If your New Year’s Eve calls for celebration, here are some events and tips to keep you safe heading into the New Year. 

Uber launches

Just in time for the holiday parties, ridesharing service Uber launched in the Birmingham metro area this week. For those interested in using it, the coverage area extends about 20 miles out from downtown Birmingham. You can find out more about Uber and what it offers, how to become a driver and see a map of its service area.

We urge you to be safe if your New Year’s Eve celebrations include alcohol. In addition to the Uber option, you can contact a taxi service or arrange for a designated driver.

Two organizations are offering free rides. AAA is offering their Tow-for-Life program for state residents. The program runs from 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec.31 through 6 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Call AAA Alabama at 1-800-222-4357 (1-800-AAA-HELP) and ask for Tow-for-Life or go online.

Here’s a look at a few New Year’s Eve celebrations that will be hosted around the state.

Blueberry Drop

Brewton will once again host its traditional New Year’s Eve “Blueberry Drop.” The event will feature live music performed by Jeff Floyd and Ryan Balthrop beginning at 8 p.m. It also includes giveaways all night with the grand prize awarded at 11:45 p.m.

The Alabama Power-sponsored event is sure to be a crowd pleaser. And for football fans, the Alabama game will be showing on a giant screen at the Drop.

Downtown Countdown

Residents of Montgomery will celebrate Thursday from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. free of charge at the Commerce Street Entertainment District. Thousands of partygoers will hit the streets for a night of live music from the Atlanta Groove Factory, dancing, and a fabulous fireworks and confetti show at midnight. For more information, call 334-625-2100. For more New Year’s Eve events in Montgomery, visit this site online.

Moonpie over Mobile has grown to become a major event in Alabama’s Port City. (Tad Denson/contributed)

Moonpie over Mobile has grown to become a major event in Alabama’s Port City. (Tad Denson/contributed)

Moonpie over Mobile has grown to become a major event in Alabama’s Port City. (Tad Denson/contributed)

Moonpie over Mobile has grown to become a major event in Alabama’s Port City. (Tad Denson/contributed)

Moonpie over Mobile has grown to become a major event in Alabama’s Port City. (Tad Denson/contributed)

The moonpie drop in downtown Mobile on New Year’s Eve is a unique celebration. (Visit Mobile)

MoonPie Over Mobile

Thousands converge on downtown Mobile for the 600 pound electric MoonPie drop, a laser light show and fireworks to welcome in the New Year. The celebration also includes the cutting of the world’s largest edible MoonPie. R&B singers En Vogue will provide entertainment and the College Football Championship will also be televised for those who come early. Visit Mobile’s New Year Celebration for more information.

The Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve Ball

The Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve Ball is one of a number of New Year’s Eve celebrations in the Magic City. It will be hosted at Workplay Theatre and will include music and dinner. Guests are encouraged to dress in themed attire. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Workplay or call 205-552-2695. Tickets can also be purchased at Eventbrite.