14 weekend events to kick off the new year in Birmingham—Jan. 2-4

We’ve got an exciting weekend ahead, Birmingham! From Birmingham Bulls games and fun concerts to ongoing events like Glow Wild, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re resting or looking for adventure, we’ve got you covered.

• Looking for a full list of January events? Click here.
• Does your house need a reset? Check this out.
• Calling all hockey fans! Look ahead to the Birmingham Bulls 2026 games.

Have an event you’d like to promote? Add it for free to our calendar.

Friday, Jan. 2—Sunday, Jan. 4

1. Glow Wild @ The Birmingham Zoo

• What: The Birmingham Zoo lights up this holiday season with the return of Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration. This year’s dazzling display will show off hundreds of larger-than-life installations and more than one million lights. Add in hot chocolate, rides on the Red Diamond Express Train, live entertainment + more and it’s a must-experience for all ages.
• When: Now-Sun, Jan. 4, 2026 | 5-9PM
  • The Birmingham Zoo is closed on Thurs, Nov. 27, Wed, Dec 24 + Thurs, Dec. 25.
• Cost: Adults $18.95+ | Kids (2-17) $11.95+
• Details

2. Lights of Noel @ The Birmingham Race Course

• What: If you love dazzling light displays, this drive-thru holiday light show at the Birmingham Race Course is a must-experience. As you enter the race course, you’ll tune your car radio to the provided channel, then watch as each light display blinks and flashes along with the music. It’s perfect for families, date nights or anyone looking for something festive to do this season.
• When: Now-Sun, Jan. 4, 2026 | Nightly 5PM-12AM
• Cost:
  • Mon-Thurs: $25 per car
  • Fri-Sun: $35 per car
• Details

3. The Magic of Model Trains @ McWane Science Center

• What: The beloved event chugs into McWane for its 20th year, with over a dozen displays featuring model trains of every shape and size—all meticulously designed to scale. You’ll also 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.
  • Bonus: All trains included in the exhibit really work! You can even pretend to be a conductor and operate a few of them.
• When: Now-Jan. 2026 | Wed-Fri, 9AM-5PM | Sat, 10AM-5PM | Sun, 12PM-5PM | Mon-Tues Closed
• Cost: Included in general admission to McWane.
• Details

4. Pecans for Autism benefiting Glenwood @ Across Birmingham

• What: Give a little, get a little when you shop Glenwood’s Pecans for Autism fundraiser this season. When you purchase, you aren’t just buying delicious snacks—you’re helping make a difference in others’ lives. Whether you purchase them as a gift or for yourself, your holiday snacking will be extra meaningful this year. 
• When: Now-Sun, Jan. 11
• Cost: Varies on purchase
• Details

5. From Steel to Stage: The History of Theatre in Birmingham @ Vulcan Park and Museum 

• What: Explore Birmingham’s rich theatre history at From Steel to Stage at Vulcan Park and Museum. See photos, playbills and stories that show how the city grew from steel mills to stages full of performance and creativity.
• When: Now-Sun, Jan. 11
• Cost: Adults: $8 | Kids: $4
• Details

Friday Jan. 2

6. The Band Solstice @ The Upstairs at Avondale 

• What: Catch the band Solstice live at The Upstairs at Avondale for an evening of great music and good vibes. Don’t miss this chance to see them rock the stage up close!
• When: Fri, Jan. 2 | 8PM
• Cost: $22.55
• Details

Saturday, Jan. 3

7. Live Music: Jazz Guitar with Ethan Brown @ Cha House Bham

• What: Enjoy an evening of smooth jazz guitar with Ethan Brown at Cha House Bham. Sip your favorite tea while listening to live music in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere.
• When: Sat, Jan. 3 | 1-4PM
• Cost: $10 suggested cover
• Details

8. Kids Jersey Night with the Birmingham Bulls @ Pelham Civic Complex 

• What: Watch the team take on the Huntsville Havoc! The first 1000 kids ages 14 + under will receive a Bulls replica jersey, courtesy of UAB sports.
• When: Sat, Jan. 3 | 7PM
• Cost: $25+
• Details

9. Sound Bath with Jessica Carmon @ Birmingham Museum of Arts

• What: Relax and unwind with a Sound Bath led by Jessica Carmon at the Birmingham Museum of Art. Let soothing vibrations and gentle sounds help you find calm and balance.
• When: Sat, Jan. 3 | 11AM-Noon
• Cost: Free
• Details

10. Get Out & Skate Day @ Pelham Civic Complex 

• What: Join Get Out & Skate Day at the Pelham Civic Complex for a fun day on the ice. Skaters of all ages are welcome, but pre-registration is required to participate!
• When: Sat, Jan. 3 | 9:30AM
• Cost: Free admission; $3 skate rental
• Details

11. Dixie Vintage Antique Automobile Club @ Hoover Tactical 

• What: Check out classic cars at the Dixie Vintage Antique Automobile Club gathering at Hoover Tactical. Car enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy a day of vintage rides and automotive history.
• When: Sat, Jan. 3 | 8-11AM
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

12. Open Studio @ Artsy Studio

• What: Swing by for unstructured play and open access to the creative station, which includes markers, highlighters, oil pastels, paint markers + more.
• When: Sat, Jan. 3 | 10AM-2PM
• Cost: $17
• Details

Sunday, Jan. 4

13. Family Hours @ Updown Arcade

• What: Family Hours at Up‑Down bring classic arcade fun with vintage games like pinball, skee‑ball, and more — plus pizza by the slice and kid‑friendly drinks while parents can enjoy the full bar. These special all‑ages sessions are a rare chance to play games normally reserved for adults in a lively barcade atmosphere before it switches back to 21+ later in the day.
• When: Sun, Jan. 4 | 11AM-4PM
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

14. Sunday Drop-In @ The Birmingham Museum of Art

• What: Each Sunday at Sunday Drop‑In at the Birmingham Museum of Art, join a BMA Teaching Fellow for a free 30‑minute DeTour that shines a spotlight on a surprising or lesser‑known work from the museum’s collection. These informal, drop‑in sessions start in the First‑Floor Lobby and are a fun way to discover fresh stories behind art you might’ve walked past before—no registration needed!
• When: Sun, Jan. 4 | 1-1:30PM
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

Coming Soon Events

• Jan. 7-8—Blue Man Group @ BJCC Concert Hall 
• Jan. 14—Birmingham AI 2026 Kickoff @ Red Mountain Theatre
• Jan.22-25—2026 53rd Annual Birmingham Boat Show @ BJCC
• Jan. 30—The Black Jacket Symphony presents Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” @ The BJCC
• Jan. 31—Electronic Drop-Off and On-Site Paper Shredding @ The Birmingham Zoo
• Jan. 31—Jazz Cat Ball benefiting the Greater Birmingham Humane Society @ Finley Center

Want more events? Visit our website calendar. You can also add your event for free on our calendar.

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