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Michelle
Haynes
Members of the Hueytown Community Theatre, who will present their Christmas Cabaret Dec. 12-23, get into the holiday spirit. More information about Christmas events in West Jefferson County on page 20.
Brittany Kenny Graphic Designer
Emily VanderMey Listo
Designer
PHOTO BY BRITTNEY FIELDS
PEACE ON EARTH
The West Beat
by JESSE CHAMBERS
It’s almost Christmas, and as clichéd as it sounds, I really can’t believe that 2025 has flown by so quickly. But I can’t control that. We’re at time’s mercy, not the other way around. And I really enjoy the holidays, so bring it on!
My favorite thing about Christmas morning is opening a stocking or a gift bag and unwrapping the many little presents stuffed inside. To me, a stocking can be more fun than opening a single, bigger present.
Think of this column as a sort of Christmas stocking. I hope you enjoy opening these little trinkets.
My Christmas movie
It’s hard to imagine the holidays without Christmas movies, and I like them as much as the next guy, but those flicks are often a bit corny and sentimental for me or try too hard to pluck my heartstrings. After all, the holidays are pretty emotional anyway. For me, they can be a little sad because –at my age – I’ve lost so many people with whom I once shared a happy Yuletide. I like holiday movies without too many heavy emotions. My favorite is “Christmas in Connecticut," a screwball romantic comedy from 1945, starring Barbara Stanwyck, Dennis Morgan and Sydney Greenstreet.
Stanwyck plays a single magazine writer living in New York City who poses as the perfect American wife, mother, cook and homemaker on a Connecticut farm to fool her publisher (Greenstreet). However, the writer falls for a visiting war hero (Morgan). Crazy cut-ups ensue, as well as a charming romance in which Stanwyck and Morgan show plenty of what people now call "chemistry." The movie is elegant, funny and fast-moving, and it puts you in the holiday spirit without trying too hard. Check it out on Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 5 p.m., on TV’s Turner Classic Movies.
A Bear Bryant Christmas
I’ll never forget Christmas 1974 when my mom bought me a copy of “Bear: The Hard Life and Good Times of Alabama’s Coach Bryant,” the autobiography of Crimson Tide head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, written with Sports Illustrated writer John Underwood. The book was great. It caught Bryant’s unique voice and personality, and the anecdotes were hilarious. I unwrapped the book and started reading it while I was still in my pajamas, then kept reading for hours. It was late afternoon Christmas Day before I showered or got dressed. That’s one Christmas gift I’ll always remember.
The perfect recipe
I love dressing – especially cornbread dressing – and my mom’s version was my favorite. But I haven't eaten it in years. My mom died in 2017, and I can’t find the directions for it in her box of recipes. But I want to make my own dressing this year anyway. If you have a great – and easy-tomake – cornbread dressing recipe, send it to me at jesse@jbmcmedia.com.
Gotta have Frank
Even more than movies, Christmas is defined by music. The old songs have the power to immediately take us back to old times, old people and old places. For me, Christmas music begins and ends with Frank Sinatra. My favorite is his version of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” from 1957. Bing Crosby’s version in 1943 was a big hit with American G.I.s during WWII. That’s one reason I like the song, especially when Frank does it. I think about my mom and dad and the rest of that 1940s generation and it makes me sad, but sad in a good way – a bittersweet holiday feeling, I guess.
Let’s raise a glass
So much for memory lane. Merry Christmas, y’all! And blessings for the New Year.
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DOWNTOWN
A Boyhood Christmas Break
Christmas break. There were little-kid toys scattered around the house, fallen in the line of duty.
A friendship bracelet kit, decimated. A loaded whoopee cushion on a chair, awaiting its next victim. A Silly Putty wad, dangling from a light fixture.
There was a knock-off Stretch Armstrong doll, lying on the coffee table, tired and depressed. I gave the generic-brand stretch doll to my 12-yearold goddaughter for Christmas. Namely, because I had a Stretch Armstrong when I was a kid.
I’m amazed we survived however, because the other day when I opened the box a warning label said this product contains a chemical known to the state of California to cause birth defects, cancer, and other reproductive harm, etc.
And I’m thinking about the Christmas breaks of my childhood. I’m remembering the glory of Christmases yore, back before warning labels which caused cancer in California. Back before technology lit the world with its perpetually phosphorus glow.
Things in America have changed since I was a boy. We were feral children during Christmas breaks. We were dangerous. We lived without helmets. We had BB guns. We ate saturated fat. And we were never, ever inside.
After all, there was no reason to be inside. Not if you owned a bike. I spent the first 14 years of my life with a bicycle saddle digging into my main crevice.
If we weren’t riding bikes, however, we were likely in the woods, building campfires, making rope swings, or inventing new ways to break Joseph Tyler’s leg.
We built tree houses, too. I don’t know where we managed to find scrap lumber for such structures, but somehow we always did.
Usually, the lumber was warped, waterlogged, and came pre-treated with tetanus.
We would haul lumber into the woods, climb trees, and use our dads’ hammers, shouting things like, “Keep it plumb!” even though, technically, we had no idea what “plumb” meant. Inevitably, the girls wanted to join our all-boy treehouse clubs. We boys prohibited all female contact. But, without fail, one weak-minded soldier would succumb to the wiles of Angie Philhour and the next day your treehouse had curtains.
But everything has changed. And sometimes I wonder if we haven’t failed our kids somehow.
Today, I see young people listlessly wandering through department-store aisles, looking downward at a bluish glow. Statistically, Americans send two texts every minute.
Even school breaks have changed. When I was a kid, we got three months off each summer. Today, many US schools don’t get more than a few weeks off. In Massachusetts, they’re lucky if they get 10 days.
And bikes. There aren’t many bikes around. Forty years ago 78 percent of American schoolchildren rode bikes. Today, it’s barely 20 percent.
And sadly, kids do not build treehouses anymore, either. Instead their parents select an architect who then purchases a city permit before hiring a contractor. Construction codes are enforced, job sites are monitored by OSHA standards, and once per year a fire captain performs an inspection for safety hazards and maximum capacity.
Except in California, of course, where treehouses are known to cause cancer.
SEAN DIETRICH
ILLUSTRATION BY SEAN DIETRICH
In The Kitchen with Kathleen Phillips
Kathleen Phillips is a food blogger, food stylist, cookbook author and former Oxmoor House test kitchen director (Southern Living cookbooks). On her food blog, GritsAndGouda.com, she creates Southern shortcut recipes. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest.
Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs
You know it's going to be a fun party when the deviled eggs show up in costume! These Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs made their debut at my eighth annual Holiday Cooking Show in November. They were listed as the most favorite recipe on our surveys!
This playful twist on an old-fashioned classic appetizer and side dish gets it's green color from creamy avocado. Believe it or not, no mayo is needed! The edible "trees" are decorated with bits of red and yellow bell pepper for ornaments. Add a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese for a dusting of snow... which is all we ever get in Alabama, right?
Ingredients
6 large boiled eggs
2/3 to ¾ cup mashed very ripe avocado (1 medium avocado)
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt or salt
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons lime juice, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
(optional) Green food coloring for extra green color
1 small yellow or orange bell pepper
Minced red bell pepper or mini sweet red pepper
Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cut a tiny bit off the bottoms of the egg halves so they won’t wobble. This will be especially helpful after adding the filling.
• Cut the boiled, peeled eggs in half crosswise instead of the typical lengthwise cuts. This will give you more of a round half than an oval half.
• Place the egg whites on your serving platter.
• In a food processor, blender or in a large bowl using an electric mixer add the cooked yolks, avocado, lime juice, mustard and garlic salt. Process or mix until the egg mixture is smooth.
• If you want a little more bright green color, add a drop or two of green food coloring.
• You can also mash everything together with a potato masher or fork, but this way will give you the smoothest mixture to squeeze out of the pastry bag into the egg cooked whites.
• For fluted Christmas trees, spoon the filling mixture into a pastry bag (I prefer disposable pastry bags) fitted with a size 1M fluted piping tip. Squeeze the filling out so it almost fills the “bowl” of the egg whites, then release the pressure as you pull the bag upward, forming a pyramid shape, like a tree.
• Using tweezers or a toothpick, decorate the tree with minced red pepper.
• Using a knife or a tiny star-shaped cutters for food, cut out 12 stars from the yellow bell pepper. Place the star on top of each tree.
• Finally, sprinkle a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese over the trees to resemble snow.
• Store the Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
At WestJeff Magazine, we seek to provide comprehensive coverage of business activity of all kinds in West Jefferson County – and not just the big projects. We want to hear news and updates about all of the businesses in the area, both large and small. We also report on real estate, construction and infrastructure projects. Please contact us with any tips, information or photos you have at jesse@jbmcmedia.com.
The improvements made on Bell Hill Road included the addition of this roundabout.
A new $22 million diverging diamond interchange, or DDI, is to be constructed at 1-59/20 and McAshan Drive.
with Bell Hill Road, the newsletter stated. The contractor was Carcel & G Construction LLC. The total project cost was $16.18 million. The project is meant to help better manage the growing traffic in the area, driven by such projects as the new UAB Medical West Hospital that opened in August 2024.
Bell Hill Road finished, diamond interchange begun
by JESSE CHAMBERS
The Jefferson County Roads and Transportation Department completed major improvements to Bell Hill Road from Eastern Valley Road to Pocahontas Road in McCalla in August, according to an Oct. 17 county newsletter. Bell Hill Road was
realigned and widened to five lanes, and the existing intersection of Dickey Springs Road and Pocahontas Road was reconfigured as a roundabout.
The project included sidewalks and improvements to the sideroad intersections
Construction is also underway on a new diverging diamond interchange, or DDI, at 1-59/20 and McAshan Drive in a collaboration between Jefferson County and the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), according to the county. This is a $22 million project with $14 million coming from the county, $6 million in Federal Interstate Maintenance funds and $2 million from the Rebuild Alabama Act.
The interchange improvements will serve both the nearby residential neighborhoods and the companies located in the industrial parks. The area has about a dozen industrial campuses, including the $1.1 billion J.M. Smucker Co. Uncrustables plant, which is the largest such facility the company has ever built.
ALDOT will build a new parallel bridge to handle the configuration, while the existing overpass will remain. The county has expanded McAshan Drive as its portion of the project. When complete, the DDI design will allow traffic to transition from the right side to the left and then back again at the other end of
PHOTOS COURTESY JEFFERSON COUNTY
the bridge. Since traffic travels on the left side of the bridge, all left turns are made without having to cross opposing traffic.
Statistics show DDI’s lower construction costs by 75%, reduce vehicle conflict points by 50% and improve traffic flow efficiency by as much as 30%. There will be intermittent lane closures through the fall of 2026, according to ALDOT.
Jefferson County Director of Roads and Transportation Chris Nicholson told WVTM 13 News that the industrial park has led to a rise in truck traffic, particularly from Smucker, and the number of vehicles on the road continues to grow, making navigation increasingly difficult. The existing exit has also “had some issues with left-hand turns over the years, so a diverging diamond really eliminates those conflict points,” Nicholson told the station.
The project is anticipated to be completed by April 2027, according to WVTM.
New homes in Bessemer
Habitat for Humanity in Birmingham dedicated eight new homes in the Hopewell Crossings neighborhood in Bessemer in
October, according to local media outlets.
The homes were built as part of the nonprofit’s annual “Home Builders Blitz,” now in its 17th year, which brings together local builders, volunteers and community partners to build safe and affordable homes.
The eight homes in Bessemer were built in just eight days, WVTM 13 News reported on Oct. 18. This makes 163 homes built through the Blitz program over its history. Families work alongside builders and attend homeowner classes to earn a zero-percent
interest mortgage on their new homes.
"These builders have been working hard. Volunteers have been working hard to build the house, and now the families get to move in and make it a home," Drew Bonner, Greater Birmingham Habitat for Humanity chief operating officer, told WVTM during the Blitz.
Winery in Bessemer
A retired, Black U.S. Army veteran from Fairfield plans to open a winery in downtown Bessemer, according to local media reports. La Fran Marks is set to open the winery, Chateau Bevvy, on First Avenue North in Bessemer in April 2026, Alaina Bookman of AL.com reported on Oct. 20.
Marks told WVTM 13 News on Aug. 16 that the building – located near The Lincoln Theatre – was built in 1910. The entrepreneur expects construction to be complete by the end of the year and is preparing for a soft opening in January, with a grand opening planned for April 2026, WVTM reported.
The new winery “is something that is worth noting, because there are only a handful of Black winemakers in the country,” Marks told AL.com. Less than 1% of the more than 10,000 wineries in America are Black-owned, according to industry sources cited by the outlet.
“My goal is to create an environment where individuals can come and enjoy nice quality, traditional wines, specifically Merlots, Chardonnays, Cabernets, all those traditional Old World wines, and they do that without having to make a long commute to another winery outside of Jefferson County,” Marks told AL.com.
