The 10 Best New Year’s Eve Events for Families in North Carolina!
New Year’s Eve celebrations don’t have to exclude your little ones! From first nights, to light shows, and all kinds of downtown extravaganzas, your children will be able to celebrate the new year right alongside you with these 10 awesome events in North Carolina.
1.First Night Raleigh, Raleigh, NC
On for the 27th year, First Night Raleigh is an annual event that hosts nearly 100 performances in downtown Raleigh at over 35 venues. The fun begins New Year’s Eve at the North Carolina Museum of History and Sciences for the DIY Festival. Ending at 6 p.m., head over after the Early Countdown at 7 p.m. to enjoy performances in music, theater, and more. Not only can you enjoy performances, but you can enjoy the Ferris Wheel and amusement ride. To ring in the new year, be on Fayetteville Street at midnight to countdown and experience the Raleigh Acorn Drop.
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2.Fontana Village Resort, Fontana Dam, NC
Reserve your spot to dine at the Mountview Restaurant for the New Year’s Eve dinner buffet. Your dinner includes a five-course meal that is prepared by the Mountview Bistro chef. Dinner begins at 5 p.m. through 9 p.m. and guests can extend their time at Fontana Village Resort by setting a room reservation.
3.Night Lights: A Family New Year's Eve, Morehead, NC
Hosted at the Morehead Planetarium, enjoy a daytime New Year’s Eve activity with children of any ages. Beginning at 2 p.m., enjoy games, shows in the Fulldome Theater, performances put on by ‘Science LIVE!’ and take plenty of pictures to capture the day in the photo booth. The event will also include food through food trucks Dusty Donuts and Chirba Chirba. If you don’t want the options on the food trucks, there are many nearby downtown Chapel Hill restaurants to dine at.
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4.Sparkle & Glow New Year’s Eve, Belmont, NC
Hosted at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, take part in New Years Eve traditions from around the world, listen to amazing live music, and view the beautiful glowing hula hoop performance. For the adults, a wine tasting is offered with additional cost. The festivities begin at 5 p.m. and wrap up at 9 pm.
5.New Year’s Eve at Beech Mountain Resort, Beech Mountain, NC
Family night begins at 7 p.m. with no admission to enjoy Bingo with an awesome selection of prizes, music with the DJ and purchase food and beverages. New Year’s Eve Late Night Ice Skate is a $15 option to skate with music that begins at 10 p.m. and ends during the ringing of the new year at midnight.
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6.Tryon Midnight, Tryon, NC
Walk the streets of Tyron for the evening street festival. The evening is full of activities for the children to enjoy, live music to get those feet moving, warm drinks to sip on and food to purchase. The ball will drop from the clock town, located in the center of town, at 9 p.m. so everyone can enjoy the new year tradition. The event is free to attend, and the ball drop at 9 p.m. will be followed by fireworks.
7.CLT New Year’s Eve, Charlotte, NC
The celebration leading up to new year starts with live music at 8 p.m. and the beautiful fireworks at midnight. The annual tradition to Charlotte is packed full of not only live music, but food trucks and vendors, and the raising of the Queen City crown. Alcohol free, this is a perfect celebration for the whole family and is free to take part in.
8.Downtown Marion Celebration, Marion, NC
The annual celebration for 34 years and counting, experience the historic Marion starting at 9 p.m. through food, music, carriage rides and more entertainment. Free admission, explore Main Street with plenty of vendors until the New Year at midnight.
9.New Year’s Eve Extravaganza, Blowing Rock, NC
Lovers of snow sports can ring in the New Year on their skis gliding down the slopes by torchlight. Beginning at 8 p.m. at Appalachian Ski Mountain, ski the slopes, at 10 p.m. ice skate under the stars, view the beautiful fireworks and eat a delicious breakfast at the restaurant.
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10.New Year’s Eve Street Party, Bryson City, NC
From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., find yourself immersed in fun at the train depot with live music, warm hot chocolate, popcorn to snack on and activities for the kids in the activity area. Located downtown Bryson City, the whole family can enjoy the New Year’s Eve festivities.
