Good morning, Birmingham.

The Community Food Bank of Central Alabama distributed holiday boxes to 1,000 families at the Church of the Highlands in Fultondale on Thursday, Dec.

18, providing shelf-stable items, fresh produce, and protein before Christmas in collaboration with Coca-Cola & Piggly Wiggly.

Birmingham hosts 16 festive events this weekend, featuring live shows, drive-thru light displays, parades, and markets.

From Dec. 19 to Dec. 21, residents can enjoy family-friendly activities at theaters + community venues.

Jefferson County Commission approved a $3.5M investment today for KultureCity’s National Accessibility Park at the historic Powell Steam Plant downtown — the park will include a technical college, retail spaces, and a museum and is set to open in 2028.

Clear Plus is a new ID app (launched this week at Birmingham airport) that lets travelers pass TSA checkpoints by scanning their phone instead of showing a physical ID; frequent flyers from Mountain Brook say it saves about 30 minutes on connecting flights.

Twenty elf doors hand-decorated by ASFA students are scattered among downtown shops from Linn Park + Rotary Trail to between 18th and 22nd St. N, inviting locals to enjoy a festive scavenger hunt through the holiday season.

Jefferson County commissioners approved a $3.5 million investment to build the first KultureCity National Accessibility Park in Birmingham, transforming the historic Powell Steam Plant into a campus (including a technical college, training center, museum and amphitheater); construction will begin next year with a spring 2028 opening.

City officials approved $1M in funding for a new year-round shelter by Jimmie Hale Mission that will offer nearly 100 beds, family rooms, and dedicated service areas — supporting unhoused residents across Birmingham.

Construction will begin soon as the project seeks to expand critical services.

Two local families became first-time homeowners less than a week before Christmas after Habitat for Humanity held its Home for the Holidays ceremony at a local site, handing keys to the Kelly and Foy families+ both will move in before the holiday.

Former Alabama QB AJ McCarron was named head coach of the Birmingham Stallions yesterday, replacing Skip Holtz, who stepped down after four seasons.

McCarron ended his bid for lieutenant governor Tuesday to pursue the coaching opportunity & plans to build on Holtz's legacy.

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.

Cartoon Matinee Triple Feature

2-4 p.m. — Alabama Theatre — Free for children under 2 — Enjoy classic holiday cartoons with a sing-along at the historic Alabama Theatre.

Annual Christmas Toy Drive

11 AM – 2 PM — Sickle Cell Disease Association of America - Central Alabama — Free entry — Bring joy to local children this holiday season by donating toys.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

Time TBA — BJCC Concert Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience a whimsical holiday celebration with astonishing performances as ornaments come to life.

Erin Mitchell Band Live Performance

5-8 p.m. — Elysian Gardens — $10 cover — Experience the soulful sounds of Erin Mitchell and her talented band in a vibrant garden setting.

19th JLab Birmingham Bowl: Georgia Southern vs Appalachian State

1-2:30 p.m. — Protective Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the thrilling college football showdown in the JLab Birmingham Bowl.

New Year’s Eve Bash 2026

8 a.m. – 3 a.m. — Tin Roof — Various package prices available — Celebrate the New Year with live music, DJ entertainment, and exclusive VIP packages.

Be Worth Funding Bootcamp

8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. — Innovation Depot Inc — $197 — A full-day training for nonprofit leaders focused on sustainable funding and mission clarity.

Gentry Blue Live Concert

7-10:30 p.m. — The Nick — $7 Membership Card required — Experience the sonic depths of Gentry Blue's debut album 'Fragments'.

Hartley Deatherage’s SuperJam

8-11 p.m. — The Nick — Membership required ($7/year) — Enjoy a night of Alternative Rock at a renowned local venue.