PHOTO BY WIKIMEDIA USER EVAN SWIGART, CHICAGO. CC BY 2.0
A Black veteran plans to open a winery in 2026 in a historic building in downtown Bessemer.
Habitat for Humanity built eight homes in Bessemer in the annual “Home Builders Blitz” in October.
PHOTOS FROM HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
BIRMINGHAM FACEBOOK PAGE
Hueytown nature preserve to open in 2026
by JESSE CHAMBERS
The highly anticipated West Rock Mountain Nature Preserve in Hueytown – the city's first-ever nature park – is on track to open in the first quarter of 2026, according to a news release in September from the city of Hueytown. The preserve will feature six miles of hiking and biking trails winding through a diverse natural landscape, including a mountaintop path with panoramic views.
The city was scheduled to begin taking bids from contractors in October for Phase 1 of the project, which involves 32,468 linear feet of hiking and biking trails, trail signage, a trailhead parking area and related improvements.
According to Chris Pappas, Hueytown’s city engineer, the preserve will open near the end of the first quarter of 2026 upon completion of the biking and hiking trails in Phase 1.
Officials say that the preserve will offer the residents of West Jefferson County a new destination for outdoor adventure, wellness and community events, and will draw visitors to Hueytown.
“We’re building more than trails, we’re creating a space for health, joy and community,” Hueytown Mayor Steve Ware said in the release. “West Rock will connect families, hiking enthusiasts and mountain bikers to the natural beauty of our city, and
Hueytown Mayor Steve Ware announced that the city would distribute $210,000 to local organizations.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CITY OF HUEYTOWN
Award for Sheriff Pettway
Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway was honored recently with the Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama President’s Award, recognizing his efforts to help reduce crime in the county, according to a news release from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in October. Pettway, who was elected in 2018 and reelected in 2022, “has prioritized community partnerships, proactive policing and interagency collaboration,” the release states. As of August, the JCSO reported that major crimes have decreased 23% compared to the previous year. “A 23% reduction shows we’re making real progress,” Pettway said.
Helping families in Fairfield
we can’t wait to welcome them.”
The preserve is part of a 840-acre property the city purchased from the University of Alabama in August 2023. About 400 acres have been reserved for conservation and public access, with the remaining land designated for future city development. The project received a major boost in 2024 when the city was awarded a $400,000 grant from the Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program.
For updates, follow Friends of Westrock at facebook.com/friendsofwestrock.
In September, Robinson Primary School in Fairfield celebrated the grand opening of the W.I.N.N. Academy Community Closet, a free resource center stocked with clothing, household goods and toiletries, according to media reports. The closet is meant to serve students, parents and community members when they need interview attire, school clothes or help after a family emergency, and everything is free, thanks to partnerships with United Way of Central Alabama, Grace Klein Community and other organizations, WBRC 6 News reported. “The closet was designed for anything that they need,” Principal Melonie C. Peppins told WBRC on Sept. 23.
W.I.N.N. Academy Community Closet is open by appointment only Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. call 205-783-6827 or email dshuford@fairfieldk12.org.
Mayor Steve Ware recently presented a check from the city to the Hueytown schools.
Taking the Pledge
Students at Rutledge Middle School in Midfield signed the Student Pledge Against Gun Violence on Oct. 15, according to a report by CBS 42 News. The signing took place as a part of the National Day of Concern, an initiative that encourages young people across America to take a stand against using guns to harm others. The Pledge asks students to never carry a gun to school, to not resolve disputes with a gun and to influence their friends to do the same. “We’re trying to educate young people and to encourage them not to use guns as a way to solve disputes,” Jessica Barnes, a regional lead with Voices of Black Mothers United, told CBS 42. For more about the Student Pledge, which was created in 1996, go to pledge.org.
‘Indispensable’ machinist
A Pleasant Grove native, Daniel Long, was recognized recently upon his retirement from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Long, a highly skilled machinist, worked for 33 years in the Research Machine Shop in the UAB School of Engineering, according to a story published on September 22 at uab. edu/engineering. During his time on the job, Long made thousands of custom-made parts and prototypes, including hardware built for spaceflight, medical implants, animal enclosures, artificial knees, hips and other joints. Long was “an indispensable part of the research mission at UAB,” Mark Banaszak Holl, Associate Dean for Research at the School of Engineering, said in the story. “It has never been boring,” Long said. “If someone brings me a good design, we can find a way to make it.”
Giving back
Mayor Steve Ware and the city of Hueytown recently distributed a total of $210,000 to several local groups and organizations to help support education, the arts and community programming, according to a city news release Oct. 17. Programs receiving help included the Hueytown High School Quarterback Club and the Hueytown Arts Council, which produces the city’s annual Cityfest event each June. “It’s important to give back to the community we serve,” Ware said. “When we invest in our schools, arts, and local programs, we build a stronger future for Hueytown.”
The city of Hueytown announced recently that its West Rock Mountain Nature Preserve should open in early 2026.
Hueytown
Welcome to our Health & Wellness page at WestJeff Magazine. Each month, we share tips from a variety of sources showing you how to improve the quality of your life in simple, practical ways. Let us know if there’s a particular health or wellness topic you’d like to see us cover. Write to us at jesse@jbmcmedia.com.
by WESTJEFF MAGAZINE STAFF Health & Wellness
Tips for a happy, healthy holiday
stress during the holidays due to such factors as not having enough money, missing loved ones and anticipating family conflict. Many of us also eat and drink too much and get away from our diets and exercise regimens.
We checked sources like the American Heart Association (AHA), the Mayo Clinic and the National Council on Aging (NCOA) in search of tips for navigating the holidays in a sane, healthy way.
Watch your intake of sweets, the AHA recommended at heart.org in September 2024. One tip is to prepare healthy snacks that are ready to eat when you get the urge to snack. You can also offer some healthier options when hosting holiday parties.
Continue to exercise at least some each day, the AHA urges. Take a walk, ride a bike, do active chores or go to the park with the kids – weather permitting, of course. You can also take a break from shopping or party planning and find some time for yourself. Do something that relaxes you. Try yoga, meditation or going outside.
You should drink at least eight cups of water daily, the Mayo Clinic recommended in an article at mayoclinichealthsystem. org in December 2023. This will keep you hydrated, healthy and ready to fight off winter germs.
