December is such a busy month. Most of us are zipping around, shopping for gifts and wrapping them up, decorating, baking, and making sure everything related to the holiday madness gets done. And this year, the pressure is on. We're planning holiday get-togethers again, including Yuletide dinners, parties, and the exchange of gifts. But in the days leading up to the holidays, it's worthwhile to take some time out, get out of the house and visit local holiday attractions. Happily, many are not far from Tuscaloosa homes for sale. 

Our real estate agents have some suggestions for attractions near you. Check them out, and enjoy.

1. Weihnacht's Markt. 420 Rice Valley Rd N, Tuscaloosa, AL
   Here's your chance to shop at a traditional German Christmas market on Sunday, Dec. 12, 4-6:30 p.m. Weihnachtsmarkts are found in towns in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. The market heralds the beginning of Advent, a holy season of the Christian church that leads up to Christmas and the celebration of the birth of Christ. These markets draw millions of visitors, and are known for Nativity scenes; special foods such as Zwetschgenmannle (figures created from decorated dried plums); carved nutcrackers; and traditional Christmas cookies. Mulled wine and cider are also sometimes available. Our local market offers a great opportunity to become acquainted with this charming cultural tradition from the Germanic people.
   
   
2. Theatre Tuscaloosa. Bean-Brown Theatre. 500 Old Greensboro Road, 154 Tuscaloosa, AL
   How about a theater weekend for you and your pals? (Sure, your significant other is absolutely welcome too.) Theatre Tuscaloosa is presenting "Girls' Weekend," playing Dec. 10-19. It's a madcap comedy where four friends plan a get-away at a remote cabin, but also plan how they can sneak visits with their sweethearts.
   
   
3. Tuscaloosa Ice Skating. Government Plaza. 2106 6th St, Tuscaloosa, AL
   Ice skating is a great way to entertain holiday company or just to let the kids expend some energy. This year Tuscaloosa ice skating has moved to Government Plaza as part of Holidays on the Plaza, which will also feature the Tinsel Trail (benefiting Tuscaloosa's One Place, and other holiday parties and festivities). Enjoy ice skating through Jan. 17. Admission to Holidays on the Plaza is free, but you'll need to purchase passes for ice skating.
   
   
4. Light Displays.
   You can pack the family in the car and drive around Tuscaloosa, exploring and finding your own pretty Christmas lights, or you can visit the ones we've compiled below, or see more compiled for the WBRC Magic City Weekend:
   
   Calera's Christmas Wonderland. 409 East Milgray in Calera (Southern Hills subdivision). Walk through 30,000 lights and enjoy a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. Through Christmas Eve, 5 p.m. until 10 p.m.,  weather permitting.
   
   Bama Lights in Pinson. 8333 West Hill Road, Pinson, AL. Tune the car radio to 88.1 FM, then drive through the lights display. No charge, but donations are accepted for Magic Moments, an organization for children. Through Dec. 25, nightly from 5 to 9:30 p.m., weather permitting.
   
   Christmas at the Falls. Noccalula Falls Park and Campground. 1500 Noccalula Rd., Gadsden, AL. Enjoy thousands of lights, plus a musical light show at the Covered Bridge, a train ride, hopping animal habitat, and concessions. See Santa at the General Post Office through Dec. 23; visit lights through Jan. 2.
   
   Toy Shop on Magnolia. 211 Magnolia Street, Trussville, AL. Handmade decorations and lights made up to look like Santa's workshop. Nightly, starting at dusk, to the end of December.

Need more suggestions for brilliant holiday attractions you can visit? Contact us today.