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Several unique Christmas traditions will be celebrated around the northeast Alabama region this season. Visitors will find a variety of activities including a lighted harbor spectacle on Lake Guntersville, a tour of homes, an underground nativity, and small town parades. Bring the family and enjoy the holiday fun.

Guntersville, Alabama will celebrate A Storybook Christmas on December 10. The event kicks off with a Christmas parade downtown at 5pm. The parade will include marching bands and decorated floats, with Santa making his appearance at the finale. The celebration continues at 6:30pm with the Stars in the Harbor Festival of Lights. Head down to Guntersville Harbor on Lake Guntersville where a flotilla of boats will be lit up with Christmas displays. Spectators can vote on their favorites, and prizes will be awarded. This is a unique way to enjoy holiday lights.

More than 5,000 luminaries will light up the streets of the Twickenham Historic District of Huntsville, Alabama on December 10. Some of the beautifully decorated homes in this historic neighborhood will be open for the 2011 Spirit of Christmas Past Homes Tour. The 1819 Federal style Weeden House Museum at 300 Gates Avenue will be part of the tour. The home contains the paintings of artist Maria Howard Weeden. Tickets to the Christmas Tour of Homes are for adults and for ages 12 and under. Homes are open from 5-9pm.

Sequoyah Caverns in Valley Head, Alabama is the setting for a unique Christmas celebration. A live nativity is held underground in the caverns on December 21-24. Live animals are part of the program, and a choir performs seasonal music. Visitors may also tour the caverns. Sequoyah Caverns is located off I-59 at Exit 239. Admission is .95 for adults and .95 for ages 4-12.

For an old fashioned small town Christmas celebration, visit Rainsville, Alabama, atop Sand Mountain. The 52nd annual Christmas at the Crossroads is scheduled for December 10. There will be a parade down Main Street at 4pm, followed by Christmas in the Park. Enjoy holiday music, the lighting of the town Christmas tree, and free hot dogs and hot chocolate. Some additional activities will be held at the Tom Bevill Enrichment Center on the campus of Northeast Alabama Community College.

Several other small towns in the region have also scheduled Christmas parades on December 10. The parade in Dutton begins at 11am, the one in Skyline starts at 1pm, and the Hollywood, Alabama Christmas Parade begins at 5pm. These community events are fun for the whole family.

Visitors are sure to enjoy the Christmas celebrations in northeast Alabama. These festivities are a great way to celebrate the holiday season.