Wash your hands frequently, the Mayo Clinic says. This is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading common winter illnesses, such as colds. Also get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
The holidays bring lots of great things –making memories with friends and family, giving and receiving gifts, sharing great food and drink and, of course, experiencing the season’s spiritual significance. However, the holiday season is often busy, chaotic and laden
with lots of emotional expectations. This can cause stress and damage our physical and mental health.
According to a 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association, nearly 90% of U.S. adults said that they experience
The NCOA offered some tips for a happy, emotionally grounded holiday at ncoa. org in November 2024. For example, the NCOA recommends that you acknowledge your feelings. “Every feeling you experience is valid,” the article states. “Give yourself permission to feel each feeling. You may experience opposing feelings, like grief and joy, during the holiday and that is okay.”
You should also learn to say “no,” according to the NCOA. You don’t have to accept every invitation or agree to do everything during the holidays. “If you say ‘yes’ to something when you want to say
PHOTO BY FLICKR AND WIKIMEDIA USER NENAD STOJKOVIC. CC BY 2.0
The holidays are a lot of fun as we exchange gifts and enjoy loved ones, but guard your mental and physical health.
Health & Wellness
‘no,’ it can lead to feelings of resentment and being overwhelmed,” the article states.
Be realistic about your holiday schedule. “There are only 24-hours in a day,” the NCOA says. “Make a list of all the events and obligations you have during the holiday season and prioritize them.”
We can get into the holiday spirit by serving others – for example, volunteering at a local shelter or making a charitable contribution. “Volunteering can increase life satisfaction and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety,” the article states.
We can get creative by doing some crafts, writing a poem or experimenting with recipes or holiday baking.
The Mayo Clinic urges not to stress out during the busy holiday season. Make time for friends and family, and relax as much as you can.
The AHA suggests that we do our best to maintain healthy habits throughout the holiday. In other words, stay active, try to maintain a decent diet and get at least seven hours of sleep nightly. If you do, you won’t have to start all over again in the New Year.
Care for the caregivers
Caregivers play a vital role in senior health, from managing medications and preventing falls to monitoring mental health and handling emergencies. However, caregivers should also care for themselves, says Dr. Andrew Duxbury, a professor in the UAB Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care. “It is not just about the patient’s well-being; it is also about the caregiver’s,” Duxbury said in an article at uab.edu/news on Oct. 6. Taking care of a senior’s health can be mentally draining, according to Duxbury, who offers these five general tips:
• Get appropriate rest.
• Schedule extended time away every three to six months.
• Talk with individuals who understand the situation.
• Be understanding of the older adult.
• Be prepared for adjustments to be made.
avoid
Linking diet and stress
Many of us struggle to control stress and avoid its health consequences. However, eating the right foods can help, according to Christine Ferguson, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition Sciences at UAB.
If we eat the wrong foods, they can spike our levels of cortisol, a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate the body’s response to stress.
“Diet influences many things, including cortisol, through the inflammatory pathway,” Ferguson said in an article published at uab. edu/news on Sept. 29. “Inflammation is a key factor because increased cortisol can raise inflammation, and inflammation can
also raise cortisol.”
We should eat more anti-inflammatory foods. These foods often include antioxidants, which are found mostly in fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains. Key nutrients that support an anti-inflammatory diet include Omega-3s, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, beta carotene, selenium, zinc and manganese.
Diet alone will not resolve stress-related cortisol issues, but it can be an important part of a broader strategy. “Mindful eating can also help,” Ferguson said. “It is important to be present with your food choices and ask: ‘Am I actually hungry, or am I eating out of stress or boredom?’
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
PHOTO BY ROBERTA SORGE ROBERTINA AT THE WAYBACK MACHINE, CC0
LEFT: Olive oil is a great source of Omega-3s, an antioxidant that can help us
inflammation and reduce stress.
PHOTO BY FLICKR AND WIKIMEDIA USER STACY. CC BY 2.0
RIGHT: We all love sweet, delicious Christmas goodies, but try to limit your intake during the holidays.
HappyHoliday! A guide to the season in West Jefferson County
by JESSE CHAMBERS
The holidays are here, time for us to celebrate Christmas – or other important holidays like Hanukkah or Kwanzaa – and there’s lots of ways to go about it. Many of us enjoy spending some of our holiday time alone. It’s nice to sleep in or go to a movie or go in search of the perfect gift for your significant other. It’s also nice to spend some time contemplating the past year and thinking about the possibilities of the New Year. We also want to spend time with our family members and close friends and to make special memories with them at the dinner
table or around the Christmas tree. But the holidays are also one of the best times to be with other people in the community – to enjoy a concert or to attend a Christmas Eve church service or watch a holiday parade. Taking part in such events allows us to appreciate our neighbors and our communities. That’s why we assembled the following guide to holiday events in West Jefferson County. This preview includes all of the information we were able to gather by our press time in midNovember. So go out and enjoy yourself. And happy holidays!
The members and friends of the Hueytown Community Theatre are definitely getting into the holiday spirit.
PHOTO BY BRITTANY FIELDS
of the participants
I LOVE A PARADE
Several West Jefferson communities host Christmas parades, and they’re really fun. They typically feature marching bands, floats, dignitaries, tree-lighting ceremonies and, of course, appearances by Santa Claus.
The McCalla Christmas Parade will take place Sunday, Nov 30, with the parade beginning at McAdory High School at 4 p.m. The McAdory High School marching band, the "Band of Gold,” will participate, said Keith Pritchard, MHS band director. A tree lighting follows at 5 p.m. at Piggly Wiggly, according to the “What's Happening In McCalla, Alabama” Facebook page. More details TBA.
The annual City of Midfield Christmas Parade will be held Saturday, Dec. 6 at 10 a.m beginning at the Midfield Recreation Center, at 410 Grant St. Refreshments will be served. 205-923-7578. facebook.com/ cityofmidfield
The city of Hueytown will present two events Saturday, Dec. 6. The 37th annual Hueytown Christmas Parade will begin at 2 p.m., and Christmas in the Park will take place in Hueytown City Park at 4 p.m.
The parade's theme is a “Candyland Christmas,” with gumdrops, lollipops, peppermint swirls and gingerbread men, said Debbie Kiker of the Hueytown Area Chamber of Commerce. Christmas in the Park will include a tree lighting, a live manger scene with Crossroad Baptist Church, Christmas carols from local choirs and appearances by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. There will be food trucks, a train ride, and crafts and games provided by local churches, businesses and organizations. The holiday events “bring our community together to celebrate the joy, spirit and hometown pride that make Hueytown so special,” Mayor Steve Ware said. 205-491-7010. hueytownchamber.com
The Bessemer Christmas Parade, with the theme of “A Western Christmas," is set for downtown Bessemer Saturday, Dec. 13. The parade starts at 2 p.m. It usually begins at First Avenue North and 19th Street, travels along 19th Street, turns left onto Eighth Avenue, then turns left onto 18th Street and travels to Third Avenue North before
terminating at Debardeleben Park. For more, including parade entries and sponsorships, call the Bessemer Chamber of Commerce at 205425-3253 or go to bessemerchamber.com.
