Hello, 2023: How to ring in the New Year in Tuscaloosa

Sooner or later, everyone who lives in Tuscaloosa learns that most social activities must be scheduled around Alabama football. New Year's get-togethers are no exception, since UA is usually playing in a playoff game or a bowl.

So New Year's revelers take note: The Crimson Tide will face the Kansas State Wildcats at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, with ESPN televising.

That will leave the New Year's Eve calendar clear for parties as we all say farewell to 2022 and welcome to 2023.

So what's going on this New Year's weekend in Tuscaloosa? Here's a look:

CHOM

The Children's Hands-On Museum will have a New Year's Eve party for kids with a big balloon drop at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday.

The party will include music, hats, crowns, beads, noisemakers and a toast to 2023 with cups of sparkling grape juice.

The museum, 2213 University Blvd., will open at 9 a.m. All the party activities will be included in the $12 price of admission. Children younger than 1 will be admitted free of charge.

CHOM will close at 4:30 p.m. Friday. For more information, call 205-349-4235.

Holidays on the Plaza

The outdoor ice skating rink at Government Plaza will be open from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday for New Year's Eve and 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday for New Year's Day.

Daily passes for Holidays on the Plaza, which include skate rental, cost $15.

 Holidays on the Plaza is at 2106 Sixth St. The rink will remain open through Jan. 16. For more information, go to www.holidaysontheplaza.com.

Hotel Indigo

The New Year's Eve Let's Glow 2023 party will be held at the Lookout Rooftop Bar, on top of Hotel Indigo Tuscaloosa, 111 Greensboro Ave.

The party package includes live music by Carroline Shines and the Impulse, a champagne toast during the countdown, and a breakfast buffet served after midnight. Doors open at 7 p.m. Saturday. The appetizer menu will be available until midnight.

Tickets are $30 per person or $50 per couple. All attendees must be 21 and older. Tickets include entry to the event, a champagne toast and the breakfast buffet. Appetizers and cocktails will be available for purchase. Stay-the-night packages include two tickets and a room at Hotel Indigo. For more information, call 205-469-1660.

The Alamite

The Alamite New Year's Eve package includes a one-night stay in the new hotel, a prix fixe dinner for two at Forté Cuts & Cocktails, a midnight champagne toast for two at Roll Call Tuscaloosa, and a breakfast for two at Forté Cuts & Cocktails on New Year's Day.

Packages can be booked directly on their website, at www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/bhmtx-the-alamite-tuscaloosa-a-tribute-portfolio-hotel/overview, by selecting Saturday, Dec. 31 though Sunday, Jan. 1, navigating to the “Deals & Packages” tab, and selecting “New Years Eve Package.”

The Alamite is at 2321 Sixth St. in downtown Tuscaloosa.

The 205 Restaurant and Bar

New Year's Eve at The 205 Restaurant and Bar will feature music from Mike and The Memories, 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m., no cover. The bar opens at 6 p.m. Saturday. The New Year's Eve menu will be available until 10 p.m. on the top floor of Homewood Suites by Hilton, 2451 Jack Warner Parkway, Tuscaloosa. For more information, call 205-498-0089 or go to www.the205tuscaloosa.com.

Big Al's Backstreet Lounge

The New Year's Eve celebration at Big Al's Backstreet Lounge will begin at 9 p.m. Saturday. There's a $10 cover charge. Music will be provided by Brandon Malone and the Whiskey Over Ice Band. There will be a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Big Al's Backstreet Lounge is at 2108 14th Ave., Tuscaloosa.