Birmingham, Alabama, October 10, 2025
News Summary
REV Birmingham is set to introduce a series of festive events in downtown Birmingham this December. Following their economic vitality report, the initiative aims to enhance the holiday experience while creating new traditions for the community. With attractions like the Holiday Film Series and the ornament trail alongside venues such as the Alabama Theatre, the calendar of events seeks to invigorate holiday spirit and draw visitors, addressing the slow month for downtown businesses and students.
Birmingham, Alabama – REV Birmingham has announced a series of festive events aimed at enhancing the holiday experience in downtown Birmingham this December. The local organization is focused on rekindling memories of cherished holiday celebrations while also promoting the creation of new traditions suitable for the 21st century.
Julie McKinney, the vice president of people and places at REV Birmingham, emphasized the organization’s commitment to injecting more magic into December festivities. These planned events are part of an economic vitality report released by REV Birmingham, detailing the anticipated activities that will kick off in mid-November.
Jackson Dean, a data and research manager for REV, pointed out that the annual Holiday Film Series at the Alabama Theatre attracts significant crowds, with over 30,000 people visiting downtown during the previous December. Other venues, including the BJCC, Lyric Theatre, and Red Mountain Theatre, also contribute to the holiday draw, bringing in crowds throughout the festive season.
However, it’s worth noting that December remains the slowest month for downtown workers and students compared to other months of the year. In response to this trend, McKinney highlighted the existing holiday traditions in the area but acknowledged a lack of activities, thus initiating the need for additional options during the festive season.
As part of the holiday festivities, local artists are currently engaged in creating an ornament trail along 20th Street North to Linn Park, which is included in the schedule of events. These initiatives are being funded by the Downtown BHM Business Improvement District (BID), which comprises local businesses. The overarching goal is to foster connectivity and expand options for festive activities within the downtown area.
Some of the events are slated to occur before Birmingham’s annual tree lighting ceremony on December 7. Among the key festivities that have gained popularity are the lighting of the menorah and the tree, attracting both residents and visitors alike to participate in the celebrations.
REV Birmingham’s plans for the holiday season are designed not only to enrich the experience of downtown visitors but also to breathe new life into the community’s holiday spirit. As preparations unfold, excitement builds for the upcoming events aimed at turning downtown Birmingham into a vibrant hub of holiday cheer.
FAQ
What is REV Birmingham planning for the holiday season?
REV Birmingham is planning a slate of events to enhance the holiday season in downtown Birmingham.
Who is Julie McKinney?
Julie McKinney is the vice president of people and places for REV Birmingham.
What are the goals of the planned events?
The events are aimed at rekindling memories of past holiday seasons while creating new traditions for the 21st century.
When will the events begin?
The events will kick off in mid-November.
How many visitors attended last year’s Holiday Film Series?
Over 30,000 people attended the Holiday Film Series at the Alabama Theatre last December.
What venues are expected to draw crowds during the holiday season?
Other venues such as the BJCC, Lyric Theatre, and Red Mountain Theatre also draw crowds during the holiday season.
Why is December recognized as the slowest month for downtown workers and students?
December is the slowest month for downtown workers and students compared to other months.
What is the ornament trail?
Local artists are currently working on fixtures for an ornament trail on 20th Street North to Linn Park, which is part of the planned events.
How are the initiatives funded?
The initiatives are being funded by the Downtown BHM Business Improvement District (BID) comprised of downtown businesses.
What is the significance of the annual tree lighting?
Some events are planned to occur prior to the annual Birmingham tree lighting on December 7.
What are some key events noted in prior years?
Key events noticed in past years include menorah and tree lightings, which remain popular attractions.
Key Features of Rev Birmingham’s Holiday Events
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Slate | Enhancements for the holiday season in downtown Birmingham. |
| Kick-off Date | Mid-November. |
| Key Venues | Alabama Theatre, BJCC, Lyric Theatre, Red Mountain Theatre. |
| Visitor Attendance | Over 30,000 visitors last December for the Holiday Film Series. |
| Ornament Trail | Created by local artists from 20th Street North to Linn Park. |
| Funding | Supported by the Downtown BHM Business Improvement District. |
| Tree Lighting Date | Annual tree lighting on December 7. |
| Popular Attractions | Menorah and tree lightings. |
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Holiday Events in Downtown Birmingham
- Wikipedia: Birmingham, Alabama
- StyleBlueprint: Birmingham Events in December
- Google Search: Birmingham Holiday Events 2024
- WBRC: 15 Holiday Events to Get You in the Christmas Spirit
- Google Scholar: Birmingham Holiday Celebrations
- Bham Now: Weekend Holiday Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Birmingham Alabama
- Hville Blast: 3 Holiday Events in Birmingham, Alabama
- Google News: Birmingham Christmas 2024
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The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
