1 of 2
Running
Runners get to enjoy wearing festive red and green while also getting out and exercising. Photo courtesy of Amanda Marcrum.
2 of 2
Santa Ride
Santa rides on a Cahaba Valley fire truck visiting the children in the district. Photo courtesy of Grant Wilkinson.
Although the U.S. 280 corridor is in no short supply of geese a-laying, you might need some festive ideas to stay in the holiday spirit this season. 280 Living is here to help. We’ve compiled a list of 12 activities for you and your family to make the most of the days leading up to Christmas.
Plan a holiday party
Make this season your most memorable yet, and host a party that will have your friends talking for years to come. With Christmas Pandora, a round of Dirty Santa and a group of close friends, you can’t lose. We know giving a party can be stressful, so take a look at our guide to throwing a successful holiday gathering for helpful tips and advice.
Sip some Christmas tea
The holidays are a special time to spend with loved ones, so why not make the time unique? Treat yourself to lunch and tea at The TownHouse Tea Shoppe in Mt Laurel. This season they are hosting Christmas teas to set the mood for December, so be sure to stop by.
Deck out and dash
Join the Arc of Jefferson County for its fifth annual Decked Out Dash. Ornament yourself in elf ears, garland, bows, bulbs, Christmas T-shirts and tacky sweaters to support the Arc and get some exercise. The sky is the limit for how goofy you can look for this 5K and 1-mile fun run.
Go caroling
A great way to bring a neighborhood together is to go caroling. Pack a thermos of hot chocolate, get a group of friends and parade through your area singing songs such as “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and “Jingle Bells.” You’ll get a chance to see all the beautiful decorations around the neighborhood, and you might be surprised who joins in.
Shop until you drop
Make a list and check it twice before you brave the holiday lines at The Summit. With so many stores and an ever-growing list of gifts to buy, you might need a few pointers. For those loved ones who are hard to buy for, take a look at our holiday gift guide to get ideas for even the pickiest receivers.
Add some new décor
Christmases can blend together from year to year, especially if you pull the same décor from boxes each season. Make this year stand out and get some fresh looks from Rosegate Design. If you are looking for something very light on the wallet, check out the thrift shops on 280 for some budget-friendly additions.
Go see a classic
In a city with a thriving arts community, it’s not hard to find a holiday show. Whether it’s Red Mountain Theatre Company’s Holiday Spectacular or Alabama Ballet’s The Nutcracker, there are many opportunities to see a seasonal favorite. If the theater isn’t your thing, you can always rent a copy of a classic like White Christmas, A Christmas Story or It’s a Wonderful Life.
Get your picture taken with Santa
Even better than writing a letter to Santa is getting to see him in person. The Cahaba Valley Fire Department aims to please as they take Santa around the 280 corridor on one of their fire trucks.
Watch the Chelsea Christmas Parade
Feel free to gawk as glitter, cotton-ball snow and holiday characters glide by on floats at this annual holiday event. Any spot from Chelsea Middle School to the Winn-Dixie provides a great view.
Run the Meadow Brook 5K
For the past 20 years, Meadow Brook Runs have been a Christmas tradition. Join in the race the Saturday before Christmas to keep your mind off the never-ending to-do list that comes with the holiday season.
Spend a day in the kitchen
Baked goods can make the best holiday presents, especially when you double the recipe and make extras. Try spice cakes, sugar or gingerbread cookies or warm pies to give out to friends and neighbors. If baking isn’t your thing, purchase goodies from Pastry Art or The Funky Muffin on U.S. 280 to show sweetness to loved ones.
Attend a Christmas Eve service
Every church does it differently, but almost every church has a service on Christmas Eve. Some have candlelight services, some hold Christmas pageants and some celebrate midnight Mass. For those looking for a service to attend, 280 Living has a complete list of holiday church events.
