🎭️ Laugh Until You Cry 🤣

Good morning Birmingham!

We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and enjoyed some delicious food! But now it’s time to get into the holiday spirit - and the best way to do that is to get out and enjoy one of your local holiday events! We normally break events into a family section and adult section. But there are so many different holiday parades and tree lightings that can be enjoyed by everyone that we decided one longer list will do it this week. So bundle up, grab some hot cocoa, and go spread some holiday cheer!

Let’s get to it.

🎤 Tom Segura: Come Together Tour

Get ready to laugh until your face hurts—comedy superstar Tom Segura is bringing his Come Together tour to the Alabama Theatre! Fresh off his Netflix special Sledgehammer hitting #1 (and after playing over 300 shows worldwide because apparently the man never sleeps), Segura's coming to Birmingham with the fearless, no-holds-barred comedy that's made him a household name.

If you've ever binge-watched his Netflix specials Ball Hog or Disgraceful, caught his delightfully dark series Bad Thoughts, or gotten hooked on his wildly popular podcast with wife Christina Pazsitzky, you already know what you're in for—and it's going to be epic. The intimate setting of our historic Alabama Theatre means you'll experience Segura's razor-sharp wit up close and personal, which is basically comedy gold in one of Birmingham's most beautiful venues.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or just need a seriously good laugh, this is your chance to see one of the biggest names in comedy right here in Birmingham! Get tickets and show details

🥪 The Garage

Step into Birmingham's most legendary hidden gem—The Garage in Southside is where locals have been devouring incredible sandwiches and cold beers for over 30 years in what might be the coolest outdoor courtyard you've ever seen! This isn't your average lunch spot—housed in an actual 1930s garage (you can still see the vintage car stalls!), The Garage has transformed into Birmingham's original beer garden with a magical patio draped in blooming wisteria, twinkling string lights, and eclectic antique treasures that make you feel like you've stumbled into the backyard hangout of your dreams.

Their sandwich game is absolutely legendary—build your own masterpiece with premium meats and cheeses on fresh Big Sky Bread, or go bold with "The Fritz," a towering behemoth that piles on ALL the meats, veggies, and sauces in one ridiculously delicious creation. Grab a cold beer from their impressive selection, snag a table under the shade trees, and soak up the quirky, laid-back vibes that have made this place a Birmingham institution beloved by everyone from UAB students to longtime locals.

The homemade soups are phenomenal too (the Southwestern soup with Conecuh sausage is a must-try!), and the whole experience feels like hanging out in the coolest friend's backyard you never knew you needed. Trust us—one lunch on The Garage's unforgettable patio and you'll understand why this funky, fun spot has been packing in crowds for decades! (instagram)

🌈 Domestique Coffee

Birmingham's award-winning Domestique Coffee is serving up some of the best coffee in the state from three incredible locations across the metro area—whether you're catching a show at their Satellite location inside Saturn in Avondale or fueling up for a bike ride at Dawn Patrol in Homewood! This isn't just any coffee shop—Food & Wine named them Alabama's best, and they've been recognized as the #47 Best Cafe in the World, all thanks to their ethically-sourced beans and small-batch fluid-bed roasting process that creates the smoothest, most flavorful cups you've ever tasted.

Coffee lovers go absolutely wild for their house-made seasonal drinks that rotate throughout the year, featuring creative holiday-inspired flavors and specialty lattes that you won't find anywhere else (think Golden Milk with espresso, Plum Almond Lattes, and their famous honey lavender that everyone raves about). Their signature nitro cold brew is legendary, and every single syrup is crafted from scratch in-house, so you know you're getting something truly special with every sip.

Each location has its own unique vibe making Domestique the perfect spot whether you're meeting friends, working remotely, or just treating yourself to an incredible cup of joe. With a mission rooted in sustainability and fair trade that supports coffee farmers in Haiti, every delicious drink you order makes a positive impact while giving you the caffeine boost Birmingham deserves! (instagram)

Alabama Power freezes electricity rates through 2027 to help residents with high costs The utility company announced it will not increase rates for two years to provide financial relief as residents face rising living costs. While customers welcome the pause, critics note Alabama already ranks third nationally for highest monthly electricity bills and warn the freeze doesn't reduce current rates or provide rebates to struggling families.

Update on Irondale Costco Local news outlet WBRC provided an update on the planned Costco warehouse store in Irondale, though specific details about construction progress, opening timeline, or operational status were not detailed in the available content. The development has been a significant point of interest for Birmingham-area residents anticipating the retail giant's arrival in the eastern suburb.

Brookwood Village redevelopment begins, but questions remain The former Belk department store at the closed shopping mall will become a 135,000-square-foot medical facility for Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Center, featuring 18 operating rooms. While Homewood and Mountain Brook mayors express excitement about the first concrete development on the 57-acre property, both acknowledge they haven't received formal updates from developers about broader redevelopment plans for the site acquired by Fairway Investments and Pope & Land in 2021.

Birmingham City Council Approves Housing Development at Former Carraway Property The council approved plans for cottages and townhomes on the northern end of the site near the Coca-Cola Amphitheater, with the first phase including 64 new homes along Carraway Boulevard. Construction is planned to begin in spring 2026, transforming a blighted property into new housing for the community.

