Annual Christmas Ornament

A Legacy of Mercedes-Benz in Tuscaloosa

In 1993, Mercedes-Benz made history by selecting Tuscaloosa, Alabama, as the site for its first U.S. manufacturing plant. This bold move marked a turning point in the state's industrial and economic development. The plant, officially known as Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI), began production in 1997.
The Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, now known as the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater, has a rich history, evolving from a recreational lake to a popular outdoor entertainment venue. Originally built in 2011, it replaced a landfill and baseball fields, and was initially named for the nearby Tuscaloosa River. In 2023, the venue was renamed to recognize its partnership with Mercedes-Benz, which built its first US plant in the area.
The presence of Mercedes-Benz has not only brought global attention to Tuscaloosa but has also created thousands of jobs and fostered partnerships with local suppliers, schools, and communities. The Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater—featured in this year’s ornament—stands as a symbol of this impactful relationship, bridging world-class industry with local culture and entertainment.

2025 Ornament

2024 Ornament

2024 Easterseals West Alabama

Easterseals West Alabama began as the former Tuscaloosa Rehabilitation Facility, which opened in 1959 with only four staff members and ten clients. West Alabama Rehabilitation Center's Board of Directors was organized in October 1967, and began planning for a new building and program of services to meet the needs of six counties in West Alabama. In 1985, the facility became known as west Alabama Easter Seal Rehabilitation Center, and in 1999 the facility again changes its name to join a nationwide Easter Seals "brand" campaign to increase recognition about who Easter Seals is and what we do. We became Easter Seals West Alabama. In 2017, national branding was again updated to Easterseals (one word) and we moved into our new facility at 1400 James I. Harrison Jr. Parkway East in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. We house the following programs: Workforce/ Vocational Department, Supported Employment, Transportation Department, Parents As Teachers, and Nurse-Family Partners. Through all the changes, Easterseals West Alabama has remained true to its mission of serving children and adults with disabilities and other needs while maintaining a reputation for quality, comprehensive services. We provide individual family-focused, outcome-oriented, and cost-effective services that help individuals live, learn, work, and play in their communities.

2023 The Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center

The Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center (DWCAC) is a cherished cultural landmark housed in the historic Alen & Jemison Co. Hardware building in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Constructed in 1903, this four-story, 50,000 square-foot red brick building has deep roots in the community, with residents reminiscing about its days as a one-stop shop for goods ranging from lumber to wedding China. The City of Tuscaloosa Secured a $1.5 million HUD grant to restore and revitalize the space. The project was entrusted to The Arts Council, resulting in the establishment of Tuscaloosa' first cultural arts center. Today the DWCAC is a vibrant hub of cultural activity, offering a wide range of facilities, including a Black Box Theater, Grand Hall, gallery spaces, and offices for various arts organizations. Its grand opening, held on August 29, 2013, coincided with the birthday of Dinah Washington, a renowned jazz and blues vocalist and pianist who hails from Tuscaloosa and is celebrated as the "Queen of Blues." Her legacy lives on, in this cultural treasure.

2023 Ornament

2022 Moon Winx Lodge

2021 L&N Train Station

The L&N Train Station was built in 1912 when the L&N Railroad line established the third railroad reaching Tuscaloosa. Passengers were greeted by the station's beautiful marble adorned walls, decorative plaster scrollwork and a grand domed ceiling. The station served Tuscaloosa as the L&N passenger station from 1912 through the 1940's, and then as the trailways bus station between 1950 and 1967. In the late 1960's, the L&N Train Station fell into disrepair with parts of it being sold as scrap, stolen or even vandalized. In 1978, a group of investors came to the station's rescue. The L&N Station was renovated and has been used over the years as a restaurant and event facility. Today the station is available for rent as an event venue and continues to serve the Tuscaloosa community.

2021 Ornament

2020 We Are All in this Together

Graphic Artist, Kim Fyfe, and her team at Beacon Design created this beautiful and uplifting ornament as part of our "West Alabama Memories" collection. This ornament reminds us that, "We Are All in this Together" across West Alabama and a reminder to work together to provide services to those with disabilities.

2019 Tuscaloosa Bicentennial

On December 13, 2019, the city of Tuscaloosa will mark its 200th birthday. The mission of Tuscaloosa 20 is to celebrate Tuscaloosa's past and reflect on a better future for all citizens of our city. In December 2018, the Tuscaloosa Bicentennial kicked off a lively, inclusive 12-month calendar of events to entertain, educate, and engage people of all ages. For the younger generations, wide-ranging projects involve K-12 schools. Teachers are using curricula based on historical events in new, fresh ways, and competitions and exhibitions are giving area students the opportunity to highlight their talents. This ornament has been created to commemorate the bicentennial so you can reflect on this landmark year forever. We hope that you look to this token of history each year with fond memories.