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Celebrate the holidays with The Magic of Model Trains + more at McWane
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The spirit of the holidays is alive at McWane Science Center. From their beloved Magic of Model Trains exhibit to virtual visits with Santa, here’s how they’re making the holidays merry and bright all season long.
Experience The Magic of Trains
Put on your conductor’s hat and head to McWane this holiday season for the 2020 return of The Magic of Model Trains presented by Royal Cup Coffee and Tea. Choo choo!
This will be the exhibit’s 15th year at McWane Science Center and it’s on track to delight families all over the Greater Birmingham Area.
Designed, built and brought to life by The Wrecking Crew Model Railroad Club, the exhibit features a variety of displays with trains of every shape and size.
What’s truly amazing about it is that each track is designed to scale with meticulous detail. Discover covered bridges, downtown storefronts, a drive-in movie theater and so much more.
It’s so cool, you’ll wish you could shrink down to pocket size and take a stroll around this pint-sized town and hop aboard its many trains.
But that’s not all. Not only can you watch exciting model trains as they zip around the track, but you can even operate some of them.
- What: The Magic of Model Trains
- When: November 21, 2020-January 3, 2021
- Price: Included in general admission tickets.
- Buy tickets here
Shop local Makers during the McWane Makers’ Market
Looking for unique holiday gifts and would like to support local makers? Don’t miss the McWane Makers’ Market on December 5.
The Market will showcase makers and crafters from throughout Central Alabama who will display and sell their crafts.
What does this have to do with science?
In support of the science learning programs at McWane, each vendor will deliver scheduled demonstrations regarding the science of their craft.
- What: McWane Makers’ Market
- When: Saturday, December 5
- Time: 10AM-3PM
- Price: Included in general admission tickets.
- Tickets
More gifts ideas for your holiday shopping
There’s no time to be a Grinch during the season of giving. For the perfect holiday gift, give the gift of curiosity with a membership to McWane.
For even more gifts, check out McWane’s Cool Stuff Store. From astronaut ice cream to magnets, you’re sure to find unique presents for kids of all ages. Shop now.
More to Discover During the Holidays
Looking for even more ways to celebrate the holidays? McWane has you covered. Mark your calendar for these upcoming events that are sure to spark magic this season.
Grab-a-Grinch/Jingle Bell Hunt
When you visit McWane, be on the look out for grinches and sleigh bells hiding around the museum. If you see one, be sure to grab it! You could win a ticket to see either The Grinch or The Polar Express in IMAX with Laser in the dome theater.
- Date: December 16-20
- Price: General admission ticket pricing
- Buy tickets here
Polar Express Social
Dress in your favorite (and appropriate) holiday PJs and visit McWane this December for a Polar Express Social. They’ll be serving up lots of hot chocolate and a showing of the holiday favorite The Polar Express at the IMAX Dome Theatre.
- Date: December 18-23
- Price: General admission ticket pricing
- Buy tickets here
Virtual Visit with Santa
In preparation for his big Christmas Eve flight, Santa is playing it safe in quarantine at the North Pole until then. While he’s tending to important Santa duties, he’s sending his IT elf Gabe to McWane to set up a special treat—a video chat line so you can talk to Santa. Be sure to bring your holiday wishlist.
- Date: December 19-20
Safety Precautions to Know Before Visiting
McWane’s top priority is the safety and well-being of their guests. Here are some of the protocols in place:
- Currently, visitors age 7 and older are required to wear masks. As of December 9, all guests ages 3 and older are required to wear masks.
- Social distancing is in effect throughout the facility. Individuals/groups are to stay at least six feet apart from others.
- More frequent cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched areas like elevator buttons, door handles, flush valves in restrooms, exhibits and handrails. Plus additional hand sanitizing opportunities throughout the museum.
- Regular antibacterial fogging of Itty Bitty Magic City, Rushton Theater, IMAX Theater and classroom spaces.
- Special stickers are installed in public restrooms to remind people to be diligent about hand washing.
For more health and safety protocols, click here.
Keep up with all of the exciting things McWane Science Center is doing during the holiday season. Visit their website and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.
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