Good morning, Birmingham.

Birmingham grandmother Brenda Paige Ward hosted her Secret Santa gift table Monday at Central Park to give holiday gifts to children who lost a parent to gun violence (she revived a long-running effort started in 2011).

Neighbors praised her work for bringing comfort to affected families.

Birmingham welcomes six new businesses and one closure this week.

New spots include an art gallery in Edgewood, eateries in Homewood and Five Points West, a family restaurant in Harpersville, and plans for Cold Stone Creamery locations, while Birmingham Boulders will close at year’s end.

After nine years serving the community, Birmingham Boulders, a downtown rock climbing gym, will permanently close on Wednesday, Dec.

31 due to a building sale. The gym announced its decision this summer, prompting local climbers to seek alternative spots.

Birmingham earned national recognition by ranking No.12 on WalletHub’s Best Cities for Christmas, thanks to its festive community events and family-friendly traditions.

WalletHub evaluated 100 cities using affordability, shops & traditions so local families can enjoy a well-balanced holiday without high costs.

WVTM 13 is celebrating the holiday season with a drive-through display at the Race Course — nearly a million lights synced to music after a month-long setup in challenging weather.

The station invites residents to share photos of decorated homes and businesses for a potential on-air feature.

Birmingham drivers are benefiting from lower gas prices as GasBuddy reported a 7.6-cent drop last week to $2.53 per gallon, part of a national trend toward seasonal lows (prices vary locally).

Birmingham City Schools are teaming with UAB to provide the Pathways to Professional Nursing program (offering classroom lessons and real-life practice) for students from freshman to senior year.

Applications remain open until Jan. 23.

Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer previews the Rose Bowl quarterfinal on Jan.

1 against No. 1 Indiana. The game pits Alabama's storied legacy against Indiana's determined upstart team (both sides aim to prove their strength in college play).

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.

C.A. Jones Concert

7-10 p.m. — Saturn — Ticket information available — Experience the melodic vibes of C.A. Jones with hits including Aquarius Moon.

JD Baker at The Fennec

5:30-8 p.m. — The Fennec - Sports Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy a mix of acoustic vibes and lively jam sessions with local musician JD Baker.

East Tennessee State Buccaneers vs. Samford Bulldogs Basketball

1-3 p.m. — Pete Hanna Center — Free trial available — Catch the live action as two college basketball teams face off in a thrilling matchup.