From spinning Jingle Boats to sparkling Christmas trees, downtown Decatur is preparing to deck the halls and welcome visitors for a season of holiday celebrations along the Merry Mile.
The 1.1-mile stretch from the top of Second Avenue to Bank Street will come alive with Christmas decorations, holiday shopping and family-friendly activities beginning Nov. 12 and continuing through the New Year.
This year’s festivities include the return of the Jingle Boats, the Enchanted Forest Christmas Tree Trail, Downtown Christmas Open House, Merry Mile at the Market and the annual Christmas Parade.
The celebration officially begins Thursday, Nov. 12, with the opening of the Jingle Boats, extended downtown shopping hours and the community Christmas tree lighting.
Jingle Boats return Nov. 12
After making their debut last year, Decatur’s Jingle Boats are returning to the Old State Bank parking lot at 925 Bank St. NE.
The synthetic ice bumper boats allow riders to steer and spin 360 degrees, offering a winter attraction without the need for frozen water.
Each boat accommodates one rider, who must be taller than 42 inches.
Rides cost $3 each or $10 for unlimited rides in a single day. Only card payments will be accepted.
The Jingle Boats will operate Thursday and Friday from 3-8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. through the New Year.
Visitors can check the Decatur Parks & Recreation Facebook page for weather-related closures or schedule changes.
Christmas Open House and tree lighting
Downtown Christmas Open House will also take place Nov. 12, with participating businesses staying open until 8 p.m. for holiday shopping, special promotions and refreshments.
The community Christmas tree lighting will be held at the Alabama Center for the Arts green space on Second Avenue.
Young Professionals of Decatur will lead Community Carol Karaoke beginning at 7:30 p.m., with lyrics displayed on a large screen so visitors can sing along.
The free celebration will feature performances by the Bank Street Players, including selections from A Christmas Story, along with the Calhoun Chorale and Calhoun Showstoppers.
The historic Trowelers Garden Club will present a tribute to veterans, and veterans attending the event will be invited to receive recognition for their service.
A photo booth and surprise guest appearance are also planned.
Enchanted Forest returns Thanksgiving weekend
The Enchanted Forest Christmas Tree Trail will return to Founders Park Thanksgiving weekend, filling the downtown park with decorated trees sponsored by local businesses, organizations and individuals.
The free attraction will remain open daily through the New Year.
Tree sponsorships start at $200, with proceeds benefiting downtown redevelopment efforts. The deadline to sponsor a tree is Nov. 16.
Visitors will also have an opportunity to vote for their favorite decorated tree in a People’s Choice contest through the Enchanted Forest Facebook page.
The trail is hosted by Decatur Parks & Recreation and the Decatur Downtown Redevelopment Authority.
Merry Mile at the Market set for Dec. 5
Merry Mile at the Market will return to the Morgan County-Decatur Farmers Market on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 5-8 p.m.
The event debuted last year, drawing more than 1,000 attendees.
This year’s free celebration will feature live performances by Dreamweavers, Calhoun Showstoppers and the Decatur Youth Services Choir, along with a holiday light show projected beneath the Gordon Drive overpass.
Visitors can also enjoy artificial snow, a Christmas market featuring handmade gifts and local merchants, food vendors, hot cocoa and cookies.
A children’s area will offer visits with Santa, crafts and photo opportunities. Beer and wine will be available for purchase, and televisions will show football playoff games.
The event is hosted by the Morgan County-Decatur Farmers Market, Decatur Downtown Redevelopment Authority and Maverick Events.
Christmas Parade brings music to downtown Dec. 7
Decatur’s annual Christmas Parade will roll through downtown Monday, Dec. 7, at 6:30 p.m.
This year’s theme is “A Merry Musical Christmas: Celebrating the Songs of the Season.”
Presented by Young Professionals of Decatur, the parade will feature the Rev. Jerry Baker as parade marshal.
Two live entertainment stages along Second Avenue and Bank Street will feature parade commentators, Orchestra Sul Ponticello and additional musical performances.
Projection mapping will illuminate Peoples Bank, the Morgan County Archives and the historic Old State Bank. Pepsi of North Alabama is sponsoring the projections, entertainment stages and artificial snow.
The parade will begin at Second Avenue and Grant Street and conclude at Founders Park.
Parade registration is open through Nov. 16 on the Decatur Christmas Parade Facebook page.
Shop local for a chance to win $1,000
Decatur Morgan County Tourism is adding a new incentive to visit downtown businesses this Christmas season.
The Merry Mile Merchant Pass launches Nov. 12, giving shoppers and diners an opportunity to enter a drawing for a $1,000 cash prize.
Visitors can scan QR codes at participating downtown shops and restaurants to complete digital check-ins. Each check-in counts as one entry into the drawing, and no purchase is necessary.
The prize is sponsored by the Decatur Downtown Redevelopment Authority, with the drawing scheduled for Jan. 4, 2027.
For more information about Merry Mile activities, tree sponsorships and holiday events, visit DecaturDowntown.org.
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