It’s a busy Huntsville Weekend here in North Alabama and there’s plenty of holiday fun to enjoy together. Find our top picks below or check out our full event calendar for even more family fun!

Have the Brightest Holiday Season Yet

When it comes to the holidays, the Rocket City has some incredible things to enjoy! Check out holiday plays, attractions, road trips, shopping tips, and more in our 2022 Holiday Happenings Guide.

Click here to see the weather this Huntsville Weekend 

Free & Cheap Family Fun

• Get to know the ACT with Rocket City Learning Center during their ACT Seminar. Details
• Enjoy the parade & more at the opening of Madison’s Polar Express on Main. Details
• …then head to the Wassail Festival & pick your favorite recipe! Details
• Enjoy High Tea with the Snow Queen and Fantasy Playhouse. Details
• Grab a craft & check out the snow at Mrs. Claus’ Snow Stroll on Gas Light Alley. Details
• Check out the model trains & Christmas cards at Christmas on the River. Details
• Stroll through the Tinsel Trail and check out the Rocket City Mom tree. Details
• Embrace your inner elf and head to Athens for the North Pole Stroll. Details
• Enjoy the holiday magic and light displays at Christmas in the Park in Arab. Details
• Load up the car and pick your favorite tree at the Ardmore Tinsel Trail. Details
• Head to Santa in the Village for a blast from Christmas past. Details
• Watch the Holiday Light Show & get to shopping at Bridge Street. Details
• …visit with favorite holiday characters in the Magic Snow Globe while there. Details
• …and dance under the snowflakes during the Friday Flurries. Details
• Share your wishlist & grab a photo at Santa’s Wonderland at Cabella’s. Details
• Shop local and unique at the NEACA Christmas Craft Show at the VBC. Details
• Explore Santa’s workshop & more at the Orion’s Winter Park. Details
• Snap a cute photo & enjoy the live music at the Miracle at MidCity. Details
• Wave to the band at the Cullman Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting. Details
• Check out the floats at the Downtown Rogersville Christmas Parade. Details
• Wave to Santa during the Sheila Smith Christmas Parade in Priceville. Details
• Head to the City Wide Boot Camp to squeeze in a workout before the holidays. Details
• Check off your shopping list at the Simply Christmas Artisan Craft Show. Details
• Make a list, check it twice & check it off at the Yule Y’all Christmas Market. Details
• Take a guided tour of the historic Episcopal Church of the Nativity. Details
• Enjoy a Satuday Storytime at a library branch near you this Huntsville Weekend! Details
• Make some book gift bags during the Tween Get Together at the library. Details
• Head to downtown Guntersville’s Night Before Christmas for holiday festivities. Details
• Get in the holiday spirit with the Madison Community Orchestra’s Winter Concert. Details
• Just $5 – Join Grissom High Band at their Christmas Concert. Details

Worth the Dinero this Huntsville Weekend

• Be prepared for the next test with Rocket City Learning Center’s ACT Prep Course. Details
• Have an old-fashioned Christmas during Burritt’s Candlelight Christmas. Details
• Knock out some shopping during Matrix Gym’s Parents’ Night Out. Details
• Put on your pjs and climb aboard the North Star Limited Train Ride. Details
• Share your wish list & enjoy a ride aboard the Santa Train. Details
• Drive through the dazzling lights at the Rocket City Christmas Light Show. Details
• Skate among the glittering downtown lights at Skating in the Park. Details
• Take a carriages ride & check out the lights at Christmas at the Grotto. Details
• Check out the new displays at the Winter Wonderland Christmas Light Display. Details
• Check out the Candy Cane Truck & more at Christmas at the Corner. Details
• Learn about Magnetic Marvels at Cook Museum’s Science on the Spot. Details
• Journey with Scrooge & Fantasy Playhouse during A Christmas Carol. Details
• Fight back the Mouse King during Alabama Youth Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Details
• Join Buddy during Elf the Musical present by the Dream Weavers. Details
• Enjoy AAA Theatre’s production of Mr. Grumpy’s Toy Shoppe. Details

DISCLAIMER: We do our best to provide accurate, cuseful information about events and activities each Huntsville Weekend. This information is gathered from a variety of sources. While we always confirm details before they are posted, sometimes details change or we are given inaccurate information which is why every event listing includes a link to the source. We strongly urge you to confirm details before you go, especially when it comes to outdoor events and weather. This post is updated weekly with current information. 

Take the fun on the road…

Out and about and need a reminder of what’s going on? Download our FREE Explore Huntsville app and you’ll our handy event calendar at your fingertips! Available for iOS and Android Devices.

The post Huntsville Weekend Roundup December 2 – 4 appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

Happy Thanksgivng! We’re so thankful for each and every one of our readers and all their support! The holiday season is officially kicking off this Huntsville Weekend, and there’s plenty to do with those holiday guests. Find our top picks below or check out our full event calendar for even more family fun!

Have the Brightest Holiday Season Yet

When it comes to the holidays, the Rocket City has some incredible things to enjoy! Check out holiday plays, attractions, road trips, shopping tips, and more in our 2022 Holiday Happenings Guide.

Click here to see the weather this Huntsville Weekend 

Free & Cheap Family Fun

• Get in the holiday spirit at The Orion during their festive Winter Park events. Details
• Stop by to see the Rocket City Mom tree and admire the others at the Tinsel Trail. Details
• Walk among the trees & admire the displays at Arab’s Christmas in the Park. Details
• Step into the Wonderland at Cabella’s and get in a first visit with Santa for the season. Details
• Kick off the holiday season at the Village of Providence during their Tree Lighting. Details
• Gather round the tallest German Christmas Pyramid in the U.S. for a special tree lighting. Details
• Enjoy a special Holiday Light Show at Bridge Street then get some holiday shopping done. Details
• Hang out with some of your favorite characters at the Magical Holiday Snow Globe. Details
• Have snow much fun at Bridge Street during the Friday Flurries by fountain. Details
• Celebrate Native American Indian Heritage Month with kids activities & more. Details
• Learn about music & sound during the Free Cigar Box Guitar Lessons. Details
• Enjoy the art at the Huntsville Museum of Art during their Community Free Day. Details
• Get in the holiday spirit with a Saturday Christmas Storytime at the library. Details
• Enjoy the festivities and take a cute photo during the Miracle at MidCity. Details
• Shop small & local this holiday season & help support our neighbors. Details

Worth the Dinero this Huntsville Weekend

• Walk under a Galaxy of Lights & enjoy hot cocoa during the Garden’s walking nights. Details
• Skate into the holiday season during Skating in the Park in downtown Huntsville. Details
• Enjoy the horse-drawn wagon rides and check out the lights at Christmas at the Grotto. Details
• Load up the car and head to the Winter Wonderland at Sportsman Lake Park. Details
• Stroll through Santa’s Village & feed the reindeer at Arab’s Historic Village. Details
• Learn about Helpful Honeybees during Cook Museum’s Science on the Spot. Details

DISCLAIMER: We do our best to provide accurate, cuseful information about events and activities each Huntsville Weekend. This information is gathered from a variety of sources. While we always confirm details before they are posted, sometimes details change or we are given inaccurate information which is why every event listing includes a link to the source. We strongly urge you to confirm details before you go, especially when it comes to outdoor events and weather.

Take the fun on the road…

Out and about and need a reminder of what’s going on? Download our FREE Explore Huntsville app and you’ll our handy event calendar at your fingertips! Available for iOS and Android Devices.

The post Huntsville Weekend Roundup November 25 – 27 appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

Take your finger off that Amazon button for the day. This Saturday – and continuing all holiday season – your Huntsville neighbors need you to #ShopSmall more than ever. If they are lucky enough to have survived 2022 so far, many small business owners are depending on a busy December just so they can stick around in 2023. And they need their fellow Huntsvillians to shop EARLY as well, so they can provide a Christmas for their own families. Lucky you, Small Business Saturday in Huntsville is coming up!

Are you up for the #SmallBusinessSaturday challenge? It’s a lovely way we can all come together to fight the financial strain that many of our neighbors are feeling.

Here at Rocket City Mom, we are ALL ABOUT LOCAL. We eat, sleep, and breathe local. We cover local events, share information about local resources, and help our readers find local people and businesses to connect with. So here’s our favorite ways to shop local and small in Huntsville and North Alabama.

Awesome Attraction Gift Shops

I have found some truly unique gifts for friends and family at our area museum gift shops. These places tend to curate their inventory very carefully each year, and often have things you just can’t find anywhere else. (Do you know what that means? They also create additional jobs by having gift shop staff to coordinate that!) They’re also a wonderful place to look for really nice holiday decorations.

Josie’s Gift Shop at Burritt On the Mountain

Housed in the Burritt Welcome Center is Josie’s Gift Shop, named in honor of Dr. Burritt’s wife. They showcase toys, garden items and home accessories. This is a great place to find bridal and baby gifts, Huntsville souvenirs, and goods from local artisans. Gift wrapping is available at no charge.

HBG Garden Gift Shop

Located right in the lobby of the entrance to the Huntsville Botanical Garden, this shop features a collection of gifts for the home and garden, delicious southern gourmet gifts, books, plush toys, and jewelry – all with a distinct nod to Mother Nature. You don’t need to pay admission to shop!

USSRC Gift Shop

The museum gift shop of the largest space museum in the world does not disappoint. Boasting an out-of-this-world NASA apparel collection, you’ll also find space-themed models, STEM toys, science kits, limited-edition souvenirs, and yes – space ice cream.

Museum Store at HMA

With unique items from the surrounding areas and all over the world, the Huntsville Museum of Art’s gift shop is the perfect place to check off your holiday shopping. You’ll find gifts for all the important people in your life AND support your local art museum this year. They even put together a Holiday Gift Guide for you!

The Museum Store at Cook Museum

Not only will you find beautiful Christmas decorations at the Museum Store, but you’ll also find great gifts for friends, family, and teachers! No museum ticket needed to shop – it’s a great place to buy for kids that love animals, nature, and the natural world around them.

DID YOU KNOW? The Huntsville Madison County Chamber created a website to empower people to purchase gift cards directly from local, independently owned small businesses. GetYourGiftOn.org is easy to use – and these gift cards are a great idea for teachers, essential workers, friends and family. Why not get all your shopping done at once?

