Celebrate The Holidays In Alabama
Melody Schubert
December 11, 2009
The holidays are a festive time to join the fun at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum when Santa rides the train with you! Children can tell Santa what they would like for Christmas, and enjoy a cheerful gathering with their family and friends. Among the popular events is a magical train to the North Pole! Santa is also on hand during this event with his elves, sing Christmas carols, sharing the the Polar Express story and a bedtime snack. Plus, kids may just receive the First Gift of Christmas! Check the Heart Of Dixie Railroad Museum's website for current events or to make advanced reservations for events. www.HODRRM.org
Celebrate a Capitol Christmas in Montgomery during the Capitol Heights by Candlelight when Home Is Where The Art Is. During this event you can join a walking tour of homes decorated for Christmas. View works by featured artists and their work in each home as well. We enjoy the beautiful historic architecture, and strolling carolers. For a romantic evening take a carriage ride, and sample some homemade baked goods, and hot apple cider. This is a wonderful event to share with loved ones! www.capitolheightsmontgomery.org
Birmingham Alabama Ballet presents George Balanchine's "The Nutcracker" at the Samford University Wright Center. This holiday tradition features dazzling choreography, beautiful costumes, extravagant sets, and a cast of community children. Alabama Ballet remains one of only six companies in the world currently licensed to present this holiday classic. Matinees are scheduled at 2:30 p.m., and evening performances begin at 7:30. www.alabamaballet.org
One of the companies also featuring The Nutcracker is The Montgomery Ballet. The performance of the world´s most loved Christmas story has been a tradition in Montgomery tradition since 1976, and promises to delight all ages with brilliant dancing, magical scenery, and colorful costumes. Following the matinees, children will be whisked away to The Sugar Plum Fairy´s Christmas Party! Children will enter a magical setting to meet and mingle with The Sugar Plum Fairy, her Cavalier, the Dew Drop Fairy, Clara and other Nutcracker favorites, who will be on hand to meet and greet the children, and sign autographs. Children can have photographs taken with their favorite Nutcracker character and will receive festive party favors! www.montgomeryballet.org
While in Montgomery take a break and stand at Court Square in downtown Montgomery, where the entire history of the Southeast surrounds you. An 1885 fountain allows an artesian spring to bubble up in the center of the traffic circle at Court Square. The spring was probably used by the Creek Indians who lived here before the 1814 treaty that gave their lands to Alabama. enjoy a Montgomery Biscuits baseball game or enjoy music and a drink at the Alley Bar after dinner at Dreamland BBQ.
A historical marker on Court Square recalls the slave market that once stood here. The telegraph that started the Civil War — authorizing Charleston, S.C., to remove Union forces from Fort Sumter — was sent from a building on Court Square. In 1866, the Emancipation Proclamation was celebrated here. The bus stop where Rosa Parks boarded that fateful day in 1955 is now in a small park on Court Square. And a few blocks up Goat Hill is the state Capitol, where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and hundreds of people completed their civil rights march from Selma. Montgomery doesn't try to hide its past. Memorials, tourist sites and a narrated trolley ride tell the stories.
To plan you memorable trip to Alabama visit the links above for the Holiday events or those provided below:
Montgomery Area Visitor Center call (334) 262-00l3
Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce call (334) 834-5200 or visit www.montgomerychamber.com
Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitor Bureau call (334) 26l-ll00 or (800) 240-9452, and go online to www.visitingmontgomery.com.
For a complete listing of special events, getaway options, and attractions throughout the state visit the Alabama Tourism Department online at http://www.alabama.travel/.
Photo Credits: Alabama Tourism Dept - Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
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