Story by Carol Pappas
Submitted Photos
Whether it’s the downtown square, Lakeside Park or historic downtown, Pell City knows how to light up the season, and it shows from one end of the city to the other.
Various organizations, businesses and the city, itself, get into the spirit when the Christmas season arrives – putting on spectacular events guaranteed to make the holidays that much brighter.
Kicking the season off is Lights in the Park, a sparkling display of lighted holiday displays lining the road through the park.
Pell City Parks & Recreation Department is preparing for another year of incredible displays at the park much to the delight of young and old alike. Businesses, churches and other organizations build impressive displays and visitors come by the carload to see the magic of the season.
Registration is now open, so you better hurry before display set up Nov. 13-27. Official lighting begins Nov. 27 and will be up until Dec. 31.
Awards are back this year, so be sure to vote for your favorites!
Invest in the Magic
As the event continues to grow, the city has introduced a new Sustainability Initiative. This small change ensures a spectacular and reliable event that brings joy to the entire community for years to come.
Your contribution increases the number of lights in the park, either through your own display or by supporting the Pell City Parks & Recreation display.
Option A: Standard Contribution Fee: Pay a non-refundable $50 contribution fee at registration. This simple, one-time payment will be used by the Parks & Recreation Department to purchase new displays.
Option B: Direct Display Investment: Instead of the fee, you can submit a valid, dated receipt showing the purchase of at least $50 in new Christmas lights or display materials purchased within the last six months. This ensures your contribution goes directly into enhancing your own display, making the event brighter than ever!
AWARDS and RECOGNITION return in 2026!
In 2026, community displays will be judged on their creativity and quality, and special recognition will go to the winners. Not only will attendees of the 2026 Lights in the Park be invited to vote on their favorite displays, but a panel of independent judges will also be assembled to vote on several categories from among all participants.
The winners will be recognized in a variety of ways, which means it is more important than ever for your organization to be a part of this community event.
Judges will vote for “BEST OVERALL – JUDGE’S CHOICE”. There will be nine additional categories for the general public to vote on. Voting will be done by scanning a QR code and selecting one choice from the categories.
Voting begins the first lighting day of the event, Friday, Nov. 27, and ends at 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17. Signs with a QR code will be distributed throughout the park. Visitors will use their mobile phone cameras to scan the code, which takes them directly to the poll. Winners in each category receive:
Award signs placed next to each winning display, which will remain onsite throughout the duration of the event.
Winners will be recognized on the “The City of Pell City” Facebook page, as well as the Pell City Parks & Recreation Facebook page.
All winners will be recognized in December’s digital edition of Discover St. Clair Magazine and January’s digital edition of LakeLife24/7 magazine. Winners will be featured in the print edition of Discover in the February 2027 issue.
Christmas Tree Lighting
Heart of Pell City, a nonprofit promoting downtown, is assisting Pell City Chamber of Commerce to gear up for the community’s annual Christmas tree lighting. At 27 feet tall and fully decorated and draped in lights, it’s quite a sight to behold each holiday season.
Downtown businesses get in on the spirit by decorating windows and storefronts up and down Cogswell Avenue, adding to a festive atmosphere in the days leading to Christmas.
Decorations go up Nov. 27 in downtown businesses, and the lighting event is set for Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. at the courthouse square.
Christmas Parade
The Pell City Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade will return on Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. This year’s theme is Christmas at the Lake and local businesses, schools, churches, civic and community groups are expected to bring it to life with creative floats and decorated vehicles.
The parade lines up at Pell City High School and the route will take it down Cogswell Avenue in the heart of the historic downtown district.
As always, Santa – the guest of honor – will arrive by bright, red fire truck. In keeping with the theme, it promises to be a boatload of fun for the entire family.
