Alabama NewsCenter — Can’t Miss Alabama: Sparkle at Christmas events, attractions

By Shirley Jackson

Galaxy of Lights in Huntsville
Explore the elaborate lights at the Huntsville Botanical Garden through Sunday, Jan. 1. Galaxy of Lights is open Christmas Eve until 2 p.m. and closed Christmas Day. It opens New Year’s Eve until 2 p.m. and is closed New Year’s Day. Click here for the complete holiday schedule. Between walking nights and driving nights, new features at this year’s Galaxy of Lights include a 150-foot tunnel of lights comprising 40,000 channels of light; lighting effects in and around the Damson Aquatic Garden; a display of 96 light poles, each 10 feet tall, programmed to dance to music in the Van Valkenburgh Daylily Garden; more than 300 colorful floodlights that emphasize the garden’s natural features and landscape; more than 10 illuminated swings spread throughout the experience; and a professional photo opportunity in the garden. For tickets and information, visit hsvbg.org/galaxy. The venue is at 4747 Bob Wallace Ave.

Magic Christmas in Lights
Bellingrath Gardens and Home will have its annual holiday light display through Wednesday, Jan. 4. Magic Christmas in Lights will open Christmas Eve at 8 a.m. but will be closed on Christmas Day. It opens New Year’s Eve at 8 a.m. and is closed New Year’s Day. Click here for the complete holiday schedule. Stroll throughout the 65-acre garden estate just south of Theodore. Beer, wine and special coffee with Irish cream will be available throughout the evening, as well as snacks, hot chocolate and s’mores. Bellingrath’s Magnolia Café will serve holiday meals from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Wonderland Under Warrior
Rickwood Caverns is transformed into a winter wonderland through Sunday, Jan. 8. The caverns will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. The caverns will reopen New Year’s Day at 2 p.m. Click here for the complete holiday schedule. Wonderland Under Warrior, in the park’s centerpiece cave system, offers a magical experience featuring festive light displays, decorations and a number of characters who are available for photos. The cave temperature remains at 62 degrees year-round. Reservations are highly recommended. The entire walk is about 1 mile inside the cave. Rickwood Caverns State Park is off Interstate 65 in Warrior, about 30 miles north of downtown Birmingham and about 75 miles south of Huntsville.

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