Locally-Owned Kids Toys & Specialty Gift Shops

Do you miss Toys ‘R Us? Shopping small and local for kids doesn’t have to be tricky. These small Huntsville toy shops and game stores have a great variety of things kids will love AND you can feel good about buying from small business owners that live right here.

The Toy Place Downtown

Kids in Five Points Huntsville know to head to Susan’s store for fun and carefully curated toys of all sorts. If you’ve never been to this quirky shop devoted 100% to toys and toys only, this is your chance! We love the very affordable price ranges.

Learning Express

This family-owned toy and gift store is another spot you can find something special for the kiddos. Everything from board games to craft kits, chapter books, inflatable forts, and hot items. Check out their Holiday Catalogue!

Rocket City Toys

This locally-owned toy store in Hampton Cove has all the fan-favorites for kids of ages. Popular toys include: Pokémon, Lego, Funko Pops, Magnatiles, Melissa & Doug, Air Fort and so much more! As an added bonus, you can even shop online!

Local Comic Shops, Tabletops, & RPGs

Teens that are into IRL games would love a gift from one of these local shops. You’ll find Magic the Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, the latest Marvel comics, and tons more here.

• Bricks & Minifigs (opening December 10!)
• The Deep Comics & Games
• Haven Comics
• Magnolia Gaming Huntsville
• Lucky Dice Cafe
• The Raging Gazebo

Where to Find Unique Gifts By Local Artists & Makers

Space put Huntsville on the map, but STEAM has elevated it to a whole new level. Our city is full of innovative artists and makers, and many of them have really had a tough year. Luckily you can find local art at several different places throughout Madison County. Like these…

Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment

The OG when it comes to artist complexes in the Rocket City! Shop any of their 152 artist studios at their Yule Y’all Christmas Market on December 3rd or at the Winter Solstice Market on December 17th or anytime during the gift-giving season.

The Little Green Store

Part gift shop, part art gallery, TLGS on Monte Sano is a fantastic place to find local artists. Shop online or make an appointment to avoid the crowds. I love the delicate handmade jewelry or wall art to hang on that blank spot in your living room.

University Pickers

You’ll find over 100 small businesses – many of them makers and refurbishers – in this big shared-space shopping center. The owners are moms and wives who love what they do and love to help other small businesses grow. Featuring items you can’t find in big box stores and local, handmade and unique gifts.

Twisted Tree in Madison

Twisted Tree Vintage Market has over 80 vendors and offers furniture, home decor, boutique clothing and unique gifts. They have a great selection of holiday decor as well to help you deck your halls.

#DineHsv Restaurants & Treats

A few of our RCM foodie favorites for gift-giving in case you were wondering…

• Mason Dixon Bakery – Order your holiday cakes, pies, cookies and more from this family-owned and 100% gluten free bakery.
• Pizzelles Confections – Our favorite chocolate witches can make you hot cocoa bombs, homemade marshmallows and caramels, and a huge variety of other mouth-watering chocolates and confections!
• Zion Gourmet Popcorn – This small but mighty popcorn & homemade candy store is one of our favorites.
• Piper & Leaf Tea Company – Family owned & operated, this local tea shop have gifts that taste like home.
• The Moon Bake Shop – Go for the cruffins. Stay for the bacon cheddar scones.
• Hamley Bake Shoppe – Pre-order your holiday pies and desserts now from this small batch Meridianville bakery.
• Canadian Bakin – Specializing in hand-rolled bagels and artisan breads, you can order online and pick up the day these tasty carbs are baked.
• Good Company Cafe – An amazing pastry chef and impressive brunch spread makes this a South Hsv favorite.

Neighborhood-Supported Mom & Pop Shops

If you’re going to try to shop local and small as much as possible this year, what better way than to shop in your own neighborhood? You could even be supporting a mom or dad in your child’s class at school!

Shop Downtown & North Huntsville
Skip the Starbucks… DarkSide Coffee is the new coffee shop in North Huntsville & they have gift cards!

The Shops at Clinton Row – Features locally owned restaurants, gift shops, and retail in downtown Huntsville. RCM Picks: Snail On the Wall bookstore, Local Flourish & Co.

Shop South Huntsville
The South Huntsville Holiday Gift Guide – Created by the SHBA, this is a great guide to supporting small businesses in the 35802/03.
RCM Pick: The Cottage Collective, Spoiled Rockin’ Kids Salon & Spa, Sweet Pineapple

Shop Madison
Madison Station Antiques, South & Pine Home, Zion Gourmet Popcorn & Candy, Old Black Bear Brewing Co., Interiors By Consign
RCM Picks: Madison Band Supply for your musically gifted kid, Posh Mommy & Baby for the mom-to-be in your life!

So… what did we miss? Let us know your favorite in the comments so we can add it to the list!

The post Easy Ways to Shop Local & Small in Huntsville appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

If there’s anyone likely to break a bone, it’s kids. With fearless jumps from playground equipment, falls during sporting events, and more, they’re prime candidates for fractures – a fact many parents know from experience. What parents may NOT know is the importance of specialized pediatric orthopaedic care. Luckily, the Rocket City has pediatric orthopaedic care right here in Huntsville at The Orthopaedic Center!

Why Pediatric Orthopedics Matters

While you may think that all orthopaedic doctors are equally equipped to deal with adolescent injuries, the truth is kids heal differently than adults. Namely, they are still growing and need physicians that are well versed in taking care of bones that will continue to grow.

Dr. Michael Lawley is one of the physicians in TOC’s Pediatric group. He said he and the pediatrics team at TOC not only have advanced knowledge of treating bones that are still growing, but also the knowledge to avoid unnecessary surgeries and prevent growth disturbances.

“Anytime you have an injury to a bone it can happen in the area of growth and knowing how to handle that in a technical manner so you promote its continued growth is essential. We also know how to monitor for growth disturbances after an injury. You have to watch these things – you can’t just say its healed and then they come back a year and half later with a major deformity. We can pick this up before it becomes a big issue and avoid a major surgery,” Lawley said.

Another important aspect of pediatric orthopaedic care is knowing when surgeries are necessary and the symptoms of underlying diseases that may cause injuries in children. Dr. Steven Buckley joined the pediatric group at TOC in 2006 when it was first started and said the things to look out for in children are different than that of adults.

“Indications for surgery in a child are very different than in an adult. They are not just a mini adult. If a kid comes in with a bone fracture, in the back of your mind you think that this could be a sick bone before this injury happened. You ask the right questions to find out that this was bone cancer and are able to get them the treatment that they need,” Buckley said.

Likewise, the pediatric team at TOC understand kids – in fact many of the team members are parents themselves! They know it’s hard to slow down an active kid and accommodate that when possible by not completely restricting activity and providing waterproof casts. Elizabeth Schwarze is a nurse practitioner on the TOC Pediatrics team, and said that’s another benefit of receiving specialized pediatric orthopaedic care.

“Sometimes you don’t want to overtreat them. Sometimes they can play with injuries and keep being active and we are aware of that, where someone that doesn’t treat kids may say ‘oh, well you’re out for six weeks.’ But they don’t have to be – we can let them keep playing,” said Schwarze.

TOC’s pediatric orthopaedic clinic also offers several advantages for their patients including:

• Injury Clinic
• In-House Physical Therapy
• In-House Occupational Therapy
• In-House Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Braces
• Waterproof Bracing
• Robot-Assisted Surgery

Beyond the Bones

In addition to treating kids, the pediatric orthopaedics team also knows how to approach kids. When caring for a patient that may be anxious or scared, they know what to expect and are ready to do what it takes to help put them at ease. One way that they do that is involving the kids in their own care. Jennifer Sharp is a nurse practitioner on the team and says they do that by meeting the patient in a way that they understand.

“I think it’s important to relate to both the parent and the child. It’s two completely different languages that we use,” Sharp said.

Lawley says it’s also important to consider what may add stress for the child.

“It’s about being aware, whether it’s choosing not to wear a lab coat before you go into the room because you know you’ll freak them out, or just treating them like a kid. One thing I always try to do is talk to the kid. Not just talk to the parent as if the child is not in the room,” Lawley said.

Schwarze said this approach is also important for establishing a positive relationship with physicians and kids in the future.

“That process teaches the child how to connect with a physician and how to communicate. That’s different than when I was growing up and dealing with physicians. I think it empowers a child to speak up,” Schwarze said.

In addition to having the expertise to interact with kids, the pediatrics team is passionate about what they do. Since many are parents themselves, they aim to treat their patients how they’d want their kids treated. Dr. Corey Burke recently joined the pediatric team at TOC and says it’s one of the things he loves about working with kids. 

“Kids are eager to get back to being active and take great ownership of improving and healing. Having five kids myself, I understand the desire of parents to have their children receive the utmost care. I strive to treat each child how I would treat my own. I’m also thankful that my patients have loving caretakers who would do anything for them and can continually provide encouragement as they are healing and recovering,” said Burke.

Keeping things Fun with Pediatric Orthopaedics

Another thing the pediatric orthopaedics team strives to do is keep the clinic fun! Whether it’s bright murals with favorite characters, having a roll of stickers on standby, having a toy chest, or even dressing up, the team comes prepared to care for their patients.

Lawley said pediatric care was never in his original plans until he did a rotation. After his wife pointed out that he was leaving work happier, he decided pediatrics was the path for him. He said he likes the pediatric environment and generally caring for patients that do well with treatments.

“When you’re seeing kids you can goof off with them in the clinic. You’re still taking things seriously of course, but you don’t have to put on some attitude and act all formal like you do with adults. They’re motivated, they heal, they haven’t had time to mess up their bodies with poor eating habits or smoking or bad life choices. Their bodies are still the way that they are supposed to be, so from an anatomy side of things that’s really beautiful,” Lawley said.

After his time in the Navy, Buckley said he likes working in pediatrics because it offers a fun environment.

“I like pediatrics because you can do everything that you do in general ortho – you do hands, feet, spine, sports – and the patients get well faster, they tend not to be pain seekers, and it is more fun. It’s a happier environment: you have toy boxes, you have stickers, pieces of candy, and putting on a cast is fun,” Buckley said.

Exclusive Pediatric Orthopaedic Care

TOC is the only clinic with pediatric orthopaedic specialty in North Alabama. In fact, they’ve recently added Dr. Corey Burke to their team to be able to serve even more patients. From infants to young adults, the team offers exclusive pediatric orthopaedic care from experienced providers. Learn more about the clinic and schedule appointments by visiting TOC’s website or calling 256-539-2728.

