Tuscaloosa’s Tinsel Trail Ranked Among Best in Nation by USA Today

Tuscaloosa is celebrating more national recognition this week after USA Today readers voted our downtown Tinsel Trail the No. 4 best public light display in America.

The publication has been running a public vote to find the 10 best in the country, and when polling ended, the Tinsel Trail ranked in the Top Five.

"Walk among this delightful display of holiday lights in downtown Tuscaloosa, where over 200 spectacularly lit and decorated Christmas trees can be enjoyed by you and your loved ones all season long," they wrote in the final published 10 Best list. "The event also features photos with jolly old St. Nick, a special night for pets, and a special one-day holiday market."

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As long-time Tuscaloosa residents know, the Tinsel Trail is more than just pretty lights - each individual tree is sponsored by an area business, nonprofit, family, or individual, and that money benefits Tuscaloosa's One Place, A Family Resource Center.

It is part of the city's larger Holidays on the Plaza in downtown Tuscaloosa, which also includes an ice-skating rink and more.

The Tinsel Trail officially opened with a lighting ceremony late last month and will be on display through the holiday season. Although ice-skating costs money, wandering the trail and seeing the 200 decorated trees is free and a perfect night out for families.

Congratulations to the City, Tuscaloosa's One Place and everyone involved in earning this honor for the Tinsel Trail!

For more coverage of news and events in West Alabama, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.