The city of Pleasant Grove will host a Christmas tree lighting Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. near the flagpole by the memorial at City Hall. There will not be a parade this year but it will return in 2026, according to a city spokesperson.
SUPPER WITH SANTA
For a fun time with friends and family, check out the third annual Supper With Santa on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. The event has a new home this year – the Hueytown Community Recreation Center at 1348 Hueytown Road. “Join us for yummy food, Christmas cheer and a chance to see Santa Claus himself and some of his friends, and be sure to wear your favorite pajamas,” said Debbie Kiker, director of the Hueytown Area Chamber of Commerce. The event is for all ages but admission is $15 for people ages two and up. For details, call 205-491-7010 or go to hueytownchamber.com.
A live manger scene will be one of the activities at Hueytown's annual Christmas in the Park event.
PUTTING ON A SHOW
Plays and concerts – many of them featuring Christmas music – are a big part of the holidays. There are several productions taking place in West Jefferson County.
The Hueytown High School Theatre Department presents “Anastasia: The Musical Youth Edition” in the school’s auditorium Friday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m and Saturday, Dec. 13, at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. The play has a book by famed playwright Terrence McNally. “This captivating show promises to transport audiences from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the exuberance of 1920s Paris,” said Jordan Banks, HHS theatre director and show choir co-director. “Follow the journey of a
PHOTO FROM BESSEMER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FACEBOOK PAGE
PHOTO COURTESY OF HUEYTOWN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Some
in the Bessemer Christmas Parade in 2024.
brave, young woman determined to uncover the secrets of her past amidst a backdrop of romance, adventure and dazzling music. The talented cast and crew have poured their hearts into bringing this magical story to life, complete with stunning costumes, set designs and choreography.” Admission $5 for students; $10 for adults. Tickets are available in cash at the door or prepaid on GoFan.
We can all use a little music and comedy during the holidays, and the Hueytown Community Theatre will answer that need with its Christmas Cabaret on Friday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. in the Hueytown Community Theatre at 1348 Hueytown Road. Tickets are $20 plus fees. For more, go to hueytownarts.org or the Hueytown Arts Council on Facebook.
The Spartan Showstoppers from the Pleasant Grove High School Theatre will compete in The Walter Trumbauer High School Theatre Festival, a statewide competition at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Friday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 6. The group enjoyed “remarkable success” in the District Walter Trumbauer High School Festival in November, said Taylor Chatman, director of the theatre. The Showstoppers earned 19 superior ratings and seven excellent ratings. The following students participated: Kamryn Ward, Airella Williams, Eriana Ealons, Jekeoti Williams, Kayla Lewis, Chenel Cross, Christian Aigboose, Chloe Johnson, Jenesis Delk, Alivia Gray, Camron Gray, Kayden Brown, Nanielle Reed, Joe Casey, Alyssa Carey, Sterling Gornik, Tiara Burks, Kennedi English, Kayla Lacey, Oshene Bates and Madison Harris. For details about the Trumbauer Festival, go to altheatre.org/trumbauer.
MAKING A JOYFUL NOISE
Music is a huge part of the holidays, including classical music, carols and popular Christmas tunes. You’ll have numerous chances to enjoy live music in West Jefferson County this season.
The McAdory High School Band presents its Christmas Concert in the school’s auditorium Thursday, Dec. 4, at 6:30 p.m. The band's percussion ensemble and concert band will perform. About 85 wind and percussion students will take part, said Band Director Keith Pritchard. The concert will feature well-known Christmas favorites. “Our students really enjoy this concert,” Pritchard said. “We try to play traditional music that the students enjoy and are familiar with.” Admission is free. 205-379-4700.
The Hueytown High School Jazz Ensemble will perform Friday, Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at North Highlands Baptist Church at 4851 15th St. Road. They’ll perform several selections, including “Oh Chanukah,” “Quintessentially Cool,” “My Favorite Things" and "The First Funky Noel,” according to Band Director Ryan Lovell. Admission is free. 205-379-4150. facebook.com/HYTBAND
The Hueytown High School band will perform its winter program in the school’s auditorium Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. All three HHS bands – the ninth-grade band, 10th-grade band and 11th & 12th grade band – will perform, according to Ryan Lovell and co-director Donna Smith. They’ll play “riveting and fun holiday classics,” Lovell said. Holiday selections will include “A Peaceful Night,” “Silent Night in Gotham,” “Three Wise Guys” and “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Admission free. 205-379-4150. facebook.com/HYTBAND
The Pleasant Grove High School Symphonic Band will play its Winter Concert on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. in the school’s auditorium. They’ll play holiday music and other selections, according to PGHS Band Director Brian Smith. The holiday music will include “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," the "Ukrainian Bell Carol" and many other holiday favorites. In addition to the High School Symphonic Band conducted by Mr. Smith, the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade bands will perform under the direction of Assistant Director of Bands Mr. Caleb Hilliard. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted via cash box. For information, call 205-379-5250.
The Hueytown High School Choir will host its annual Christmas Concert on Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. For the Christmas Concert, the middleschool choir is working on “Last Christmas” by Wham! and “Silver Bells” by Jay Livingston. The high-school choir is working on “Born, Born in Bethlehem" by Donald Moore, “Christmas” by Phil Spector and “Dona Nobis Pacem.” Admission is free.
PHOTO BY ALLISON CARPENTER
PHOTO COURTESY OF JORDAN BANKS
Taylor Chatman, director of the Pleasant Grove High School theatre department, with some of her students in January 2025. The department is taking part of a statewide competition at UAB Dec. 5-6.
The Hueytown High School Choir will be one of several musical attractions in West Jefferson County this holiday season.
The top ranking
The Pleasant Grove campus of the Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School was named Alabama’s top middle school by U.S. News & World Report, according to an Oct. 30 announcement from Jefferson County Schools. The publication released its 2026 Best K-8 school rankings on Oct. 28. The rankings include the highest-performing elementary and middle schools in each state based in part on test results in math and reading.
