Christmas Village Festival

Christmas Village Festival is the big kickoff to holiday shopping in Birmingham, with more than 700 booths of handmade gifts, decor, clothing and seasonal food spread across the BJCC exhibition halls. Families can also book photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

The festival runs November 4 to 8. Wednesday is a VIP day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday through Saturday run 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday runs noon to 5 p.m. Adult tickets are $17 online or $20 at the door, and children 5 and under get in free with a paying adult. Self parking is $20 a day. Strollers, wagons and rolling bags are not allowed, so plan to carry purchases or make trips to the car.