If you’re looking for opportunities to get ahead on your holiday shopping, you’ve got plenty to choose from this month with all of the Christmas markets and festivals. Down in the Ham is excited to be at Moss Rock Festival (November 2-3), Gifted (November 14), and Redeemer’s Christmas Market (November 21).
This Weekend (November 1-3)
- Christmas Village (November 1-3)
- Location: BJCC
- Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Cost:
- $12 for adults
- $5 for children (ages 6-12)
- Come shop at Birmingham’s premier holiday market and knock out your Christmas shopping list!
- Art After 5 (November 1)
- Location: Birmingham Museum of Art
- Time: 5 – 9 p.m.
- Celebrate the cult classic film The Big Lebowski while enjoying art, drinks, and more at the Museum of Art!
- Paula Poundstone (November 1)
- Location: Lyric Theatre
- Time: 8 p.m.
- Cost: $36+
- Hear comedian Paula Poundstone as she stops off in Birmingham in her “I’m Gonna Be Here” tour.
- Peer Gynt & Polovtsian Dances (November 1-2)
- Location: Jemison Concert Hall at the Alys Stephens Center
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Cost: $24+
- Hear the Alabama Symphony Orchestra perform Edvard Grieg’s Peer Gynt suites, featuring “In the Hall of the Mountain King.” The ASO will also be performing Brahms’ Nanie and Serenade No. 2 and Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances form Prince Igor.
- Moss Rock Festival (November 2-3)
- Location: The Preserve in Hoover
- Time:
- Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Cost:
- Adults: $10
- Students: $5
- Kids 15 and under are free
- Beer Garden Tickets (includes general admission to festival): $35
- This 14th annual art and design festival will have live music, interactive art projects for kids, eco-creative projects, and food will be available. And this year, I’m excited to announce that Down in the Ham will be a vendor at Moss Rock, so stop by and see us at the festival!
- Click here for a parking/entrance info.
- Taste of Freedom (November 2)
- Location: Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
- Time: 6 – 10 p.m.
- Cost: $60
- Experience soulful culinary creations from Birmingham’s top black chefs as well as the Neo/Funk sounds of Cereus and the D.A.M. Band. All of this accompanies the newest BCRI exhibit: Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow. There will also be a time-period photo booth for guests.
- Dress is cocktail attire.
- Jimmy Webb Concert (November 2)
- Location: Lyric Theatre
- Time: 8 p.m.
- Cost: $45+
Other Events in November
- Art Crawl (November 7)
- Location: The Pizitz
- Time: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Every 1st Thursday of the month, local artists line the streets at The Pizitz to showcase their work.
- Homewood Holiday Open House (November 7)
- Location: 2841 18th St. S.
- Time: 5 – 8 p.m.
- The merchants of 18th Street and surrounding areas will be kicking off the holiday season with extended store hours, holiday specials, refreshments, and other treats. You’ll also be able to hop on the Homewood for the Holidays Trolley and have your little ones able to take a pic with Santa.
- Silkroad Ensemble (November 7)
- Location: Sirote Theatre
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Cost: $28+
- Briarwood Christmas Market (November 7-8)
- Location: Briarwood Presbyterian Church
- Time:
- Thursday: noon – 6 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Shop for great gifts and keepsakes from unique and talented merchants.
- Disney on Ice (November 7-10)
- Location: BJCC Legacy Arena
- Time:
- Thursday – Friday: 10:30 a.m. & 7 p.m.
- Saturday: 10:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
- Sunday: 1 p.m. & 5 p.m.
- Cost: $60+
- Your favorite Disney heroes dream big in this ice show. Miguel aspires to be a musician and journeys through the Land of the Dead to unlock his family’s history. Moana and Maui bravely restore the stolen heart of Te Fiti. Anna and Elsa save their kingdom – and more!
- KC & the Sunshine Band Concert (November 8)
- Location: BJCC Concert Hall
- Time: 7:30 p.m.
- Cost: $35+
- Fall Parade of Homes (November 8-10, 15-17)
- Times:
- Fridays & Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Sundays: noon – 6 p.m.
- Tour dozens of beautiful homes in Birmingham and get a glimpse of some of the newest tech and decor trends. To see a map of participating homes, visit this site.
- Times:
- Fine Craft Show & Sale (November 9-10)
- Location: Birmingham Botanical Gardens
- Time:
- Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- This 47th annual show features over 40 juried artists from across Alabama.
