Get ready to experience the magic of the holiday season at Lake Martin! The Lake Martin area comes alive with festive cheer, offering a variety of events for all ages. From dazzling light displays and holiday markets to cozy gatherings and winter parades, Lake Martin has something to make everyone’s season bright. Dive into our guide to festive fun and get ready to celebrate the holidays like a local this season!
Holiday Events
Alexander City & Dadeville Holiday Open House Events
On Sunday, Nov. 9, Dadeville will host their annual Holiday Open House, marking the start of the festive season in the Lake Martin area! Local shops will open their doors for a day of holiday cheer, offering special discounts, seasonal treats, and gift inspirations. Visitors can stroll through charming downtowns, enjoy beautifully decorated storefronts, and take advantage of exclusive sales. The Alexander City Holiday Open House takes place on Sunday, Nov. 16. It’s the perfect opportunity to kick off holiday shopping while supporting local businesses and soaking in the joyful atmosphere with friends and family.
Alexander City Chamber Hometown Christmas Parade
On Dec. 1, enjoy a longtime community tradition, the Hometown Christmas Parade. The parade, hosted by the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce, will line up on Comer Street at 4 P.M. and proceed down Cherokee Road toward Benjamin Russell High School. The route will then turn up Church Street and head toward downtown, ending down the hill of AL-22, near the bottom of Strand Park. Spectators can enjoy the festivities anywhere along the route. Be sure to bring a chair and your holiday cheer!
ACT II’s Over the River and Through the Woods
ACT II invites you to enjoy Over the River and Through the Woods, a heartwarming Christmas play that’s equal parts comedy and nostalgia. Follow the story of a young man torn between family traditions and new opportunities as he navigates love, loyalty, and the chaos of close-knit relatives. Filled with laughter, touching moments, and the warmth of the holiday season, this production is the perfect way to celebrate family, faith, and the magic of Christmas at the theater. Performances will take place on Dec. 5-7 at St. James Episcopal Church.
Carriage Rides on Main Street
On Dec. 13, experience the magic of downtown this holiday season with Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides on Main Street. Take a delightful ride through the beautifully decorated streets, surrounded by festive lights and holiday cheer! Whether you’re making family memories or enjoying a romantic evening, this is an experience you won’t want to miss. Reservations are required—call or text Michelle at Main Street at (256) 786-0584 to reserve your spot! For more information, please visit Main Street Alexander City.
Christmas in the Park
Mark your calendars for Dec. 13 and get ready to glide into the holiday spirit at Christmas in the Park, hosted by Alexander City Parks and Recreation! This festive event transforms the park into a winter wonderland with ice skating, sparkling lights, cheerful music, and plenty of holiday fun for the whole family. Enjoy seasonal treats, cozy photo ops, and joyful activities that bring the magic of Christmas to life right in the heart of Alexander City.
Christmas at Crossroads
The turkey and dressing have all disappeared YUM! We hope you had a great Thanksgiving! Now, it’s time to start thinking about Christmas! Your first stop on the Friday after Thanksgiving should be Russell Crossroads for Christmas at Crossroads. Christmas at Crossroads, complete with Santa, is held in conjunction with our Holiday Bazaar! Make sure your kids have their lists ready for Santa, we sure hope they have been really good this year! The Jolly Elf will make his way from the North Pole and arrive by horse-drawn carriage at 10 A.M. There will be tons of arts and crafts for the children to make and games for them to play! Come spend Black Friday at Russell Crossroads with Santa and a whole lot more!
Christmas Market at Maple Roe
Get into the holiday spirit on Dec. 6 at the Christmas Market at Maple Roe! This festive event will feature local artisans, handmade goods, seasonal décor, and delicious treats that make perfect gifts. Kids and families can even snap a keepsake photo with Santa while enjoying the cozy, small-town holiday atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to shop local, celebrate the season, and make lasting memories with loved ones.
Dadeville Historic District Christmas Tour
Step back in time during the Dadeville Historic District Christmas Tour 2025 on Sunday, December 14. This self-guided walking tour showcases beautifully preserved historic homes and buildings in and around Dadeville’s Square, offering a charming glimpse into the community’s rich heritage. Check in at Zazu’s Verandah between 12:30 and 2:00 PM to pick up your wristband, tour map, and tickets. Admission is $25 per person, with proceeds benefiting the Dadeville Historic District.
Tickets may be purchased in advance at Tallapoosa Nutrition or online through Eventbrite. Featured sites include the Miller Hotel, Sturdivant-Jones-Ledbetter House, First Presbyterian Church, and the Tallapoosee County Historical Museum, among others. The tour will take place rain or shine. For details, visit historicdadeville.org.
Dadeville’s “Spirit of a Hometown” Christmas Parade
Dadeville hosts one of the most loved annual events, The Spirit of a Hometown Christmas Parade, on Dec. 7 starting at noon. Artisan and food vendors will set up on campus at Dadeville High School to celebrate before the parade at 2:00 P.M. The parade starts on E. South street, making a turn on Broadnax street, then turning right on E. Layfayette street and Legion Street, ending on E. Columbus Street. Be sure to bring an appetite and a chair to enjoy Dadeville’s Christmas spirit.