“I find it a tremendous honor that parents will trust us to do what we do to their children. That will hit me sometimes – I can’t believe I am here, that parents are trusting me with this. As a parent, you don’t always know these people more than an office visit before surgery and they are entrusting us to take care of their kiddo. That’s an awareness that I feel like others may not appreciate since they don’t deal with it on a regular basis, and it’s just an honor,” said Lawley. 

The post TOC Pediatric Orthopaedics Brings Specialized Care for Growing Bones appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

If you’re in the holiday spirit, you’re in luck this Huntsville Weekend! From holiday light shows to Skating in the Park and more, there’s something for everyone! Find our top picks below or check out our full event calendar for even more family fun!

Have the Brightest Holiday Season Yet

When it comes to the holidays, the Rocket City has some incredible things to enjoy! Check out holiday plays, attractions, road trips, shopping tips, and more in our 2022 Holiday Happenings Guide.

Click here to see the weather this Huntsville Weekend 

Free & Cheap Family Fun

• Light up the holidays & say hi to Santa at the Bridge Street Tree Lighting. Details
• Have a sweet weekend skating & visiting Santa during Athen’s A Christmas in Candyland. Details
• Make the holidays special for children worldwide by donating to Operation Christmas Child. Details
• Help Feed the City and spend some quality family time giving back this holiday season. Details
• Enjoy a storytime with an adoptable pup during Fables with Furry Friends at the Three Tails ReSale. Details
• Shop handmade goods & treats at the Advent Market at Summit Crossing Community Church. Details
• Get ready for Thanksgiving & cross off holiday shopping at the Arab Christmas Extravaganza. Details
• Shop from local artists and makers at the Kris Kringle Artist Market at Discovery Middle. Details
• Dive into a good book and catch a Saturday Storytime at a library branch near you. Details
• Tap your toes to the live music at the Fall Happy Hour Music Series in Downtown Athens. Details
• Load up the car & head to Christmas in the Country to shop from over 80+ vendors. Details
• Enjoy a docent-led tour of the Episcopal Church of the Nativity in downtown Huntsville. Details
• Give thanks & celebrate diversity at the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. Details
• Just $5 – Enjoy a Family Game Night at Shenanigans with Turnip & Joletta. Details
• Just $5 – Shop all things anime & manga during the Huntsville Anime Day. Details
• Just $10 – Hop aboard the Christmas train at the Winter Wonderland Christmas Display. Details

Worth the Dinero this Huntsville Weekend

• Skate into the holiday season with fireworks at Skating in the Park’s opening day. Details
• Walk under a Galaxy of Lights & grab a cup of hot cocoa at the Huntsville Botanical Garden. Details
• Join Ralphie & Theatre Huntsville for a special production of A Christmas Story. Details
• Get rid of cabin fever by jumping around during Whiz Kids at Matrix Gym. Details
• Learn about Spider Superpowers! at Cook Museum’s Science on the Spot. Details

DISCLAIMER: We do our best to provide accurate, cuseful information about events and activities each Huntsville Weekend. This information is gathered from a variety of sources. While we always confirm details before they are posted, sometimes details change or we are given inaccurate information which is why every event listing includes a link to the source. We strongly urge you to confirm details before you go, especially when it comes to outdoor events and weather.

Take the fun on the road…

Out and about and need a reminder of what’s going on? Download our FREE Explore Huntsville app and you’ll our handy event calendar at your fingertips! Available for iOS and Android Devices.

The post Huntsville Weekend Roundup November 18 – 20 appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

The holiday season is kicking off this Huntsville Weekend with special markets, performances, and more! Not ready to celebrate yet? No worries, there’s plenty of regular fun to enjoy too! Find our top picks below or check out our full event calendar for even more family fun!

Have the Brightest Holiday Season Yet

When it comes to the holidays, the Rocket City has some incredible things to enjoy! Check out holiday plays, attractions, road trips, shopping tips, and more in our 2022 Holiday Happenings Guide.

Click here to see the weather this Huntsville Weekend 

Free & Cheap Family Fun

• Celebrate local veterans at the annual Huntsville Veterans Day Parade. Details
• Shop unique holiday gifts & decor at Josie’s Holiday Open House. Details
• Chill at with Cook Museum during their Winter Wonderland in the Courtyard. Details
• Load up the car and head to the Host of Christmas Past for festivities and fun. Details
• Get your wishlist to Santa early during Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s. Details
• Tap your toes during the Fall Happy Hour Music Series in downtown Athens. Details
• Explore, play, & have fun at the GrupoPLAY Bilingual Family Playgroup. Details
• Enjoy the live music, food trucks, and vendor shopping at Piper & Leaf’s Holiday Market. Details
• Make music & learn about sound during the Cigar Box Guitar Free Lessons. Details
• Head over to the library to enjoy a special Sunday Storytime. Details
• Knock out some holiday shopping at the Holiday Market at MidCity. Details
• Enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride through the snow at Dashing Through Downtown Boaz. Details
• JUST $2 – Get a jump on holiday shopping at the Gingerbread Marketplace. Details

Worth the Dinero this Huntsville Weekend

• Walk under a Galaxy of Lights during the Huntsville Botanical Garden’s walking nights. Details
• Take a much needed Parents Night Out while the kids hang with Rocket City Learning Center. Details
• Dive into the beloved & romantic story of Anastasia with Broadway Theatre League. Details
• Hang out with Ralphie & kick off the holidays during Theatre Huntsville’s A Christmas Story. Details

DISCLAIMER: We do our best to provide accurate, cuseful information about events and activities each Huntsville Weekend. This information is gathered from a variety of sources. While we always confirm details before they are posted, sometimes details change or we are given inaccurate information which is why every event listing includes a link to the source. We strongly urge you to confirm details before you go, especially when it comes to outdoor events and weather.

Take the fun on the road…

Out and about and need a reminder of what’s going on? Download our FREE Explore Huntsville app and you’ll our handy event calendar at your fingertips! Available for iOS and Android Devices.

The post Huntsville Weekend Roundup November 11 – 13 appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

One of the hardest things about camping with kids is worrying about setting up a tent, finding firewood, worrying about remembering everything you need to go camping, trying to get any sleep, all while keeping your little ones entertained and fed. Could you imagine an experience where you drive up to a campsite, the tent is already put up, there’s firewood next to the fire pit, you sleep in a queen size bed, and there is plenty of entertainment for you and the children? Glamping at Sipsey Creek Farms can offer all the benefits of camping, without any of the hassle.

We spent the night at a glamping site in Bankhead National Forest at Sipsey Creek Farms. Before check-in we woke up in our own beds and packed up the car and drove a little over an hour to Bankhead National Forest We spent the late morning and early afternoon hiking Turkeyfoot Falls and Mize Mills Falls. We sat at the bottom of Mize Mills for well over an hour, letting the little ones throw rocks, build dirt piles, looking at bugs, and climbing on the downed trees and boulders. If you aren’t sure footed or experienced hiking, I would suggest a waterfall like Kinlock Falls or Caney Creek Falls to start. Bankhead is beautiful, but it is also unforgiving. 

Glamping at Sipsey Creek Farms

After hiking a bit, we stopped by the camp site to check-in and unpack. Given it’s a tent in a field, check-in was a breeze (non-existent). The tent was incredibly easy to find on their property and we could park close to the tent for unpacking. We walked into the tent, and it felt like magical tent from Harry Potter, where it appears small on the outside, but is huge on the inside. Inside the tent there was a queen-sized bed, 2 cots for the kids, blankets, coffee (French press), gas heater, apple butter, small seating space, and fire extinguisher/fire alarm. There was a welcome packet on the bed with clear concise instructions and house rules. There was an easily accessible toilet near the campsite, but if you don’t want to go in an outhouse style toilet, a full toilet was offered in the “barn” less than 50 yds away.

The “barn” was more of a giant shed which had a full kitchen including stove/stovetop, fridge, microwave, and some cookware where you are allowed to cook your food and clean your dishes. My favorite amenity that was offered was an outdoor shower with HOT water. At the campsite there was a firepit, firewood, seating, a cooler, lights around the campsite, and a hammock. After we unpacked, we took some time to walk around the farm. Our kids enjoyed looking at the farm animals and playing on the provided playset. 

After we checked-in to the Airbnb, we drove through scenic country 20 minutes down the road to Natural Bridge. Natural Bridge is the longest standing rock arch east of the Rockies, and it is IMPRESSIVE. Natural Bridge cost $3.50 for adults, $2.50 for kids, and free for children under 6. We spent this time being “wowed” by the bridge and hiking around the property.

We went back to the campsite to cook dinner, eat, and of course, finishing dinner with s’mores (bonus: s’more roasting stick provided!). It started getting dark around 630pm. I think one of the benefits of camping is how late it feels when the sun sets. We star gazed with the kids for about an hour next to a slowly fading fire. Being away from the city lights, the night sky was filled with stars. Our kids went to sleep by 730pm and slept all night. After the kids went to bed, us parents laid in the hammock together and got some much-needed alone time watching the stars rotate overhead counting the shooting stars and listening to the fire slowly die. We retired to our beds and were asleep by 9pm. 

The next morning, we woke up to an amazing sunrise. We made eggs and bacon in the barn and ate around the campfire (my kids ate a few roasted marshmallows as well). We packed up that morning and hiked around the property. The property itself was worth exploring as it offered beautiful trees, caves, and a waterfall (which we ran out of time to find). We then headed back to the car and went home. My kids were exhausted and were quiet the entire trip home. They already want to go “glamping” again.

Things to do on the property:
Camping activities – campfire, cooking, and s’mores
Hiking on the property – miles of hiking trails with bluffs, caves, and a waterfall
Star Gazing – enjoy nighttime in the country.
Kids Playset – slide, climb, and swing!
Farm Animals- They have ducks, llamas, sheep, turkey, cows, ect
Roaming pig – The roaming pig is a big boy you can pet!

Things to do off the property:
Hiking Bankhead National Forest “Land of a Thousand Falls”– Miles of hiking to some of the most beautiful waterfalls and blue water in Alabama. With kids I suggest Caney Creek Falls and Kinlock Falls!
Natural Bridge Park – The longest rock arch east of the Rockies
Smith Lake – Lake activities nearby for you water-lovers!