Samford Names John Grass Head Football Coach The Birmingham university appointed Grass as its 37th head football coach, bringing three decades of coaching experience including eight seasons as head coach at Jacksonville State and four recent years on Clemson's staff. University officials praised his proven track record, Alabama roots, and alignment with Samford's Christian mission.

UAB Hosts First-Ever Job Fair for People Seeking Second Chances The University of Alabama at Birmingham will hold its Next Step Job and Resource Fair on December 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Tower Building. The free event offers job opportunities, apprenticeships, educational programs, housing resources, and expungement workshops specifically designed to help adults with criminal records and others seeking fresh starts.

Homewood Retirement Home Residents Given 30 Days to Relocate After Fire Skyline Village residents are staying in hotels after an air conditioning unit sparked a fire that caused extensive water damage, forcing the facility to close for several months. The retirement home has given displaced residents 30 days to find new arrangements and retrieve belongings from the powerless building, with alternative facilities offered 60-90 miles away in Attalla and Decatur.

Birmingham's Royal Cup Coffee & Tea receives funding to grow operations The 128-year-old Birmingham-based coffee and tea company has secured investment from Dallas-based Braemont Capital to accelerate innovation, expansion and service capabilities. Royal Cup, which distributes throughout the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean, will use the funding and operational support to build on its legacy while maintaining its family-owned values and traditions.

Birmingham unveils plan to reduce unsheltered homelessness by 40% by 2026 The city and One Roof homeless relief organization announced their comprehensive strategy at the first-ever "State of Homelessness: Redefining Community" symposium, targeting a 40% reduction in the city's approximately 400 unsheltered residents by December 2026. The plan includes $7.8 million in funding for 350 additional emergency beds, micro-shelters, and wraparound services, with goals to achieve net-zero youth homelessness and establish sustainable weather shelters.

✨ Glow Wild | Birmingham Zoo | 11/22-1/4 | More
A magical mile-long journey through over one million lights and handcrafted lanterns celebrating nature, plus holiday treats, Santa visits, and special themed nights through January.

🎄 All is Bright Tree Lighting | Vestavia City Center | 12/04 | More
A festive evening featuring The Grinch movie screening, tree lighting, Santa photos, bounce house, and complimentary hot chocolate.

🧶 Knitflix and Chill: When Harry Met Sally | Sidewalk Film Center | 12/04 | More
Bring your knitting or crochet project to this cozy screening of the classic rom-com with theater lights kept brighter for crafting.

🦢 Swan Lake | The Lyric Theatre | 12/04 | More
Experience Tchaikovsky's timeless ballet brought to life with stunning choreography, telling the classic tale of love, betrayal, and redemption through graceful dance.

🎄 Helena Christmas Tree Lighting and Market | Old Town Helena | 12/05 | More
A magical evening featuring holiday shopping, live performances, Santa visits, and the ceremonial tree lighting in the heart of Old Town.

🎄 Irondale Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting | Irondale City Hall | 12/05 | More
Kick off the holiday season with free Santa photos, hot cocoa, a festive parade through town, and a magical tree lighting ceremony filled with Christmas cheer.

🎄 Holidays on the Mountain | Vulcan Park & Museum | 12/06 | More
A festive evening featuring Santa photos, live music, hot cocoa, local vendors, and a spectacular light show illuminating the iconic Vulcan statue.

🎄 CahaBAZAAR Holiday Market | Cahaba Brewing Company | 12/06 | More
Knock out your holiday shopping in one stop at this festive market featuring local vendors and holiday cheer.

🎄 Christmas on the Farm | Old Baker Farm | 12/06 | More
Kick off the Christmas season with magical hayrides, hot chocolate, amazing vendors, food trucks, and a visit from Santa himself.

🎄 Christmas Parade & Christmas in the Park | 104 Forest Road | 12/06 | More
Get ready for a Candyland Christmas with this sweet-themed holiday parade and festive park celebration in Hueytown.

🎄 Trussville Holiday Stroll | The District | 12/07 | More
A magical afternoon of holiday cheer featuring Santa photos, Clydesdale carriage rides, festive outfit contests, Christmas carolers, and local shopping.

🎭 The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert | The BJCC | 12/07 | More
Experience the beloved holiday classic with live orchestral accompaniment by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra at this magical afternoon performance.

🎬 Christmas Movie Night - A Christmas Story | Cat-n-Bird Winery | 12/07 | More
Celebrate the season with Christmas music starting at 5pm, the classic movie at 6pm, food trucks, bonfires, and complimentary treats in a cozy winery setting.

🌟 Lighting of the Star and Homewood Parade | Homewood Library | 12/07 | More
A festive holiday celebration featuring the traditional lighting ceremony and community Christmas parade through downtown Homewood.

🎄 Holiday Parade | Mountain Brook Village | 12/07 | More
Join the festive community celebration as decorated floats, marching bands, and holiday characters bring Christmas cheer to the village streets.

❄️ Birmingham Winter Wonderland Craft & Vendor Market | Galleria | 12/07-12/08 | More
Celebrate the season with local crafts, vendors, and holiday shopping in a festive winter wonderland atmosphere.

🎄 Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghost of Christmas Eve | Legacy Arena - BJCC | 12/10 | More
Experience the epic holiday rock opera that combines classical music, heavy metal, and theatrical storytelling in an unforgettable Christmas spectacular.