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With thousands of visitors each year, the Tinsel Trail is one of Huntsville’s most anticipated Christmas season events. The glittering trees, festive music, and warm hot chocolate can put any Grinch into the holiday spirit. This year, there will be a new addition to the Tinsel Trail- Candlelight Christmas Eve services. Together, First Baptist Huntsville and Blue Springs Baptist will lead short candlelight services at 7pm, 7:20pm, and 7:45pm on December 24. These 12 minute long services, given by both … Continued

A couple of years ago, Dr. Joseph Hicks and his wife, Cathy, were walking through Tinsel Trail just before Christmas, with a young girl Cathy had been tutoring. The couple asked the girl if she knew the story behind why we celebrate Christmas. The girl didn’t, so Hicks looked around for something he could use as an illustration. He saw lights, decorated trees, an ice skating rink, but one thing was missing: There was nothing around that told the story … Continued

Looking to start a new family tradition this Christmas, while getting a little exercise? Try Skating in the Park, the outdoor ice skating rink in downtown Huntsville. An ice rink? Outside, in the South – with real ice? You bet, rink coordinators say. The rink uses a mat system, where the floor is charged with liquid coolant to make ice. Once the mats are in place, a skim coat of water is sprayed onto the mats. The ice is painted white, then … Continued

From the song “We Three Kings” to the recently released movie “The Star,” you don’t have to look far this holiday season to hear the story of the Magi, or Wise Men, who made their way to worship Jesus shortly after his birth.  In the Bible, their story of following a star, talking to the jealous King Herod, and ultimately giving precious gifts to Jesus can be found in the second chapter of the book of Matthew.  Here in Huntsville, … Continued

One of the Christmas season’s most popular traditions is the giving of gifts. From Black Friday until Christmas Eve, there are enough shopping options to make anyone’s head spin. And if we’re not careful, we can end up with a pile of bills and maxed-out credit cards. There’s a better way to give. Sometimes the best gift we can give someone doesn’t come in a box. And while we may not be able to nix all of the store-bought goodies … Continued

If you haven’t seen downtown Huntsville’s Tinsel Trail, you’re in for a treat. Tinsel Trail is a glittering forest of some 300 decorated Christmas trees in Big Spring Park, happening now through Jan. 2. It’s a great place to start a new family Christmas tradition. Tinsel Trail’s trees are sponsored by local corporations, small businesses, nonprofits, groups, and families. Many companies use the sponsorship as a fun teambuilding activity for employees. Some groups aim to draw attention to a cause … Continued

For the third year, First Baptist Church is sponsoring the Nativity Scene as part of the Huntsville Tinsel Trail. As part of the scene, Abbi Helser painted a very special King Herod mural. The mural is large, spanning 18 feet wide and 8 feet tall. But it first had to start out with an approved design. Last summer, Abbi sent a few designs to Dr. Hicks and the brain trust committee. It took nine panels to assemble all the plywood … Continued

The air on Christmas Eve is buzzing with anticipation and excitement. Houses are twinkling from the inside out. Family and friends gather together to share a meal, maybe gifts, and spend time together. For me, Christmas Eve brings fond memories of being with loved ones. Family members I haven’t seen in ages all under the same roof for one night, eating the same foods year after year, laughing and carrying on in ways that only families can. Christmas Eve truly … Continued