeschool & family fun around Birmingham

Homeschool classes, free outings, library programs and family events from downtown and Lane Park to Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and Trussville, each checked with the venue, city, park, library or official source.

41current listings
34with upcoming dates
25free or no fee listed
26good for little kids (2–4)

Jump to: Homeschool days & classes · Free outings · Family & holiday events through Jan 3, 2027 · Library perks · Halloween events · Trick-or-treating · Calendar · Homeschool groups & resources

Calendar

Tap a date to see that day's events. Only listings with set dates appear here; places you can visit any open day are listed further down.

Resources

Library perks

Library perks for Birmingham-area cardholders, checked on the library cooperative's own site on Oct 23, 2026.

Getting a card: Library cards are free for Jefferson County residents and work at every public library in the county. Each perk below says which card it needs.

Full details, rules and sources (1 passes)

Free library card good at every Jefferson County public library

Jefferson County Library Cooperative (incl. Birmingham, Hoover, Homewood and Trussville libraries) · Birmingham (All Jefferson County public libraries)
LibraryFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangement

Jefferson County residents get a free library card online or at any public library in the county, and it works at all of them, so you can sign up for homeschool programs at Hoover, Homewood or Trussville with one card. No JCLC library lists a museum-pass program.

  • When: Year-round
  • Time: Not listed on source
  • Price: Free for Jefferson County residents
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
  • Proof of homeschool: Proof of Jefferson County residence
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.
Local homeschool resources & groups
Check before you go. We copy details from each venue's own page and show when we last checked. Where a page doesn't say something, we write "Not listed on source" instead of guessing. Dates sell out and programs change, so confirm with the venue.

The Good for little kids (2–4) marker means the venue's own page lists something for toddlers or preschoolers, such as a toddler storytime or free entry for the youngest kids. It's our planning note, not the venue's.

Coming up (next date for each)

See all upcoming (26 more)

Halloween events (10 listings)

Carnivals, festivals, corn mazes & spooky outings

Halloween and fall events around Birmingham, checked on the zoo's, city's, park's or library's page (or local news reporting them) on Oct 23, 2026. Haunted attractions and adults-only events are left out. Look for the Good for little kids (2–4) marker for early, toddler-friendly options.

Haunt the Hills at Wald Park

Wald Park (Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce) · Vestavia Hills
FestivalFree (per source)Next: Fri, Oct 23Good for little kids (2–4)Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills

Trick-or-treat with local businesses on the lawn, bounce houses, a pumpkin contest, a 6 p.m. costume parade and contest (ages 0–9 and 10–18), then the movie Casper at 6:30.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Oct 23, 2026

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  • When: Fri Oct 23, 2026
  • Time: 4:30–8 p.m.
  • Price: Free (food trucks extra)
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Hoots & Howls daytime Halloween at the Birmingham Zoo

Birmingham Zoo · Birmingham (Lane Park · Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills)
Zoo & aquariumNext: Sat, Oct 24Good for little kids (2–4)Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills

Trick-or-treat at 10 candy stations around the zoo, magic shows at 1 and 3 p.m., animal shows, a noon costume parade and Dino Dance party, and Birmingham Public Library storytellers on Oct 24, 25 and 31. Star Wars characters from the 501st Legion visit Oct 31.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 24, 2026; Sun, Oct 25, 2026; Sat, Oct 31, 2026

📅 Add a date to your calendar
Sat, Oct 24Apple / OutlookGoogle
Sun, Oct 25Apple / OutlookGoogle
Sat, Oct 31Apple / OutlookGoogle
  • When: Sat Oct 24, Sun Oct 25 and Sat Oct 31, 2026
  • Time: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (last candy-trail tickets 3 p.m.)
  • Price: Zoo admission plus $5.50 candy trail or $15 all-inclusive wristband
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Flicks Among the Flowers: Monsters, Inc.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens · Birmingham (Lane Park · Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills)
Nature center, garden & parkPrice not listedNext: Sat, Oct 24Good for little kids (2–4)Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills

Bring a blanket for a Halloween-season movie night (rated G) on the Gardens' Formal Lawn.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 24, 2026

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  • When: Sat Oct 24, 2026
  • Time: Gates 5:30 p.m.
  • Price: Not listed on source
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Creepy Crafting at Oak Mountain State Park

Oak Mountain State Park (Alabama State Parks) · Pelham (Oak Mountain · South: Hoover, Inverness & Pelham)
Nature center, garden & parkPrice not listedNext: Sun, Oct 25Good for little kids (2–4)South: Hoover, Inverness & Pelham

A Halloween nature-craft program with the park's interpretive staff.