- Boutique Blowout Winter Event (November 9-10)
- Location: Pelham Civic Center
- Time:
- Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Cost:
- $6 for a 1 day pass
- $10 for a 2 day pass
- This event features 40+ boutiques featuring items for women, men, and children.
- National Veterans Day Parade (November 11)
- Location: See this link for the parade route.
- Time:
- The parade will begin at 1:30 p.m.
- Did you know that Birmingham has the oldest Veterans Day in the country? It all started in 1947 because of the efforts of Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran.
- UAB Percussion Ensemble (November 11)
- Location: Alys Stephens Center
- Time: 7:30 p.m.
- Hear UAB’s Percussion Ensemble perform contemporary and traditional pieces.
- West Homewood Farmer’s Fall Market (November 12)
- Location: 160 Oxmoor Rd.
- Time: 5 – 8 p.m.
- The West Homewood Farmer’s Market only holds 1 market in the fall, and it’s this month! There will be arts and crafts vendors as well as a bunch of food trucks. However, there won’t be any farms with veggies available this time.
- Gregory Alan Isokov Concert (November 12)
- Location: Lyric Theatre
- Time: 8 p.m.
- Cost: $45+
- Jonas Brothers Concert (November 13)
- Location: BJCC Legacy Arena
- Time: 7:30 p.m.
- Cost: $28+
- Gifted (November 14)
- Location: Shades Mountain Baptist Church
- Time: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Cost: $5
- Shop from a variety of vendors and, with your entry fee, support ministries that fight human trafficking, encourage foster care and adoption, and spread the gospel. Down in the Ham is excited to be there as a vendor this year!
- Crestline Holiday Open House (November 14)
- Location: 101 Hoyt Ln. (Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce)
- Time: 4 – 7 p.m.
- Enjoy discounts and special events from shops in The Village. Santa will be in front of City Hall from 4 – 6 p.m. for pictures.
- Deck the Heights (November 14)
- Location: Cahaba Heights
- Time: 5 – 8 p.m.
- Enjoy refreshments, arts and crafts, pop-up shops, sales, and holiday cheer from the merchants in Cahaba Heights. You can also take a ride through the neighborhood on the Heights Express and fill your Heights Passport for a chance to win prizes.
- Kip Moore Concert (November 14)
- Location: Alabama Theatre
- Time: 8 p.m.
- Cost: $33+
- Southern Social Summit (November 15)
- Location: Haven (2515 6th Ave. S.)
- Time: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Cost: $120
- Attend the biggest social media conference in Alabama. Meet future partners, clients, and influencers. Gain actionable steps to improve your social media presence. Create lasting memories and relationships.
- Magical Marketplace (November 15)
- Location: Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church (2061 Kentucky Ave.)
- Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Shop from over 80 vendors. There will also be a wonderful bake sell.
- Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony (November 15-16)
- Location: Alys Stephens Center
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Cost: $24+
- Hear the Alabama Symphony Orchestra perform Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony, Haydn’s Symphony No. 103, and Martin Kennedy’s “Forest Dark and Stars Above.”
- Moonstone Festival (November 16)
- Location: Sloss Docks (3201 1st Ave. N.)
- Time: noon – 10:30 p.m.
- Cost: $35
- This one day festival celebrates the female presence in music and art. A percentage of sales will benefit Girls Rock Birmingham.
- Black Violin Concert (November 16)
- Location: Lyric Theatre
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Cost: $55+
- Chonda Pierce (November 17)
- Location: Samford University Wright Center
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Cost: $20+
- Hear comedian, author, and actress Chonda Pierce perform in her “Still Laughing” tour.
- Mary Chapin Carpenter & Shawn Colvin Concert (November 17)
- Location: Jemison Concert Hall
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Cost: $45+
- Tchaikovsky’s Piano Trio (November 19)
- Location: Brock Recital Hall at Samford University
- Time: 7:30 p.m.
- Cost: $29
- Hear members of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra perform some of Tchaikovsky’s beloved chamber pieces.
- Redeemer Christmas Market (November 21)
- Location: Redeemer Community Church
- Time: 5 – 8 p.m.
- Shop from 26 unique vendors at this holiday market in Avondale. Down in the Ham is excited to be there as a vendor this year!
- Market Noel (November 21-23)
- Location: Finley Center at the Hoover Met
- Time:
- Thursday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Cost:
- $15 for general admission
- $32 for a 3-day pass
- The Junior League hosts this premier holiday shopping event with over 100 exclusive merchants, and it’s a fabulous place to do your holiday shopping.
- The Elf on the Shelf Musical (November 21)
- Location: BJCC Concert Hall
- Time: 6 p.m.