OGHS Band wins state
The Oak Grove High School Band won the 2025 Class 4A state championship at Spain Park High School on Oct. 25. The competition is conducted by the Alabama Marching Band Championships.This is the seventh consecutive year that OGHS has won the Class 4A championship, according to Chase Fowler, in his first year as the school’s band director. OGHS competed against Deshler High School, Ashville High School and Fultondale High School. “Loretta” was the program performed by OGHS. “Our production uses the spokenword lyrics of Loretta Lynn's classic song ‘Coal Miner's Daughter’ to pay tribute to the hardworking coal miners of our community in Oak Grove,” Fowler told WestJeff Magazine. The band won every caption in 4A, including most outstanding musical performance, most outstanding visual performance, most outstanding percussion, most outstanding color guard and most outstanding general effect. “This program has a long history of excellence and I am honored to be a part of it,” Fowler said. “Winning the Alabama Marching Band Championship my first year here was very exciting. The students worked so hard since July to perfect our program and bring their best performance to the championship.” Fowler also thanked Assistant Director Anna Gugel, the color guard staff of Donna McKinney, Rebecca Hope and Alyssa Glenn, the band boosters and the Oak Grove community.
BESSEMER CITY HIGH SCHOOL TIGERS
12/2 vs Wenonah 7:30 p.m.
12/4 @ Brookwood 7:30 p.m.
12/8 @ Leeds 7:30 p.m.
12/9 vs Pinson Valley 7:30 p.m.
12/11 vs Huffman 6:30 p.m.
12/12 @ Fultondale
12/16 vs Huffman 6:30 p.m.
12/16 @ Carver Birmingham 7 p.m.
12/18 vs Shades Valley 7:30 p.m.
12/19 vs Woodlawn 7:30 p.m.
FAIRFIELD HIGH PREPARATORY SCHOOL
12/2 vs Benjamin Russell 7 p.m.
12/8 @ Midfield 4:30 p.m.
12/8 @ Midfield 7:30 p.m.
12/9 vs Shades Valley 7 p.m.
12/15 vs Woodlawn 7 p.m.
12/16 @ Indian Springs 5 p.m.
12/18 vs Oak Grove 7 p.m.
HUEYTOWN HIGH SCHOOL GOLDEN GOPHERS
12/2 vs Shades Valley 7:30 p.m.
12/4 vs Briarwood Christian 7:30 p.m.
12/5 vs Minor 7:30 p.m.
12/8 @ Spain Park 7 p.m.
12/11 vs Pleasant Grove 7 p.m.
12/12 vs Hewitt-Trussville 7 p.m.
12/15 @ Shades Valley 7:30 p.m.
12/16 vs Pelham 7:30 p.m.
12/19 @ Minor 7:30 p.m.
12/27 vs Briarwood Christian 9 a.m.
12/29 vs Orange Beach 9 a.m.
12/30 @ Florence 1:30 p.m.
MCADORY HIGH SCHOOL YELLOW JACKETS
12/5 @ Helena 7 p.m.
12/8 @ Shades Valley 7:30 p.m.
12/12 vs Helena 7 p.m.
12/16 @ Parker 7:30 p.m.
12/19 @ Lanett 7 p.m.
12/20 vs Wetumpka 4:30 p.m.
12/22 vs Benjamin Russell 11:30 a.m.
MIDFIELD HIGH SCHOOL PATRIOTS
12/2 vs Homewood 7:30 p.m.
12/8 vs Fairfield 4:30 p.m.
12/8 vs Fairfield 7:30 p.m.
12/12 @ Lanett 5:30 p.m.
12/22 @ Jefferson Christian Academy 6 p.m.
OAK GROVE HIGH SCHOOL TIGERS
12/1 vs Berry 7 p.m.
12/2 @ Victory Christian
12/4 vs Ragland 1:30 p.m.
12/5 @ West Blocton 7 p.m.
12/8 @ Isabella 7 p.m.
12/11 vs Indian Springs 6 p.m.
12/12 @ Vincent 7 p.m.
12/15 vs West Blocton 7 p.m.
12/16 @ Leeds 7 p.m.
12/18 @ Fairfield 7 p.m.
PLEASANT GROVE HIGH SCHOOL SPARTANS
12/4 @ Center Point 2 p.m.
12/9 vs Indian Springs 6:30 p.m.
12/9 @ Parker 7:30 p.m.
12/11 @ Hueytown 7 p.m.
12/12 @ Minor 7:30 p.m.
12/17 Parker 7:30 p.m.
Western Area Events
Dec. 1: Pleasant Grove City Council. 6 p.m. Pleasant Grove City Hall, 501 Park Road. The Pleasant Grove City Council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. 205-744-1723. cityofpg.com
Dec. 1: Fairfield City Council. 6-8 p.m. Fairfield City Hall, 4701 Gary Ave. The Fairfield City Council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. 205-788-2492. cityoffairfieldal.org
Dec. 2: Hueytown Board Of Zoning Adjustments. 4:30-5 p.m. City Hall, Council Meeting Room, 1318 Hueytown Road. The Board meets the first Tuesday of each month. 205-497-0522. hueytownal.gov
Dec. 2: Bessemer City Council. 6 p.m. Bessemer City Hall, 1700 Third Ave. N. The Council meets the first Tuesday of each month in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall. 205-424-4060. bessemeral.org
Dec. 2: Brighton City Council. 6 p.m. Brighton City Hall, 3700 Main Street. The Brighton City Council meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. 205-428-954.
Dec. 4: Jefferson County Commission. 9 a.m. 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N., Room 270, Birmingham. The Commission meets on the second floor of the County Courthouse downtown in the Commission Chambers. 205-325-5300. jccal.org
Dec. 4: Christmas Concert. 6:30 p.m. McAdory High School, 4800 McAdory School Road, McCalla. The percussion ensemble and the concert band at McAdory will offer their annual Christmas Concert, featuring traditional holiday music, in the school’s auditorium. Admission is free. 205-379-4700
Dec. 6: Hueytown Christmas Parade. 2 p.m. This 37th annual event will have the theme of “Candyland Christmas.” The route will include several streets in Hueytown, including Allison-
PHOTO BY WIKIMEDIA USER GABRIEL SALDANA CC BY SA 2.0
A production of The Nutcracker at the Royal Swedish Opera. Birmingham dance lovers can see the ballet this season at both The Lyric Theatre and the BJCC Concert Hall.
