Tinsel Trail
Tinsel Trail transforms Big Spring Park into a holiday display featuring over 450 live Christmas trees, each decorated by local businesses, nonprofits, and families. Visitors can stroll through the park to admire the community tree displays and the Rocket City Tree. The holiday season also brings local food trucks, coffee pop-up shops, and live entertainment to the park.
What to Expect
Over 450 uniquely decorated live Christmas trees in Big Spring Park.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Huntsville
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Downtown Huntsville, Inc.
Food & Drink
Food trucks serve festive bites during the opening-night Black Friday Market, and coffee pop-up shops are part of the season’s programming.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-light fans
Vibe
Festive and community-centered
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Official Rocket City Tree lighting: Friday, November 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM; Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause: 6pm-8pm that evening.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive before the 6 p.m. tree lighting to browse the Black Friday Market, which runs from 3 to 9 p.m. on opening night.
- Plan Santa photos for opening night between 6 and 8 p.m., when Santa and Mrs. Claus are scheduled to be there.
- Wear warm layers and comfortable shoes for an outdoor park visit and a stroll among the trees.
- Tree registrations for 2026 are sold out; if you hope to decorate in a future season, registration opens August 1, 2027.
- Check the event calendar closer to the season for schedules of coffee pop-ups, live music, and the Tinsel Trail Trot.
Special Events & Promotions
- Opening night, Friday, November 27: the official lighting of Downtown Huntsville's Rocket City Tree.
- Black Friday Market on opening day, with local vendors throughout the park and food trucks.
- Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus on opening evening.
- Live performances by the Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre and other local talent on opening night.
- The Tinsel Trail Trot is part of this season's events.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see on Tinsel Trail?
More than 450 live Christmas trees fill Big Spring Park, each decorated by local businesses, nonprofits and families. The Rocket City Tree is there too.
What happens on opening night?
Opening night has the official lighting of Downtown Huntsville's Rocket City Tree, a Black Friday Market with local vendors and food trucks, and performances by the Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre and other local talent. You can also get photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus that evening.
Is there food?
Yes. Food trucks serve festive bites at the opening-night Black Friday Market, and coffee pop-up shops come to the park during the season.
What other events happen during the season?
The season includes coffee pop-up shops, live music and the Tinsel Trail Trot. The 2026 event calendar will be updated closer to the season.
Can I decorate a tree this year?
Not this year. Tree spots for 2026 are sold out, and registration for next year opens August 1, 2027. The photo gallery has decorating ideas from past years.
More Christmas Events Near Huntsville
More Christmas Events near Huntsville
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.