Good morning, Birmingham.

UAB Hospital partnered with the Salvation Army on Wednesday for its annual toy drive, donating 313 bicycles and hundreds of toys to support the Angel Tree Program (an initiative providing thousands of gifts over the years) ahead of Christmas.

Birmingham approved an agreement with Carver Jones Market to create a grocery store in Southwest that will restore 10,000 sqft of retail space at Heritage Park Towne Center.

The project will generate 30 jobs and open in the first half of 2026 with up to $850,000 in city incentives.

A fire broke out at Birmingham Towers on 31st Avenue N on Friday morning, prompting evacuation and treatment for smoke inhalation (the blaze was under control by 11:40 a.m. with damage limited to one unit).

Birmingham hosts nine Chanukah events this December featuring menorah lightings and family festivities plus seasonal treats at key local venues.

Events run from Dec. 14 at the Summit on Saks Plaza to Dec. 25 at Chabad of Alabama with free admission options available.

Birmingham was named one of AFAR’s Best Places to Travel in 2026 as its thriving food and hotel scenes earned global recognition — the feature highlights local restaurants and a beloved Saturday market that adds to the city’s unique charm.

Local actor Eden Stephens appears in Stranger Things season 5 and will soon perform as Scout in Virginia Samford Theatre’s production of To Kill A Mockingbird (Dec.

11 to 21). Another Birmingham actor, Calloway Carrick, also features in the series.

Bessemer Middle School students triumphed in the Fall 2025 CoderZ League Robotics Competition, with the boys' team winning first and the girls' team placing second.

They competed against over 100 schools from August to December and school leaders are planning new challenges.

A tree fell on Mount Olive Elementary's gym Thursday night (damaging the walkway awning and one classroom) but the gym remains safe and classes resumed with access available from the rear door.

UAB Neurosurgery and Trauma experts advise residents to use proper ladder and electrical safety when decorating for the holidays, including warming up, checking cords, and watering live trees + inspecting their setup carefully.

They warn that careful precautions help prevent strains, falls, and other injuries during this busy season.

Local bars serve festive holiday cocktails this season as part of a curated roundup.

Venues like Paper Doll (Mon–Thu 4–11 p.m.) and Tucana Tiki Bar (Mon–Sat 4 p.m.–12 a.m.) offer creative menus in Birmingham + residents can enjoy innovative seasonal sips through early January.

Moody Blue Devils captured their first Class 5A state championship Thursday at Protective Stadium with a 25-0 win over Vigor.

Led by Le’kamren Meadows' 186 rushing yards on 25 carries, the team turned the rain-soaked game into a ground-dominant victory (after a near miss last season).

Kalen DeBoer dismissed rumors that Penn State sought to hire him during a press conference at Alabama.

He said no conversation took place and expressed his enthusiasm as his team prepares for the SEC Championship.

Maplesville defeated Wadley 42-22 in the state Class 1A title game on Thursday.

Quarterback Pearce Yeargan (who scored three touchdowns) and the team amassed 189 rushing yards in the second half to secure their fifth state title under head coach Brad Abbott.

Killer Whale Concert

8-10:30 p.m. — The Nick — $7 Membership required — Experience the fusion of contemporary dream pop and '70s soul sounds with Killer Whale.

General Membership Meeting & Hall of Fame Banquet

09:00 AM-06:00 PM — Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa — Cost Info TBA — Celebrate achievements and honor Hall of Fame recipients with inspiring speeches and networking.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra - The Ghost of Christmas Eve

11 AM - 5 PM — Legacy Arena — Special ticket pricing available — Experience the holiday rock tradition with TSO's spectacular live performance blending music and theatrics.

Jeff Dunham Live

7-8:30 p.m. — Legacy Arena — Ticketed event — Experience the hilarious ventriloquism of Jeff Dunham and his unforgettable characters.

Marvin Hunter Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — StarDome Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of laughs with the award-winning comedian Marvin Hunter.

Alabama Ballet: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®

1:30 PM & 6 PM — BJCC Concert Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Tchaikovsky's beloved ballet with live music from the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.

A Christmas Story Screening

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Alabama Theatre — Ticketed event — Enjoy a classic family comedy as Ralphie Parker tries to convince everyone he needs a BB gun for Christmas.

Pentatonix Holiday Concert

6:00-8:30 p.m. — Legacy Arena, Birmingham, AL — Ticket prices vary — Experience the Grammy-winning a cappella group with festive holiday music and captivating performances.

Still Moves Live at The Nick

10 PM – 1 AM — The Nick, Birmingham, AL — Ticket prices not specified — Experience a genre-bending sonic journey from still moves that showcases their dynamic live energy.

HaHa Holiday Homecoming Comedy Show

7:00-8:30 p.m. — StarDome Comedy Club, Hoover, AL — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy holiday laughs with Martin Morrow and Mimi Landru back in Birmingham with special guests.