It’s December, and as 2016 winds down, Auburn and Opelika are just winding up for an exciting and eventful Christmas season. Some of our featured events may already be a part of your annual holiday traditions, but if you are new to the area or if you have just never made it out to one of these events before, this should be your year to try something new and indulge in a bit of local holiday culture. Check out Ryan’s Top 10 December events in Auburn and Opelika!
- Samford Hall Lighting Ceremony, Dec. 1: Join the Auburn University Student Government Association on Samford Lawn at 6 p.m. for the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony.
- Super 7 State Football Championships, Dec. 1-2: Jordan-Hare Stadium will host the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s state championship football games. The best 14 teams in the state will face off for the title in their respective divisions. Fans are welcome to attend.
- Rocky Brook Rocket Reindeer Express, Dec. 1-3: Opelika’s Municipal Park invites children and families to ride the Rocky Brook Rocket, an Opelika staple since 1955. During the Christmas season, it is called the Rocky Brook Rocket Reindeer Express! The event will feature food, hot chocolate, face painting and pictures with Santa from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour, Dec. 7-11: Sixty homes on Opelika’s 8th and 9th streets will be decorated with life-sized Santa’s, angels, toys, carousel horses and other Christmas-themed décor for a self-directed driving tour. On Saturday, Dec. 10, the event will host a walking tour from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. that encompasses 10 city blocks. A tree lighting with Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller and his wife Laura will take place at 6 p.m. that evening on the corner of North 8th Street and 2nd
- Gingerbread Village, Dec. 8: The 2016 Auburn Gingerbread Village at the Hotel at Auburn University will be unveiled following the Auburn Christmas Parade. The village, which features replicas of iconic area architecture made from sugary sweets, will be on display through the end of the month.
- Auburn Christmas Parade, Dec. 8: The parade will kick off in downtown Auburn at 5 p.m. and will include local high school bands and cheerleaders, Aubie and a visit from Santa himself.
- Christmas in a Railroad Town, Dec. 9: Families are encouraged to come to historic downtown Opelika from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for food vendors, pony rides, caroling, live entertainment, letters to Santa and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Adults can enjoy loft tours and personalized gifts made on site. This event includes a variety of activities that will appeal to all ages.
- Loveliest Village Christmas Tour, Dec. 10-11: The 10th annual Loveliest Village Christmas Tour of Homes and Buildings hosted by the Auburn Preservation League will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 10 and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 11. The tour will feature six homes and two buildings in the Auburn area.
- Opelika Christmas Parade, Dec. 10: The Opelika Chamber of Commerce sponsors Opelika’s annual Christmas parade from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. featuring Grand Marshal Dr. Don Roberts with the theme “A Magical Christmas.”
- New Year’s Eve Eve, Dec. 30: Spend the night before New Year’s Eve with the Auburn Downtown Merchants from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.! Stores will offer special deals and later operating hours.
As you can see, there is no lack of holiday spirit around the Auburn-Opelika area this month as we gear up for December 25th and 2017!
For more local events, and for information about real estate in the Auburn-Opelika area, continue to follow the Homes Auburn blog, or call Realtor Ryan Roberts at 334-750-9872. Email Ryan at [email protected]! #ToDo #Top10 #HolidayEvents #AuburnRealEstate #OpelikaRealEstate #AuburnRealtor #OpelikaRealtor #AuburnAL #OpelikaAL #HomesAuburn #RyanRoberts
