‘Tis the season to celebrate in Tallapoosa County and the Lake Martin area. Whether you are travelling or live locally, there is no better place to find heart-warming holiday activities. From shopping local at holiday markets to themed parades and pictures with Santa, Lake Martin has events lined up through the New Year that are sure to spread cheer and spark the Christmas spirit.
Open Houses & Holiday Markets
Open Houses and Holiday Markets kick off the season of giving, and they’re a great way to cross some items off your Christmas list while supporting local small businesses. Shops will showcase new items, host sales and giveaways, and provide visitors with some seasonal refreshments.
Dadeville’s Christmas Open House On Nov. 6, celebrate and shop local from 1-5 p.m. with the Dadeville-Lake Martin Area Chamber of Commerce. For a list of participating businesses and vendors, visit the chamber website or visit them on Facebook.
Alexander City Chamber of Commerce Holiday Open House Nov. 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. For a full list of participating businesses, visit alexcitychamber.com or follow the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce on Facebook.
Holiday Bazaar and Christmas at Crossroads
Nov. 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Santa and the Jolly Elf will arrive at Russell Crossroads at 10 a.m. and be available for photos and collecting kids’ wish lists until 2 p.m. Children can enjoy a day of holiday fun with plenty of arts and crafts and games to play. Christmas at Crossroads is free to attend.
In conjunction with Christmas at Crossroads, artisans from around the region gather on the Town Green to sell their goods at the Holiday Bazaar. This is a must-stop destination even for the pickiest on your list! You’ll be sure to find unique goods and talented vendors.
For more information, visit the Russell Lands website.
Dadeville Christmas Tree Lighting
Nov. 28 at 3 p.m.
Each year, community members gather at the Dadeville Square for hot chocolate, Christmas carols and the lighting of the town tree. With support from city staff and community organizations, this marks the official start of the season. Following the tree lighting, the Dadeville Performing Arts Center will host a free concert at Pennington Park featuring the Dadeville Community Chorus performing some classic holiday tunes.
Christmas in Pennington Park
Pennington Park hosts this annual Christmas display where community members, organizations, churches and more can participate by setting up a holiday-themed display. The Park will be open for display installation throughout November and the lighting ceremony will be in conjunction with Dadeville’s Christmas Tree Lighting on the Town Square. Come check out the beautiful lighted displays nightly from 5 to 10 p.m. beginning Nov. 28 through Jan. 5.
Throughout the season, children can stop by and drop their Christmas letters to Santa in the magical North Pole mailbox on site. Each participant will receive a personalized response from Santa himself!
For more information, contact Kurt Pfitzner at kppfitzner@gmail.com or call 334-233-9852.
It’s a Wonderful Life – Live Radio Play
Dec. 2 & 3 at 7:00 p.m. and the 5th at 2:00 p.m.
Alexander City Theatre II in partnership with Central Alabama Community College will present three free performances of Joe Landry’s classic Christmas tale in 1940’s radio studio style on the Betty Carol Graham center stage. To learn more about, visit Alexander City Theatre II Facebook page.
Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Dec. 4 from 9 to 11 a.m.
Bring the kiddos out to The Square in downtown Alex City for breakfast, pictures with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, and a special gift. Tickets are $20, and seating is limited. This event is hosted by Main Street Alexander City.
Camp Hill Christmas Parade
Dec. 4 at 2 p.m.
Complete with vendors, prizes and a visit from Santa, the Town of Camp Hill will light up on December 4th for the annual Christmas parade. The route begins at Southern Prep Academy, travels down Senator Claude Peppers Driver and turns right onto South Main Street. Join the procession or simply line the streets and wave as the festive floats ride by.
Dadeville’s Spirit of a Hometown Christmas Parade
Dec. 5 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Head to charming downtown Dadeville for a full afternoon of holiday fun, beginning at noon. Stock up on some handmade gifts from local vendors, enjoy some local grub, and take the kids on a train ride around the square. The annual parade will begin at 3 p.m. For more information, visit Lake Martin – Dadeville Chamber of Commerce.
Alex City Hometown Christmas Parade: Miracle on Main Street
Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.
A longtime community tradition, the Hometown Christmas Parade hosted by the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce will line up on Comer Street at 4 p.m. and proceed down Cherokee Road toward Benjamin Russell High School. The route will then turn up Church Street and head toward downtown, ending down the hill of AL-22, near the bottom of Strand Park. Spectators can enjoy the festivities anywhere along the route. Be sure to bring a chair and your holiday cheer!