Things to Know Before You Go:

Location: 3816 County Road 78, Double Springs, AL 35553, United States (map)

Communication is through Airbnb or Instagram

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Hours: Check-in is after 3 pm, checkout is before 12 pm 

Cost: Expect to pay around $100 per night. Shorter stays will be a bit more per night and longer stays will be a bit less per night.

Parking is available onsite and is free.

Bathrooms – Bathrooms are available in the “barn” and there is an outhouse available near the campsite

Strollers/Wheelchair Accessibility:

Getting in and out of the tent would be difficult for anyone with limited mobility. You do drive very close to the campsite, so hiking is not necessary.

Other: There are plenty of activities on the farm and in the surrounding area

You Might Also Like…

• Lakeside Camping at Honeycomb Campgrounds
• Camping with Kids: A Quick & Dirty Guide to Getting Started
• Great Beginner Hikes in North Alabama

The post Glamping at Jewel Ridge – No Hassle Camping at Sipsey Creek Farms appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

Halloween may have come and gone, but there’s still plenty of family fun to enjoy together this Huntsville Weekend! Find our top picks below or check out our full event calendar for even more family fun!

Lace Up Your Boots and Grab Your Cape for a Hero Hike

Veteran’s Day is around the corner and if you’re looking for a chance to celebrate and learn about local veterans, the Hero Hike is a perfect opportunity.

Click here to see the weather this Huntsville Weekend 

Free & Cheap Family Fun

• Learn all about music at the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra’s Music Explorers Club. Details
• Reel in the good times at the Youth Fishing Rodeo. Details
• Plant a brighter future at the Mayor’s Tree Planting Day at John Hunt Park. Details
• Enjoy a leisurely bike ride around downtown Huntsville during the Tour de Ville 2022. Details
• Get ready for the holidays at the Christmas Open Barn. Details
• Check out the model train & do some shopping at the Harrison Brothers Open House. Details
• Enjoy the live music & shop local during the Fall Happy Hour Music Series in Downtown Athens. Details
• Head to the Trash Pandas Stadium to Celebrate Madison with face painting, characters, & more. Details
• Get in an early visit with Jolly Old Saint Nick at the Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s. Details
• Join Huntsville Parks & Recreation for a City Wide Bootcamp at Milton Frank Stadium. Details
• Start crossing off your holiday list early at the Fall/Winter GALs Sponsored Vendor & Craft Fair. Details
• Head to the Downtown Huntsville Library for games & more at the Tween Get Together. Details
• Set your sons up for success at the Under Construction male mentorship series. Details

Worth the Dinero this Huntsville Weekend

• Kick off the holiday season with shopping, Santa visits, & more at Under the Christmas Tree. Details
• Sing along with Broadway performances of favorite Disney songs at the Disney Princess: The Concert. Details
• Watch craft demonstrations, listen to live music, & more at Burritt’s Round Top Folk Festival. Details
• Enjoy a much needed Parent’s Night Out while the kids have a blast at Matrix Gym. Details
• Climb aboard the Fall Color Special Train Ride at NARM to take in all the fall leaves. Details
• Explore the web of life supported by river systems at Cook’s Science on the Spot. Details

DISCLAIMER: We do our best to provide accurate, cuseful information about events and activities each Huntsville Weekend. This information is gathered from a variety of sources. While we always confirm details before they are posted, sometimes details change or we are given inaccurate information which is why every event listing includes a link to the source. We strongly urge you to confirm details before you go, especially when it comes to outdoor events and weather.

Take the fun on the road…

Out and about and need a reminder of what’s going on? Download our FREE Explore Huntsville app and you’ll our handy event calendar at your fingertips! Available for iOS and Android Devices.

The post Huntsville Weekend Roundup November 4 – 6 appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

The Space Foundation and Boeing are taking creativity to new heights and your budding artist is invited to take part. Artists ages 3-18 can have their digital masterpieces loaded onto the Starliner’s Crew Test Flight. Every participating student will receive a “Certificate of Flight”, authenticating the artwork’s trip to space.

Out of this World Inspiration

The theme of this mission is “Breaking Boundaries in Space”. Artists are challenged to create a space-themed piece showcasing diverse historical figures who inspire by doing things first or making things possible for future generations.

What You Need to Know

Entries must be submitted electronically and can include drawings, paintings, mixed media, and digital media submissions. The deadline is December 16, 2022 at 5:01 CT.

While there is no fee for submitting, only teachers, parents, or legal guardians may register on behalf of the artists.
You can read more about Art in the Stars, including rules and how to submit on the Space Foundation website.

Details at A Glance

When: Now Until December 16, 2022 at 5:01CT
Where: Out of this World!
Cost: Free
Website

The post Art in the Stars: Launch Your Student’s Creations into Space! appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

Looking for sparkly lights and festive holiday parades? You’ve come to the right place! Watch the kids’ eyes get all aglow at these Christmas tree lightings and holiday parades in Huntsville and North Alabama.

For more holiday fun including all the places to hear holiday music, catch Santa, cavort with holiday cheerfulness and just plain get in the holiday spirit visit the main page of our comprehensive 2022 Holiday Happenings Guide sponsored by Galaxy of Lights at Huntsville Botanical Gardens.

ON THE GO? Keep all of our Holiday Guides and our full Event Calendar at your fingertips with our free Explore Huntsville app. It’s available on iTunes & Google Play and will help make your spirit bright!

Tree Lighting at Bridge Street

Time: November 18 @ 4:30 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Bridge Street Town Centre
More Info

Join to light up Bridge Street at the annual kick-off of the holiday season, Lights Up!

A Christmas in Candyland

Time: November 18 @ 4:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Downtown Athens
More Info

Don't miss this weekend of holiday fun!

Bridge Street Holiday Light Show

Date/Time: Fridays and Saturdays November 18- December 23
Cost: Free
Location: Bridge Street Town Centre
More Info

Bigger and better this holiday season, we will be spreading cheer through a holiday themed light show at the Christmas tree near Cinemark. Showtimes listed below will be the start times for the 10-minute holiday light show. Show Times: Friday, November 18 | 7 PM Saturday, November 19 | 6, 7 & 8 PM Friday,…

Christmas Pyramid Lighting

Time: November 25 @ 6:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Cullman County Museum
More Info

Make plans to come out to this intimate ceremony filled with all the warm and fuzzy feelings we all love about the Christmas Season in Cullman! When: November 25 | 6 PM Where: Directly beside the Cullman County Museum For details and updates, please visit the Christmas in Cullman Facebook page.

12th Annual Tree Lighting at Village of Providence

Date/Time: November 25- December 31
Cost: Free
Location: The Village of Providence
More Info

Join the Village of Providence for the 12th annual tree lighting on November 25! Santa will make his appearance at 4 PM and the tree lighting will begin at 5:30 PM.

Christmas in the Park

Date/Time: November 25- December 31
Cost: Free
Location: Arab City Park
More Info

Every year on the day after Thanksgiving, Arab City Park is transformed into Christmas in the Park, a festive and over-the-top display of holiday magic. Brought to you by the City of Arab and Arab Parks & Recreation, Christmas in the Park is one of the most magical displays you’ll find anywhere in the State. Thousands will travel to Arab just to stroll through this enchanting wonderland, where frame-worthy photo ops are literally everywhere you look.

Tinsel Trail

Date/Time: November 25- December 31
Cost: Free
Location: Big Spring Park
More Info

Tinsel Trail is a display of live Christmas trees in Downtown Huntsville's Big Spring Park. Over 400 trees will decorate the park for the holiday season. Kick off this festive Downtown tradition on November 25 at 6:00 PM for the lighting of the Mayor’s tree! When: November 25- January 2 For details and updates, please visit…

Athens-Limestone County Christmas Parade

Time: December 1 @ 6:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Athens Middle School
More Info

The 2022 Athens-Limestone County Christmas Parade will be Thursday, December 1 at 6 p.m.

Ardmore Tinsel Trail

Date/Time: December 1-31
Cost: Free
Location: Ardmore Alabama Town Park
More Info

The Ardmore Tinsel Trail is held annually during the month of December in Ardmore Alabama. Hosted by the Greater Ardmore Chamber of Commerce, the event is held in the park next to the Bryan House on 1st Avenue and features brightly decorated Christmas Trees hosted by local businesses, organizations, and individuals.

North Pole Stroll

Date/Time: December 1-31
Cost: Free
Location: Athens Big Spring Memorial Park
More Info

Get into the holiday spirit by visiting the North Pole Stroll and check out the beautifully decorated trees!

Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting in Cullman

Time: October 27 @ 8:00 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Downtown Cullman
More Info

Join the annual Christmas in Cullman celebration which will include the Downtown Christmas Parade and the Lighting of the Christmas Tree in Depot Park! 

Lighting of the Trees in Downtown Madison

Time: December 2 @ 6:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Downtown Madison
More Info

The official lighting of all trees will take place on Friday, December 2nd at 6:00pm accompanied by music provided by the Madison Community Orchestra and the Madison Public Library's reading of The Polar Express. Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided by the Rotary Club of Madison, and the Children's Lantern Parade will be put on by the Madison Arts Council.

Shelia Smith Christmas Parade in Priceville

Time: December 3 @ 2:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: North Bethel Road
More Info

The City of Priceville Park and Recreation’s Annual Shelia Smith Christmas Parade is set for Saturday, December 3 at 2 P.M. with a rain date of December 10.

Downtown Decatur Christmas Parade

Time: December 5 @ 6:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Downtown Decatur
More Info

Don't miss A December to Remember, the Downtown Decatur Christmas Parade. This years theme is all about the classic holiday movies we all know and love - each float representing a cherished film or theme.

Enchanted Forest of Decatur

Date/Time: December 5- January 1
Cost: Free
Location: Founders Park
More Info

Enchanted Forest of Decatur is a display of live-cut trees sponsored and decorated by members of the community for public viewing!

Huntsville Christmas Parade

Time: December 8 @ 6:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Downtown Huntsville
More Info

Join for the Mix 96.9 Von Braun Center Huntsville Christmas Parade, presented by Bank Independent on Thursday, December 8 at 6pm! This year's theme is "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree"!

