The other St. Nick: Where to find Santa Claus in Tuscaloosa

Ken Roberts, Tuscaloosa News
·2 min read

His big day isn't until Dec. 25, but Santa Claus is taking time out of his Christmas preparations to make a few Tuscaloosa appearances.

Here are some of the places where you will find the jolly old elf:

Santa Claus makes an appearance in the stands during Alabama's 66-3 win over Western Carolina Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Santa Claus makes an appearance in the stands during Alabama's 66-3 win over Western Carolina Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Santa Claus has arrived at his spot in the center court at University Mall, 1701 McFarland Blvd. E.  Hours are 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with a break from 2:30-3:30. Sunday hours are 1-5:30 p.m. Professional photo packages with Santa are available. Holiday Express train rides will run during Santa hours for $3 per rider. St. Nick will be at the mall until 5 p.m. Dec. 24.

Holidays on the Plaza will host Santa from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Holidays on the Plaza is at 2106 Sixth St. and features an outdoor ice skating rink and the Tinsel Trail, a collection of more than 200 decorated Christmas trees. For more information, go to www.holidaysontheplaza.com.

Santa Claus will pose for photos with pets and their family members at Pet Supplies Plus, 2600 McFarland Blvd. E. Photos will be taken by professional photographer Keith Davis from 4:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 1-5 p.m. Saturday. To schedule a photo, go to www.humansocietyofwa.org The cost is $20 per photo for a 4-inch-by-6-inch color print. All proceeds benefit the Humane Society of West Alabama.

Nathan Rainey, 5, left, talks to Santa Claus as he and his brother, Noah, 4, sit beside Santa to have a photo made at University Mall in Tuscaloosa on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017.
Nathan Rainey, 5, left, talks to Santa Claus as he and his brother, Noah, 4, sit beside Santa to have a photo made at University Mall in Tuscaloosa on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017.

Father Christmas will be at the Holly Jolly Holiday Party from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Warner Transportation Museum, 1901 Jack Warner Parkway. Admission is free and attendees will be able to make a keepsake Christmas ornament. The party will also include music by members of the Northridge High School band, a hybrid car display courtesy of Townsend Honda and Townsend Nissan. Lunch will be available at the La Mexicana food truck.

Two University of Alabama basketball games at Coleman Coliseum will feature photo opportunities with Santa. At noon Sunday, Santa will be at the UA women's basketball game against Louisiana-Monroe. And at 3 p.m. Dec. 23, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the Alabama-Eastern Kentucky men's basketball game. Tickets to both games are available at www.rolltide.com.

Reach Ken Roberts at ken.roberts@tuscaloosanews.com.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Where's Santa Claus? He's in Tuscaloosa, so you better watch out