Music, confetti and fireworks help us celebrate 2021’s arrival.

2020 Alabama Symphony Orchestra Maestro’s Ball

Gather virtually to ring in the New Year through the power of music with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s 2020 Maestro’s Ball. The special performance begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday, New Year’s Eve, and will include a variety of inspiring, uplifting music. For the first time ever, all four members of the ASO’s conducting staff will be taking part in the festivities, including a special duo performance featuring Music Director Laureate Justin Brown and Music Director Carlos Izcaray. Principal POPS Conductor Chris Confessore also will conduct performances, and the Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra will perform, conducted by its Music Director and ASO Assistant Conductor Kevin Fitzgerald.

The performance is presented free to the public, but donations are requested. The Maestro’s Ball is the ASO’s largest annual fundraiser that provides critical support for its many artistic performances, its arts education initiatives and outreach programs throughout the year. Watch the show and donate here.

Four conductors will lead the Alabama Symphony Orchestra to bring a magical evening of music to viewers on New Year’s Eve: from left, Carlos Izcaray, Justin Brown, Chris Confessore and Kevin Fitzgerald. (Alabama Symphony Orchestra)

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra has a special evening of music planned for the New Year’s Eve Maestro’s Ball. (contributed)

CHOM New Year’s Eve for Kids

The Children’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa is hosting New Year’s Eve for Kids from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Confetti countdowns are planned at 10:30, noon and 1:30. Children will play in the museum until it’s time to pop bubble wrap “fireworks” as the confetti flies. All festivities are included with admission. New Year’s Eve for Kids is a safe-distancing event and admission will be limited. Go here for more information.  Jan. 2 will be Scavenger Hunt Saturday at the museum from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. CHOM is at 2213 University Blvd. in Tuscaloosa.

Happy Noon Year at Exploreum Science Center

You don’t have to make it to midnight to celebrate the New Year at Mobile’s Exploreum Science Center – just lunch. The Happy Noon Year Celebration, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., features fizzing snow dough, a noon countdown with confetti cannons, firework colors, water fireworks and a courtyard experiment. The Exploreum is at 65 Government St. For information on this and other programs, click here.

Reelin’ in the New Year at The Wharf

Because of weather, The Wharf in Orange Beach has postponed its traditional New Year’s Eve celebration to Friday, Jan. 1 from 4 to 9 p.m. Festivities include the Kids Confetti Drop, ice skating, a variety of family activities, music from DJ Silky and Fly By Radio, and fireworks at 9 p.m., followed by the SPECTRA Laser Light Experience, a high-powered theatrical show.

The Wharf is encouraging all guests to adhere to 6-foot social distancing and facial covering guidelines. Hand sanitizer stations are placed throughout the property. For more information, click here. Also check here to find the perfect open-air viewing spot for your family to see the fireworks from cars, trucks and boats.

New Year’s Beach Campout at Gulf State Park

Gulf State Park is inviting families to begin 2021 at the beach by hosting a Beach Campout from 2 p.m. Friday, New Year’s Day, until 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 2. This event originally was planned for New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day but has been rescheduled because of inclement weather. The Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion is at 22250 East Beach Blvd. For more information, see the park’s Facebook page. For information and registration, email gulfevent.statepark@dcnr.alabama.gov.

The beach is a great place to start the year with a family campout. (file)

Get Healthy at the Railroad

Birmingham’s Railroad Park has put its regular fitness classes on hold because of the pandemic, but those who can’t wait to get moving can experience several of the classes at home by logging on to https://www.railroadpark.org/events-get-healthy.html. Online exercise classes include yoga, hip hop cardio, senior fit and bootcamp.

Galaxy of Lights at Huntsville Botanical Gardens

Through Saturday, Jan. 2, enjoy the dazzling Galaxy of Lights at the Huntsville Botanical Gardens. Hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights set off the 25^th anniversary season. Families can enjoy walk- and drive-thru experiences with holiday themes, classic characters and natural scenes. The show starts at 5:30 p.m., and the latest admission is at 9 p.m. The Huntsville Botanical Gardens is at 4747 Bob Wallace Ave.

‘Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration’

The Birmingham Zoo’s larger-than-life, illuminated experience, “Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration,” is underway through Monday, Jan. 18 from 5 to 9 p.m. Guests will be captivated by visually stunning lantern creations of wildlife from around the world. Watch the zoo come alive with hundreds of animal shapes, including pandas, elephants, cheetahs and polar bears. Click here and scroll to the bottom of the page for health and safety protocols. Tickets are on sale at birminghamzoo/glowwild.