Good morning, Huntsville.

A Hazel Green family is honoring Gary Thomas's legacy by distributing Christmas gifts to over 600 families (despite rising costs) through the Santa's Helpers program, continuing a cherished holiday tradition in the community.

The Huntsville toy giveaway spread holiday cheer when children chose two presents each and bikes were raffled off every hour on Tuesday, Dec.

23.

The new West Huntsville Recreation Center has opened at 150 Martin Rd. SW; the $7.7 million, 27,350 sqft facility offers flexible gymnasiums, a fitness center, multipurpose rooms, and four outdoor lighted pickleball courts (designed for community events).

City officials held a ribbon cutting to celebrate this community hub.

United Launch Alliance has announced CEO Tory Bruno’s resignation after 12 years as the company transitions to building Vulcan rockets at its Decatur plant.

COO John Elbon is now serving as interim leader while the facility prepares to boost production for upcoming national security launches.

Huntsville restaurants Purveyor and Salt Smokehouse have been named to the Michelin Guide to the American South, offering last-minute holiday gift cards for local dining — with Purveyor at 201 Jefferson St. downtown and Salt Smokehouse in the Lincoln Mill district as city officials celebrate the historic recognition.

A South Huntsville resident won their second district holiday decorating title after competing against local neighbors + creative displays in a contest that showcased community festive spirit.

RCP Companies unveiled plans for the $300 million MidCity Arts + Innovation Subdistrict along Sanderson Road, featuring a 3,000-seat indoor music venue, two hotels, and 60,000 sqft of retail space.

Announcements in 2026 will reveal details on the operating partner and hotel programming to boost the community.

Since Dec. 22, the Huntsville YMCA has offered free holiday access to education workers and their families at its Huntsville and Madison facilities until Jan.

4; educators must present a valid ID to obtain a guest pass online (which provides access to pools, fitness centers, and group exercise classes).

During winter rains, chorus frogs are calling for mates in Alabama wetlands as biologists report the sharp, high-pitched sounds of the Ornate Chorus Frog, Upland Chorus Frog, and Spring Peeper (ephemeral pools are key for breeding), which can be heard even along roadside ditches.

Attorney General Steve Marshall said Alabama received over $4.9 million from a $149.6 million settlement with Mercedes-Benz over alleged diesel emissions cheating that affected more than 12,000 vehicles sold in the state.

The deal settles long-running legal issues with the automaker.

U.S. Space & Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal is helping NORAD track Santa Claus today on Christmas Eve as part of a time-honored holiday tradition that brings festive cheer to the community.

Governor Kay Ivey announced $43.8 million to help low-income households manage heating and cooling costs during extreme weather.

The grant will be shared among 18 community action agencies, including $4.5 million for the Tennessee Valley area.

The Madison County Health Department released inspection scores for food and lodging establishments inspected from Dec.

15-19, revealing scores from 78 to 100 in the Huntsville area — ten sites earned perfect scores while several locations promptly corrected critical violations.

Huntsville Havoc vs. Pensacola Ice Flyers

7-8:30 p.m. — Propst Arena — Watch the thrilling matchup between the Havoc and Ice Flyers on FloHockey.

Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA

8:45-9:45 p.m. — Stovehouse Event Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a stunning candlelight concert featuring the iconic music of Queen and ABBA performed by the Listeso String Quartet.

Phat Sammy's Comedy Open Mic Night

9-11 p.m. — Phat Sammy's — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughs hosted by local comedians at this vibrant open mic event.

Cactus Tate Live Comedy Show

7-11 p.m. — Huntsville Levity Live — Tickets starting at $27.02 — Enjoy an evening of laughs with Cactus Tate at this vibrant comedy venue.

Candlelight Concert Featuring Coldplay & Imagine Dragons

6:45-7:45 p.m. — Stovehouse Event Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magical sounds of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons in a captivating candlelit setting.

Huntsville Boat Show

10 a.m.-8 p.m. — Von Braun Center — Single Day Admission: $12 — Explore a variety of boats and enjoy family-friendly boating activities.

Real Interactive Ghost Hunt at The Historic Lowry House

7-10:30 p.m. — The Historic Lowry House — Tickets required — Experience a thrilling paranormal investigation at one of the most haunted places in Alabama.

PMP Exam Preparation Training

9 AM – 5 PM — Alabama A&M University — Contact for pricing — Enhance your project management skills with a comprehensive PMP certification bootcamp.

Twelfth Night Performance

7:30-9:30 p.m. — VBC Playhouse — Ticket prices vary — Experience Shakespeare's classic comedy of mistaken identities and love.