Tis the season for parades and concerts, home tours and living nativities, shopping and, well, shopping. Check out our full list of what is going on when this December.

1. Mountain Brook Art Association Holiday Show

Nov. 23-Dec. 23 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
The Summit, Former Pier One Space

Find some of your favorite local artists displaying their wares and find a one-of-a-kind gift for those impossible-to-buy-for people on your list. They’ll have  hand-painted ornaments, cards and books by artists along with art of all sizes and price points, painting demos, on-the-spot portraits and the Hand in Paw therapy animals.

2. Holiday Parade

Sunday, Dec. 2 | 3 p.m.
Mountain Brook Village

Watch as floats, fire trucks, bands, choral groups, dancers and of course St. Nicholas himself parade down through Mountain Brook Village. Plus, you can stay afterward to catch photos with Santa too.

3. Holiday Open Houses

No need to worry about a 5:00 closing time on these nights. Plus, there will be extra merriment with festivities in the stores, so come knock out some shopping for special ones on your list and support local businesses. All open houses organized by the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce take place 5-8 p.m.

  • Nov. 15: Crestline Village
  • Nov. 28: English Village
  • Nov. 29: Mountain Brook Village
  • Dec. 4: Cahaba Village

4. Legacy League Christmas Home Tour

Thursday, Dec. 6 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m.

Tour homes in all their festive glory—plus festive hors d’oeuvres and a holiday gift market at the Samford president’s home. The tour features four other homes too including the houses of Ashley & Trevor Kaple and Danielle & Bart Yancey in Mountain Brook. Proceeds benefit the Legacy League’s scholarships to Samford University for students with significant financial need and challenging circumstances. For tickets visit samford.edu/legacyleague/.

5. IPC Holiday House Tour

Dec. 8-9
Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Independent Presbyterian Church

Take a tour of area homes decked out for the season, and stay for tea at the Great Hall at IPC—which acts as a stop on the tour. The tour benefits the Children’s Fresh Air Farm, STAIR and The Open Door—all missions sponsored by IPC Presbyterian Women. This year’s tour will stop at the homes of Val and George Holman, Alice and Bob Schleusner, and William McClure. Tickets can be purchased online, at each house or at Independent Presbyterian Church during tour hours.

6. Living Nativity

Dec. 20-22
Mountain Brook Baptist Church

See the Biblical account of Jesus’ birth played out live—with live actors and live animals at this annual production by Mountain Brook Baptist Church, now going more than 50 years strong. And hark! the herald angels will sing, glory to the newborn king. Shows start at 6:45, 7:30 and 8:15 p.m. each night.

7. Nightmare Before Christmas on Oak Street Horror Double Feature and Craft

Saturday, Dec. 8 | 5-10 p.m.
Emmet O’Neal Library

Come out to watch “Gremlins” and “Black Christmas” as part of this Standing Room Only event for ages 21 and up. Register at eolib.org.

8. Etc.: Fancy Nancy Holiday Hairdo Hullabaloo

Wednesday, Dec. 19 | 3 p.m.
Emmet O’Neal Library

Girls can get their whimsy on and get their hair styled like Fancy Nancy in her books. No appointments are necessary, and it’s for ages 3 and up. See more children’s library events here.

9. Letters to Santa

Any Time Before Dec. 25

Children can send wish lists straight to the North Pole via “Letters to Santa” mailboxes located in the villages. After their arrival, Santa will send a response thanks to a special collaboration between Mountain Brook Public Works employees and the Jolly Old St. Nick himself. Mailboxes are located outside Gilchrist in Mountain Brook Village, Swoop in Lane Parke, Smith’s Variety in Crestline Village and the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce office on the side of city hall across from Oak Street Garden Shop.

10. Mountain Brook Tree Commission Recycling Program

Starting Dec. 26
The Birmingham Zoo

Not sure what to do with your tree come Dec. 26? You can drop off during normal business hours in the zoo’s picnic area near the parking lot, and your evergreen will be recycled to make mulch for the zoo and other areas thanks to an effort by the Mountain Brook Tree Commission. Be sure to clear off all your ornaments and lights first.

Did we miss any events? Do you have an event coming up in a future month? Email mm@mountainbrookmagazine.com to submit yours.