Montgomery Christmas 2026: zoo lights Dec. 1-27, the parade Dec. 11, Elf at ASF from Nov. 25, Montgomery Ballet's Nutcracker Nov. 17-18 and Santa at EastChase.
Last checked Nov. 1, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Dates come from each venue’s own site and from organizers’ listings with the Montgomery Area Chamber’s tourism office. The city’s Christmas parade and the tree lightings have their own page: Christmas parade and tree lighting.
Montgomery’s Christmas season has three anchors: the Montgomery Zoo’s Christmas Lights Festival, nightly Dec. 1-27; Elf The Musical at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival from Nov. 25 to Dec. 27; and Santa at The Shoppes at EastChase from Nov. 14. Add the Nutcracker twice, the city’s Christmas parade on Friday, Dec. 11, the symphony’s Holiday Pops and a run of holiday films at the Capri.
Updated Nov. 1: EastChase extended Santa photos to Dec. 24.
What this means for you
- Lights: Montgomery Zoo, 5 to 9 p.m. nightly, Dec. 1-27.
- Santa: EastChase, Nov. 14 to Dec. 24; the zoo during the lights festival; the Black Santa Experience, Dec. 13.
- Shows: the Nutcracker (Nov. 17-18 and Dec. 3), Elf (ASF), Holiday Pops (Dec. 18).
- Parade: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, Dexter Avenue; see our parade page.
Christmas lights
Montgomery Zoo Christmas Lights Festival. The zoo turns into a lighted winter walk nightly Dec. 1-27, 2026, from 5 to 9 p.m., at 2301 Coliseum Parkway, according to the city’s listing. The tourism office’s listing describes decorated pathways, a visit with Santa, a Christmas Tree Village of nearly 30 trees decorated by local organizations and charities at the Mann Museum, live entertainment and hot chocolate at the Overlook Cafe, and weekend theme nights. Zoo: 334-625-4900. Admission and closing details are on our parade and tree lighting page.
No other public light display in Montgomery had announced 2026 dates when we checked. We will add neighborhood and church displays as they are announced; send them to tips@montgomerylive.com.
Santa visits
- The Shoppes at EastChase, 7274 EastChase Parkway: Santa picture taking Nov. 14 to Dec. 24, 2026, from 11 a.m. Questions: 334-279-6046.
- Montgomery Zoo: Santa is part of the Christmas Lights Festival, Dec. 1-27.
- The Montgomery Black Santa Experience, noon to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, at The Station at Five Points, 400 Mobile St.: photo experiences, festive activities, keepsakes and a professional photo with Santa D. Ticketed (listing).
Holiday shows
| When | Show | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, and Wednesday, Nov. 18 | The Nutcracker, Montgomery Ballet; $22 to $52 | Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, 201 Tallapoosa St. |
| Nov. 25 to Dec. 27 | Elf The Musical, all ages | Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Festival Stage, Blount Cultural Park |
| 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3 | The Nutcracker, World Ballet Company, live orchestra; $45 to $125 | Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, 201 Tallapoosa St. |
| 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4 | The Muppet Christmas Carol, with a sock drive | Capri Theatre, 1045 E. Fairview Ave. |
| 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8 | Madrigal Voices of Montgomery, carols | NewSouth Bookstore, 105 S. Court St. |
| Dec. 16-20 | A Swingin’ Ella Christmas, ages 14 and older | Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Octagon Stage |
| 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18 | Joyce Caddell Holiday Pops, Montgomery Symphony Orchestra with the Montgomery Chorale | Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts, 251 Montgomery St. |
| Saturday, Dec. 19 | Candlelight: Christmas Classics | Capri Theatre |
Elf The Musical. Buddy the Elf heads to the city to find his father in the Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s holiday musical. ASF recommends it for all ages; babes in arms are not admitted and every child needs a ticketed seat. The Capri’s Muppet showing asks moviegoers to bring clean, unused socks for a sockball fight; the socks then go to the Mid-Alabama Coalition for the Homeless.
Holiday markets
- Montgomery Street Market Trail, 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, along a 1-mile route from Cottage Hill through downtown (details).
- More shopping, including Small Business Saturday, is on our Black Friday and holiday shopping page.
Hanukkah
Hanukkah 2026 begins at sundown Friday, Dec. 4. No public menorah lighting in Montgomery had been announced when we checked. We will add congregation events as they are posted.
More: New Year’s Eve in Montgomery, things to do this month and kids’ activities.
Frequently asked questions
When are the Montgomery Zoo Christmas lights in 2026?
The Christmas Lights Festival runs nightly Dec. 1-27, 2026, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Parkway, with Santa visits and a Christmas Tree Village.
Where can kids see Santa in Montgomery?
The Shoppes at EastChase lists Santa pictures from Nov. 14 to Dec. 24, 2026. Santa is also at the zoo’s Christmas Lights Festival, and the Montgomery Black Santa Experience is Sunday, Dec. 13, at The Station at Five Points.
Is Elf playing in Montgomery?
Yes. The Alabama Shakespeare Festival stages Elf The Musical on its Festival Stage from Nov. 25 to Dec. 27, 2026. It is recommended for all ages; babes in arms are not admitted.
When is the Nutcracker in Montgomery?
Two productions play the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, 201 Tallapoosa St.: Montgomery Ballet’s The Nutcracker at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, and Wednesday, Nov. 18 ($22 to $52), and World Ballet Company’s touring Nutcracker with a live orchestra at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3 ($45 to $125).
When is the Montgomery Christmas parade?
The Capital City Christmas Parade steps off at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, 2026, on Dexter Avenue, according to the city. Details and entry rules are on our Christmas parade page.
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