2022 City of Madison Christmas Parade

Time: December 10 @ 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Downtown Madison
More Info

The City of Madison Parks and Recreation is excited to announce the 2022 Madison Christmas Parade! This year's parade theme is Christmas Characters.

You Might Also Like…

• The Ultimate Activity Guide to Christmas & Huntsville Holidays
• Santa Sightings in North Alabama
• Special Christmas & Holiday Events in Huntsville & North AL
• Holiday Markets & Craft Fairs
• Listen: Christmas Music & Concerts in Huntsville
• Watch: Local Holiday Plays, Shows, & Performances

The post Holiday Parades and Tree Lightings in Huntsville and North Alabama appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

The Big Man In Red himself talks to moms about the things on their Christmas lists. Spoiler alert – the elves don’t do babysitting and you won’t be peeing alone for a while.

Last-Minute Gifts Moms Love

We asked several of our writers and readers who are moms about THE gift that would rock their worlds. These gifts have a wide range of prices and appeal, but we bet there’s something here a mom in your life would love. We even tried to list some awesome gifts for mom that were attainable in the last week before Christmas.

Spa Treatments

Hands down, this was the #1 thing the moms we asked wanted. It turns out moms aren’t usually the type to splurge on themselves – go figure! Mani/pedis, massages, and facials are always quality gifts for mom, especially for new moms who are tired and really putting self-care on the back burner. Bonus points if your gift includes babysitting when they’re at the spa.
Places to consider:
Madison School of Massage Therapy
Terrame Day Spa & Salon

Date Night… with Babysitting

The #2 request was some quality time with mom’s Significant Other. Another thing she is less likely to splurge on for herself, this one is an easy gift option. Gift cards to the movie theater and her favorite restaurant, complete with babysitting. It’s a priceless jackpot! Click here for some great Date Night ideas in Huntsville.

Tile

More Info
This tiny tile doesn’t look like much, but it could be the very thing for moms who are constantly looking for their phone, or purse, or wallet. The amount of time it saves getting out the door is incredible. Maybe soon they’ll make one to help keep up with kids.

Birchbox Subscription

More Info
This monthly subscription box will arrive at mom’s doorstep full of goodies over and over again. It’s definitely one of those gifts that keep on giving. The samples are high-quality and luxurious, and will encourage her to treat herself. Plus, Birchbox gets creative with their fun mailing labels.

Stackable Rings

More Info
We love these Lisa Leonard stackable rings – they each have the name of mom’s little ones and the sterling silver goes with just about any outfit.

Coupons for Time

Time is worth its weight in gold, and no mom has enough of it. Homemade coupons for uninterrupted naps, a morning alone at a coffee shop, a guilt-free trip to Target without kids, or a long hot soaking bubble bath. This DIY template will help you customize some for mom. Most importantly – Don’t include an expiration date!

You Might Also Like…

• On Becoming Santa Claus
• Best Books to Read Aloud at Christmas
• Bullet Journaling in the New Year

Editor’s Note: This post has been updated and was initially published in December 2017.

The post Moms Tell Santa What They REALLY Want for Christmas appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

The holidays are a wonderful time for making memories and spending time with your children. One of my favorite things to do is to look at toys with my boys and talk about what they might ask Santa for that year. As a parent of a child on the spectrum, I’m always interested in the toys that he tells me he would like to get. My typical child can go through any toy section and name about twenty things that he would like to have; his brother, though, with all of his challenges, is harder to pin down.

If you’re the parent or friend or relative of a child with special needs, you know the struggle of trying to figure out the right gift for that child. Hopefully, this guide can help you find the perfect toy to wrap up this year.

Let’s Shop!

The hardest part of shopping for children with special needs, whether the issues are cognitive, behavioral, or physical, is figuring out what toys will work for them. Think about where a child is in terms of ability and then go from there. If you’re shopping for a child who needs to work on sensory integration, you can go for toys like Play-Doh or other tactile toys. If the child has a speech delay, you can look for toys that encourage language, like stacking blocks or pretend play sets. The goal is to find toys that fit what the child can do and encourage growth in the areas that might need work.

The retailers listed here all have toys for children with all types of special needs. I encourage you to look beyond age or gender and consider toys or activities that fit the individual child and his or her needs. These sites should help you with suggestions and ideas for doing just that.

Vendors That Specialize in Special Needs Toys

Different Roads to Learning  – This site features not only articles and other sources of information for parents and others who work with kids on the autism spectrum or with any sort of developmental delay, but also has toys and tools, including apps, that encourage and build on all types of abilities.

Fat Brain Toys – Fat Brain sells all types of learning and educational toys for children from birth to young adulthood, but their store also features a guide to picking out toys for any child with special needs. The guide covers a range of challenges, from ADHD to vision impairments to paraplegia. Explore their site for ideas about gifts for anyone, child or adult, with challenges.

Melissa & Doug – Melissa & Doug makes toys for all children, but they also feature a menu option which allows you to hone in on toys for special needs children as well. We particularly like Melissa & Doug’s line of toys because their pretend play items, like cupcake and ice cream kits, have encouraged both of our boys to play together and to pretend, which is great for my child on the spectrum. It encourages him to practice all sorts of social skills as well as practical skills, like food preparation.

Target Toy Guide for Differently Abled Kids – More and more national retailers like Target are practicing more inclusion in their approaches to both advertising and merchandising. This guide from Target has suggestions for kids with all types of challenges as well as tips for both selecting toys and playing safely.

Learning Resources – Learning Resources is another website for finding educational and learning toys for all children; they also feature a section for shopping for children with special needs. They even feature a section where you can select toys based on how your child learns. My son is a visual learner so I like to browse through that section and look for toys that allow us to work on his reading or math skills as visual learner.

Want to shop local? Many of these items can be found at Learning Express here in Huntsville. We love to support local small businesses! 

Stuck for Ideas?

Regardless of the type of delays or challenges a child faces, the goal is to look for toys that have meaning to the child. If you’re a parent trying to think of something special Santa can bring to your home, talk to your child’s teachers or therapists about the toys or activities that your child enjoys most. If you’re a family member or friend who wants to pick up a gift for a special child in your life, talk to their parents about the areas that child needs to work on most and seek ideas for toys that encourage those skills.

The holidays are magical for all children and their families. Everyone looks forward to opening presents and finding something fun and exciting inside. Sometimes finding that gift can be a challenge, but hopefully these sites and guides will help you find the right toy for that special child in your life. Happy Holidays!

You Might Also Like…

• The Gift That Keeps Giving: Self Care for the Special Needs Parent
• Finding Support When You’re the Parent of a Special Needs Child
• Demystifying Alabama’s New Dyslexia Legislation

The post A Guide to Holiday Gifting for Children with Special Needs appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

For more holiday fun including all the places to hear holiday music, catch Santa, watch holiday plays, cavort with holiday cheerfulness and just plain get in the holiday spirit visit the main page of our comprehensive 2022 Holiday Happenings Guide sponsored by Galaxy of Lights at Huntsville Botanical Garden. 

The holiday season is a wonderful time of year to teach children about the joy of giving as well as receiving. Of course, there is no better way to do this than to model the behavior yourself. To make it a little easier, we’ve created this list of local charities and non-profit organizations that could use some love this holiday season.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we encourage all volunteers to call each organization to schedule volunteer hours. Some organizations may only be accepting monetary help at this time.

No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another. ― Charles Dickens

Christmas Charities Year Round

Christmas Charities Year Round (CCYR) is a non-profit, charitable organization that has served Madison County, AL since 1949, providing basic necessities year round, plus toys and food during the Christmas season, at no cost to clients.

Contact: 256-837-2373 | info@CCYR.org
Website: https://ccyr.org/give/

FOCAL Foster Children’s Alliance

FOCAL assists foster children and families with resources to provide the many needs of children that cannot be obtained other ways. FOCAL receives no United Way assistance, no budget from the city, county or state. Every dollar spent on foster children is raised privately and all the money raised is spent on the children. NOTE: Their greatest need at the holidays is for the sponsorship of teens.

Contact: FocalofMadison@gmail.com
Website: www.focalofmadison.com

Food & Diaper Bank of North Alabama

Serving over 200 agencies in North Alabama, the Food Bank is who we partner every year on The Great Diaper Drive. Because they are also part of the National Diaper Bank Network, they help provide local babies in need with diapers & wipes. Of course, they also provide food for families, seniors, and anyone in our community that doesn’t get enough to eat. There are volunteer opportunities as well as year-round online giving.

Contact: Volunteer info
Website: www.foodbanknorthal.org

Free 2 Teach

If you want to be teacher’s pet instead of Santa’s helper, our friends at Free 2 Teach are in need of volunteer help in their warehouse from 9AM-2PM Monday through Thursday. Just ask for Jennifer and let her know RCM sent you. They also have volunteer opportunities for groups or businesses; during store hours, after hours, evenings and weekends.

Contact: 256-886-7065 | info@free-2-teach.org
Website: www.free-2-teach.org

Huntsville Hospital Foundation

The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to develop relationships and financial resources to support the health care programs, projects and services of Huntsville Hospital. Your support, contributions and involvement help provide and maintain lifesaving programs at area hospitals.  Whether it is attending or volunteering at an event or making a donation, there are many ways you can support the Foundation’s work.

Contact: 256-265‐8077| hh.foundation@hhsys.org
Website: www.huntsvillhospitalfoundation.org

Kids to Love

Each year Kids to Love provides Christmas presents to foster children who might otherwise not receive anything. You can help in a variety of ways including sponsoring a wish list, adopting an ornament, donating individual items, donating money, and/or volunteering at one of their gift wrapping stations.

Contact: 256-880-3455 | info@kidstolove.org
Website: www.kidstolove.org

Lincoln Village Ministries

Lincoln Village Ministry’s focus is to give the gift of hope. There are numerous ways you can support the work in Lincoln Village. Visit their website for a list of opportunities or email their coordinator to discuss other options and or resources you might be able to offer.

Contact: 256-701-4303 | volunteer@lincolnvillageministry.com
Website: www.lincolnvillageministry.com

New Hope Children’s Clinic

New Hope Children’s Clinic is a school based health clinic created to increase the access to medical care for the underserved student population of South Eastern Madison County. The New Hope Children’s Clinic will break barriers, change lives, and give hope to children through local, low cost healthcare. Information about making tax-deductible donations or volunteering can be found on their website.

