This list includes free community/town events alongside select ticketed events. Please note the times carefully, as some events listed end before midnight / arrival of the new year.
Note that New Year’s Eve parties by private businesses, for the most part, have not been included.
New Year’s Eve Blueberry Drop — Burgaw, NC
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 @ 5-7:30pm
Watch the Blueberry Drop at this early evening event in the Town of Burgaw. Music by Rivermist plus food trucks and an early celebration of the new year. Festivities will be along Freemont Street, Burgaw, NC, by the Historic Burgaw Train Depot. Event notice is here.
Island of Lights New Year’s Eve Celebration — Carolina Beach, NC
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 @ 9pm-until (after midnight)
Come celebrate at the beach and enjoy music, purchase refeshments, and ring in the new year with a giant beach ball drop and fireworks at midnight. Held along the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, Carolina Beach Avenue S and Harper Avenue, Carolina Beach, NC. See event details here.
New Year’s Eve — Enfield, NC
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at 8pm-12:30am (after midnight)
Join Downtown Enfield Restoration & Preservation (DERP) for this celebration including entertainment by Steve Owens and Summertime. This is a ticketed event, with tickets $40 in-advance and $50 at the door. (DERP is a non-profit and proceeds go toward their local works.) Held at The Collective Center, 131 Whitfield Street, Enfield, NC. See event flyer and contact information here.
New Year’s Eve Celebration and Emerald Drop — Greenville, NC
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 @ 9pm-midnight
Join the fun on the City of Greenville’s Town Common, 100 E 1st Street, Greenville, NC, with snacks, adult beverages, a photo booth, music, the first-ever “Emerald Drop” countdown, and fireworks to greet the new year.
NYE event details are on the city website at nye.greenvillenc.gov.
Vendor: opportunities available during event. Contact specialevents@greenvillenc.gov AND gvjaycees@gmail.com to learn more.
New Years Masquerade at the Museum — Kinston, NC
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 @ 8pm-1am
This Pride of Kinston Benefit includes live music by Trainwreck, dancing, snacks and bar, and raise funds for downtown revitalization. Masks are encouraged, with some available on-site. Dress in “business dress or black tie.” Held at the pin CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center, 100 N Queen Street, Kinston, NC. Tickets are $40 per person in-advance or $50 per person at the door. Tickets include 2 bar drinks and snacks. Visit downtownkinston.com for details and to purchase tickets.
New Year’s Eve Pickle Drop — Mount Olive, NC
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 @ 5-7:15pm
This 20th annual NYE event includes the Pickle Drop by Mount Olive Pickle Company. The drop is moving this year and will “drop” in front of Kornegay Arena at the University of Mount Olive, 634 Henderson Street, Mount Olive, NC. Food trucks expected to open for business at 5pm. Pickle drop at 7pm, followed by fireworks. See scheduled music, food trucks, fireworks, and other happenings at www.mtolivepickles.com/new-events.
Noon Year’s Eve Balloon Drop — Nashville, NC
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 @ 11:30am-noon
Bring the kids for an early Balloon Drop at HD Cooley Library, 114 W Church Street, Nashville, NC. Family friendly event with no fee. There will be crafts, snacks, and (of course) balloons! Follow the HD Cooley Library’s Facebook page for updates.
New Year’s Eve Downtown Countdown & Ball Drop — Tarboro, NC
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 @ 7pm-midnight
Ring in the new year early with a Kid’s Ball Drop at 7pm followed by live music at 9pm by Liquid Pleasure. Food vendors will be on-site and hot/cold drinks available. No outside alcohol allowed. NYE at midnight: “There will be a downtown countdown, laser light show, and confetti blast at midnight to celebrate the start of 2020!” Follow the Town of Tarboro on Facebook for updates.
NYE 2020: A Roaring Return — Wilson, NC
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 @ 8pm-12:30am (after midnight)
This event features a Roaring 20’s theme, as we head into 2020. There will be live music, a photo booth, food trucks, cash bar, and a general fun vibe. Held at the Wilsonian Event Center, 115 Barnes Street SW, Wilson, NC. Tickets sold by Gig360 Young Professionals and benefit that group and the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park. Tickets are available via EventBrite for $35 per person until December 24, 2019, when ticket price increases to $40 per person.
WRAL First Night Raleigh 2020
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 @ 2pm-midnight
Hit the big city for a day of activities and fireworks to welcome the new year. Music, The Dynamo Dogs canine performance, children’s activities, evening fun, and much more. Held in and around Bicentennial Plaza, 1 E Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC. Button must be purchased to enter and participate, available for $11 (in-advance) or $15 day-of. See firstnightraleigh.com.
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Ed. Note: Originally published December 17, 2018. Updated December 30.