Upcoming dates: Sun, Oct 25, 2026

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  • When: Sun Oct 25, 2026
  • Time: 1 p.m.
  • Price: Not listed on source
  • Ages: Kids
  • Booking: Not listed on source

⚠️ State park entrance fees may apply.

Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Homewood Fall Festival

Central Park (Homewood Parks & Recreation) · Homewood (Central Park · Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills)
FestivalPrice not listedNext: Sun, Oct 25Good for little kids (2–4)Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills

Inflatables, a costume contest, a DJ and food trucks in Central Park.

Upcoming dates: Sun, Oct 25, 2026

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  • When: Sun Oct 25, 2026
  • Time: 2–5 p.m.
  • Price: Not listed on source
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Homewood Mini Con with cosplay contest

Homewood Public Library · Homewood
LibraryFree (per source)Next: Sun, Oct 25Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills

A free mini comic-con at the library with a cosplay contest.

Upcoming dates: Sun, Oct 25, 2026

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  • When: Sun Oct 25, 2026
  • Time: 2:30–5:30 p.m.
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: Grades 4–12
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Spooky Science at Homewood Library

Homewood Public Library · Homewood
LibraryFree (per source)Next: Tue, Oct 27Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills

Halloween science experiments for kids.

Upcoming dates: Tue, Oct 27, 2026

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  • When: Tue Oct 27, 2026
  • Time: 4 p.m.
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: Ages 12 and under
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Teen Ghost Tour with Scare Alabama (For teens 13+)

Homewood Public Library · Homewood
LibraryFree (per source)Next: Wed, Oct 28Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills

For teens (13+). An after-hours ghost hunt on the library's bottom floor with Scare Alabama. Parents may stay.

Upcoming dates: Wed, Oct 28, 2026

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  • When: Wed Oct 28, 2026
  • Time: 6:30–8 p.m.
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: For teens (13+)
  • Booking: Not listed on source

⚠️ The library lists it for grades 6–12.

Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

HalloweenFest: Heroes & Haunts with Hoover Police and Fire

Finley Center, Hoover Met Complex · Hoover (Hoover Met Complex · South: Hoover, Inverness & Pelham)
Community eventFree (per source)Next: Thu, Oct 29Good for little kids (2–4)South: Hoover, Inverness & Pelham

The City of Hoover, Hoover Police and Hoover Fire combine HalloweenFest with Public Safety Night Out: trick-or-treat with 50–60 local vendors, a kids zone with face painting, inflatables and a costume contest, free popcorn and a Halloween movie, and photos with police cars and fire trucks.

Upcoming dates: Thu, Oct 29, 2026

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  • When: Thu Oct 29, 2026
  • Time: 4:30–7:30 p.m.
  • Price: Free (cashless concessions)
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Library Ghost Tour for kids

Homewood Public Library · Homewood
LibraryFree (per source)Next: Fri, Oct 30Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills

Families walk the library halls after hours on a kid-friendly ghost tour.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Oct 30, 2026

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  • When: Fri Oct 30, 2026
  • Time: 6:30–8 p.m.
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: Ages 6–12
  • Booking: Register online once per family.
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Trick-or-treating (3 listings)

Trunk-or-treats & Halloween-night neighborhoods

Halloween falls on Saturday, Oct 31, 2026. Trunk-or-treats and candy events from Friday, Oct 23 through Halloween, checked Oct 23, 2026.

Trunk-or-treats & trick-or-treat events, Oct 23–31

Bigger Halloween events that also have trick-or-treating (listed under Halloween events): Haunt the Hills at Wald Park (Fri, Oct 23), Hoots & Howls daytime Halloween at the Birmingham Zoo (Sat, Oct 24), HalloweenFest: Heroes & Haunts with Hoover Police and Fire (Thu, Oct 29).