Contact: 256-723-4673 | info@newhopechildrensclinic.org
Website: www.newhopechildrensclinic.org

Manna House

Manna House is a 501(c)3 Public Charity that provides food assistance to those in need. They are supported by contributions from individuals, churches, civic groups, and businesses. While some food is donated and locally grown, most is purchased for our their programs. You can help serve meals & distribute clothes, toiletries, and other much-needed items three days a week. They always need baby items: diapers, wipes, pull-ups, baby food, and baby clothes. Find out how to volunteer with your family at Manna House here.

Contact: Fran Fluhler, Director; fran.mannahouse@gmail.com; 256-653-7883 or 256-503-4848
Website: www.mymannahouse.com

Salvation Army Angel Tree

The Salvation Army begins to schedule holiday volunteers in September. People who enjoy helping others to have a bright holiday season like that experienced by their families should consider becoming a Salvation Army holiday volunteer. Families can adopt angels from the Angel Tree from November 8-December 10 in person or online. NOTE: One of the best opportunities to volunteer as a family is at the Angel Tree booths located at both Parkway Place and Madison Square Malls.

Contact: Pamela Donald, salvationarmyvols@gmail.com
Website: https://salvationarmyalm.org/huntsville

Thrive Alabama

Thrive Alabama empowers patients to create a healthy community by providing compassionate, accessible, affordable, comprehensive care in North Alabama. Serving children, families, and senior citizens is important to their mission, as well as quality mental health services throughout the Greater Huntsville area.

Contact: 256-536-4700
Website: www.thrivealabama.org/donate

Toys for Tots

The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. All Toys ‘ R Us serve as drop-off locations in Huntsville/Madison. More locations can be found on the website. NOTE: Each year there is a special need for toys for children ages 0-3 and 12-13 year olds.

Contact:  Huntsville.al@toysfortots.org
Facebook: Toys for Tots Huntsville

United Way of Huntsville and Madison County

For more than 15 years, United Way and the community have partnered to bring hope and a spirit of community to Madison County during the busy holiday months of November and December. This year, as our community grows, the United Way continues to stand as the one organization that brings together donors, volunteers, and nonprofit partners, and they need your help! Visit their page for details on all kinds of programs set up to help area children, families and seniors in need.

Contact: 256-536-0745
Website: www.uwmadisoncounty.org

If you know a family in need this season, there is a list of local resources and agencies that can help provide groceries, warm coats, toys, and more. Please share this list!

You Might Also Like…

• The Ultimate Activity Guide to Christmas & Huntsville Holidays
• 2022 Santa Sightings in North Alabama
• Christmas Parades & Tree Lightings
• Special Christmas & Holiday Events in Huntsville & North AL
• Holiday Markets & Craft Fairs
• Listen: Christmas Music & Concerts in Huntsville
• Watch: Local Holiday Plays, Shows, & Performances

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There’s an old holiday tradition in Iceland called Jolabokaflod and it’s something we think Huntsville should start embracing ASAP. This national custom translates to “Yule book flood”, and it’s celebrated by exchanging books and spending the evening reading them on Christmas Eve. How perfect is that???

We thought it would be the perfect opportunity to consult our favorite local bookseller, Lady Smith, owner of Snail On the Wall bookstore, to share her holiday picks to give (and receive!) this Christmas.

Great Books to Give This Holiday Season for Jolabokaflod

How We Got to the Moon: The People, Technology, and Daring Feats of Science behind Humanity’s Greatest Adventure, by John Rocco
Buy It Local
Every home library in the Rocket City needs this new release—a big, thick book you’ll come back to again and again to learn about the people and technology behind the first mission to the Moon. In words and pictures that will appeal to all ages, it highlights the some 400,000 unsung heroes, from engineers to seamstresses, who achieved this extraordinary feat.

She Come by It Natural: Dolly Parton and the Women Who Lived Her Songs, by Sarah Smarsh
Buy It Local
Who doesn’t love Dolly? But you’ve probably never thought of her as a feminist. Whether you want to give her that label or not, Smarsh’s tribute shows the many ways this music legend has been a model and mouthpiece for women who often don’t have a voice. It’s filled with anecdotes, quotes, and the kinds of stories that make for a highly enjoyable read.

No Reading Allowed: The Worst Read-Aloud Book Ever, by Raj Haldar, Chris Carpenter, Bryce Gladfelter
Buy It Local
Despite the title, this book begs to be read aloud, and it’s hard to know who’ll have more fun with the homophones, homonyms, and word play—you or the kids. “Man, a tea sounds great” or “Manatee sounds great”? You’ll have fun laughing together at the pitfalls of the English language.

All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team, by Christina Soontornvat
Buy It Local
We know the ending to this real-life story that unfolded before the world’s eyes in 2018, but this middle-grade account of the amazing, ambitious rescue will still make your pulse race. The book combines photographs, interviews, and scientific details, but it’s the page-turning story about the people—both the rescuers and the boys—that will captivate you.

These Violent Delights, by Chloe Gong
Buy It Local
If you like romance, thrills, fantasy, or a combination of all three, get ready to be swept away by this YA novel. These Violent Delights riffs on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet plot, setting it in 1920s Shanghai with teenage lovers, blood feuds, rival gangs, and a monster lurking in the city’s river.

Faster: How a Jewish Driver, an American Heiress, and a Legendary Car Beat Hitler’s Best, by Neal Bascomb
Buy It Local
This intriguing nonfiction book proves there’s no end to the World War II stories that remain to be told. The setting is the 1938 Grand Prix in Pau, France. The real-life characters are Rene Dreyfus, a driver banned from races for his Jewish heritage; Charles Weiffenbach, an automobile maker with a failing company; Lucy Schell, daughter of a multi-millionaire with a penchant for car racing; and, of course, the shadow of Hitler looming over it all. This book is in our History Bundle and has a young readers edition in our Young Adult Bundle. See all our Book Bundles here.

Midwinter Murder: Fireside Tales from the Queen of Mystery, by Agatha Christie
& Mystery of Mrs. Christie
Buy It Local here and here
Mystery lovers will thrill to the release of two Christie-related books: first, a new collection of the renowned author’s wintertime stories, including one called “Christmas Adventure,” never before published in the United States; and then, just before New Year’s, The Mystery of Mrs. Christie, a historical novel based on one episode in the author’s life—her unexplained disappearance for 11 days in 1926.

Skunk and Badger, by Amy Timberlake and Jon Klassen
Buy It Local
This new book for young readers feels like a classic already, with its vintage-style drawings and timeless odd-couple story. Badger doesn’t welcome his new roommate; after all, who wants to live with a Skunk? Gradually, as you giggle at the antics of these two animals, you might realize you’re gaining some insight into friendship and inclusivity as well. This book is in our Young Reader Bundle; see all our Book Bundles here.

Skinnytaste Meal Prep: Healthy Make-ahead Meals and Freezer Recipes to Simplify Your Life, by Gina Homolka
Buy It Local
List-makers and resolution-keepers, we see you. As soon as this holiday ends, you’re already thinking ahead about strategies for the new year. So, go ahead and curl up with this cookbook that has more to read than recipes. This book is filled with photos and detailed tips on how to have healthy snacks, breakfast, and dinners ready in advance, so you and your family can focus on life.

In a Holidaze, by Christina Lauren
Buy It Local
If that title rings true, and the holidays make you feel dazed and confused, this cheerful romance is the answer. Writing duo Christina Lauren know how to help their fans escape into stories with likable characters, amusing banter, an occasional steamy scene, and, finally, a happy ending. This book is in our Holiday Reads Bundle; see all our Book Bundles here.

You Might Also Like…

• Best Christmas Books to Read Aloud
• How to Join the RCM Virtual Book Club
• How to Make a Book Advent Calendar for Kids
• Local Christmas Markets & Craft Fairs

The post Give a Flood of Books This Christmas! appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

When your kids are old and senile, and rambling about the good ‘ole days, what memories do you think they’ll be rambling about? The giant state of the art television you got one Christmas or that moment your family ended up in a huge dog-pile at Skating in the Park, with the twinkling light of the Tinsel Trail surrounding you?

We are big champions of giving Experiences Not Things as much as possible. It cuts down on the clutter and creates lasting memories for our loved ones, especially because it can also involve the gift of time.

Here are some of our favorite Huntsville Experiences you can give, and cut down on the material stuff as we start a new year.

Local Annual Memberships

Looking for something that gives back year-round? Consider one of these memberships or season passes.

• Burritt On the Mountain
• Huntsville Botanical Garden
• Earlyworks Family of Museums
• Cook Museum of Natural Science
• U.S. Space & Rocket Center Family Membership (also entitles you to other ASTC museums!)
• Heart of the Valley YMCA
• Fantasy Playhouse season tickets
• Broadway Theatre League tickets
• Huntsville Havoc hockey season tickets
• Rocket City Trash Panda baseball season tickets
• North Alabama War Dawgs basketball season tickets
• Rocket City Roller Derby season tickets

An Afternoon of Fun

Give the gift of a great day – it’s even better if you join them!

• Movie tickets
• Roller skating passes
• Disc golf
• Ice Skating in the Park
• Camping trip
• Ice skating passes
• Fishing trip
• Ziplining
• Bowling
• Plan a road trip
• Train ride at NARM
• Horseback Trail Riding

Classes They’d Love

Paint a picture, make a bowl, learn something new!

• Awesome art classes for kids at Huntsville Museum of Art
• Kids pottery classes at Lowe Mill
• Art kits with a friend at the new Color Me Mine in Huntsville
• Music classes for all ages at one of our favorites here, here, or here.
• Teens will love tickets to the Orion Amphitheater or a show at the VBC.

Camp is the Gift That Keeps Giving

Summer might seem far away, but what a wonderful surprise a camp store certificate or a camp package, complete with a s’more kit!

• Summer Camp at Pine Ridge Day Camp
• Every kid will love a Space Camp experience!
• Build confidence & stay fit with Kid’s Classes at The Matrix

So the next time you think to yourself, “What could I possibly get a kid that has just about everything?”, look to experiences and some of these Huntsville Hidden Gems.

