Opelika, Ala. is known for the local shops, restaurants and historic homes that make up the cozy streets of downtown. The holiday season brings a host of traditions that are unique to the area. There are events for young, old and in between, but the two most popular are the Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour and Christmas in a Railroad Town.
Opelika’s celebrated Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour is gearing up for another great year! For five days in early December, 60 Victorian and historic homes near downtown Opelika are transformed into colorful, nostalgic reminders of Christmas from a simpler, slower-paced era. The tour begins at North 8th Street and 2nd Avenue and includes over 10 city blocks. The homes are adorned with life-sized Santas, angels, toys, carousel horses and other Christmas-themed figures, as well as Christmas lights, bows and greenery.
Now in its 25th year, the event is a self-directed driving tour.
The Driving Tour is scheduled for Wednesday, December 5 through Friday, December 7 and Sunday, December 9 from 5-10 p.m. However, on Saturday, December 8, from 6-9 p.m., North 8th and 9th Streets will be closed to traffic to encourage visitors, friends and neighbors to stroll through the neighborhood. This enables everyone to leisurely enjoy the homes up close, listen to the carolers, and talk with residents dressed in Victorian costumes.
There is also a tree lighting ceremony with Mayor Gary Fuller and his wife on Saturday beginning at 6pm at The Heritage House (the corner of North 8th Street and 2nd Avenue). Admission is free.
Visit opelikavictorianfrontporchtour.com for more info.
Mark your calendar for the 23rd annual Christmas in a Railroad Town Friday, December 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. Whether you’re a child or simply a child at heart – there will be activities for everyone at this great night out in historic downtown Opelika. Visit with friends and enjoy a variety of food vendors and restaurants. Bring the kids to write letters to Santa, enjoy pony rides, caroling, entertainment and other new activities! Guaranteed fun for adults includes personalized gifts made on site and bundles of sweet treats for sale. Local retail shops will be open late for all your Christmas needs. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be available for family photos!
Be transported back in time and take a wagon ride through the Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour. Leave straight from Christmas in a Railroad Town and be delivered back after. Enclosed trolley rides also available at the Museum of East Alabama.
Visit opelikamainstreet.org for more info.
Other holiday activities in the Auburn-Opelika area :
- Enjoy the ‘Gingerbread Village’ at the Hotel at Auburn University Hotel and Dixon Conference Center
- Opelika Christmas Parade
- Auburn Christmas Parade
- 12th annual Holiday Art Sale at Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center
- Collinwood Luminaries
For more information – Contact Auburn & Opelika Tourism Bureau
Phone: 334.887.8747
Email: [email protected]
Site: http://www.aotourism.com
Photos: Auburn and Opelika Tourism Bureau
