Good morning, Birmingham.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Birmingham has finished a multi-million-dollar renovation that updated guest suites, meeting spaces and public areas at 2300 Woodcrest Place with new furniture and modern design.

General Manager Brandon Claypool said the changes will help the hotel serve more travelers as Birmingham’s tourism grows.

Fifteen parades will light up December in Greater Birmingham as local communities host events with themed floats, costumed characters, and visits from Santa — all free for families.

The events run from December 2 to December 20 in towns like Odenville, Gardendale, and Chelsea — promising festive fun and local holiday spirit.

Rickwood Caverns State Park is hosting the annual Wonderland Under Warrior event—where families tour a half-mile cave display with holiday lights and themed scenes—that opens today and runs through Jan 4; Santa will be available for photos in the park’s Nature Center from Nov 28 until Dec 22 with regular cave tours resuming in January.

The Garage in Birmingham is on Southern Living’s Legendary Dive Bars list and is known for its build-your-own sandwiches + its relaxed beer garden with hanging wisteria and picnic tables.

The venue on 10th Terrace South draws locals with a friendly vibe and timeless charm.

Family-friendly holiday light displays are lighting up Alabama this season, with Magic of Lights having started Nov.

21 at Alabama Adventure and Glow Wild opening today at Birmingham Zoo among several events. They run through Jan. 4 — ticket prices range from $5 to $40 depending on vehicle type.

Governor Kay Ivey and Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter celebrated a court decision that kept a temporary restraining order in place against an AHSAA rule—one that would have forced student-athletes to sit out for a year after transferring.

They said the ruling lets kids continue playing while state lawmakers plan to discuss reforms in the next session.

The City of Birmingham in partnership with One Roof will host a free symposium on homelessness at Regions Field on Dec.

1 at 1 p.m. The event will bring together faith leaders, nonprofits and city officials to discuss new plans as the city invests $1.5 million to improve housing support.

Irondale removed the onion dome from Zamora Temple on November 20 as part of a $20M plan to turn the building into a 1,500-seat civic center.

The renovation (ending 40 years of the landmark being seen from I-459) will be completed in 2026 (adding new community spaces).

Doctors are urging families to help prevent a flu super spreader event at their Thanksgiving dinners next week by providing hand sanitizer and antibacterial sprays—if anyone shows symptoms like coughing or sneezing, they advise wearing a mask or staying home.

They also recommend taking vitamins and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to boost the immune system ahead of the holiday.

The National Institutes of Health renewed a five-year grant awarding $1.8 million a year to UAB’s Center for Precision Animal Modeling—this funding will help researchers build models to study how genetic changes cause disease and test new treatments.

The center received more than 185 nominations from clinicians and patient groups to guide its work and improve care.

Sarah Cumbie, a 17-year-old junior at St. Bernard Prep in Cullman who had overcome personal loss and excelled in her studies, died after a sudden illness on November 21.

Her organ donation may save eight lives & she was a dedicated volunteer at a local charity.

John Morgan - Standup Comedy Show

6:30-8 p.m. — Main Room, 1818 Data Dr, Birmingham, AL — $24.50 — Experience the heartfelt and bold humor of the 'Ragin Cajun' as he tackles real-life topics with a comedic twist.

Kimberly Akimbo

7:30 p.m. — BJCC Concert Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience a heartwarming and humorous journey of a teenager navigating family and life challenges.

Kimberly Akimbo Musical

7:30-9:00 p.m. — BJCC East Exhibition Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the heartwarming journey of a teen overcoming obstacles in this Tony Award-winning musical.

Sam Lapidus Montclair Run

8:30-11:30 a.m. — Levite Jewish Community Center — Registration fee applies — Experience Birmingham's Thanksgiving tradition at one of its largest races.

Kimberly Akimbo

7:30-9:00 p.m. — BJCC East Exhibition Hall — Ticketed event — Experience a heartwarming musical about the trials of growing up and embracing life's challenges.

Howard Hewett Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — Tuxedo Ballroom — Tickets available — Experience an unforgettable evening of R&B featuring Grammy Award winner Howard Hewett with special guest Cherrelle.

Kimberly Akimbo Musical Performance

1-2:30 p.m. — BJCC East Exhibition Hall — Tickets available — A Tony Award-winning musical about a teenager navigating family challenges and personal growth.

Highlands College Leadership Conference

8 AM – 2 PM — Highlands College — Tickets available — Enhance your leadership skills and engage in mission-driven work with industry leaders.

Support Group for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

6:30 p.m. — Levite Jewish Community Center — Free entry — Gather for emotional and informational support for patients and families dealing with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

ACT Trumbauer High School Festival 2025

December 5-6 — University of Alabama at Birmingham — $10 – $100 — Experience a celebration of high school theater with one-act plays and group events at this storied festival.