10 ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Alabama

When it comes to ringing in the new year, Alabama may not have a giant ball drop or thousands of people crowding into Times Square, but we certainly know how to celebrate. With parties and events happening across the state, from the Magic City to the Rocket City, the shores of the Gulf and beyond, here are the best ways to usher in 2022 in Alabama.

Electric Circus New Year’s Eve Party (Birmingham)

Ring in the new year under the big top at Birmingham’s Ghost Train Brewing. Live circus performances by Luminarts Entertainment will include clowns, jugglers, acrobats, fire and light performers, aerialists, face painting, and the Electric Circus dance crew. DJs will be spinning tunes until 2 a.m. Small batch brews, specialty cocktails, and carnival-style comfort food will all be available to keep the good vibes well into the 2022.

Iron City’s 2022 New Year’s Party (Birmingham)

Close out 2021 as a high roller at Iron City’s Old Hollywood-themed New Year’s Eve Party. DJ Charles III will hit the turntables as guests participate in casino games, hit the dance floor, and enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and an open bar. At midnight, ring in the new year with a balloon drop and champagne toast. All guests will be sent home with a party favor.

Alabama Symphony Orchestra NYE Concert (Birmingham)

For a classy evening, join the Alabama Symphony Orchestra for its annual New Year’s Eve concert. This year the performance will take place at UAB’s Alys Stephens Center. Alongside favorites from Johann Strauss II—including waltzes, polkas, and marches—the symphony will also perform popular hits from around the world, as well as classics from the American songbook. The evening will end with a champagne toast.

Phat Sammy’s New Year Eve Wine Dinner (Huntsville)

Let your last bites of 2021 be good ones by spending New Year’s Eve at Phat Sammy’s. The Tiki-inspired Asian fusion restaurant and cocktail bar will host a special five-course pre-fixe wine dinner with seatings at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Expect creative dishes like squid ink ravioli and smoked venison with cheddar-horseradish polenta. Stick around after your meal and cheers with one of the restaurant’s famous communal cocktails as the clock strikes midnight.

106 Jefferson Ultimate New Year’s Eve Extravaganza (Huntsville)

If you really want to send 2021 out in style, there’s no better way than with this party package that has everything covered. The Ultimate New Year’s Eve Extravaganza includes deluxe guestroom accommodations at 106 Jefferson, champagne for two, party favors, a five-course dinner for two at Revivalist, entry to Baker & Able’s NYE celebration (see below), complimentary overnight valet parking, and 3 p.m. late check out on New Year’s Day so you can party well into the morning.

Rooftop Masquerade at Baker & Able (Huntsville)

Huntsville’s favorite rooftop restaurant, located in the 106 Jefferson Hotel, is throwing a masquerade celebration with a great view of the city. A ticket to the party includes live music, a midnight champagne toast, tapas, and festive party favors. Festive attire is recommended for this swanky affair.

The Wharf’s Reelin in the New Year Street Party (Gulf Shores/Orange Beach)

Fun for the whole family, the Wharf’s signature New Year’s event includes an action-packed evening of activities for people of all ages. Live music from 88 Licks Dueling pianos and The Park Band will keep things festive from 6 p.m. until midnight when the famous marlin drop and fireworks will ring in the new year. Family friendly activities, as well as adults-only fun, will be available throughout the evening.

Flora-Bama New Year’s Eve Bash (Gulf Shores/Orange Beach)

You can always count on this infamous dive bar for a good time, but New Year’s Eve is an especially great time for a night of raucous revelry. Live music will be rocking on all three stages, all night long. Ticket holders will also have access to an all-you-can-eat dinner buffet from 6 p.m. to 11 pm., a breakfast buffet that takes over at midnight, a champagne split, and additional surprises throughout the night.

Moon Pie Over Mobile (Mobile)

New York’s got their ball and Nashville’s got their music note, but neither has anything on Mobile’s giant Moon Pie. This year’s party kicks off with the opening of a resolution wall at 8 p.m. where you can leave your goals for 2022, followed by an interactive performance from the Port City Second Line, then the cutting of the world’s largest Moon Pie at 8:30 p.m. Live music from Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue will prep the crowd for the big event at midnight when a 600-pound electric Moon Pie will drop with fireworks and a laser light show as its backdrop.

The Order of Pan New Year’s Eve Ball (Mobile)

If you’re already looking forward to Mardi Gras, the Order of Pan’s New Year’s Eve Ball might be the perfect December 31 plan for you. Put on you black-tie best and head to the Prestige Event Center for a night of live music, dancing, drinks, and dinner in typical krewe style.

(Courtesy of SoulGrown)