Six top things about holidays in Mountain Brook

1. Living Nativity

Live sheep, donkeys and camels will return for the 49th Living Nativity at Mountain Brook Baptist Church.

The event began in 1963 and has become a tradition for many Mountain Brook residents. The show’s main participants are the church’s Sunday school classes. The participants act out the second chapter of Luke while a recorded narration is playing. Dotson Nelson, a preacher at MBBC in the 1970s, performed the narration that is still used today..

The associate deacons started this annual event in 1963, and they are still in charge of it today.

This year’s Living Nativity will take place on Dec. 21, 22 and 23 at 6:45 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Hot chocolate and refreshments will be available.

2. Santa on the Circle

Santa on the Circle on Clarendon Road will look a little different this year. The 80-foot pine tree that usually holds Santa’s sleigh and reindeer had to be removed.

After meeting with residents and considering the options, the decision has been made to place a pole within the circle to mount the reindeer on. The pole will be removed after Christmas.

Although Santa and his sleigh will be contained within the circle this year, it makes for an even better photo opportunity than years past.

3. Bromberg's Tree

Every year since 2006, Ricky Bromberg begins negotiations in July to guarantee that a 25-foot Christmas tree is delivered to the front of Bromberg’s by Thanksgiving.

“It’s so big they have to use a crane to put it in. If you have a crane in the middle of Mountain Brook Village, it has to be a slow traffic day, so the crane hoists the tree up on Thanksgiving Day,” Ricky Bromberg said. “We light it as soon as possible after it’s up. We don’t set a formal date because it varies from year to year.”

The Bromberg family considers the tree their Christmas gift to the Mountain Brook community.

 “It’s turned into something that I think people have a real appreciation for. It’s our pleasure to do it,” Bromberg said. “I think people really love the tree. There are very few things in the world that are universally viewed as positive and I think this is one of them.”

The tree stands out from the others in Mountain Brook Village because of the lights. Not only are they mostly colored lights, but there are also approximately 30,000 of them.

 “It almost sparkles like a diamond,” Bromberg said, “which is an appropriate metaphor for where it is.”

The tree fits in with the famed white lights around the village.

“I think most people assume we’ve been doing it for a longer time than we have just because it’s such a natural fit for the village,” Bromberg said. “You wouldn’t believe the number of conversations I’ve had over the years about trying to get it just right. The idea is that you can’t tell the difference one year from the next.”

4. Santa Mailboxes

Children can send their wish lists straight from Mountain Brook Village to the North Pole this year. Santa Mailboxes will be set up throughout the village starting the week of Thanksgiving.

The letters will be delivered to Santa, who then responds to every child — as long as they aren’t on the naughty list.  

Mailboxes are located outside Realty South, outside Gilchrist, at the Post Office near Little Hardware and at the intersection of Canterbury and Petticoat Roads.

These mailboxes are an annual Mountain Brook tradition provided through a special collaboration between Mountain Brook Public Works employees and Santa Claus.

5. The city aglow

This year’s tradition of decorating the city during the Christmas season has been altered. Garlands, candy, bows and white lights were put up starting the first week in November. However, this year there will be no white lights at City Hall due to construction.

According to Public Works Director Ronnie Vaughn, the tradition will be back in full force next year and include the new Municipal Complex in Crestline, which is scheduled to open in April.

6. Zoolight Safari

The Birmingham Zoo’s annual Zoolight Safari will run each weekend through the month of December from 5-9 p.m.

This year, a new ice skating rink has been added to the event. Other features will include a Holiday Express Train Ride, Santa’s Roller Racer Ride, Winter Trail Hayride, animal demonstrations and story time.

Photos with Santa will also be available through Dec. 23.

This event is free for members and $8 for nonmembers. Extra features and rides such as the train and carousel are priced at $3.50 each. $12 wristbands will also be available for unlimited access to the rides. The new ice-skating rink is not included in the wristband.

What's your favorite holiday tradition in Mountain Brook? Comment here or on our Facebook page to let us know.