5 holiday events your whole family will love at McWane including the Magic of Model Trains + kids’ camps

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Good times are rolling into McWane Science Center with must-see exhibits, holiday events and more. From the annual Magic of Model Trains exhibit to a Grinch-inspired party, plan now for what’s ahead. BONUS: The McWane Train and Zipline will return this year! Grab your tickets in advance or at the door.

1. Magic of Model Trains—Nov. 18, 2023-Jan. 2024

Calling all train enthusiasts! It’s time to don that conductor’s hat and head to McWane for the annual Magic of Model Trains exhibit. 

Back for its 18th year, this cherished holiday tradition takes viewers of all ages on an enchanting journey of wonder and discovery.

Here’s why your family will love this delightful exhibit:

• It’s created by The Wrecking Crew Model Railroad Club—a group of model train enthusiasts who design and build all elements of the exhibit.
• It includes over a dozen unique displays with model trains in every shape and size.
• Each train track is designed to scale with meticulous detail. See a miniature, true-to-life city with everything from covered bridges to downtown storefronts and townspeople.
• All exhibit trains really work! You can even take the controls and operate some of them. 

Bonus: Back by popular demand, the McWane Train and McWain Zipline are returning for the 2023 holiday season.

Magic of Model Trains event details

• When: Saturday,November 18, 2023-January 2023
• Where: McWane Science Center, 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: Price is included with regular admission to McWane
• Tickets: Purchase online or at the door.

Don’t miss a moment of fun—find more cool events happening at McWane Science Center.

2. The Questioneers Exhibit—opens Friday, Dec. 1, 2023

An all-new exhibit is headed to McWane on December 1—The Questioneers: Read. Question. Think. Play! 

Based on beloved book series The Questioneers, the exhibit leads you on a fun adventure celebrating science, technology, engineering, art and math.

The best part? Each section of the exhibit features a STEM-lovin’ character from the books, like Ava Twist and Rosie Revere, and encourages kids to pose questions, identify challenges and problem solve. 

The Questioners Exhibit event details

• When: Friday, Begins December 1, 2023
• Where: McWane Science Center, 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: Price is included with regular admission to McWane
• Tickets: Purchase online or at the door.

3. Grinch’s Jingle Bell Party + IMAX Movie—Dec. 9 + 17

It’s not a holiday event without the Grinch! This year, you’ll find him celebrating at McWane during the Jingle Bell Party and IMAX Movie event.

Taking place on December 9 and December 17, McWane will feature a full day of hands-on, family-friendly holiday activities, including:

• Crafts
• Cookies + hot chocolate
• Dancing
• Photo ops with the Grinch
• The Grinch in IMAX

Grinch’s Jingle Bell Party + Movie event details 

• When: Saturday, December 9 + Sunday, December 17
• Where: McWane Science Center, 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: Regular admission to McWane + $8 for the Grinch’s Jingle Bell Party + $10 for The Grinch in IMAX
• Tickets: Purchase online or at the door.

4. Holiday Camps at McWane Science Center—Dec. 26-29

Hey, parents! Are you in need of something your kids can do when schools closed for the holidays? Good news—McWane has your back with half-day and full-day Holiday Camps.

Designed for children ages 4 to 13, campers will take part in all sorts of hands-on, minds-on STEAM-inspired activities. From discovering what’s in the deepest oceans to building robots and spending time with animals, your kids will have so much fun, they won’t even realize they’re learning. Parent win!

Registration is open now—sign up by December 20 to ensure a spot. 

Half-Day Camp Holiday Camp event details (4k-K)

• When: Tuesday, December 26-Friday, December 29 | 9AM-12:30PM
• Where: McWane Science Center, 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: McWane members – $40 per day | Nonmembers – $50 per day 
• Register by December 20

Full Day Holiday Camp event details (grades 1-6)

• When: Tuesday, December 26-Friday, December 29 | 9AM-4PM
• Where: McWane Science Center, 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: McWane members – $70 per day | Nonmembers – $80 per day
• Register by December 20

5. Holiday Movies + more at McWane’s IMAX Theater—Nov.-Dec. 2023

Love a trip to the movies? Grab your kids or your best friend and head to the IMAX Theater at McWane. Whether you’re in the mood for a documentary or feature film, you’ll discover a variety of great titles—including holiday favorites. 

Pro Tip: Hit up McWane’s concession stand—it’s always stocked with tasty movie-viewing snacks and treats.

Here’s what’s playing in IMAX this November and December:

Documentaries:

• Secrets of the Sea—Now showing
• D-Day—Now-Nov. 11
• Train Time—Nov. 17-Dec. 30

Features:

• The Marvels—Nov. 9-16
• Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes—Nov. 16-30
• Polar Express—Dec. 8-10
• The Grinch—Dec. 8-10

Grab your IMAX tickets online or at the door.

Gift a McWane Membership this holiday season

Seeking the perfect holiday gift? There’s no better choice than a membership to McWane. For more info, scan the QR code or call the number above.

Don’t miss the fun happening at McWane Science Center—visit their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

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