The Ultimate Tuscaloosa/University of Alabama Seasonal Bucket List for Fall and Winter

College football season is in its full swing this time of year at The University of Alabama and we start looking forward to the colder weather along with that feeling of finally getting to wear a sweater and knee-high boots to the football games and tailgates. Other than football, here are some of the best ways to make the most of being a college student living in Tuscaloosa, Alabama during the holiday season!

West Alabama State Fair

Grab a couple of friends or a date and stop by the West Alabama State Fair from October 31st-November 10th. The fair has dozens of rides, plenty of food options, and even a petting zoo! Nothing feels more like autumn than eating fried Oreos or a funnel cake and riding the Ferris wheel while it’s lit up at night! You will definitely not want to miss a chance to go to the fair this year.

Tuscaloosa Barnyard

This local gem located out away from campus has a petting zoo with a variety of animals including a llama, goats, and even the option to bottle feed baby piglets. There is a pumpkin patch during the fall and the owners will work with you to coordinate any event for you and your friends such as a group bonfire! (What would autumn be without a cozy bonfire?) There is a giant trampoline-like pillow that you are never too old to resist the urge to jump on, countless photo opportunities, and even a hay ride. Tuscaloosa Barnyard has countless fun and festive things to do for all ages, including college students. Not to mention they’re also open year round! Check out their latest events and plan your visit!

Friendsgiving Dinner

One of my favorite traditions my friends in college and I have is hosting a Friendsgiving dinner. We all chip in on cooking a dish or two for the dinner and sometimes even get some small gifts for one another. Take the initiative and host your own Friendsgiving this year! Party tip: grab a piece of paper for each friend to write their name on and take turns letting all your friends write reasons they are thankful for each person. This will be a great keepsake to remember your Friendsgiving by and something to make you smile year round when you look at it!

Tinsel Trail Tuscaloosa

How would the holiday season even feel like the holiday season without looking at Christmas decorations lit up with your loved ones? The Tinsel Trail Tuscaloosa features around 200 live Christmas trees decorated on the Tuscaloosa River Walk by local businesses and organizations. Each tree is uniquely decorated and it is near impossible to find one that looks the same. Perhaps your favorite tree will even win an award! The grand opening is November 25th. A pet night will be hosted on December 13th so you can bring your favorite furry friend along to see the lights and decorated trees too!

Christmas Tree Farm

If looking at all the beautiful trees at the Tinsel Trail inspires you, head to Murphy’s Christmas Tree Farm and buy one to decorate for yourself! Going to pick out the perfect tree and spending time with friends to decorate it is one of the best ways to get in the holiday spirit. A store-bought fake tree just can’t compete with the aroma of a real spruce (Christmas) tree!

Ice Skating

During the warmer weather ice skating is not exactly common in Alabama, “Holidays on the River” at Tuscaloosa Amphitheater makes up for it by keeping their outdoor ice skating rink open almost two whole months! Set foot to the ice for the first time or brush up on old skills from November 27-January 20th. Admission to the Holidays on the River event is free but tickets to ice skate can already be purchased here.

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Dickens Downtown

Go back in time at Dickens Downtown on December 3rd to experience the annual Victorian Christmas celebration hosted in Northport, Alabama-only minutes from campus! There will be caroling, beautiful decorations, and even a snow machine to make it feel more like Christmas.

Tuscaloosa’s 200th Birthday Celebration

On December 13th, Tuscaloosa, Alabama will turn 200 years old. To celebrate this- there will be a holiday themed parade, an unveiling of the Bicentennial Sculpture at Manderson Landing, and lighting the Christmas tree at the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse. Take a break from those finals and celebrate the city of Tuscaloosa while being in the holiday spirit at the same time!

Holiday Painting Class

If you have a creative side or even just want to do a fun activity to unwind after all the studying for finals, grab some pals and head over to Uptown Art Tuscaloosa. Each month a calendar is updated with classes to sign up for to have step by step instruction to painting your desired piece! Look here at the calendar for December to sign up for your desired painting class. Even if you do not like your artwork or want to keep your final painting- it would make a fantastic homemade gift for a loved one!

Tacky Christmas Sweater Party

Christmas for a college student would not be complete without attending a tacky Christmas sweater party. Pull out your favorite tacky sweater or even buy a new one to make a statement this year, grab some eggnog and enjoy the party. There are dozens of these thrown around campus during the holiday months and it is just as fun to throw your own tacky Christmas sweater party than being a guest to one! Snap some cute photos with you and your friends wearing your tacky sweaters and post to your favorite social media with a festive caption.