Safety and tips

Event details

Hoover YMCA Fall Festival & Trunk-or-Treat

Hoover YMCA · Hoover
Community eventFree (per source)Next: Sat, Oct 24Good for little kids (2–4)South: Hoover, Inverness & Pelham

A free community trunk-or-treat with decorated trunks, hot dogs, face painting, a games area, inflatables and a dunk tank.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 24, 2026

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  • When: Sat Oct 24, 2026
  • Time: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Trunk or Treat at Shades Valley YMCA

Shades Valley YMCA · Homewood
Community eventFree (per source)Next: Thu, Oct 29Good for little kids (2–4)Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills

A free trunk-or-treat; no YMCA membership needed.

Upcoming dates: Thu, Oct 29, 2026

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  • When: Thu Oct 29, 2026
  • Time: 5:30–7:30 p.m.
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Trick or Treat around Homewood Library

Homewood Public Library · Homewood
LibraryFree (per source)Next: Sat, Oct 31Good for little kids (2–4)Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills

Kids trick-or-treat through each library department on Halloween.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 31, 2026

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  • When: Sat Oct 31, 2026
  • Time: During library hours
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: Ages 12 and under
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Homeschool days & classes (7 listings)

Homeschool Hour: S.T.E.A.M. Powered! with McWane on the Move

Homewood Public Library · Homewood
LibraryFree (per source)Next: Mon, Nov 2Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills

A monthly homeschool STEAM hour. In November McWane Science Center's outreach team brings A-MAZE-ing Robots, showcasing technology and robots. The Nov 2 session is full; a Homeschool Hour: Art Exploration follows on Nov 9.

Upcoming dates: Mon, Nov 2, 2026; Mon, Nov 9, 2026

📅 Add a date to your calendar
Mon, Nov 2Apple / OutlookGoogle
Mon, Nov 9Apple / OutlookGoogle
  • When: Mon Nov 2 (STEAM, full) and Mon Nov 9 (Art Exploration), 2026
  • Time: 1:30–2:30 p.m.
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: Ages 6–12
  • Booking: Register each child online.
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Homeschool at the Zoo (monthly classes)

Birmingham Zoo · Birmingham (Lane Park · Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills)
Zoo & aquariumNext: Thu, Nov 5Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills

A monthly two-hour homeschool class series by grade band. Grades 1–2 explore themes like Animal Superpowers and Our Backyard Zoo; grades 3–5 cover Nocturnal vs. Diurnal in November and Alabamazon: Exploring Alabama's Wild Waterways in December.

Upcoming dates: Thu, Nov 5, 2026; Fri, Nov 6, 2026; Fri, Nov 20, 2026; Thu, Dec 3, 2026; Fri, Dec 4, 2026; Fri, Dec 11, 2026

📅 Add a date to your calendar
Thu, Nov 5Apple / OutlookGoogle
Fri, Nov 6Apple / OutlookGoogle
Fri, Nov 20Apple / OutlookGoogle
Thu, Dec 3Apple / OutlookGoogle
Fri, Dec 4Apple / OutlookGoogle
Fri, Dec 11Apple / OutlookGoogle
  • When: Thursday class (2–4 p.m.): Nov 5, Dec 3; Friday classes (10 a.m.–noon or 2–4 p.m.): Nov 6, Dec 4; grades 3–5 Cougars (Fri 2–4 p.m.): Nov 20, Dec 11
  • Time: 10 a.m.–noon or 2–4 p.m.
  • Price: $190 (members) / $225 per student for the series
  • Ages: Grades 1–5 (see the zoo's grade schedules)
  • Booking: Register for a class group on the zoo's homeschool page.
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Teen-Homeschool Hangout (For teens 13+)

Trussville Public Library · Trussville
LibraryFree (per source)Next: Thu, Nov 12North & East: Trussville & Gardendale

For teens (13+). Homeschooled teens meet up to socialize and play board games.

Upcoming dates: Thu, Nov 12, 2026

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  • When: Thu Nov 12, 2026
  • Time: 1–2 p.m.
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: For teens (13+)
  • Booking: Not listed on source

⚠️ The library lists it for grades 6–12.

Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Homeschool Hang Out: StarLab portable planetarium

Trussville Public Library · Trussville
LibraryFree (per source)Next: Tue, Nov 17Good for little kids (2–4)North & East: Trussville & Gardendale

The library's homeschool hangout brings in a portable StarLab planetarium.

