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7 things you need to try at Candyland—a holiday attraction in Andalusia
ByClorissa Morgan
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With Christmas right around the corner, there’s no shortage of ways to get into the festive spirit. Looking for something the whole family can enjoy? Head over to Christmas in Candyland, a holiday attraction in Andalusia, and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
What is Candyland?
Christmas in Candyland is an annual Christmas event produced by the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce that is guaranteed fun for all ages.
The event transforms the little town into something out of a Hallmark movie, with Christmas decor and the holiday spirit sprinkled a little bit everywhere you look.
The month-long event has been a holiday tradition for eight years now, and each year Candyland only continues to grow. This year, they’ve created an app where you can experience Candyland through augmented reality.
Andalusia was featured on Country Living and was even featured in Southern Living’s Top Small Towns in the South for Christmas.
The city’s Christmas celebrations are split between two locations walking distance apart: “Candyland on the Square” and “Springdale on Ice.” Admission to either site is entirely free.
1. Snow Shows
Snow is a rare occurrence in lower Alabama, but in Candyland, every day is a snow day. No matter if it’s five degrees or 85 degrees, snow is on the schedule.
The snow shows at Candyland on the square last approximately 30 minutes and are sure to make even Scrooge smile.
- Location: Candyland on the Square, 1 N. Court Square, Andalusia, AL 36420
- Snow Show Hours: Wednesday 11AM | Thursday 6PM | Saturday 2PM, 4PM & 6PM | Sunday 2PM & 4PM
2. Candyland Cottage Village
The cottage villages are potentially one of the coolest things about Candyland. The miniature buildings are perfect imaginative playhouses for younger children.
The cottages are replicas of everything from churches, to pirate ships, to grocery stores and even Snoopy’s Doghouse.
Several of the cottages are miniature replicas of buildings and companies in the town. A local business or organization sponsors each cottage.
Because the cottages are one of the most popular attractions for kids to play in (and locals to create), there are two different locations where you can attend their open play hours.
Candyland on the Square
- Location: Candyland on the Square, 1 N. Court Square, Andalusia, AL 36420
- Open Play Hours | December 3-12: Sunday 1PM-5PM | Thursday-Friday 5PM-7PM | Saturday 1PM-7PM
- Open Play Hours | December 15-22: Sunday 1PM-5PM | Wednesday 10AM-12PM | Thursday-Friday 5PM-7PM | Saturday 1PM-7PM
- Open Play Hours | December 30-31: Thursday-Friday 5PM-7PM
Springdale on Ice
- Location: Springdale on Ice, 505 E. Three Notch Street, Andalusia, AL 36420
- Open Play Hours | December 3-22: Sunday 1PM-5PM | Thursday 5PM-8PM | Friday 5PM-9PM | Saturday 1PM-9PM
- Open Play Hours | December 30-31: Thursday 5PM-8PM | Friday 5PM-9PM
3. Horse-drawn carriage rides
Looking for that perfect Hallmark movie moment? A carriage ride is a perfect choice for you.
- Location: Candyland on the Square, 1 N. Court Square, Andalusia, AL 36420
- Hours: Sunday 1PM-5PM | Friday 5PM-7PM | Saturday 2PM-6PM
- Price: $5 per person
4. Santa Visits
Of course, it’s not Christmas without a photo session with Santa!
As long as the weather is clear, Santa will be available for Christmas photos. The photos are “take-your-own” and entirely free.
- Location: Springdale on Ice, in front of the Springdale house, 505 E. Three Notch Street, Andalusia, AL 36420
- Hours: December 4-20 | Saturday-Sunday 2PM-4PM
5. Meet Elsa (and other characters)
After Santa, who is better to meet than the snow queen herself during Christmas time. Elsa can be found in her Enchanted garden for free meet and greets and photos.
Want the chance to meet more of your favorite Disney and TV characters? Meredith’s Miracles will present its Cocoa with Characters: A short event that will bring all of Elsa’s friends to Springdale to visit.
Meet Elsa
- Location: Springdale on Ice, 505 E. Three Notch Street, Andalusia, AL 36420
- Hours: December 4-20 | Sunday 2PM-4PM | Saturday 5PM-7PM
Cocoa with Characters
- Location: Springdale on Ice, 505 E. Three Notch Street, Andalusia, AL 36420
- Hours: December 11 | 4PM-6PM
6. Christmas Spectacular Performance
Acrobatics and Christmas decor: what’s not to love? Bring the whole family to one of these Christmas Spectacular shows and you’re sure to be amazed!
- Location: Springdale on Ice, the Springdale stage, 505 E. Three Notch Street, Andalusia, AL 36420
- Hours: Every Saturday 5PM, 6PM & 7PM | December 17 3PM, 4PM & 5PM
7. Winter Skate Experience
The Winter Skating Experience is definitely a fan favorite.
All you have to do is stop by the ticket booth and grab your skate rental tickets. Be sure to get there fast. Tickets are sold on a first come first serve basis and the number of tickets sold per day is limited.
- Location: Springdale on Ice, 505 E. Three Notch Street, Andalusia, AL 36420
- Open Play Hours | December 3-22: Sunday 1PM-5PM | Thursday 5PM-8PM | Friday 5PM-9PM | Saturday 1PM-9PM
- Open Play Hours | December 30-31: Thursday 5PM-8PM | Friday 5PM-9PM
- Price: $5
- Requirements: Wear tall socks
BONUS: Our favorite photo-op spots
Springdale on Ice
Candyland on the Square
Want more Holiday content? We’ve got you covered:
- 5 ways to celebrate the holidays in Tuscaloosa, including the Tinsel Trail
- See the Montgomery Zoo transformed into a magical winter wonderland
- Small Biz Monday: 3 reasons to grab some holiday cheer from Christmas Round the Corner in Fairhope
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