Opelika's Very Merry Christmas

Opelika Holiday Open House 
November 12 • Noon – 5 p.m.
Opelika Main Street
Start your holiday shopping by visiting the charming shops and restaurants in downtown Opelika. You will find many unique and special gifts and can mark those picky people off your list! And, if you just can’t decide, a gift card is always appreciated. Enjoy music, free gift wrapping, and great sales on a variety of different gift options to get you in the holiday spirit.

Small Business Saturday 
November 25 • Normal Shopping Hours
Opelika Main Street
You can feel good about supporting small businesses when you shop on Small Business Saturday! Celebrated the Saturday after Thanksgiving, this is a great chance to explore downtown Opelika.

Bring Opie Home for Christmas
Month of December
City of Opelika Community Relations Office
Opie stops by his favorite city during the month of December. He loves to hide so be on the lookout. He's been known to reward people who return him to City Hall.

Sno*pelika Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting 
December 1 • Parade begins at 5:30 p.m.
Rain Date: December 3
Opelika Chamber of Commerce
All in one evening, Opelika’s Annual Sno*pelika Christmas Parade transforms into a NIGHT of fun as participants roll along the lit up downtown streets, featuring high school bands, dance troops, floats and other surprises, along with a finale that brings in dear ol’ St. Nick himself. The parade then leads the crowds straight to Courthouse Square as snow begins to fall for all to enjoy a snowy winter wonderland, Christmas music playing throughout the square, snowball fights with our amazing police department, food trucks, picture opportunities with special characters, and of course a chance to visit Santa Claus on the Courthouse steps! The magic continues as the Opelika High School band begins to play and everyone scurries together towards the big, beautiful Christmas Tree near the railroad tracks. The crowd listens as the Mayor and City Council give an Opelika rendition of “The Night Before Christmas” and at the countdown of 3, Mayor Fuller flips the switch! 

Donuts With Deputies 
December 1 • 6 – 8 p.m.
Twin City FOP Lodge #21 (1307 Saugahatchee Lake Rd, Opelika)
Join your Lee County Sheriff’s Office Deputies for a festive and fun holiday drop-in! Sweet treats, coloring activities, and more. And don't forget to brainstorm what you'd like to say to Santa. They'll have a special mailbox to send off your letters to Santa! Don't worry parents, they'll have coffee for you. 

Christmas in a Railroad Town 
December 8 • 6 – 9 p.m.
Opelika Main Street
Whether you’re a young child or simply a child at heart, there will be activities for everyone at this great night out in historic downtown Opelika. Enjoy festivities including a children's train, pony rides, live animal petting zoo, wagon rides, trolley rides photo booth, hot chocolate, face painting, gingerbread house contest, make-your-own Reindeer Food, and more! Guests can also be transported back in time with a wagon ride through the Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour. Enclosed trolley rides will also be available at the Museum of East Alabama.

OHS/OMS HOLIDAY CHORAL CONCERT
December 6 • 6 p.m.
Opelika Center for Performing Arts

Brunch with Santa at the Marriott Resort 
December 9
Be a special guest for the annual brunch with Santa event at The Marriott Resort & Spa! There will be a delicious brunch, children's activities, train rides through the resort, pictures with Santa, and a holiday-themed movie. Reservations required - 334.737.2117.

Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour – 3oth Anniversary
December  8-12 
Bike Tour: December 9 • 10 a.m.
Walking Tour: December 9 • 6 – 8 p.m.
Driving Tour: December 8, 10, 11, 12
Opelika is celebrating Christmas like it's 1899! From December 8-12, 2023, historic homes in Opelika's northside historic district are transformed into a colorful, nostalgic reminder of Christmas from a simpler era. The event is a self-driving tour except for Saturday night when the streets are closed for visitors to stroll through the neighborhood.  

OHS/OMS CHRISTMAS BAND CONCERT
December 13 • 6:00 p.m.
Opelika Center for Performing Arts

Where’s Theodore Elf Hunt 
December 11-15
Opelika Parks & Recreation
The Opelika Park and Recreation has lost their Elf on the Shelf. He is running around Opelika getting into mischief please help us find him. During the week of Dec 11-15 if you can identity where Theodore is from the pictures on our Facebook and Instagram page and bring the Christmas ornament he has left behind to the SportsPlex you will be rewarded.

Rocky Brook Rocket Reindeer Express 
December 14-16 • 5 – 8 p.m.
Opelika Parks & Recreation
Children will love riding the Rocky Brook Rocket around Municipal Park! This adorable miniature train has been a staple in Opelika since 1955, but during the Christmas season, the Rocket transforms into one of Santa’s Helpers and becomes the Rocky Brook Rocket Reindeer Express! Don’t miss this fun event featuring food, hot chocolate, and pictures with Santa. 

Collinwood Luminaries
December 15 • 5 – 9 p.m. 
Rain Date: December 16 • 5 - 9 p.m.
Collinwood Neighborhood
Collinwood residents continue Opelika’s oldest neighborhood Christmas tradition, one Friday night only in December from 5 to 9 pm.  For over 55 years, the streets of Collinwood have been transformed into a miraculous Christmas journey commemorating the path of Christ’s birth. Over 1,300 candle filled bags line the way through live scenes (people and animals) of the Christmas story and concluding at the Nativity. This is a Family Event and Admission is Free.

Winter Wonder Workshop
December 16 • 10 a.m. 
Opelika Public Library
Join the Opelika Public Library and discover the wonder of the holidays with activities and crafts for all ages! All crafts available while supplies last.

Family Movie & Crafternoon 
December 19 • 2 p.m.
Opelika Public Library
Join the Opelika Public Library for an afternoon of fun holiday crafts and a movie! Movie TBD.

Christmas Movie Marathon
December 22 • Begins at 10 a.m.
Opelika Public Library
Grab your friends, family, cozy blankets, and bean bags, and settle in for a movie...or 6 with the Opelika Public Library's Christmas Movie Marathon! The first movie will begin at 10 a.m. and a new movie will begin every 2 hours. 

Christmas Movie Series 
Thursdays in December • 6 p.m. 
Opelika Public Library
Join us for a holiday movie series for adults! Families welcomed at their own discretion.

12/7 - It’s a Wonderful Life
12/14 - Christmas Vacation
12/21 - Love Actually
12/28 - Die Hard