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Mark your calendars! Historic Downtown Northport is set to transform into a captivating Victorian-era winter wonderland for the annual Dickens Downtown community event on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM. This beloved celebration is free and open to the public, offering a magical start to the holiday season for the entire family. Visitors are welcome to dress in Victorian attire. This year, while we've rolled out an exciting array of new activities and participants, we are also bringing back many cherished classics and traditions that our visitors love!
The weather forecast calls for snow! Get ready for a sweet and fun evening, as we ensure a white Christmas experience with plenty of whimsical snow falling in Downtown Northport—a guaranteed hit with the kids!
Don't miss the spectacular Grand Entrance! Watch the procession from Northport Baptist Church Chapel (corner of 10th Street & Main Avenue) all the way along Main Avenue down to Historic Shirley Place (512 Main Avenue), followed by the heartwarming Tree Lighting at 5:30 PM.
Event Highlights & Activities
The evening is packed with seasonal charm and activities, celebrating the sights, sounds, and flavors of a bygone era.
Grand Entrances and Greetings
The festivities will kick off with a spectacular Grand Opening/Entrance.
This year's procession will be led by cast members from Theatre Tuscaloosa’s production of Scrooge! the Musical, alongside a special appearance by the Hard Away Hounds Fox Club of Greensboro, Alabama, and followed by Queen Victoria and Father Christmas as they arrive in style at Historic Shirley Place via a magnificent horse and carriage.
* Don't miss the heartwarming Christmas Tree Lighting at 5:30 PM.
• Meet and greet with Father Christmas and Queen Victoria throughout the evening after the Grand Entrance! This is a wonderful chance for photos and holiday wishes.
Entertainment and Tours
• See a beautiful live nativity scene, presented by Northport Baptist Church, featuring a camel, cow, donkey, goat, and sheep! Visitors can also enjoy hot chocolate and cookies and view fresh cut decorative fir trees in the main sanctuary lobby.
* First Methodist Church Northport will host open tours, music, and food.
* The Black Warrior Model Railroad Club will display their intricate model trains inside First Methodist Church Northport.
• Free carriage rides will begin across from Historic Shirley Place.
• Take a step back in time with Historic Shirley Place tours hosted by The Friends of Historic Northport, with tours led by the Historic Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild.
* The Friends of Historic Northport will also host tours and crafts at their West Alabama Heritage Learning Center (911 Main Avenue).
• Catch a special singing performance by Theatre Tuscaloosa—the cast members will be singing Christmas carols and will be available for pictures afterward.
• The Hard Away Hounds Fox Club will be available for pictures throughout the evening.
• Free train rides will be offered, starting at Billy's.
• The Synergic Center (3650 5th Street) will celebrate (America250) our Nation’s birthday with a special event - Eve of Liberty Christmas open house highlighting the semiquincentennial.
Shopping and Dining
• Downtown Northport Merchants will host special holiday Open Houses, offering unique gifts, seasonal treats, music, and different activities at various locations.
• Delicious food will be available from local eateries, including Billy’s, Mark’s Mart, and Sarah’s Alley Cake Co.
• Support great causes! The Friends of Historic Northport will host a fundraiser food tent across from Historic Shirley Place, and First Methodist Church Northport will host a missions food fundraiser.
Essential Event Information
Parking
* Parking: Public parking available along 1st Street, Main Avenue, the downtown area, and underneath the overpass by the levee.
* Additional Parking: The Tuscaloosa County Commission is pleased to offer additional parking at the Synergic Center.
* Handicapped Parking: Designated handicapped parking available in the gravel lot next to 4th Street & Main Avenue.
Restrooms
Public Port-a-potty Bathrooms will be conveniently located throughout the event area.
Animal Policy
For the safety of all our patrons, we kindly ask that live animals of any kind not be brought to the event. Service animals are, of course, welcome. Please ensure you have current certification documentation with you.
Special Thanks
The Friends of Historic Northport sincerely extend their deepest gratitude to all the generous supporters, partners, and dedicated community volunteers who help make the beloved Dickens Downtown celebration possible.
Special thanks are also reserved for Downtown Northport businesses and Glass Slipper Carriages.
The event relies on the strong backing of local government entities and departments, including the City of Northport and the Tuscaloosa County Commission and the City of Northport Public Works, the Northport Police Department, and the Northport Fire Department.
The Dickens spirit is brought to life by numerous community groups, churches, and individuals: Northport Baptist Church, First Methodist Church Northport, First United Methodist Church Tuscaloosa, the Black Warrior Model Railroad Club, and Boy Scout Troop 100. Essential cultural and historical support comes from the Historic Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild, Hard Away Hounds Fox Club, the performers of Theatre Tuscaloosa, Jane Bailey Cooper, Fran Viselli, along with all the wonderful musicians who set the festive tone.
We look forward to celebrating the magic of the holiday season with you in historic Downtown Northport!
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Historic Downtown Northport, 429 Main Ave, Northport, AL 35476-5063, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
