New Year’s Eve in the Triangle: First Night Raleigh, bar specials, family-friendly parties
We’ve put together a collection of New Year’s Eve events taking place in Raleigh and across the Triangle, ranging from the beloved Acorn Drop at First Night to dance parties in small venues.
We’ll update this list as we learn of more events, so bookmark it online and check back often. If you see something we missed that you think we should include, let us know by emailing ask@newsobserver.com.
Skip to the bottom to find family-friendly NYE events across the Triangle.
Important: Whenever possible, please check the website for each event or venue prior to heading out, to verify hours of operation (which can change) and to learn more about rain dates for outdoor events. Many New Year’s Eve events are also 21+.
First Night Raleigh
Ring in the new year with Raleigh’s beloved Acorn Drop while listening to musical performances, enjoying the amusement rides and checking out the food truck scene. The rain-or-shine event begins at 2 p.m. and wraps up at midnight in downtown Raleigh at City Plaza. Tickets include:
- The Ferris wheel
- Live music at the main stage at City Plaza
- Fireworks and the midnight Acorn Drop
- The People’s Procession at 6 p.m. leads to an early countdown and acorn drop at 7 p.m. followed by fireworks.
- Access to the large-scale art installations outdoors
- Live music at any of the event’s numerous indoor venues
Tickets are $16 for adults (13+), $12 for children (6-12) and free for young kids (0-5). Find details at firstnightraleigh.com
New Year’s Eve events in Raleigh
New Year’s Eve Gala with Rocky Top Catering: This event will feature food stations and late-night snacks, an open beer with specialty cocktails and premium liquor, two DJs and dance floors, a photo booth and more. Tickets start at $170. Starts 8 p.m. at Union Station Raleigh, 510 West Martin St.
Busy Bee New Year’s Eve Party: Close out the year with “throwback Busy Bee” times at the last ever event at Young Hearts Distillery, located at 225 S. Wilmington St. Tickets start at $200. 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Pre-Midnight New Year’s Eve Celebration: Gather for champagne and caviar at Heights Hotel. Tickets start at $75 and include a glass of champagne with a caviar pairing and access to the photo booth. The event starts at 5:15 p.m. at The Parlor at Heights House, 308 S Boylan Ave.
New Year’s Eve Bash at The Willard: This party will have spectacular views of the downtown Raleigh fireworks, plus a buffet, two full cash bars, live music with Peter Lamb & The Wolves and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets start at $125 with the option to upgrade to a VIP ticket. 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at 9 Glenwood Ave.
Noche de Luna at Madre: This event has no cover, live in-house music with DJ Ronnie Flash, champagne by the glass and food and beverage offerings. This event starts 4 p.m. (last seating is at 10:30 p.m.) at 518 N. West St.
New Year’s Eve at The Westin: Elegant attire is encouraged at this “night of enchantment” at The Westin hotel. Tickets start at $25. 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at 3931 Macaw St.
Level 7 New Year’s Eve Celebration: Tickets to this event featuring “music and dancing” begin at $55. 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at 101 Park at North Hills St.
New Year’s Eve at The Green Light Bar & Architect: Join for an elevated New Year’s Eve that includes a four-course pairing menu. Ticket will also get you into the Architect Bar and Social House for a NYE dance party. Tickets start at $90. 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. at 108 E Hargett St.
Champagne and Sparkling Wine Extravaganza at Raleigh Wine Shop: Free tastings 4-7 p.m. and specials on food and drinks, including charcuterie and caviar, all day. 12-7 p.m. at 317 S. Bloodworth St. in Raleigh.
Black & White New Year’s Eve Ball: The 16th annual party will have two dance floors, sponsored by the Carolina Dance Club. Tickets start at $25. This is a family-friendly social dancing party with three beginner dance lessons, food and festivities. Doors open at 7 p.m. at Temple Beth Or, 5315 Creedmoor Rd. in Raleigh
O’Malley’s New Year’s Eve: This free event will have live music from the Magic Pipers Band, plus party favors, a complimentary champagne toast at midnight and food/drink specials. 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at O’Malley’s Pub and Restaurant, 5228 Hollyridge Rd. in Raleigh
The Stray Volts NYE Party: This hard rock show with rock, pop and more from the ‘80s to 2020s starts at 9:30 p.m. Tickets start at $10. Tap Yard Raleigh, 1614 Automotive Way in Raleigh.
