Holiday fun: How to see Santa, model trains, The Black Jacket Symphony + more

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Rock ‘n’ roll, Santa and holiday science? McWane Science Center is mixing up the holiday season with a lineup of fun events for all ages. From The Black Jacket Symphony performing Led Zeppelin IV live in the IMAX Dome Theater to model trains that actually chug along and more seasonal activities, there’s plenty to put on your calendar.

Read on for a few festive ways McWane can help you wrap up 2026 in high spirits and how to snag tickets to these can’t-miss events.

You Can Be Anything Day at McWane: Saturday, Nov. 14

^{Kids of all ages can get a closer look at science and more in Birmingham. (McWane Science Center)}

Got a kid who’s curious about science? Here’s a day built for them.

At McWane’s You Can Be Anything Day, kids can meet Birmingham women working in science, engineering and community leadership, hear about what they do and how they got there, try hands-on activities and even connect with local organizations. 

There’s a good chance your kiddo will leave with a new interest, role model or idea of what they want to be when they grow up. 

• When: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026 | 10AM–3PM
• Cost: Included in general admission to McWane.
  • Adult (Ages 13-64): $20.95
  • Kids (Ages 2-12): $16.95
  • Senior (Ages 65+): $19.95
• More info | Tickets

Santa visits, model trains + more at McWane: Friday, Nov. 27–Thursday, Dec. 31

^{See Santa when he visits McWane during the holidays. (McWane Science Center)}

If you have littles who can’t wait to see Santa this year, he’ll be making several stops at McWane this season. Make sure to bring your lists and capture the moment with photos.

After visits with Santa, head over to the model train display, which will feature working locomotives chugging around a tiny, lifelike city and custom-made tracks.

There will also be train-themed tinkering in the Creation Station and seasonal science activities.

• When: Friday, Nov. 27, 2026–Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026
• Santa visits:
  • Friday, Nov. 27, 2026
  • Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026
  • Sunday, Dec. 20, 2026–Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2026
• Cost: Included in general admission to McWane.
  • Adult (Ages 13-64): $20.95
  • Kids (Ages 2-12): $16.95
  • Senior (Ages 65+): $19.95
• Tickets

Beyond the Stairway fundraiser benefiting the McWane for All Fund: Tuesday, Dec. 1

Angelic meets rock ’n’ roll? That’s the dress code for Beyond the Stairway, a night of live music, heavenly glamour and a good cause. The Black Jacket Symphony takes center stage, performing Led Zeppelin IV in McWane’s IMAX Dome Theater.

Along with an epic concert, the evening will also feature:

• Drinks + heavy hors d’oeuvres
• A Diamond Dig with Levy’s Fine Jewelry
• A chance to win a private Star Party and/or a Private IMAX screening

The night’s biggest impact, though, goes beyond the music. Proceeds benefit the McWane for All Fund, helping make science education and hands-on discovery accessible to more schools and families in Birmingham and across the state.

• When: Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026 | Doors open at 6PM
• Cost: $275 each | $250 each for groups of 4+
• Attire: Heavenly Glam cocktail
• More info | Tickets

Headlining Sponsors: Amerex, Brasfield & Gorrie and Carolyn & Will Ratliff
Supporting Act Sponsors: Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau, Quanta Power Solutions, Redmont Talent Partners and Regions

The Black Jacket Symphony performs Led Zeppelin IV at McWane: Wednesday, Dec. 2–Saturday, Dec. 5

Can’t make it to the Beyond the Stairway fundraiser? You’re in luck! The Black Jacket Symphony returns to McWane’s IMAX Dome Theater Dec. 2–5 to perform Led Zeppelin IV in its entirety.

You’ll hear iconic tracks like “Stairway to Heaven” while stunning visuals surround you to transform this classic album into an immersive, multi-sensory experience.

• What: The Black Jacket Symphony performs Led Zeppelin IV
• When: Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2026–Friday, Dec. 4, 2026, 4PM | Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026, 4PM + 7:30PM
• Cost: $39.50–$59.50 + fees
• More info | Tickets

More holiday activities at McWane Science Center

_{Pretend you’re Barbie or see a real two-toed sloth up close at McWane Science Center in Birmingham. (Bham Now)}

Still looking for ways to fill your Birmingham holiday calendar? Here are a few more ideas:

• “Polar Express” in IMAX: Catch this Christmas classic on Dec. 12, 13 + 19, 2026 in McWane’s IMAX Dome Theater. Showtimes + tickets.

• Winter Camps: Kids in grades 4K–6 can spend Dec. 28–31, 2026 creating, exploring and experimenting with McWane educators during winter break from school. Learn more + register.

• Barbie™ You Can Be Anything™: The Experience! There’s still time to step into Barbie’s world before this interactive exhibit leaves McWane on Jan. 10, 2027. Details + tickets.

Ready to make some holiday memories? Visit McWane Science Center at 200 19th St N, Birmingham + discover even more ways to have fun on their website.

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