GADSDEN, Ala– A new holiday landmark is taking shape in downtown Gadsden. Crews are putting the finishing touches on what will soon be the tallest Christmas tree in the state — standing an impressive 78 feet tall at Riverside Park.

Mayor Craig Ford says the goal is to make Gadsden the top Christmas town in Alabama, and this giant tree is part of that push. A new viewing platform has also been built, giving visitors a perfect backdrop with the Coosa River behind it.

The big tree-lighting ceremony is set for Wednesday, November 26th at 6:30 p.m.

It’s all part of Christmas on the Coosa, where families can enjoy bumper cars on real ice — the only place in Alabama offering that — along with ice skating, food trucks, live music, fire pits, and Frosty’s Bar. Bumper cars run through November 26th, then return after Christmas on December 26th.

And just across town, Christmas at the Falls at Noccalula Falls Park is gearing up for another huge season. The award-winning event features millions of lights, free train rides, a petting zoo, food vendors, and visits with Santa — drawing more than 150,000 visitors each year.

For ticket information on both events, visit the City of Gadsden’s website at cityofgadsden.com.