Got to get to Gadsden for Christmas
Story by Carol Pappas
Submitted photos
If you really want to celebrate the Christmas spirit, as they say around these parts, “you gotta get to Gadsden.”
After all, the city has one of the nation’s top Christmas light displays and Alabama’s tallest Christmas tree towering over the Coosa River. A spectacular parade makes its way through historic downtown, and there’s skating and bumper cars on ice in their very own rink.
To be precise, Christmas season isn’t just a celebration, it’s an experience – and Gadsden has them all wrapped up and ready to share.
Gadsden has become a Christmas destination point, beginning with its nationally recognized Christmas at the Falls on Nov. 13 and running through Jan. 3.
Millions of lights of the season at Noccalula Falls earned it Mixbook’s 95th spot on America’s 150 Most Magical Christmas Light Displays: Your Holiday Bucket List.
Live music, food court and other amenities only add to the experience of strolling through stunning holiday light displays, decorations and illuminated gardens. You can even take a train ride to see it all.
Don’t forget to stop by the Mistletoe Market at the Venue at Coosa Landing Nov. 13-14. It’s a Christmas village worth the visit.
On the heels of Christmas on the Falls opening and the Mistletoe Market is yet another seasonal event, Christmas on the Coosa. Gadsden Director of Commercial Development and Community Affairs John Moore describes as it as “one of those coolest things Gadsden has to offer.” Perched on the top of a hillside overlooking the Coosa River is a manmade ice skating and bumper boat rink, which opens Nov. 19 to be enjoyed through Jan. 5.
Bumper boats sail from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and skaters take to the ice from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Sundays until school is out for the holidays. Then, it’s open seven days a week. The observation deck is free to come out, enjoy live music and watch the fun on the rink below.
Food and drinks are also on the menu each day.
Nearby, on Nov. 21, it’s the lighting of the state’s largest Christmas tree – standing at more than 80 feet tall.
And on Dec. 4 at 6 p.m., you’ll want to head to historic downtown Gadsden for one of the largest Christmas parades in the state. “We’re working on it to make it even bigger,” Moore said.
Of course, downtown is always a destination point, but especially at Christmas, highlighting its unrivaled array of boutiques, specialty shops, dining options, sweet treats and libations. Plaid Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, and Small Business Saturday give downtown a spotlight to showcase its offerings.
Moore calls the entire city during the Christmas season a “Hallmark type feel,” one of the best experiences in the Southeast. “Pretty much whatever you want to do, Gadsden can do … anything and everything to get in the Christmas spirit.”
