holiday season

The holiday season often brings joy and celebration— but it also brings a rise in cybercrime. The FBI says 12,000 victims lost $73 million to online scams during the holiday season in 2022, including in Alabama. UAB is now offering a guide for residents to preserve their cybersecurity.

The Christmas Lights Festival is back at the Montgomery Zoo with new light displays. This 33rd annual tradition runs through Dec. 31. Visitors can experience a Winter Wonderland, featuring thousands of sparkling lights and decorations— plus some festive new additions to the 2025 season.

December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month. Alabamians are now being cautioned about potential risks associated with toys. Most toy-related deaths have been linked to choking on small balls or crayons, drownings associated with flotation toys and entrapment inside toy chests.

Governor Kay Ivey is preparing to light the Alabama Capitol Christmas tree. The theme of this year’s ceremony is “Every Light a Prayer for Peace.” The official state Christmas tree is a 38-foot Eastern Red Cedar from Bullock County. Throughout the week, the tree has been adorned with approximately 40,000 lights and an assortment of ornaments.

Santa Claus, free hot chocolate, live music, a coat collection drive and the holiday spirit will be front and center at “A ‘Claus’ for Celebration” in Huntsville this weekend. The inaugural event promises to warm even the Grinch-iest of hearts.

The Auburn Community Orchestra is set to provide an evening of musical cheer. The annual holiday concert will take place at the Auburn United Methodist Church on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., featuring traditional and several sing-along tunes.

Holiday cheer is being spread around by The University of Alabama Museums. Free events are being offered at Gorgas House Museum, Paul W. Bryant Museum and Alabama Museum of Natural History during "the most wonderful time of the year."

The City of Tuscaloosa’s seasonal ice-skating rink is returning to Government Plaza in downtown Tuscaloosa this week. Holidays on the Plaza is set to open on Friday Nov. 29, alongside the Tuscaloosa One Place's Tinsel Trail.

Family and friend get-togethers, massive meals, football, office parties, gift-giving and all things festive come with the holiday season, but dangers can still be present. The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is offering the following tips and resources for the safest, happiest and healthiest holiday season possible.

The City of Mobile is announcing a night of cheer as Mayor Sandy Stimpson will light up the night and celebrate the start of the holiday season. The annual Lighting of the Tree on Friday, Nov. 15 in Mardi Gras Park. The yearly event has become the annual launching point for the Holiday Season in Mobile.