ADGER / NORTH JOHNS
Kimbrel’s Grocery
North Johns Community Center
ALLIANCE / BIRMINGPORT
Buddy Vines Fish Camp
S&W Red Top Grocery
BESSEMER
Alex Barber & Style Shop
Bessemer Area Chamber
Bessemer City Hall
Bessemer Family Eye Care
Bessemer Hall of History
Bessemer Public Library
Bessemer Recreation Center
Bistro on 19th
Bob Sykes BBQ
Bright Star
Deb’s Hot Dogs
El Comal Mexican Restaurant
First Financial Bank
FMS Pharmacy
Hinkle Pharmacy
Lawson State Community College
Legacy YMCA
Los Sombreros Mexican Restaurant
BESSEMER (CONT.)
Pediatrics West
Roller Motion Skate Center
Simmons Sporting Goods
The Hangar Bar & Grill
Wagon Wheel Deli & Grill
BRIGHTON
Bre’s Gourmet Restaurant
Brighton Community School
CONCORD
Concord Community Center
Hill’s Carpet & Floor Coverings
Buckmaster Property Group - KW
Metro South
HUEYTOWN
American Pride Trophies & Awards
Cinco de Mayo Mexican Grill
Day Dreams Boutique
Fast Pace Urgent Care
First Financial Bank
Food Giant
Highlander Foodland
Hueytown Area Chamber
Hueytown City Hall
HUEYTOWN (CONT.)
Hueytown Hardware
Hueytown Public Library
Pharmacy Xpress
Piggly Wiggly
Speedy’s Mexican
The Leopard Lilly Boutique
Uncle Sam’s BBQ
Venue 3131
Virginia Mines Grocery
Weldon Pharmacy
McCALLA
Chick-fil-A
First Financial Bank
Pediatric Smiles
Pediatrics West
Piggly Wiggly
San Antonio Grill
MIDFIELD
ArchWell Health
MULGA
Mulga Town Hall
OAK GROVE
Warrior River Water Authority
PLEASANT GROVE
Dieguez Smiles Orthodontics
Hill’s Foodland
Jack’s Restaurant
Olipita Mediterranean Grill
Pleasant Grove Public Library
Union State Bank
Val’s Print and Copy Center
ROCK CREEK
All American Metal Components
Rock Creek Pharmacy
SYLVAN SPRINGS
Allstar Diner
Old Southern Feed and Hardware
Sylvan Springs Community Center
Sylvan Springs Town Hall
Bonnett Memorial Drive. For more information, call 205-491-7010 or go to hueytownchamber.com.
Dec. 6: Christmas in the Park. 4 p.m. Hueytown City Park. This annual celebration of the holidays follows the Hueytown Christmas Parade and includes a Christmas tree lighting, manger scene, traditional music, food trucks and other attractions. Admission free. For more information, call 205-491-7010 or go to hueytownchamber.com
Dec. 8: Midfield City Council. 6 p.m. Midfield City Hall, 725 Bessemer Super Highway. The Midfield City Council meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. 205-923-7578. cityofmidfield.com
Dec. 9: Bessemer City Council. 9 a.m. Bessemer City Hall, 1700 Third Ave. N. The Council holds a planning session on the second Tuesday of each month in the multi-purpose room on the first floor of City Hall. 205-424-4060. bessemeral.org
Dec. 9: Hueytown City Council. Hueytown City Hall, 1318 Hueytown Road. The Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. The pre-meeting begins at 5:30 p.m., and the regular meeting begins at 6 p.m. 205-491-7010. hueytownal.gov
Dec. 9: Bessemer Board of Zoning Adjustment and Appeals. Bessemer City Hall, 1700 Third Ave. N. The city’s Board of Zoning Adjustment and Appeals meets on the second Tuesday of each month. For meeting times, call 205-424-4060. bessemeral.org
Dec. 10: Holiday Concert. 6 p.m. Pleasant Grove High School, 100 Spartan Drive, Pleasant Grove. The Pleasant Grove High School Symphonic Band will perform holiday music and other selections at its annual winter concert. The event takes place in the school auditorium. Donations will be accepted. 205-379-5250.
Dec. 11: Supper With Santa. 6 p.m. Hueytown Community Recreation Center, 1348 Hueytown Road. The Hueytown Area Chamber of Commerce presents its third annual Supper With Santa, featuring food, holiday cheer and an appearance by Santa Claus. $15. For information or tickets, call 205-491-7010 or go to hueytownchamber.com.
Dec. 13: City of Bessemer Christmas Parade. 2 p.m. The city’s annual Christmas Parade has the time of “A Western
American Idol winner Ruben Studdard will appear at WorkPlay on Dec. 12.
Enjoy Christmas music by candlelight at the Birmingham Museum of Art on Dec. 19.
Old Saint Nick will make several appearances at holiday events in West Jefferson County, including Bessemer and Hueytown.
PHOTO FROM WIKIMEDIA COMMONS BY MOVIEGUIDE. CC BY-SA 2.0
PHOTO BY WIKIMEDIA USER DOUGLAS RAHDEN
BY DEVILAL - OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 3.0
Christmas.” The parade typically begins at First Avenue North and 19th Street, travels along 19th Street until it reaches Eighth Avenue, then turns left onto Eighth Avenue. It then turns left onto 18th Street and travels to Third Avenue North, before terminating at Debardeleben Park. For more information, call the Bessemer Chamber of Commerce at 205-425-3253 or go to bessemerchamber.com.
Dec. 15: Fairfield City Council. 6 p.m. Fairfield City Hall, 4701 Gary Ave. The Fairfield City Council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. 205-788-2492. cityoffairfieldal.org
Dec. 15: Pleasant Grove City Council. 6 p.m. Pleasant Grove City Hall, 501 Park Road. The Pleasant Grove City Council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. 205-744-1723. cityofpg.com
Dec. 16: Brighton City Council. 6 p.m. Brighton City Hall, 3700 Main Street. The Brighton City Council meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. 205-428-9547.
