Merry Christmas, ya’ll! If you’re just getting into the Christmas Spirit (or have been since July), there are many different ways to get involved in our area.

The Galaxy of Lights at the Botanical Gardens is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit by looking at thousands of beautiful lights. Though the walking nights are over, they still have the driving nights which run through December 31. The cost is $25 for each car, but it is a wonderful time to spend with family and listening to Christmas music. About 64% of students from Bob Jones say they have gone, or will go to the Galaxy of Lights.

Another event is the Tinsel Trail in Big Spring Park. Different companies and organizations sponsor a tree and decorate it traditionally, with a theme, or however they feel. It’s a great way to get ideas for your tree or just to see how creative other people are in our area! Only about 14% of Bob Jones Students are planning on going to Tinsel Trail, but it really is a great event that everyone should go to, and it’s free!

As long as you’re in Big Spring Park, you can go ice skating. It’s fairly cheap, only $10 per person over 9 and $3 for skate rental. The rink is open until January 7th, so even if you’re all wrapped up in Christmas, you can still get a chance to go after. And since this is Alabama and lakes probably won’t be freezing anytime soon, this might be your only chance to ice skate this holiday season.

Santa’s Village is another great event in downtown Huntsville that lots of people visit. While the main attraction is Santa, there are lots of other activities that you can do like crafts, cookie decorating, seeing reindeer, and enjoying live music. Beth Goodwin, the marketing director from Santa’s Village, says they are advertising on tv, radio, newspaper, and billboards. She said they have about 30,000 people in our area go to Santa’s Village. And, if you’re trying to get service project hours for a club, Mrs. Goodwin says they always need volunteers.

Closer to us is the Madison City Christmas Tree Display in Downtown Madison. It is basically a smaller version of Tinsel Trail closer to home. Anabelle Gales, a junior at Bob Jones, says she hasn’t visited the Madison City Christmas Tree Display yet but hopes to sometimes this holiday season.

Christmas Card Lane is also in Downtown Madison on Church and Front Street. Homeowners on these roads sponsor a card and put it out in their yard. People can walk or drive and take pictures as they enjoy the artwork. There is even a website where you can vote on your favorite card.

There are many different ways to get in the Christmas Spirit this season! So grab your coat and your hot chocolate and get out there!