You Might Also Like…

• Is a Clutter-Free Christmas Possible?
• How Much Is Too Much?
• Huntsville Holiday Activity Guide

The post 30 Experiences to Give Instead of Toys appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

Huntsville Christmas and Holiday concerts, caroling, sing-a-longs and such are listed here. Many of these events are free and open to the public but if you plan to go and want a good seat, get there early. Many of these events are Huntsville traditions and there WILL be a crowd.

For more holiday fun including all the places to hear catch Santa, watch holiday plays, cavort with holiday cheerfulness and just plain get in the holiday spirit visit the main page of our comprehensive 2022 Holiday Happenings Guide sponsored by Galaxy of Lights at Huntsville Botanical Gardens. 

Holiday Concerts & Performances

Host of Christmas Past Concert

Time: November 12 @ 2:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Downtown Fayetteville
More Info

Take a little road trip to Fayetteville, TN for their annual Host of Christmas Past festival. Be sure to stop by the Gazaebo to see the Madison Community Band perform at 2 p.m. For the latest updates and more information, visit the Madison Community Band website.

Grissom Band’s Christmas Concert

Time: December 2 @ 7:30 PM
Cost: $6
Location: Grissom High School Auditorium
More Info

Join the Grissom High School Concert Band to get in the holiday spirit. The band will be performing their annual Christmas Concert. General admission is $6 and can be purchased online in advance for the concert. For more details, check the Grissom Band's website. 

Madison City Community Orchestra Winter Concert

Time: December 4 @ 4:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Madison United Methodist Church
More Info

The Madison City Community Orchestra concert season wraps up with their Winter Series holiday concert which is filled with the sounds of the holidays, traditions and memories. They invite the audience to sing along as they play old and new favorite holiday pieces, including Sleigh Ride, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Polar Express. For…

Madison Community Band Christmas Concert

Time: December 6 @ 6:30 PM
Cost:
Location: Grace United Methodist Church
More Info

Take a Christmas Journey with the Madison Community Band. The band will be performing a variety of holiday music. The performance will begin at 7 p.m. For the latest updates and more information, visit the MCB website.

Grissom High Choir’s Winter Concert

Time: December 8 @ 7:00 PM
Cost: $5
Location: Grissom High School Auditorium
More Info

Join the Grissom High Choir to celebrate the holiday season. The performance will take place in the auditorium and will cost $5 to attend. For more information and updates, visit the Grissom Choir website. 

Grissom’s Jazz Band Concert

Time: December 12 @ 7:00 PM
Cost: $6
Location: Grissom High School Auditorium
More Info

Add a little something special to your holiday season by heading to the Grissom High Jazz Band's Christmas Concert. The concert will take place in the auditorium and will cost $6. Tickets can be purchased online in advance. Learn more, check for updates, and purchase your tickets by visiting the Grissom Band's website. 

The Living Christmas Tree

Time: December 16 @ 11:00 AM
Cost: Free
Location: First Baptist Huntsville
More Info

This is a holiday classic in Huntsville! Join the First Baptist Church Huntsville for their Living Christmas Tree. Featuring choir and orchestra performances, The Living Christmas Tree is a holiday favorite. This live Christmas tree features local performers for an unforgettable experience for families. Full Schedule: Thursday, December 15, 2022 - 7:30 p.m. Friday, December 16, 2022…

Rocket City Trombone Christmas

Time: December 17 @
Cost: Free
Location: Stovehouse
More Info

​The 4th Annual Rocket City Trombone Christmas will be at Stovehouse in Huntsville, AL! We look forward to welcoming trombonists from many cities across several states. Last year we had three Contrabass Trombones and this year I look forward to having at least one Alto Trombone...possibly more! ​This year's venue will be at Stovehouse again. They have…

You Might Also Like…

• The Ultimate Activity Guide to Christmas & Huntsville Holidays
• 2022 Santa Sightings in North Alabama
• Christmas Parades & Tree Lightings
• Special Christmas & Holiday Events in Huntsville & North AL
• Holiday Markets & Craft Fairs
• Watch: Local Holiday Plays, Shows, & Performances

The post Christmas & Holiday Concerts in Huntsville and Beyond appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

There are two kinds of people in the world, the people who spend the days leading up to Christmas standing in line at the store and the people who shop in November and early December and spend their holidays enjoying their family. We all aspire to be that second type of person, right? Well, RCM is making it easier with this list of great Huntsville holiday markets and craft fairs. The perfect place to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.

For more holiday fun including all the places to hear holiday music, catch Santa, cavort with holiday cheerfulness and just plain get in the holiday spirit visit the main page of our comprehensive 2022 Holiday Happenings Guide sponsored by Galaxy of Lights at Huntsville Botanical Gardens.

ON THE GO? Keep all of our Holiday Guides and our full Event Calendar at your fingertips with our free Explore Huntsville app. It’s available on iTunes & Google Play and will help make your spirit bright!

Under the Christmas Tree Market

Date/Time: November 4-6
Cost: $5 – $10
Location: Von Braun Center – South Hall
More Info

Kick off the holiday season this November 4,5, and 6th at Under the Christmas Tree, presented by Randolph School. Browse from more than 100 vendors in the VBC South Hall and pick out the perfect gifts for yourself and everyone on your holiday shopping list – family, friends, coworkers and even pets! Shoppers can get tickets to shop early at Mimosas at the Market and enjoy special events with Santa throughout the weekend. 

Christmas Open Barn

Date/Time: November 4-5
Cost: Free
Location: Cedar Grove Farms
More Info

The shop and barn are filled with gorgeous, neutral French alpine and traditional red and green Christmas decor to give your home an incredible holiday look and feel. Come shop the farm for amazing real touch florals, one of a kind vintage, hard to find ornaments, candles, gifts, and gourmet foods.

Piper & Leaf Holiday Market

Time: November 12 @ 10:00 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Piper and Leaf Farm and Tea Brewery
More Info

Join at The Piper and Leaf Farm HQ for a Holiday Market featuring goods by local makers! There will be live music, food trucks, brew demos, Farm Tours, and amazing vendors selling their goods! Get your gift shopping done, sit back, listen to music, and eat! It's going to be a great day to #shoplocal and #shopsmall!

Holiday Market at MidCity

Time: November 13 @ 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: MidCity Huntsville
More Info

The Holiday Market at MidCity is back! Come ready to #SHOPLOCAL. We want our local makers, bakers, makers, and farmers to #FEELTHELOVE. Who are you bringing with you?!? Over 140 local vendors!!! Live music Santa and several special characters will be visiting with shoppers TONS of food options all throughout MidCity free to enter,…

A Christmas in Candyland

Time: November 18-20
Cost: Free
Location: Downtown Athens
More Info

Don't miss this weekend of holiday fun!

December Markets

NEACA Christmas 2022 Craft Show

Date/Time: December 2-4
Cost: Free
Location: Von Braun Center – South Hall
More Info

Come join for the NEACA Christmas 2022 Craft Show. Please note that the Von Braun Center does charge for parking. There will be around 150 crafters with items ranging from jewelry, pottery, home decor, outdoor decor, dolls, clothing, kitchen accessories, childrens items, food and much more. There will be a drawing for a $20 gift…

Christkindlmarket Huntsville

Time: December 10 @ 10:00 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Orion Amphitheater
More Info

Arts Huntsville presents Christkindlmarket, a FREE Bavarian style holiday arts market with approximately 70 juried arts vendors, live entertainment and Bavarian-influenced food and beverages at The Orion on December 10 & 11.

Nerdy Noel Market

Time: December 11 @ 12:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Stovehouse
More Info

After 6 years, Nerdy Noel is ready for a BIGGER space and MORE NERDINESS! Join Sunday, December 11th at the new location: STOVEHOUSE
There will be TONS more vendors, TONS more shopping, TONS more room, and best of all: BUNNIES! Huntsville House Rabbits, a satellite rescue of Alabama Rabbit Rescue, is the sponsored charity and they will be there with bunnies that are available for adoption and fostering, plus bunny-themed goodies and a silent auction. Mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy nerdy/pop culture shopping, cosplay, door prizes...and FUN!

Winter Solstice Artist Market

Time: December 17 @ 11:00 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Lowe Mill
More Info

Welcome to this year’s Winter Solstice Artist Market, Lowe Mill's last and largest artist market of the year! The Winter Solstice Market is the perfect place to bring your out-of-town family members to show them the best local artist and makers North Alabama has to offer. Stroll through the artist market throughout the grounds, and take a step inside to shop the fantastic studio artists in the building! The Winter Solstice Market is the perfect place to find any last minute gifts as we get ready to celebrate the holidays – and the end of the year. Happy holidays, y’all!

The post Holiday Markets and Craft Fairs in Huntsville and North AL appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

It’s a great time to catch some Christmas shows in Huntsville with your family! Here you’ll find holiday pageants, plays, and special events happening in the Rocket City. Some of these are free and some require tickets, but they are all sure to put you in the Holiday mood!

For more holiday fun including all the places to hear music, catch Santa, cavort with holiday cheerfulness and just plain get in the holiday spirit visit the main page of our comprehensive 2022 Holiday Happenings Guide sponsored by the Galaxy of Lights at Huntsville Botanical Garden.

ON THE GO? Keep all of our Holiday Guides and our full Event Calendar at your fingertips with our free Explore Huntsville app. It’s available on iTunes & Google Play and will help make your spirit bright!

Anastasia presented by Broadway Theatre League

Date/Time: November 11 – 13, 2022
Cost: $40 – $79
Location: Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, Von Braun Center
More Info

Inspired by the beloved films, the romantic and adventure-filled new musical ANASTASIA is on a journey to Huntsville at last! From the Tony Award®-winning creators of the Broadway classic Ragtime, this dazzling show transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman…

Theatre Huntsville Presents: A Christmas Story

Date/Time: November 11 – 13 & 17 – 20, 2022
Cost: $22 – $24
Location: Von Braun Center Playhouse
More Info

Humorist Jean Shepherd's memoir of growing up in the midwest in the 1940s follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher and even Santa Claus himself at Higbee's Department Store. The consistent response: "You'll…

Turnip & Joletta’s Family Game Night

Time: November 19 @ 7:00 PM
Cost: $5
Location: Shenanigans Comedy Theatre
More Info

Rated G: Your crazy friends, Turnip & Joletta, will bring you a variety of different fun games that will be great for all ages! Come and be entertained and have a chance to win prizes!