Upcoming dates: Tue, Nov 17, 2026

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  • When: Tue Nov 17, 2026
  • Time: 1–2 p.m.
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: Elementary-age children with their grownups
  • Booking: Registration required for each child.
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Homeschool Hub: Story Hike at Inverness Nature Park

Hoover Public Library · Hoover
LibraryFree (per source)Next: Thu, Nov 19Good for little kids (2–4)South: Hoover, Inverness & Pelham

Library storytellers lead a short group hike with stories and discoveries along the way. All ages welcome.

Upcoming dates: Thu, Nov 19, 2026

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  • When: Thu Nov 19, 2026
  • Time: 10:30–11:30 a.m.
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Registration opens Nov 5.

⚠️ Meets at Inverness Nature Park and Trails, 272 Inverness Pkwy.

Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Homeschool Day: Santa's Boots at Birmingham Children's Theatre

Birmingham Children's Theatre (BJCC) · Birmingham (Downtown · Downtown & Central Birmingham)
Arts & performanceNext: Wed, Dec 2Downtown & Central Birmingham

BCT sets aside a homeschool day for its world-premiere holiday show. In 1876 a quick-thinking nine-year-old captures one of Santa's elves and makes a deal: she'll help save Christmas if he can prove Santa is real.

Upcoming dates: Wed, Dec 2, 2026

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  • When: Wed Dec 2, 2026
  • Time: 10 a.m.
  • Price: Not listed on source
  • Ages: 1st grade and older
  • Booking: Book through BCT's field-trip form.
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Homeschool Labs at McWane Science Center

McWane Science Center · Birmingham (Downtown · Downtown & Central Birmingham)
Science & planetariumOngoing / by arrangementDowntown & Central Birmingham

Hands-on homeschool science labs. This school year's labs run in September, October, January and February (none in November or December), so now is the time to sign up for the January and February sessions. McWane notes the labs are eligible for Alabama CHOOSE Act funds.

  • When: January and February 2027 sessions
  • Time: 9:30–11:30 a.m.
  • Price: Not listed on source
  • Ages: Ages 6 and up
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Free outings (6 listings)

Revolutionary Roots exhibit at Vulcan Park & Museum

Vulcan Park & Museum · Birmingham (Red Mountain · Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills)
History & historic siteOpen now · through Sun, Jan 10Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills

Vulcan's America250 exhibition on Alabamians whose courage and leadership shaped the state and nation, alongside Alabama's natural beauty. A good history tie-in this school year.

📅 Add the date range (Fri, Oct 23 – Sun, Jan 10)
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  • When: Through Jan 10, 2027
  • Time: Not listed on source
  • Price: Not listed on source
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Ready Saturdays at Central Library

Birmingham Public Library, Central Library · Birmingham (Downtown · Downtown & Central Birmingham)
LibraryFree (per source)Next: Sat, Oct 24Good for little kids (2–4)Downtown & Central Birmingham

A free Saturday-morning program where families play, learn and grow together. Drop-ins welcome.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 24, 2026; Sat, Oct 31, 2026; Sat, Nov 7, 2026; Sat, Nov 14, 2026; Sat, Nov 21, 2026; Sat, Nov 28, 2026

📅 Add a date to your calendar
Sat, Oct 24Apple / OutlookGoogle
Sat, Oct 31Apple / OutlookGoogle
Sat, Nov 7Apple / OutlookGoogle
Sat, Nov 14Apple / OutlookGoogle
Sat, Nov 21Apple / OutlookGoogle
Sat, Nov 28Apple / OutlookGoogle
  • When: Saturdays through November 2026
  • Time: 10 a.m.–noon
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: Young children and families
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Archery 101 (beginner) at Oak Mountain State Park

Oak Mountain State Park (Alabama State Parks) · Pelham (Oak Mountain · South: Hoover, Inverness & Pelham)
Nature center, garden & parkPrice not listedNext: Sun, Nov 1South: Hoover, Inverness & Pelham

A beginner archery lesson with park staff.

Upcoming dates: Sun, Nov 1, 2026

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  • When: Sun Nov 1, 2026
  • Time: 1 p.m.
  • Price: Not listed on source
  • Ages: Not listed on source
  • Booking: Not listed on source

⚠️ State park entrance fees may apply; reserve through the park's events page.

Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Storytime at the Gardens

Birmingham Botanical Gardens · Birmingham (Lane Park · Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills)
Nature center, garden & parkPrice not listedNext: Fri, Nov 13Good for little kids (2–4)Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills

A preschool storytime in the Gardens that ties reading, creativity and nature together.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Nov 13, 2026

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  • When: Fri Nov 13, 2026
  • Time: Not listed on source
  • Price: Not listed on source
  • Ages: Preschoolers and little ones
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Aldridge Gardens: free admission and a library StoryWalk

Aldridge Gardens (City of Hoover) · Hoover
Nature center, garden & parkFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)South: Hoover, Inverness & Pelham

A free city botanical garden with a lake trail, a bonsai terrace, an apiary, an art gallery and a StoryWalk of 18 book panels sponsored by Hoover Public Library (the book changes quarterly). Groups of 10 or more need a reservation.

  • When: Daily 8 a.m.–7 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
  • Time: Not listed on source
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Free admission every day at the Birmingham Museum of Art

Birmingham Museum of Art · Birmingham (Downtown · Downtown & Central Birmingham)
MuseumFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)Downtown & Central Birmingham

General admission is always free, making it an easy art-history field trip any week.

  • When: Tue–Sat 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun noon–5 p.m.
  • Time: Not listed on source
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Family & holiday events through Jan 3, 2027 (14 listings)

Holiday Photo Booth at the Library in the Forest

Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest · Vestavia Hills
LibraryFree (per source)Opens Mon, Nov 16 · through Thu, Dec 31Good for little kids (2–4)Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills

A holiday photo booth opens at the library for the season; stop in for a family picture.

📅 Add the date range (Mon, Nov 16 – Thu, Dec 31)
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  • When: Opens Mon Nov 16, 2026
  • Time: Library hours
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Vestavia Hills Tree Lighting Festival

Vestavia Hills Civic Center (City of Vestavia Hills) · Vestavia Hills
Tree lightingFree (per source)Next: Thu, Nov 19Good for little kids (2–4)Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills

The city's tree lighting kicks off its Holiday in the Hills season.

Upcoming dates: Thu, Nov 19, 2026

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  • When: Thu Nov 19, 2026
  • Time: 6 p.m.
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Glow Wild: holiday lantern festival at the Birmingham Zoo

Birmingham Zoo · Birmingham (Lane Park · Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills)
Zoo & aquariumOpens Sat, Nov 21 · through Sun, Jan 3Good for little kids (2–4)Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills

A mile-long trail of handcrafted animal lanterns and more than a million lights, a Holiday Village with carolers, and train rides. Santa visits 5:30–7:30 p.m. Nov 27–29 and Dec 12, 19–23. Dec 2 is a sensory-friendly KultureCity night (6–8 p.m.). Closed on rainy nights.

📅 Add the date range (Sat, Nov 21 – Sun, Jan 3)
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  • When: Select nights Nov 21, 2026–Jan 3, 2027
  • Time: 5–9 p.m. (last tickets 8 p.m.)
  • Price: Advance $25 adult, $16 child (2–12); members $19/$12
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Hoover Christmas Tree Lighting

Hoover City Hall · Hoover
Tree lightingFree (per source)Next: Tue, Dec 1Good for little kids (2–4)South: Hoover, Inverness & Pelham

The city lights its tree outside City Hall. Last year brought school bands and choirs and Santa arriving on a fire truck, then photos in the Library Theatre. Park at Hoover Public Library.

Upcoming dates: Tue, Dec 1, 2026

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  • When: Tue Dec 1, 2026
  • Time: 6–8 p.m.
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Homewood Christmas Parade & City Hall tree lighting

Downtown Homewood (Homewood Parks & Recreation) · Homewood (Downtown Homewood · Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills)
ParadeFree (per source)Next: Thu, Dec 3Good for little kids (2–4)Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills

The parade leaves Homewood Public Library, heads east on Oxmoor Road and through downtown under the Christmas Star; the Homewood Star is lit as it enters downtown and the night ends with the tree lighting at City Hall Plaza.

