f your family, like many others in Alabama, love lake life, you might be celebrating a lot of the holiday season at Lake Martin. But if you think the only fun to be had lakeside in December is boat rides and fishing, think again! We found five festive activities happening around Lake Martin that you won’t want to miss.

1. See the Alexander City Christmas Parade

Don’t miss out on seeing the Alexander City Christmas Parade. Only a short drive from the lake, the Christmas Parade features a marching band, dancers, festively-decorated floats and Santa Clause. The parade starts at 5PM and winds its way through the streets of downtown Alexander City.

Location: Downtown Alexander City
Date: Monday, Dec. 13 I 5-7PM

2. Take a Walk through Pennington Park

Take a stroll through Pennington Park as it’s transformed into a magical winter wonderland. With over 50 Christmas displays, you can explore the twinkling lights for hours. Go to the park on December, 18, for a special meet and greet with Santa from Noon-3PM

Looking for a keepsake? Hop into the full-size Santa sleigh for perfect holiday photos and tell the kids to bring their letters to the big guy. There will be a special mailbox where they can drop of their letters to be sent to the North Pole—Santa is guaranteed to respond.

Location: 121 N Spring St, Dadeville, AL 36853
Dates: Now-Monday, Jan. 3, 2022 I 4:45-10PM

3. Experience “A Downtown Christmas”

Get ready for Alexander City’s Annual Downtown Christmas celebration. The day consists of a full schedule of events, including a Holiday Market, street performers, reindeer races, a handmade ornament workshop and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Clause. Check out the Main Street Alexander City website for details on times and places for the events.

Location: Downtown Alexander City
Date: Saturday, Dec. 11 I 8AM-4PM

4. See a Live Nativity

Take a drive through Alexander City, and you’ll spot the Live Nativity put on by 1st United Methodist Church. The elaborate setup features actual live animals and actors from the church. After you see the Nativity, be sure to explore the rest of downtown and check out the local shops and restaurants.

Location: 310 Green St, Alexander City, AL 35010
Date: Thursday, Dec. 16 I 4-6PM

5. Catch the Lighted Boat Parade

Sunsetting On Lake Martin — Lake Martin looking beautiful at sunset. Photo via Lake Martin’s Facebook

See a Christmas parade on the water at Lake Martin. Boats big and small will be decked out with their brightest lights and most festive holiday decor. The parade starts at 4:30PM at The Social at Lake Martin and ends at Bluffs Daiquiri Bar at Harbor Point.

You’ll be able to see the show from the shoreline, or you can be a part of the fun and register your boat as part of the parade.