Christmas Kicks Into High Gear Locally

Christmas kicks into high gear in Tuscaloosa with several events today and tonight.

The day of activity begins at 4:30 this afternoon with Sensory Santa. It will include cookie decorating and a sensory bin station at the University of Alabama Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic.

The music and noise that comes with Santa Claus and Christmas can be exciting. But for many, like those on the Autism Spectrum, it can just be too much for them to handle.

A Santa experience adapted to reduce sensory stimuli often features adjustments like dimmed lights, no background music, and no long lines. This more controlled, calm environment is best for children with autism and other sensory issues.

But if you are looking for loud, bright and active Christmas activities, the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 5:15 in front of the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse downtown (714 Greensboro Ave.) is the right place. Christmas music will get things started followed by the countdown to lighting the huge official Christmas tree.

After the tree is brightly shining head to the side of Greensboro Avenue and University Boulevard for the 48th Annual West Alabama Christmas Parade. It will not ne freezing cold as some past Christmas parades, but it could be damp. There is a good chance for light to moderate precipitation.

The parade will feature floats, walking groups, marching bands, horse groups, decorated vehicles and if you look closely, you will some of the Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa radio personalities.

The Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority, which coordinates the parade, has named Libby the dog and Chris Willingham as the Grand Marshals. Libby is a “retired reading companion” and Willingham, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran is president of the United States War Dogs Association.

Libby Listens is an organization that takes Libby into local schools and let students read to the dog. It helps children improve their reading skills, as well as develop compassion for animals.

The theme for this year's parade is "Santa's Workshop".

While downtown, don't forget the fabulous Tuscaloosa Tinsel Trail with a couple of hundred beautifully decorated Christmas trees and ice skating.

If parades are not your style perhaps the Tuscaloosa Symphony is. Tonight at 7:00 in the Moody Concert Hall (810 2nd St.) the symphony presents Home for the Holidays". The concert features Alabama Choir School, Alabama Choral Society, and the Prentice Concert Chorale.

It shouldn't be hard to get into the Christmas Spirit.