Upcoming dates: Thu, Dec 3, 2026

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  • When: Thu Dec 3, 2026
  • Time: 6:30 p.m.
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Santa's Boots: public holiday performances

Birmingham Children's Theatre (BJCC) · Birmingham (Downtown · Downtown & Central Birmingham)
Arts & performanceNext: Sat, Dec 5Good for little kids (2–4)Downtown & Central Birmingham

BCT's holiday MainStage show for families.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Dec 5, 2026; Sat, Dec 12, 2026; Fri, Dec 18, 2026; Sat, Dec 19, 2026

📅 Add a date to your calendar
Sat, Dec 5Apple / OutlookGoogle
Sat, Dec 12Apple / OutlookGoogle
Fri, Dec 18Apple / OutlookGoogle
Sat, Dec 19Apple / OutlookGoogle
  • When: Sat Dec 5, 12 and 19 at 11 a.m.; Fri Dec 18 at 7 p.m.
  • Time: 11 a.m. (Dec 18 at 7 p.m.)
  • Price: Not listed on source
  • Ages: 1st grade and older
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Vulcan's Holidays on the Mountain

Vulcan Park & Museum · Birmingham (Red Mountain · Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills)
Seasonal & holiday eventPrice not listedNext: Sat, Dec 5Good for little kids (2–4)Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills

An annual community holiday evening on Red Mountain with photos with Santa and holiday music.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Dec 5, 2026

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  • When: Sat Dec 5, 2026
  • Time: 4–8 p.m.
  • Price: Not listed on source
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Vestavia Hills Parade & Party in the Park

Liberty Park / The Bray (City of Vestavia Hills) · Vestavia Hills (Liberty Park · Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills)
ParadeFree (per source)Next: Sun, Dec 6Good for little kids (2–4)Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills

The city's official holiday parade starts near The Bray and ends with a party on the Liberty Park Great Lawn and a tree lighting. Rain date Dec 13.

Upcoming dates: Sun, Dec 6, 2026

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  • When: Sun Dec 6, 2026 (rain date Sun Dec 13)
  • Time: 4 p.m.
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Mountain Brook Holiday Parade

Mountain Brook (Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce) · Mountain Brook
ParadeFree (per source)Next: Sun, Dec 6Good for little kids (2–4)Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills

Mountain Brook's holiday parade. Time and route are not posted yet.

Upcoming dates: Sun, Dec 6, 2026

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  • When: Sun Dec 6, 2026
  • Time: Not listed on source
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Menorah Lighting at Vestavia Hills City Hall

Vestavia Hills City Hall · Vestavia Hills
Seasonal & holiday eventFree (per source)Next: Thu, Dec 10Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills

A community Hanukkah menorah lighting at City Hall.

Upcoming dates: Thu, Dec 10, 2026

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  • When: Thu Dec 10, 2026
  • Time: Not listed on source
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Alabama Ballet: George Balanchine's The Nutcracker

BJCC Concert Hall · Birmingham (Downtown · Downtown & Central Birmingham)
Arts & performanceNext: Sat, Dec 12Downtown & Central Birmingham

Alabama Ballet's holiday Nutcracker with matinees on most performance days.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Dec 12, 2026; Sun, Dec 13, 2026; Sat, Dec 19, 2026; Sun, Dec 20, 2026; Mon, Dec 21, 2026; Tue, Dec 22, 2026

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Tue, Dec 22Apple / OutlookGoogle
  • When: Dec 12–22, 2026
  • Time: Matinees 1:30 p.m.; evenings 6 p.m. Dec 12, 19 and 20
  • Price: Not listed on source
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Breakfast with Santa in Vestavia Hills

Vestavia Hills Civic Center (City of Vestavia Hills) · Vestavia Hills
Seasonal & holiday eventPrice not listedNext: Sat, Dec 12Good for little kids (2–4)Over the Mountain: Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills

The city's Breakfast with Santa at the Civic Center.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Dec 12, 2026

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  • When: Sat Dec 12, 2026
  • Time: Not listed on source
  • Price: Not listed on source
  • Ages: Families with young children
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

The Sound of Music Sing-A-Long

Hoover Public Library · Hoover
LibraryPrice not listedNext: Sun, Dec 20South: Hoover, Inverness & Pelham

A family sing-along screening in the Library Theatre.

Upcoming dates: Sun, Dec 20, 2026

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  • When: Sun Dec 20, 2026
  • Time: 1:15–4:15 p.m.
  • Price: Not listed on source
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.

Cozy Christmas in the Children's Department

Hoover Public Library · Hoover
LibraryFree (per source)Next: Mon, Dec 21Good for little kids (2–4)South: Hoover, Inverness & Pelham

Drop in for holiday crafts and cozy, low-key activities.

Upcoming dates: Mon, Dec 21, 2026

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  • When: Mon Dec 21, 2026
  • Time: All day
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: Preschoolers and kids
  • Booking: Not listed on source
Source:Last checked 2026-10-23.