Living in Opelika: Your Guide to Christmas in a Railroad Town 2025
Living in Opelika during the holidays gives you that warm, small-town Christmas feeling that so many people dream about. If you’re exploring Opelika real estate, thinking about moving to Opelika, or comparing neighborhoods across the Auburn–Opelika area, there’s no better time to get a feel for the community than during Opelika’s holiday season. And the centerpiece of it all is Christmas in a Railroad Town — one of the most beloved December traditions in Historic Downtown Opelika.
Christmas in a Railroad Town returns on Friday, December 12, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, filling Courthouse Square and the surrounding streets with Christmas lights, local shops, live music, family activities, and that unmistakable Opelika charm. It’s free, it’s festive, and it perfectly captures why so many people fall in love with this community.
What to Expect at Christmas in a Railroad Town
Family Games & Crafts
Throughout Downtown Opelika, you’ll find craft stations, holiday games, and interactive activities for kids. The atmosphere is relaxed, joyful, and focused on bringing families together.
Live Performances
Local musicians and performers add Christmas magic to the evening. The historic character of downtown — with its brick buildings, string lights, and timeless architecture — becomes the perfect backdrop for holiday music.
Food Trucks & Local Flavor
Expect food trucks plus downtown favorites like local cafés, bakeries, and restaurants opening their doors. Many people grab dinner near the square before walking through the event.
Holiday Atmosphere & Santa Sightings
The entire downtown district lights up for the season, and you’ll likely spot Santa mingling with families. It’s one of the most photo-worthy nights of the year.
Support Local
Downtown Opelika shops are a huge part of this event. From boutiques to antique stores to small businesses, it’s the perfect chance to shop local while soaking up the season.
Why This Event Helps Homebuyers Understand Opelika
Opelika’s holiday events say so much about the community here — warm, welcoming, and rooted in tradition. Many people exploring Opelika homes for sale end up choosing the area because of events just like this.
Residents enjoy:
• Walkable historic streets
• Family-centered activities
• Local businesses with loyal followings
• Community events that bring everyone together
And when you want bigger shopping or dining options, Auburn is minutes away, with popular stops like the Auburn Mall and campus landmarks such as Auburn University for seasonal events, game days, and arts performances.
If you’d like to compare neighborhoods, you can browse areas using my Auburn subdivisions hub, which also connects to nearby Opelika options.
More Opelika Holiday Events You’ll Love
Here’s a curated roundup of the Opelika Christmas events listed in the flyer you shared. These all lead up to Christmas in a Railroad Town and help you explore even more of the town’s Christmas magic:
Visit Opelika’s Christmas Decorations
November 28 – January 2
City of Opelika
Opelika Holiday Open House
November 9 • Noon–5 PM
Opelika Main Street
Keep the Cheer Here
November 9 – December 15
Opelika Chamber
Holiday Kids Craft Fair
November 22 • 10 AM – Noon
Opelika Public Library
Small Business Saturday
November 29 • Normal Hours
Opelika Main Street
Very Merry Stroll
Tree Lighting: November 26 • 6 PM
Runs through December 29
Opelika Public Library
Bring Opie Home for Christmas
Month of December
City of Opelika Community Relations Office
Christmas in Camelot
Month of December • Dusk – 10 PM
Camelot Neighborhood
OHS/OMS Holiday Choral Concert
December 2 • 6:30 PM
Opelika Center for the Performing Arts
SNOPELIKA Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
December 5
Parade: 5:30 PM • Tree Lighting: 7:30 PM
Downtown Opelika • Courthouse Square
Where’s Theodore Elf Hunt
December 8–12
Opelika Parks & Recreation
Opelika Holiday Light Fight
Final display submission: December 8
Judging week: December 15
Winners announced December 19
OHS Christmas Band Concert
December 9 • 6:30 PM
Opelika Center for the Performing Arts
Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour
December 10–14
Walking Tour: December 13 • 5–9 PM
Driving Tour: December 10, 11, 12, 14
Christmas in a Railroad Town
December 12 • 6–9 PM
Downtown Opelika
Victorian Front Porch Holiday Pub Crawl
December 13 • 6:30–10 PM
Opelika Main Street
Collinwood Luminaries – 58th Anniversary
December 13 • 5–9 PM
Collinwood Neighborhood
Rocky Brook Rocket Reindeer Express
December 12–13 • 5–9 PM
Opelika Parks & Recreation
Winter Wonder Workshop
December 20 • 10 AM – Noon
Opelika Public Library
Christmas Movie Marathon
December 23 • Begins at 10 AM
Opelika Public Library
These events create a full month-long celebration — making December one of the best times to explore the area if you’re planning to move to Opelika or compare communities across Auburn–Opelika.
Quick Q&A
Q: Is Christmas in a Railroad Town good for families?
A: Yes, it’s one of the most family-friendly events of the season with crafts, games, music, and festive activities for all ages.
Q: Where is the event located?
A: The event takes place in Historic Downtown Opelika around Courthouse Square, surrounded by local shops and restaurants.
Q: Are there other holiday events nearby?
A: Opelika and Auburn offer a full lineup of holiday events including concerts, light displays, walking tours, and library activities throughout December.
Whether you’re already living in Opelika or considering a move, Christmas in a Railroad Town is the perfect way to experience the heart of this community. If you want help navigating Opelika homes for sale or comparing Auburn and Opelika neighborhoods, I’m here to help make the process easy and enjoyable.
Laura Sellers is a top-rated REALTOR based in Auburn, Alabama, serving home buyers and sellers throughout Auburn and Opelika. With deep roots in the community and decades of experience, Laura specializes in residential real estate, Auburn University faculty relocation, and helping clients transition smoothly — whether they’re moving across town or across the country. Learn more at AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com.
Call or text me anytime at 334-332-7263.
Homes, y’all!
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