Lake Martin Lighted Boat Parade
Dec. 18 at 4:30 p.m.
Making its inaugural appearance, boats of all shapes and sizes will don their brightest lights and most festive holiday gear and parade around Lake Martin spreading holiday cheer. The parade begins at 4:30 p.m. at The Social at Lake Martin and ends at Bluffs Daiquiri Bar at Harbor Point. Register your boat to participate in the fun, or simply line the shorelines for a spectacular view.
For more information, email discoverlakemartin@gmail.com
Christmas Music in the Air at Zazu’s Verandah
Dec. 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Located on the historic Dadeville Town Square, Zazu’s Verandah offers a cozy atmosphere to enjoy some jazzy Christmas tunes by musician David Jones. The town will be decorated for the season, and it will be the perfect backdrop for a night of holiday music.
Third Annual: A Downtown Christmas
Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you’re looking for a day filled with the holiday spirit and fun for the whole family, look no further than A Downtown Christmas, held throughout downtown and presented by Main Street Alexander City and the City of Alexander City. Experience the massive Snowzilla Senior inflatable ride, pictures with Santa, ornament decorating, letters to the North Pole, the Polar Express Train, tons of food, games and more.
In conjunction, Main Street Alexander City will host its annual Holiday Market with arts and crafts, homemade baked goods and holiday finds from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information, visit mainstreetalexndercity.org.
Christmas at the Creek
Dec. 10-12
Wind Creek State Park hosts a weekend of activities for those camping or wanting to stop by for the day. From ornament decorating, sipping hot chocolate and gingerbread decorating contests to a Sunday service, the whole family will enjoy Christmas at the Creek. Visit Wind Creek State Park for more information.
Main Street’s Third Thursday and Live Nativity
Dec. 16 from 4 to 6 p.m.
The festivities continue with Main Street’s special Third Thursday event, featuring live jazz music by David Jones and the chance for some last-minute, late-night holiday shopping. Be sure to swing by the Bud Porch Center where The First United Methodist Church will recreate a Live Nativity scene, complete with livestock.
Local Church Events
Tallapoosa County is home to a vast and varied array of local churches. Most churches host their own holiday musical events, seasonal pageants and food and craft sales. Visit the calendar on the Tallapoosa County Tourism website for a continually updated list of these programs.
The holiday season evokes feelings of joy, but it also reminds us of the importance of giving. Tallapoosa County has so many organizations and programs that assist those who need it most. While planning your seasonal events, make sure to check out these philanthropic events as well. Tis the season of giving and what better way to embrace your Christmas spirit than to help those in need.
Saint James’ Pottery Sale
Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to noon
Looking for a unique, handmade gift this season? St. James Episcopal Church will host a pottery sale this year in lieu of its annual bazaar. The pottery is all handmade by the St. James Pottery Guild and all proceeds benefit the church’s outreach fund to assist members of the community.
Creekside Lodge & Event Center Holiday Open House
Dec. 2 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Come out to Creekside Lodge on Lake Martin for a night of giving and celebrating. Creekside is partnering with Tri-County Children’s Advocacy Center to raise funds for this nonprofit, which provides resources for abused children. Help support a good cause and enjoy some Christmas cheer along the way. For more informatoin, call Creekside at 256-307-1440.
Denim & Diamonds: An Evening of Giving
Nov. 20 at 5:30 p.m.
Hosted at the Lake Martin Event Center by Lake Martin – Dadeville Chamber of Commerce and benefitting Lake Martin Area United Way, the annual Denim & Diamonds Charity Ball is always a great time for a great cause. With the purchase of a ticket, each entrant will receive a steak dinner, music and a good time. There will be a silent and live auction available as well – great place to snag some gifts. All proceeds benefit the dozens of community organizations supported by the Lake Martin Area United Way. For more information or to purchase tickets contact LMAUW at 256-329-3600, The Rodeo Club at 256-825-7503 or the Lake Martin Area Chamber of Commerce at 256-825-4019.
Camp ASCCA’s Annual Jingle Jump
Dec. 11 from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Support Camp ASCCA’s mission to provide therapeutic recreation to children and adults with disabilities by jumping into a freezing cold pool. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to raise funds in exchange for agreeing to take the plunge. Costumes are strongly encouraged and always add to the entertainment. Check the Camp ASCAA Facebook page for registration information and updates on this event.
