Birmingham’s Christmas Village Festival Brings Holiday Cheer
Hey there, Birmingham! Looks like the holiday spirit is officially in the air as the countdown to Christmas begins with the much-anticipated 47th Christmas Village Festival at the BJCC! If you haven’t made it down there yet, you’re in for a treat! This vibrant festival kicked off with festive decorations everywhere you look and, of course, Santa making his special appearance.
A Shopper’s Paradise Awaits
With a whopping 700 vendors setting up booths, the variety is simply dazzling. Jennifer Smetana, the show manager, mentioned that while they have 700 vendors on-site, around 800 hopefuls are still eagerly waiting for their chance to be part of this wonderful event. Talk about demand!
And don’t worry if you’re not in the market for Christmas decorations or gifts just yet. While it’s all about the holiday theme, you’ll find some delightful non-holiday items, too! “I always think about the birthdays I have throughout the year,” Smetana said, highlighting the selection of gourmet goodies and special treats perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings. You can snag everything from gourmet items to soup mixes for those who will be visiting during the holiday season!
The Joy of Tradition
Walking through the festival, you’ll feel the excitement buzzing in the air. Families flock to the event, drawn in by the beautiful decorations, festive music, and of course, the chance to spend time together. Staci Perry, a regular attendee, said, “Just make it a day where we all match and have a good time,” as she described her annual adventure with her daughter and granddaughter. Their tradition includes a hearty breakfast before diving into a day of shopping and enjoying lunch at the festival!
And it’s not just the shoppers who feel this warmth. Vendors, like Donna Kessler from Apples Gone Wild, feel the love too. “We have hugs with our customers because they’ve been seeing us,” she shared, showing that building relationships is an integral part of the festival.
Creating Core Memories
Perhaps what makes this festival truly magical is the sense of community it fosters. Jennifer Smetana captures the essence perfectly—“This is a core memory for folks. It’s not just about the shopping.” You’ll notice groups donning matching shirts, which they’ve probably planned together for months. It’s all about the company and the shared experience that brings joy during the holiday season!
Take it from local mother-daughter duo Beverly Pendley and Miranda Browning, who have been attending the festival for the last eight years. “It’s our little tradition,” Browning said. Pendley added, “It’s not the only thing we do together, but it’s something we can always count on enjoying every year.”
Don’t Miss Out!
So whether you’re in the mood to shop for Christmas presents or just enjoy the festive atmosphere, the Christmas Village Festival has something for everyone. The event runs through Sunday, giving you plenty of time to get in on the festive fun! For ticket information and hours, just be sure to check out the festival’s details.
It’s truly the most wonderful time of the year, and with events like these, it’s easy to see why! From finding the perfect gift to creating cherished memories with loved ones, the Christmas Village Festival is the perfect kick-off to the holiday season. Happy holidays, Birmingham!