A Christmas Carol presented by Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theatre

Date/Time: December 2 -4 & 9 – 11, 2022
Cost: $16 – $21
Location: Von Braun Center Playhouse
More Info

Huntsville’s most beloved family holiday tradition returns to the Fantasy Playhouse stage for the 33rd year this December! Take a trip in time through the past, present, and future with the miserly Mr. Scrooge, three Christmas Spirits, and all the whimsical characters of London town. With more theater magic than ever before, this Charles Dickens…

Elf the Musical by Dream Weavers & Bank Street Players

Date/Time: December 2 -4, 2022
Cost: $15 – $18
Location: Princess Theatre Decatur
More Info

Presented by Dream Weavers and Bank Street Players, ELF The Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the…

The Nutcracker presented by Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre

Date/Time: December 2 -4, 2022
Cost: $15 – $25
Location: Lee High Black Box Theater
More Info

Join the Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre for a classic holiday tradition. AYBT will be presenting The Nutcracker at Lee High School to kickstart the holiday season. Full Schedule: December 2 at 7 p.m. December 3 at 2 p.m. December 3 at 7 p.m. December 4 at 2 p.m. For more details and to purchase tickets,…

AAA Theatre presents Mr. Grumpy’s Toy Shoppe

Date/Time: December 2 – 4 & 8 – 11, 2022
Cost: $5 – $10
Location: Academy for Academics & Arts
More Info

AAA Theatre will present Mr. Grumpy's Toy Shoppe. This production features approximately 750 elementary and middle school students as cast members and technical crew. AAA is fortunate to be able to provide this quality theatre experience to these students and the community. They welcome you to join them and enjoy this fantastic and inclusive holiday…

Huntsville Ballet presents The Nutcracker

Date/Time: December 9 – 11, 2022
Cost: $35 – $45
Location: Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, Von Braun Center
More Info

The Huntsville Ballet Company celebrates the 2022/2023 season with our 53rd annual production of The Nutcracker. This Holiday classic is a favorite Huntsville tradition. This enchanting story comes to life at the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall with Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, masterful choreography, enchanting scenic designs, brilliant lighting, and stunningly crafted costumes. *All students performing…

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• Christmas Parades & Tree Lightings
• Holiday Markets & Craft Fairs
• Listen: Christmas Music & Concerts in Huntsville

The post Christmas & Holiday Plays, Pageants, and Special Events in Huntsville and Beyond appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

From time to time we like to invite local experts from the community to answer questions about parenting and raising kids in Huntsville and North Alabama. Today we asked Valerie Christensen, Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager with Progress Bank, for her tips on how to budget for the holidays and Christmas season.

Before you dive into all the sales and deals during the Christmas and Holiday shopping season, it’s important to know exactly how much you have to spend. Making a spending budget can be overwhelming, but there are plenty of tips to help your holiday be merry and bright!

Creating Your Holiday Budget

Not sure exactly how much your Christmas present budget is? This handy cash flow analysis calculator can help you create a budget to work with. The Penny Hoarder also has a fantastic budgeting worksheet if you want to do a deep dive into Santa’s seasonal expenses.

An Important Note About Credit Cards

If your holiday budget includes using your credit card, take a look at two things:

1. Which card has the lowest interest rate on purchases and/or…
2. Which card offers you the most perks for your spending (percentage of cash back, points, etc.)

I personally would opt for using the card with the lowest rate, but if they are all very similar, then the rewards program is something to consider. This also brings up another great point – if you’re a regular disciplined credit card user throughout the year, and you have earned points or cash back towards gift cards, NOW is the time to redeem and use those gift cards as gifts or to supplement your shopping budget.

Once January hits, add up what you put on credit cards and come up with a plan to pay it off as soon as possible – 6 months or less. Then, make sure you set aside small amounts of income at regular intervals throughout the year so next year’s holiday season finds you financially festive!

You’ve Got a Holiday Budget. Now What?

Assuming you already know how much money you’ve set aside for Christmas and Holiday expenses, these tips can help you stick to that budget.

1. Make a Person List
Make a list of every possible person you are shopping for. Don’t forget people outside the family such as teachers, babysitters, pastor, dog groomer, neighbors, or your favorite barista.

2. Then Make an Item List
Jot down a list of gift ideas for everyone on your list. This can help categorize and prioritize and keep you from over-spending at the last minute. For example, if you settle on restaurant gift cards for several people, you can maximize by taking advantage of the restaurants that offer an additional $5 when you buy $25 or additional $20 when you buy $100. Those freebies can be used as gifts.

3. Plan for Postage
If you are buying and mailing, don’t forget to think about the cost of postage. These are the first gifts you want to take care of so you don’t overspend on last minute shipping. You might also want to consider having items gift wrapped directly from the retailer and shipped to the recipient. This can save time & money.

4. Price Track!
Start watching your favorite retailers and check those emails and apps for special discount days. This is especially important if you are buying something really specific. (Back to item 2: have an idea of what you want to get each person!) That Barbie Dream house is even better at 30% off 1 day only from Target!

5. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
All that new wrapping paper is really pretty, but did you use up last year’s? If not, use that first, then hit up the clearance sales after the holidays to stock for next year.

6. Nibbles & Sips Add Up
Don’t forget to budget extra for groceries and hostess gifts! Ingredients for party food can get costly – same for holiday libations – and that’s a sneaky place your budget can hemorrhage money.

7. Top Off with 10%
Every budget ends up with cost overruns. Set aside 10% for those last minute items as a safety net.

8. Give Back
This is the absolute best time of year to remember your favorite charities and causes and include them in your budget. Not only will you reap the benefits when it’s tax time, more importantly it’s what the season is all about! This list of local organizations can help.

ABOUT THE EXPERT: Valerie Christensen is AVP Branch Manager for Progress Bank’s Madison location. With over 12 years of banking experience and more than 20 years of customer service experience, Valerie is focused on delivering personalized service to assist customers with their financial goals. Born and raised in Illinois, Valerie relocated to north Alabama 15 years ago. She and her husband and two children reside in Madison and in their spare time enjoy cooking, gardening, home improvement projects and cheering for their favorite Illinois sports teams. Drawing from her years of experience, Valerie can provide solutions for all your financial needs.

You Might Also Like…

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• Why All Parents Need a Will… Right NOW

The post How to Budget for Christmas Without Breaking the Bank appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..

When the holiday season arrives and the adults start digging out the decorations, the kids at my house head straight for one box: the Christmas books. They excitedly unpack them and stack them on the nightstand, where they’ll be ready for read-aloud time.

Reading our favorite holiday books together has become one of the season’s traditions at our house—and one that no one outgrows. Here are a few of the best Christmas books to share with one another this season, and for many seasons to come.

Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry
First published in 1963, this Christmas classic found a new audience when it was updated with new illustrations in 2000. It’s a perennial favorite in our family. Mr. Willowby brings home a beautiful live Christmas tree that is perfect in every way—except that it’s too tall for his room. He cuts off the top and shares it with his maid. She in turn snips off the top, which becomes a tree for the gardener. This continues with smaller and smaller trees and smaller and smaller families, proving that one person’s trash is truly another’s treasure.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss
You may think you and your kids know the Grinch’s story by heart—and maybe you do. But if you’ve watched the TV special more than read the book, pick up a copy of the original this season. Dr. Seuss wrote his books to be read aloud, and your kids will love hearing the rhymes while taking in a classic about how kindness and generosity can transform even the hardest, smallest heart.

Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner and Mark Buehner
This book imagines the secret lives of snowmen, and the antics they get up to together after all the humans go to sleep. They play more than make mischief, and kids will enjoy imagining that maybe there’s more behind those mounds of snow than we think. Plus, the illustrator has added tiny objects—a cat, a Santa face, a mouse, and more—to each page for you to try to spot. If you love this title, consider its companion, Snowmen at Christmas.

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
This is a story about listening, so make sure you don’t let the movie replace the experience of reading this book with your children. It’s a thoughtful, eloquent story that emphasizes the importance of faith over logic and belief over skepticism—and its message is meant for us grown-ups as much as for our kids. Is it sometimes hard for you to hear the bells of Santa’s sleigh, especially amid the craziness of Christmas? By the time you come to the last page of this heartwarming book, they’ll be ringing for you again.

My Penguin Osbert by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel
“Be careful what you wish for” is the underlying message of this Christmas book about a boy named Joe and a pet penguin named Osbert. This year, when Joe writes the proverbial letter to Santa and asks for a penguin, Santa surprises him by actually bringing one. And Joe gets a lot more than he bargained for. This book will make your kids laugh as they watch Joe squirm, but at the end you can discuss the pitfalls of letting Christmas revolve around a list of desires and demands.

The Sweet Smell of Christmas by Patricia M. Scarry
There may not be much of a plotline to this little book by Patricia Scarry, wife of fellow children’s author Richard Scarry. But the familiar Scarry-style animals will appeal to your kids, as will the scratch-and-sniff apple pie, candy cane, Christmas tree, gingerbread, and more. The book lasted us several Christmas seasons before my children lovingly wore off the scents.

Nativity by Cynthia Rylant
Sparse words and beautiful illustrations grace the pages of this simple but stunning new release, which leaves space for you to talk over the Bible story with your child. This book by Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant starts out with the story of Jesus’s birth, based on verses from the Bible, and then includes some of his later teachings—“Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth”—that will speak to adults and kids alike.

The Night before Christmas by Clement C. Moore, illustrated by Charles Santore
“’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house . . .” There’s something about this opening phrase that sends a thrill through audiences young and old. It sets the stage for Santa and all his magic, which truly—almost two centuries after the poem was first published in 1823—never gets old. This particular version honors the original poem by adding rich, mesmerizing illustrations. You’ll fall under its spell all over again.

You Might Also Like…

• More Memories, Less Stuff: 30 Experiences to Give Instead of Toys
• Gifts From & About the Rocket City
• One Thing You Should NOT Do This Christmas Season

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lady Vowell Smith is the owner of The Snail on the Wall, Huntsville’s new independent bookseller offering specially selected books at pop-up stores and other markets. She has spent most of her life sharing books with others, whether she’s teaching, editing, writing, or peddling them. Follow The Snail at www.snailonthewall.com, @snailbooks on Instagram, or on Facebook. Email Lady at lady.smith@me.com.

The post Best Holiday Books to Read Aloud appeared first on Rocket City Mom | Huntsville events, activities, and resources for families..