New Year’s Eve events in Durham
New Year’s Eve at Unscripted: Tickets start at $30 for a welcome bubbly, light bites and a live DJ. 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at 202 Corcoran St. #202.
New Year’s Eve Party at The Fruit: This party will include two levels and five stages of music. Tickets start at $30. 8:30 p.m. at 305 S Dillard St.
Pinhook’s Old School Early Countdown Dance Party: This 18+ dance party will count down at 9 p.m. and party ‘til 10 p.m. There will be a DJ, photobooth and games. Tickets start at $10. 6:30 p.m. at Pinhook, 117 W Main St. in Durham.
Pinhook’s Level Up! NYE Bash: This will be a high-energy 21+ NYE dance party featuring DJ FemiTheFemme and Ayo VIP. Tickets start at $10. 10 p.m. at Pinhook, 117 W Main St. in Durham.
New Year’s Eve events in Chapel Hill & Carrboro
New Year’s Eve at Lapin Bleu: This free event will include performances by Onyx Club Boys and a full bar (beer, wine and booze). 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. at 106 A N. Graham St. in Chapel Hill.
Y2K25 New Year’s Eve Bash: “Party like it’s 1999” at Speakeasy’s party, featuring DJ Dave Walker who will be playing ‘90s hits starting at 9 p.m. Speakeasy, 100 East Main St. in Carrboro.
New Year’s Eve events in Cary, Apex & Pittsboro
A Roving New Year’s Eve @ The Plant: This event will feature live music from Skeleton Crew, an apple drop at might, fire pits, sparkling wine and a dance party. It’s free to attend. 192 Lorax Ln. in Pittsboro.
Retro New Year’s Eve at Ciderworks Cary: This free event (“Mod & Martini Midnight”) will have retro vibes, cocktail specials and festive music. 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Bull City Ciderworks Cary, 210 E. Chatham St. in Cary
New Year’s Eve at Doherty’s Irish Pub: Join for dinner and an “Irish Champagne Toast” at 7 p.m. (or midnight in Ireland), then another at 12 a.m. Live music starts at 9 p.m. DJ Tino will be at the Apex location, and SJ George will be in Cary. Three parties at three locations: Apex (5490 Apex Peakway), Cary (1979 High House Rd.) and Pittsboro (56 Sanford Rd.) All three accept reservations.
New Year’s Eve events for kids & families
Noon Year’s Eve: This kid-friendly event will run 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and include crafts and hands-on science. This event is included with general admission, which begins at $23 for adults and $18 for children. 433 W. Murray Ave. in Durham.
Noon Year’s Eve Glow Roller Skate: Admission starts at $20 and includes skate rental, a glow stick, party favors, a mock countdown and a balloon drop at 1 p.m. Non-skating spectator admission is $5. 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at United Skates of America Raleigh, 2901 Trawick Rd. in Raleigh.
Fortnight Brewing’s Family Friendly NYE Party: This party kicks off at 5 p.m. and rings in the new year at 7 p.m. 1006 SW Maynard Rd. in Cary
Noon Year’s Eve at Marbles Kids Museum: This family event includes crafts, games, music and a special bubble wrap pop. Count down together as our ball drops at noon. This event is included with museum admission, which is typically $9. A quiet countdown will be held in the Sensory Exploration Exhibit: Under the Waves. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 201 E Hargett St. in Raleigh.
Noon Year’s Eve at Notasium: Tickets begin at $10 and include a “noon year’s eve” countdown. At Notasium Cary, 1000 Ryan Rd. in Cary.
Time Warp NYE Party at Oak City Brewing: The countdown and keg drop will be at 8 p.m. with a free toast (champagne for adults and sparkling cider for kids). There will be live music and face painting. The taproom will be open 2-10 p.m., 616 N 1st Ave. in Knightdale.
Stars & Strikes Early New Year’s Eve: A six-person party starts at $179 and includes unlimited bowling with shoe rental, a one-hour unlimited arcade game card, food and drinks and party favors. (There’s also a late-night option that starts at $269.) 6-9 p.m. at Stars & Strikes Raleigh, 4020 Capital Blvd.
New Year’s Eve Candle Party: This family-friendly event includes free goodie bags, games and prizes. A mini candle pour is $10 and a standard is $20. 6-8 p.m. at White Street Market & Candle Bar, 1320 5th Ave #100 in Garner
This story was originally published December 20, 2024 at 5:30 AM.