Count down to the New Year in Birmingham with these 5 festive events

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McWane Science Center
Photo via Jacob Blankenship for Bham Now/Taken before COVID-19

Looking for a fun-filled holiday season that will create lots of memories for you and your family? There’s just one place to go in Birmingham—McWane Science Center. As we all count down to the New Year, here are the top five ways to spend the holidays at everyone’s favorite science museum.

5. Magic of Model Trains

Magic of Model Trains at McWane 🚂

Choo choo! The Magic of Model Trains is back at McWane Science Center. Check it out now-January 2022. 🎉

Start off your holiday season with a trip to McWane’s most beloved holiday event—the Magic of Model Trains. Created by The Wrecking Crew, a model railroad club in Birmingham, this awe-inspiring event offers a world of discovery for all ages. Here are some reasons you and your family will love it:

  • The exhibit features over a dozen different displays with model trains of every shape and size.
  • Each train track is designed to scale with meticulous detail. You’ll discover a miniature, true-to-life city with everything from covered bridges and downtown storefronts to a drive-in theatre and people waiting for a train. 
  • All trains included in the exhibit really work! In fact, prepare to don that conductor’s hat because you can actually become an engineer and operate some of the trains. 

When: Now-January 2022 | Wednesdays-Fridays 9AM-5PM, Saturdays 10AM-5PM, Sundays Noon-5PM
Price: Included with regular admission to McWane.
Purchase tickets online or during your visit to McWane.

4. Celebration in Whoville

McWane Science Center
Science is better in pairs. Photo via McWane Science Center

Love Christmas? Then you’ve probably wished you could be part of the celebration in Whoville. Well, good news, because this year, you can!

On Saturday, December 11 at 11AM and 2PM, McWane is throwing a Celebration in Whoville and YOU’RE invited. During this jolly good time, enjoy live improv entertainment, hot chocolate and more. 

If there’s one party that can make the Grinch’s heart grow three sizes, it’s sure to be this one. 

When: Saturday, Dec. 11 | 11AM + 2PM
Price: $5 per person, Kids under age 2 are free
Tickets

3. Gift a McWane Membership 

McWane Science Center
Gift a Membership to McWane for a gift that keeps on giving. Photo via McWane Science Center

In the midst of all those holiday-themed gatherings and events this December, don’t forget to spend some time shopping for those you love. 

If you’re in search of the perfect gift this season, I have just the one—a Gift Membership to McWane. 

A Gift Membership grants unlimited access to McWane’s exhibit halls, daily science programs and discounts and/or free tickets to films in the IMAX Theatre. Pretty cool, huh?

Sure, toys and trinkets may be nice, but a Gift Membership to Birmingham’s coolest science museum is a gift that keeps on giving. 

Learn more and order a Gift Membership to McWane now

2. Holiday Movies

Birmingham, McWane Science Center
Popcorn is a must before visiting the IMAX Theatre. Photo via McWane Science Center

One of my favorite holiday traditions is gathering with family to watch ALL the holiday movies. So, cue the excitement, because IMAX Holiday Traditions are back at McWane this year.

During December, they’ll be bringing back two films to the IMAX’s big screen: Polar Express and Grinch. So throw on your best PJs, grab some popcorn and settle in for a show.

Polar Express

When: Dec. 10 – 7PM, Dec. 11 – 12:30PM, Dec. 12 – 3:30PM
Price: Adult $10, Child $9, Senior $9
Tickets

The Grinch

When: Dec. 11 – 10:30AM + 2:30PM, Dec. 12 – 1PM
Price: Adult $10, Child $9, Senior $9
Tickets

Bonus: You can also catch Spider-Man: No Way Home in IMAX on Friday, December 17. Find show times and tickets here.

1. Noon Year’s Eve

McWane Science Center
Family fun is ready for you this New Year’s Eve. Photo via McWane Science Center

After all the Santa-lovin’ holiday fun, there’s just one thing left to do in 2021—celebrate New Years Eve. 

But if you’re a parent of young children, the typical midnight ball drop is likely out of the question. So, how can you ring in the new year with the kids? By attending Noon Year’s Eve at McWane. 

Beginning at 11:30AM on Friday, December 31, they’ll be counting down to the Noon hour with epic science experiments. Now that’s a party the whole family can stay up for. *Price is included with regular admission to McWane.

To ensure you’re part of all the fun and excitement 2022 is sure to bring, visit McWane’s event calendar to stay-in-the-know of cool happenings. You can also visit their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram

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