Celebrate holiday season in downtown Birmingham

From visiting Santa to enjoying horse-drawn carriage rides, the traditional holiday tree lighting and Winter Markt, Small Business Saturday and stores and boutiques with loads of merchandise, downtown Birmingham is the spot to enjoy the holiday season once again.

The Birmingham Shopping District (BSD) welcomes visitors of all ages to celebrate the holidays with a full line-up of events this season. “We are excited to bring these community traditions back this year,” said Jaimi Brook, BSD operations and events manager.

Everyone is invited to shop downtown Birmingham's small businesses on Saturday, November 27, – now known as Small Business Saturday – for special deals at lots of local locations. The holiday season will kick off in the city with a festive atmosphere all day long, Brook said, including a Santa Walk beginning at 9:30 a.m., visits with Santa, carriage rides, hot chocolate, a scavenger hunt for a chance to win $250, and loads of other fun activities. Parking that day is free all day in the city's five parking structures.

Be sure to make a visit with Santa at his charming home at Santa House in Shain Park throughout the season. Visits with Santa are always free.

On weekends throughout the holiday season, be sure to visit Shain Park in the middle of Birmingham and hop aboard a beautiful horse-drawn carriage for an illuminated, free tour of the beautifully decorated downtown.

Everyone is excited for the return of the Birmingham Winter Markt event, December 3-5, reminiscent a a traditional European holiday market. Winter Markt features displays from local artists, European cuisine, ice sculptures, entertainment, visits with Santa, carriage rides, children's activities and loads more. The star on the top is the holiday tree lighting celebration on opening night, Friday, December 3, at 6 p.m.

Looking for a fun activity? Registered participants can compete in a scavenger hunt throughout the downtown this holiday season. There will be winners each Saturday and Sunday, who will receive a $250 Birmingham Bucks gift card.

Shoppers and visitors to downtown Birmingham will enjoy hot chocolate on select Saturdays, courtesy of Hazel's and the Daxton Hotel, and roasted chestnuts courtesy of the BSD, at a tent at the corner of Maple and Old Woodward.