Dothan, Alabama, transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season, offering visitors a warm Southern welcome and a sleighful of Holiday events and delights. Whether you’re a local looking for seasonal cheer or a traveler seeking a charming holiday destination, Dothan has something special to offer. Let’s unwrap the delights of a holiday trip to Dothan and discover the magical experiences that await.
Gardens Aglow at the Dothan Area Botanical Gardens:
Kick off your holiday trip with a dazzling display of lights at the Gardens Aglow event in the Dothan Area Botanical Gardens. Take a leisurely stroll through the illuminated pathways, marvel at the festive displays, and immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere created by thousands of twinkling lights. Gardens Aglow opens to the public each Friday and Saturday night, beginning the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 24 and continuing until Saturday, Dec. 23rd. Now in its 11th year, Gardens Aglow continues to grow and improve each year. Garden Members and anyone who purchases tickets online will receive a discount on the purchase price! Admission for adults (age 16 & up) is $10 online or $12 at the door. Garden Members will receive a discount price of $8 online or $10 at the door. Children tickets ages 4-15 are $6 online or $8 at the door. Children age 3 and under are free. https://www.dabg.com/index.php/visit-us/william-e-barrick/#!event-list
Christmas at Landmark Park:
Experience the holiday season through the lens of history at Landmark Park. The Living History Farm comes alive with festive decorations and special events like Victorian Christmas celebrations on the calendar. It’s a unique way to celebrate the holidays with a touch of nostalgia.
- Sleigh Photos December 2 and 9
Come take a fun, festive photo next to our Christmas wagon to show holiday cheer this year. Bring your own camera and photographer to get the perfect shot.
- Decorating Workshop December 3
Spread some holiday cheer at Landmark Park at the Holiday Decorating Workshop. Create wreaths, garlands and swags out of natural materials and decorate Landmark Park for Victorian Christmas and make some decorations to take home! Refreshments will be provided. This event is supported by the Wiregrass Master Gardeners. Admission is free. Space is limited and registration is required to ensure adequate supplies.
- Victorian Christmas December 10
Listen to Christmas carols and visit with Santa. Enjoy snacks, arts and crafts, music, wagon rides and handmade decorations. A circuit riding preacher will deliver a holiday message. Admission is free and visitors are strongly encouraged to bring nonperishable food items for donation to the Food Bank.
Experience the Nutcracker Ballet:
Enhance your holiday cultural experience by attending the annual performance of “The Nutcracker” by the Southeast Alabama Dance Company. Let the timeless story, graceful dancers, and Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score transport you to a magical world of sweets and snowflakes. Performances are December 7-10th with a dinner performance on Friday, December 8th beginning at 6PM. Grab your tickets here: https://www.tixr.com/groups/dcc
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting:
A new tradition in Dothan is formed this year with an annual Hanukkah Menorah Lighting celebration taking place at City Hall on Thursday, December 7th at 5PM. The word menorah is Hebrew for “lamp,” and generally refers to either the seven-branched golden candelabra that was lit every day in the Tabernacle, and then the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, or the eight-flamed lamp that is lit on the eight nights of the Jewish holiday of Chanukah.
Santa’s Workshop a Downtown Christmas Festival:
Check local event calendars for Christmas caroling events in Dothan’s parks. Gather with the community to sing classic carols, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy the festive decorations. It’s a heartwarming way to embrace the spirit of togetherness during the holiday season. Enjoy local food trucks, kids activities, tons of great photo ops and Santa himself is making a special visit to make sure everyone is on the nice list! Join the festivities in Downtown Dothan on Foster Street December 9th from 10AM-2PM.
Attend the Southeast Alabama Community Theatre’s Holiday Production: It’s a Wonderful Life
Get into the holiday spirit with a visit to the Southeast Alabama Community Theatre (SEACT) for their special holiday production with a fresh approach to the beloved American holiday classic! Join the live studio audience while the play comes to captivating life during a 1940s radio broadcast. An ensemble cast tells the story of idealistic George Bailey as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. With the help from a lovable angel to show him what life would be like if he wasn’t born George has change of heart and understands the true spirit of the holidays. Find a night that suits your schedule from December 12-16th and grab your tickets here: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=184341
Elf Academy School’s in Session at Santa’s Workshop:
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year”, time at Elf Academy! Alabama Dance Works returns this year with its favorite Christmas tradition. The students of Elf Academy are working hard to graduate to become one of Santa’s dancing elves! Grab your tickets December 14-16 here: https://www.tixr.com/groups/dcc
Sip and Shop in Downtown Dothan:
Unwind and enjoy the holiday ambiance with a Sip and Shop evening in downtown Dothan. Many local businesses participate by offering special holiday drinks and treats. It’s a delightful way to soak in the seasonal atmosphere and perhaps discover a new favorite local spot. Hosted on December 16th from 10AM-8PM, enjoy a coffee, wine, or beer and find your Christmas cheer! Enjoy extended hours from our local downtown merchants on Foster Street.
Men’s (Last Minute) Shopping Day:
Let’s face it, sometimes we wait until the last minute to shop for Christmas gifts. Hope is on the way! Our Foster Street merchants will have shopping guides to help the fellas with those last minute gifts. As an added treat to make the affair a cheerful one, there are beer specials running from our local businesses as well as gift wrapping services. Swing by December 23rd from 10AM-5PM and make those last minute needs a joyful occasion.
Holiday Treats and Eats:
Indulge in the flavors of the season by exploring Dothan’s local culinary scene. From festive coffee drinks at local cafes to special holiday menus at restaurants, treat your taste buds to the delightful flavors of Christmas.
- Mr. Coffee Bean
- Bird and Bean Coffee
- Mural City Coffee
- Dakota Coffee Works
- Celebrations Dothan
- Sweet & Sassy
- Rolen’s Bakery
Holiday Lights Tour:
Embark on a self-guided tour or join a local tour group to explore the best Christmas light displays in Dothan and the Wiregrass Area. Don’t forget to bring a cozy blanket for the ride!
- Christmas on Oakwood (Westbrook Subdivision)
A Christmas trip to Dothan, Alabama, promises a festive escape filled with lights, laughter, and local charm. Whether you’re exploring the illuminated gardens, enjoying a holiday production, or savoring seasonal treats, Dothan’s warm hospitality and festive spirit make it a magical destination for holiday events and delights. Embrace the joy of the season and create cherished memories in our charming Southern city. Make sure to keep up with all our local events by visiting our website : https://visitdothan.com/things-to-do/events/
