Holiday events abound in our city this month. Here are five favorites, all happening Dec. 6-13, 2019.

AL.com file photo/Jeff Roberts

SPECIAL EVENTS

Prepare to be dazzled. That's the usual reaction when visitors enter the ZooLight Safari, a holiday wonderland at the Birmingham Zoo. Illuminated displays are the main attraction, but the event also includes train rides, pictures with Santa, polar bear chats, holiday bingo, carousel rides and more. There's a tree lighting tonight at 6 p.m.; ZooLight Safari continues through Dec. 30.

ZooLight Safari, Dec 6-8, 13-23 and 26-30, 5 p.m.-9 p.m., Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Road, $10 admission, ride tickets $3.50, unlimited wristband $20, 205-879-0409.

Don't Edit

Flameworks Facebook photo

VISUAL ARTS

Buy a few gifts; drink a little wine; eat a couple of cookies. That's our approach to "Flameworks," a warm and welcoming group show at Kevin Irwin's art studio. This year's incarnation features works by Irwin, Jane Marshall, Chiharu Roach, Bethanne Hill, Veronique Vanblaere, Olivia Hill and more. The artists will be on scene today through Sunday, helping visitors to check off items on holiday shopping lists. "Flameworks" is one of our favorite Christmas events, and the vibe always feels like a laid-back party.

"Flameworks 2019," Dec. 6-8, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Kevin Irwin's studio, 2330 Second Ave. South, free admission.

Don't Edit

Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images

THEATER

Forget subtle. If you like holiday entertainment that's colorful and splashy, here's the perfect show. "Cirque Dreams: Holidaze" comes to the BJCC Concert Hall today and Saturday, bearing tidings of great joy via acrobatics, music and production numbers. The touring company takes a "something for everyone" approach, celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah and New Year's in a two-hour extravaganza.

"Cirque Dreams: Holidaze," Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 7 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., BJCC Concert Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, $44-$98 via Ticketmaster.

Don't Edit

Anna Webber/Getty Images for iHeart Radio

CONCERTS

Play air guitar, if the spirit moves you. Chances are, other folks will be doing the same thing on Wednesday at the Legacy Arena at the BJCC. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns on its seasonal tour, performing a hard-rocking version of a Yuletide tale. This year's show, "Christmas Eve and Other Stories," boasts electric guitar solos, laser lights, mind-bending videos and more. It's a rock opera, suitable for holiday head-banging.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Legacy Arena at the BJCC, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, $47.50-$77.50 via Ticketmaster.

Don't Edit

Duane Prokop//Getty Images for JEEP

SPECIAL EVENTS

Wave to Noah Galloway. You'll have a chance on Sunday, when the Alabama native — an Army veteran, double amputee and inspirational speaker — appears as the grand marshal at Birmingham's Christmas parade. Many folks cheered for Galloway when he competed on "Dancing with the Stars" in 2015, and he's become a beloved celebrity in his home state. Who better to lead the holiday procession that starts at 4:30 p.m. … well, aside from Santa Claus?

Birmingham Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting, Dec. 8 at 4:30 p.m., route starts on Fifth Avenue South and 15th Street and ends on Short 20th Street North, in front of City Hall, free admission, tree lighting after parade.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Image via Pixabay

More on entertainment in Alabama:

Christmas events in Alabama 2019: Holiday parades, lights, ice skating and more

Billie Eilish, Post Malone, Chili Peppers top 2020 Hangout Music fest lineup

Grammy Awards 2020: 5 acts with Alabama ties among nominees

Alabama Theatre's 2019 holiday film series: Classics, comedies, cartoons and more

Alabama city’s stunning Christmas pyramid is largest in U.S.

Alabama’s first cat cafe, Gatos and Beans, aims to make animal lovers purr

There’s new life at Bessemer’s historic Lincoln Theatre