Christmas in Opelika
HAPPENING DECEMBER 5TH | STARTING AT 5:30PM CT
Christmas in Opelika is a truly special time of year. Our partners at the City of Opelika go all out to decorate our beautiful downtown, including the bridges, trees and light poles. It's a spectacular season that is sure to bring joy to your heart. Opelika's "Very Merry Christmas" encompasses events hosted by the City, Parks & Recreation, the Opelika Public Library & much more. We hope you'll visit us in December! At the Opelika Chamber, we do our part in helping make Opelika a Christmas destination by kicking off the Christmas season with the SNOPELIKA Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting! People enjoy a winter wonderland as artificial snow falls through Courthouse Square ending with a magical tree lighting ceremony of he tallest tree in town! Thousands of local citizens attend to celebrate every year, with visitors traveling around the area!
OPELIKA'S CHRISTMAS PARADE - "A WHO-VILLE HOLIDAY" THEME
Join us for one of our city’s most anticipated holiday traditions — the Opelika Christmas Parade! Each year, thousands of families line the streets to experience the lights, music, and magic that make this event truly special. Last year’s Night Parade featured more than 90 parade entries, from marching bands to festive floats — and this year promises to be even more spectacular.
This year’s theme is “A Who-ville Holiday!” Inspired by the cheerful world of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, we’re inviting participants to channel their inner Whos and get creative! Think bright colors, over-the-top decorations, and joyful characters that bring the spirit of Who-ville to life.
Please note that float entries are not accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, floats will be selected based on creativity, design, and how well they align with this year’s theme. Floats that embrace A Who-ville Holiday will be accepted first.
SNOPELIKA
When the parade ends, the magic begins! Join us in Courthouse Square for SNOPELIKA, Opelika’s most enchanting holiday celebration. Watch as snowflakes fall in the heart of downtown, turning the streets into a true winter wonderland!
Kids can play in the snow, families can take photos with Santa, and everyone can enjoy festive music, food trucks, and local vendors spreading Christmas cheer. From snowball fights with the Opelika Police Department to twinkling lights and joyful laughter — it’s a night you won’t want to miss!
SNOPELIKA is made possible thanks to the help of our incredible volunteers who bring the magic to life each year.
THE TALLEST CHRISTMAS TREE IN TOWN
Opelika is lighting up the season with something truly spectacular — a 72-foot-tall Christmas tree for the official SNOPELIKA Tree Lighting! Standing proudly in the heart of downtown, this magnificent tree is not only Alabama’s tallest, but also the tallest within a 50-mile radius.
This breathtaking centerpiece will shine as the heart of our charming, Hallmark-like town, bringing families, friends, and neighbors together for a moment of pure Christmas magic. As the lights twinkle and the crowd gathers, Opelika — Your Christmas Destination — will come alive with the warmth and wonder of the holiday season.
PARK AND RIDE OUR SHUTTLES
Attendees are encouraged to use Southern Union State Community College’s shuttle service, offering convenient transportation between drop off/pickup locations of Southern Union’s Parking Lot C (the largest lot near the walking track) and Downtown Opelika (at the Lee County Courthouse parking lot on 10th street.) Shuttles will run every 15 to 20 minutes, starting at 4pm and continuing until 9pm.