Street Corner With Lit Up Trees — Each year, Fairhope lights up all the trees lining the downtown streets, adding to the excitement of the holidays in Southern Alabama. (Mary Helene Hall/The Bama Buzz)

There are plenty of places to celebrate the holidays throughout the U.S., but according to HGTV, one Alabama city stands out among the competition.

The home-improvement cable network shared a list of 50 small towns — one for each state — and Alabama’s pick was none other than Fairhope.

Celebrating in Fairho-ho-hope

Gorgeous Streets And Walkways Of Fairhope — Gorgeous streets and walkways of Fairhope. (Liv George/The Bama Buzz)

Folks around the state are familiar with Fairhope’s quaint charm year round, but the city takes the holidays to the next level.

There are dozens of annual Christmas events that locals and tourists alike look forward to, including:

The Lighting of the Trees: On the third Thursday of November each year, more than a million lights start to glow on the trees lining Downtown Fairhope’s streets. The event is topped off with holiday music, hot chocolate, (fake) snow and a visit from Mrs. Claus.
Fairhope’s Magical Christmas Parade: More than 60 floats, bands and more travel around downtown, and even Santa Claus makes an appearance on a historic Fairhope fire truck.
Christmas at the Grand Hotel: The luxurious hotel celebrates all season long with ticketed events — such as gingerbread house decorating with the resort’s chefs and breakfast with Santa — but one of the most exciting events for locals is to explore the massive gingerbread village in the main lobby. There are also beautiful lights all around the property.
The Nutcracker: Nearly every city has their own version of the classic ballet, but both Bay Shore Ballet and Creative Outlet Dance Company perform their own versions of the Christmas favorite.
New Year’s Eve: The streets of Downtown Fairhope are shut down for all to enjoy the city’s massive, annual NYE celebration. There are live bands, kids activities and more. Of course, there is also a ball drop at the stroke of midnight.

HGTV notes the temperate climate that most may not associate with Christmas, as well.

“[The celebration] draws visitors from across the Yellowhammer State down to a small town where you’re nearly as likely to catch a lingering warm breeze as a kiss under the mistletoe.”
Joe Sills + Meredith Rosenberg, HGTV

Is there any other Alabama small town you think deserves recognition for its holiday celebrations? Let us know by tagging us @thebamabuzz on Instagram and Facebook!