There’s nothing like the magic you’ll find in a small town during the holiday season. In general, people are friendlier, the mood is merrier and the festivities are just more festive in a small town than in bigger cities. In these communities, the trees have been lit, the parades have marched and the scene has been set for a memorable holiday celebration.

Christmastime in a small town is as perfect as a Hallmark movie, yet it’s the real thing.

If you’re looking for true Christmas spirit (not the made-for-TV kind), you’ll find it in any of these Alabama towns, as well as many others around the state. Each has time-honored holiday traditions that are anticipated year after year. Here are five of our favorites. We know you’ll love them, too.

This is the 10th year for Andalusia’s Christmas in Candyland event, which just might be the quintessential holiday celebration with something for everyone. You won’t want to miss the “snow” falling in the courthouse square around the 50-foot Christmas tree, dozens of mini-playhouses that appeal to the kid in all of us, or the opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, Elsa from “Frozen” and other characters. There’s also the Candyland Express, Polar Bear Slide and ice-skating rink to make for an unforgettable experience.

RELATED: Why Andalusia is the ultimate Christmas town

You might only know this walkable bayside city as a summertime destination. But during the holidays, Fairhope comes to life with millions of lights adorning the trees downtown. Poinsettias brighten up the flower beds at every corner. The charming shops are decorated and ready for shoppers (don’t miss Page & Palette, an independent bookstore that houses a coffee shop and a bar). And at the nearby Grand Hotel, the gingerbread reproduction of the resort in the lobby is an absolute delight.

RELATED: The Grand Hotel’s gingerbread village: Catch it if you can

At Cullman Christkindlmarkt, a Christmas market described as being “where German tradition meets Southern charm,” attractions include an ice-skating rink, a beautifully restored Christmas carousel, train rides on the Christkindl Express and the Kinderplatz, Santa’s village filled with kids’ activities, as well as local vendors, great German food and beer, and much more. Take time to admire the mesmerizing 40-foot-tall, rotating German wooden pyramid said to be North America’s tallest.

Christmas on the Coosa and Christmas at the Falls are Gadsden’s two big holiday events. Open until Dec. 23, Christmas on the Coosa offers ice skating on a 3,000-square-foot synthetic rink. Be sure to take a photo with the life-size polar bears. Through Dec. 31, you’ll find millions of lights strewn throughout Noccalula Falls Park. Admire them, as well as other holiday displays and decorations, on the walking trails or from the Express Train.

Take a walk through the enchanting Autauga Creek Christmas Tree Trail, featuring more than 100 whimsically decorated trees, in historic downtown Prattville. Other activities include an Ice Skating Extravaganza, carriage rides through twinkling lights and holiday decorations, Christmas caroling and food trucks, as well as a Christmas play and a variety show.