Dadeville Christmas Tree Lighting
Join community members and city officials at the Dadeville Square on Nov. 30 for hot chocolate, Christmas carols and the lighting of the town tree. The annual tree lighting marks the official start of the holiday season.
Holiday Bazaar at Russell Crossroads
The Holiday Bazaar, in conjunction with Christmas at Crossroads, will be held Friday, Nov. 28, on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads. Artisans and patrons from all over gather for the huge display of handmade goods – there is something for everyone on your Christmas List under the big tents. Jury-selected artists will display for sale everything from jewelry, soaps, paintings, pottery, woodwork, lotions, furniture, and much more!
For more information, contact Sydnee Hamilton at 256-212-1431 or shamilton@russelllands.com.
Jingle Jump at Camp ASCCA
On Dec. 13, support Camp ASCCA by participating in the 2025 Jingle Jump. This is the 11th annual Jingle Jump, the camp’s biggest fundraiser, encourages teams and individuals to raise funds for the ASCCA Campership Fund. Camp ASCCA is one of the most sought-after organizations in the South that specializes in serving children and adults with disabilities and providing therapeutic recreation.
The ASCCA Campership Fund helps campers who may need financial assistance be able to come and enjoy a week at Camp ASCCA for the upcoming summer. Costumes and Christmas attire are encouraged, as it provides entertainment and smiles for Christmas campers. This year, Camp ASCCA’s goal is to raise $50,000.
Participants and guests can join in person at the Camp ASCCA pool or if needed, record their jump somewhere else (lake, pool, etc.) You can jump by yourself or recruit a team to jump with you. All participants must do is set up a simple fundraising page that Camp ASCCA provides and share it with family and friends! If you can’t jump in with us this year, please consider donating to the event or a jumper’s page.
To learn more about participation and donation, check out their website and follow them on Facebook for updates.
Story Time with Santa
On Dec. 2, enjoy Story Time with Santa Claus at the Dadeville Public Library! From 10:00 – 11 A.M., bring the kids to the library to listen as Santa narrates classic Christmas stories. For more information, please contact the Dadeville Public Library or visit their Facebook page.
Santa on Main Street
Join Main Street Alexander City for pictures with Santa on Dec. 6 starting at 10:00 A.M.! Enjoy hot chocolate, a bounce house, vendor booths, and more! For updates, follow their Facebook page!
Santa at the Library
On Dec. 9, Santa Claus is coming to the Dadeville Public Library! From 5:00-7 P.M., bring the kids to the library to tell Santa what’s on their wish-list, take pictures, and enjoy story time! For more information, please contact the Dadeville Public Library or visit their Facebook page.
Town of Camp Hill Christmas Parade
The Town of Camp Hill hosts their annual Christmas Parade on Dec. 6 starting at 2 P.M. There will be performances from local marching bands, horses, vendors, and food booths set up. For more details, follow the Town of Camp Hill, AL on Facebook!
Town of New Site Christmas Tree Lighting
On Dec. 2, the Town of New Site invites you to enjoy the 5th annual Community Christmas Celebration at the New Site Town Hall from 6:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. There will be a Tree Lighting Ceremony, Christmas music, a Hot Cocoa Booth, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Children are encouraged to bring their Christmas letters to drop in Santa’s mailbox. In addition, a Christmas Open House will be held at Jackson Apothecary & Russell Medical Health Partners of New Site.
Wind Creek State Park Holiday Market
Celebrate the holiday season at Wind Creek State Park’s first-ever Holiday Market on Dec. 13! Enjoy a festive day in the park’s day-use area with a variety of local food and craft vendors offering unique gifts and treats. Gather your loved ones, soak up the holiday cheer, and make a day of it for just $5 per carload.
Holiday Music
Dadeville Community Chorus Holiday Music with Friends
This popular annual concert presented by the Dadeville Community Chorus and conducted by Lila Meadows, features our own civic chorale with a wide range of art, music, pop/rock, traditional, and holiday selections. Advance tickets are $10 on the Dadeville Performing Arts Center website or at the door.
David Jones Christmas Special at Zazu’s Verandah
Join David Jones on the Dadeville Square at Zazu’s Verandah for Christmas tunes and personal holiday favorites on Thursday, Dec. 4 starting at 6:30 P.M. Be sure to bring friends and help spread the holiday cheer.
For more information, please contact Mitzy or Rick Hidding at Zazu’s.
Hand Bells Holiday Concert
On Dec. 9, Dadeville Performing Arts Center hosts a Christmas concert featuring the RealBells Hand Bells. Starting at 6:30 P.M., enjoy holiday favorites and a festive atmosphere. For more information about the concert, please contact Dadeville Performing Arts Center or find them on Facebook!
Christmas with Friends Benefit Concert
Celebrate the season with the Christmas with Friends Benefit Concert, a heartwarming holiday tradition spreading cheer across the Lake Martin area. This special concert features the same talented group of local singers performing two unforgettable shows—one in Alexander City and another in Dadeville. Each event supports a different local charity, making it a wonderful way to enjoy festive music while giving back to the community. Gather your friends and family for an evening of holiday classics, joyful harmonies, and the true spirit of the season.
The event is free admission, but cash donations are appreciated and encouraged.
Explore the Lake Martin area this holiday season! For more information or details about holiday events, check out our calendar of events. To submit an event, click here.
