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Alabaster’s annual water tower lighting and Festival of Trees took place on Friday, Dec. 1 from 6-8 p.m. on the green space next to Alabaster City Hall. (For the Reporter/Neal Wagner)

By NOAH WORTHAM | Staff Writer 

ALABASTER – Alabaster residents excitedly counted down together as the historic Siluria water tower was lit up in festive lights during the city’s annual water tower lighting and Festival of Trees Christmas celebration.

This year’s festivities took place on Friday, Dec. 1 from 6-8 p.m. on the green space next to Alabaster City Hall.

“I thought the evening went incredibly well,” Alabaster Mayor Scott Brakefield said. “I cannot say enough about our staff getting everything prepared and organized. I am also extremely grateful to all the companies that purchased a tree and took time to decorate. They all looked incredible.”

The water tower lighting is one of the city’s newest traditions with the first lighting taking place back in 2020. The event saw the tower illuminated from below in alternating red and green lighting as city residents and visitors congregated on the greenspace after enjoying various food trucks and exploring the Festival of Trees.

“Overall, Christmas at the tower went great,” said Morgan Lawley, community programs manager of Alabaster Parks and Recreation. “Everyone seemed to enjoy the event. We added a few snow machines as well as a train ride. They seem to be a huge success.”

The celebration also included a craft station, space bounces and pictures with Santa as well as a stage with a variety of performances for attendees to enjoy, including the Kingwood choir and the Thompson Jazz band.

“Both of these groups did an amazing job,” Lawley said.

While exploring the municipal grounds, attendees could also explore the Festival Trees which is comprised of a collection of Christmas trees decorated by the city and local businesses.

“Our festival of trees event continued to grow as this was our second year to offer this,” Lawley said. “We had over 75 participants purchase and decorate trees this year. If anyone is looking for a fun family event for the month of December, be sure and come visit. Our festival of trees is located at 1953 Municipal Way and the trees will be lit from dusk until dawn each night.”

With this year’s celebrations over, the city is already looking toward growth and future editions of the event.

“We look forward to this event growing each year,” Brakefield said. “We hope that next year we will have our permanent stage constructed. We continue to invest in this area of town truly trying to make it a city center feel.”

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