Christmas events ramp up, starting Thanksgiving Day

Donna Thornton, The Gadsden Times
·3 min read
A past Rainbow City Christmas tree lighting is pictured. This year's ceremony is at 6 p.m. Dec. 6 and includes a concert by legendary Southern Gospel quartet Gold City.
A past Rainbow City Christmas tree lighting is pictured. This year's ceremony is at 6 p.m. Dec. 6 and includes a concert by legendary Southern Gospel quartet Gold City.

After you've tackled the turkey, it's time for Christmas activities to take the center stage.

Rainbow City's Gold City Christmas is returning, and for the first time, Etowah County will have a tree-lighting event at the courthouse Nov. 28 — with the aim of bringing all the county together to celebrate the season and foster unity. Here are some of the upcoming activities for this holiday season.

Lights on the Landing, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday through Jan. 1, at River Rocks Landing. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children.

Christmas at the Falls, featuring millions of lighted attractions throughout the park starts Thursday and continues nightly through Dec. 23. Tickets are available online only at https://www.noccalulafallspark.com/. The cost is $8 Monday through Thursday; $10 Friday through Sunday; guests 3 and under are admitted free. Tickets include a ride on the on park's new electric trains. There will be food vendors on site.

Etowah County Christmas Tree Lighting, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Etowah County Courthouse Square. People from Etowah County and all its municipalities are invited to a tree-lighting ceremony. There will be food vendors, and high school bands are expected to perform.

Southside Christmas Tree Lighting, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Nov. 28. Visit with Santa, take photos, grab dinner from local food vendors, and listen to a musical performance by The Pride of Southside.

TubaChristmas, Dec. 2 at Gadsden City Hall. Tuba and Euphonium players of all ages and abilities are invited to bring their horns and take part in what's become an annual event. Participation is $10 per person, $20 for music books available to purchase at the event. Registration begins at 3 p.m. with rehearsal at 4 p.m. and the performance at 5:30 p.m. There will be merchandise for sale.

Gadsden City Tree Lighting, 6 p.m. Dec. 2, at Gadsden City Hall, followed by the Coosa Boat Parades.

"A Hometown Christmas," 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Pitman Theatre.

Mistletoe Market, noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 2; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 3 and Dec. 4 at the Downtown City Center.

Cookies and Pictures with Santa, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 3 at American Legion Post 322. To participate, RSVP by texting your last name and the number of people participating to 256-399-9228.

Gold City Christmas with The Joyful Juniors, 6 p.m. Dec. 6, at Rainbow City Hall. in addition to the free concert, there will be the city tree lighting, Santa and food trucks for the holiday event.

Attalla Tree Lighting, 5:30 pm. Dec. 8, downtown Attalla, followed by the Attalla Christmas Parade at 6 p.m.

Cookies and Cocoa with Santa, 6 p.m. Dec. 8, at the Glencoe Public Safety Building. The City of Glencoe invites you to get a photo with Santa and a free goody bag.

Snacks with Santa, 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 10, at the Hardin Center.

Kings of Swing Orchestra Sounds of Christmas Concert, 6 p.m. Dec. 13, at the Hardin Center. Table seating will be provided for the free concert; bring coolers and takeout food from downtown restaurants. Enter the Hardin Center through the main doors from the rear parking lot.

This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Christmas events on tap range from concerts to cookies with Santa