Dec. 16: Bessemer City Council. 9 a.m. Bessemer City Hall, 1700 Third Ave. N. The Council meets the third Tuesday of each month in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall. 205-424-4060. bessemeral.org
Dec. 16: Bessemer Planning and Zoning Commission. Bessemer City Hall, 1700 Third Ave. N. The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission meets on the third Tuesday of each month. For meeting times, call 205-424-4060. bessemeral.org
Dec. 16: Hueytown Planning & Zoning Commission. 5-6 p.m. City Hall, Council Meeting Room, 1318 Hueytown Road. The board meets on the third Tuesday of each month. 205-497-0522. hueytownal.gov
Dec. 18: Fairfield City School Board. 6 p.m. Fairfield Board of Education, Gladys T. Coleman Boardroom, 6405 Avenue D. Fairfield. The five-member school board meets on the third Thursday of each month. 205-783-6850. fairfieldschoolsystem.com
Dec. 18: Jefferson County Commission. 9 a.m. 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N., Room 270, Birmingham. The Commission meets on the second floor of the County Courthouse downtown in the Commission Chambers. 205-325-5300. jccal.org
Dec. 22: Midfield City Council. 6 p.m. Midfield City Hall, 725 Bessemer Super Highway. The Midfield City Council meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. 205-923-7578. cityofmidfield.com
Dec. 23: Bessemer Historic Preservation Commission. 5:30 p.m. Bessemer City Hall, 1700 Third Ave. N. The Historic Preservation Commission, established by city ordinance, helps identify, protect and preserve Bessemer’s historic properties and districts. The Commission meets the fourth Tuesday of each month. bessemeral.org/bessemer-historic-preservation-commission
Dec. 23: Hueytown City Council. Hueytown City Hall, 1318 Hueytown Road. The Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. The pre-meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. and the regular meeting begins at 6 p.m. 205-491-7010. hueytownal.gov
Ongoing: Exercise classes. Legacy YMCA, 1501 Fourth Ave S.W., Bessemer. Legacy presents a wide variety of exercise classes for members year round, including swimming, aerobics, aquacise, yoga, cycling, Zumba and Power HITT. Legacy also offers lots of youth sports, camps and health and wellness programs. For details, call 205-426-1211 or go to legacyymca.org
Ongoing: Classes and workshops. Bessemer Public Library, 400 19th St. N. Bessemer. The library presents a wide range of classes, workshops and other activities for children, teens and adults. Adult classes include nutrition, computers and self-publishing. Activities for children include a toddler playgroup and Pre-K storytimes. 205-428-7882. bessemerlibrary.com
Nurse Blake, who finds humor in healthcare, will appear at the BJCC in December.
PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK.COM/NURSEBLAKE
Other Area Events
Dec. 2: Nurse Blake. 8 p.m. BJCC Theatre, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N. Known for his captivating storytelling and humor focused on life as a nurse, Nurse Blake – now on his “But Did You Die?” comedy tour – combines comedy and wisdom in a show that resonates with healthcare professionals and audiences alike. For tickets and more information, go to bjcc.org/events.
Dec. 4-7: A Christmas Memory. Virginia Samford Theatre, 1116 26th St. S. Read by Suzanne and Philip Mann, Truman Capote’s autobiographical short story – set in rural Alabama during the Great Depression – captures the warmth and melancholy of the holiday season. Saturday and Sunday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 2:30 p.m. For tickets and information, call 205-251-1228 or go to virginiasamfordtheatre.org.
Dec. 4-21: Holiday Spectacular. Red Mountain Theatre, 1600 Third Ave. S. RMT will present its annual celebration of the holiday season, with 75 performers taking the stage for classic carols and modern music. Tickets start at $40. For more information, including showtimes, call 205-324-2424 or go to redmountaintheatre.org.
Dec. 5-7: The Magic City Nutcracker. The Lyric Theatre, 1800 Third Ave. N. Presented by Magic City Performing Arts, the Magic City Nutcracker – Birmingham’s volunteer community Nutcracker ballet – will celebrate its 12th annual production. Showtimes are Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 p.m. & 5 p.m. For tickets and more information, go to magiccityperformingarts.com.
Dec. 5-21: Who’s Holiday! Birmingham Festival Theatre, 1901 1/2 11th Ave. S. BFT presents this wild, adults-only comedy written by Matthew Lombardo that tells the story of Cindy Lou Who as she recalls the Christmas Eve when she first met the Grinch. For information and tickets, call 205-933-2383 or go to bftonline.org.
Dec. 7: The Muppet Christmas Carol Live In Concert. 2:30 p.m. BJCC Concert Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N. The Alabama Symphony Orchestra presents a screening of the classic, family-friendly Disney film “The Muppet Christmas Carol” with the orchestral score performed live to picture. Tickets range from $31.50$71.50. For tickets and more information, call 205-314-6909 or go to alabamasymphony.org/events.
Dec. 12: Taylor Hicks. 8 p.m. Lyric Theatre, 1800 Third Ave. N. A Birmingham native and American Idol winner, Hicks will perform Van Morrison hits and Christmas songs. The show will benefit Toys for Tots. For tickets, go to lyricbham.com.
Dec. 12: Ruben Studdard. 6 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. WorkPlay, 500 23rd St. S. An “American Idol” winner and Grammy Award nominee, Birmingham native Ruben Studdard will celebrate the Christmas season in two performances at WorkPlay. Tickets are $32.47. For tickets, call 205-529-0271 or go to workplay.com
Dec. 13-23: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. BJCC Concert Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N. The Alabama Ballet is one of only eight dance companies in the world licensed by the George Balanchine Trust to perform this magical holiday masterpiece, which features the beloved melodies of Tchaikovsky. The ballet will be accompanied by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra for the first three performances. For showtimes and tickets, call 205-322-4300 or go to alabamaballet.org
Dec. 16-17: Sean of the South. 7:30 p.m. Virginia Samford Theatre, 1116 26th St. S. Writer and performer Sean Dietrich –known as Sean of the South – will present his Christmas show at VST with humor, storytelling and music, including original songs, bluegrass, jazz, and traditional carols.For tickets and information, call 205-251-1228 or go to virginiasamfordtheatre.org.
Dec. 19: Candlelight Christmas Concert. 8:45 p.m.10:00 p.m. Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd. Enjoy Christmas-inspired music at the BMA’s Steiner Auditorium under the gentle glow of candlelight in a live, multi-sensory experience. Tickets are $40.70. For information, call 402-249-2445, contact fever@eventvesta.com or go to eventvesta.com/events/119783/t/tickets.
Through Jan. 4: Glow Wild. Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Road. At Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration, which runs throughout the month of December, guests of all ages explore a winter wonderland filled with light, color and joy. For tickets, showtimes and other information, go to birminghamzoo.com.
American Idol winner Taylor
U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY DOMINIQUE M. LASCO. PUBLIC DOMAIN
Hicks will perform at The Lyric Theatre on Dec. 12.
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J. Dory Curtis, MD | Erika Issis-Vasha, PA-C | Patrick Rowan, MD | Scott Seibert, MD | Jay Fitts, MD