- Cost: $40+
- Watch this Christmas musical based on the beloved Elf on the Shelf tradition.
- 1776 – The Musical (November 21-23)
- Location: Harrison Theatre at Samford University
- Time: 7:30 p.m.
- Cost: $10+
- This musical is based on the events surrounding the signing of the Declaration of Independence, dramatizing the efforts of John Adams to persuade his colleagues to vote for American Independence and to sign the document.
- Lights Up at The Summit (November 22)
- Location: The Summit
- Time: 4:30 – 8 p.m.
- Enjoy a parade, watch the fireworks, catch a glimpse of Santa, and see The Summit all lit up. Santa will be available for pictures before and after the parade (5 – 6 p.m. and 7 – 8 p.m.).
- Bela Fleck & The Fleckstones Concert (November 22)
- Location: Jemison Concert Hall
- Time: 8 p.m.
- Cost: $164+
- The Big Pitch (November 23)
- Location: Upswing (1900 2nd Ave. N.)
- Time: 1 – 4 p.m.
- Cost: $15-$25
- Watch this shark-tank style business pitch competition that’s presented by PNC and hosted by REV Birmingham. Numerous local business such as Eugene’s Hot Chicken, Feast & Forest, Ghost Train Brewing Company, and others have participated and gotten the opportunity to win startup money needed to launch their business. The audience will also have the opportunity to cast their vote for this year’s People’s Choice Award.
- Sesame Street Live (November 23-24)
- Location: BJCC
- Time: 10:30 a.m. & 2 p.m.
- Cost: $15+
- Enjoy this interactive show with all of your friends on Sesame Street.
- Sister Hazel Concert (November 23)
- Location: Iron City
- Time: 8 p.m.
- Cost: $46+
- Birmingham Ballet Presents The Mutt-cracker (November 29)
- Location: Alabama Theatre
- Time: 7:30 p.m.
- Cost: $35+
- Hosted by the Birmingham Ballet and benefitting the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, dog-lovers will enjoy this twist on The Nutcracker, which involves dogs as dancers.
- The Nutcracker (November 30)
- Location: Alabama Theatre
- Time: 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
- Cost: $35+
- Celebrate this holiday classic with the Birmingham Ballet.
Monthlong Events
- Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland (November 15-30)
- Location: Birmingham Race Course (1000 John Rogers Dr., Irondale)
- Time: 6 – 10 p.m.
- Because weekends are popular nights to visit the light show, expect long lines and long wait times. To avoid this, come during the week!
- Cost: $25 for cars or family vans (8 passengers or less)
- This 2 mile route features hundreds of thousands of lights perfectly dancing to music. This year’s theme of displays features all of the fairy tales you love.
- Birmingham Bulls (November 1-2, 8, 22-23, 29)
- Location: Pelham Civic Complex
- Time: Click here for schedule
- Cost: $15+
- The Birmingham Bulls kick off their 2nd season this fall, and they’ll play the Quad City Storm on the 1st and 2nd, the Pensacola Ice Flyers on the 8th, the Fayetteville Marksmen on the 22nd and 23rd, and the Pensacola Ice Flyers on the 29th.
- North Pole Express (November 15-17, 22-24, 29-30)
- Location: Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
- Times: 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8 p.m.
- Cost:
- Coach Class: $28
- Live Entertainment Gallery Car: $37
- First Class: $47
- Infants ride for free
- Ride the North Pole Express with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elves on this magical journey through the North Pole. Each person gets a keepsake, chocolate milk and cookies, and can take a picture with Santa. You’ll also be able to sing Christmas songs and listen to a special Christmas story.
- The Market at Pepper Place (Saturday mornings)
- Location: 2829 2nd Ave. S.
- Time: 7 a.m. – noon
- MAKEbhm Classes
- Location:
- Time: Either 6 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. depending on the class.
- Click here for this month’s schedule.
- Cost varies per class, but it ranges from $40-$150.
- Feeling crafty and creative? Learn from local makers how to bind books, mold ceramics, make soy candles, screen print shirts or posters, create stained glass, or explore hand building techniques.
- Steel City Swing (Mondays Nights)
- Location: Forma (1820 3rd Ave. N.)
- Time: 7 – 9 p.m.
- There’s a lesson from 7-8 p.m. followed by social dancing from 8-9 p.m.
- Cost:
- $10 general admission
- $7 for students
- Learn how to Lindy Hop at Steel City Swing! No experience or partner is required since they rotate partners during the lesson to help you learn. I’ve been several times and always have a lot of fun!