Last Updated on December 14, 2023
What are your goals for 2024 and the months ahead? Are they to try something new, get out more, and enjoy life? If so, we know how to start off the new year right!
Here are more than a dozen local events across Western North Carolina to help you ring in the new year, along with some created to help you start off January the right way!
Know of any other New Year’s Eve events? Let us know and we’ll add them to the list!
Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum
November 17–December 31 | Asheville
If you haven’t been by yet, don’t miss the 10th annual Winter Lights show at the North Carolina Arboretum! The event welcomes members and guests into the gardens for a spectacular and elaborate outdoor open-air walk-through. Enjoy the famous 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden. And spot popular arrangements throughout the gardens that mingle with ones never seen before. You can also time your entry to enjoy live music and storytime! Pets are not allowed. Tickets required.
Learn more: ncarboretum.org/winter-lights
Casablanca at Grove Park
December 30–31 | Asheville
Stroll into an elegant weekend-long celebration of the timeless Best Picture film. Your New Year’s Eve will begin at Grove’s Café Américain in the Heritage Ballroom, where you’ll be treated to a five-course plated dinner and music performed by live jazz band Queen Bee & The Honeylovers. The evening continues at the New Year’s Eve After Party, Casablanca at Grove Park, where you can dance the night away with live music by The Royal Suits, special guest performers, and a Moroccan-style silent DJ area. Classic cocktail attire is encouraged. All events are available for registered guests 21+ of the Heritage Plated Dinner New Year’s Package, and each guest must hold a valid ticket/wristband.
Learn more: omnihotels.com
Bold Rock’n NYE Steal the Pint
December 31 @ 10:00 AM | Downtown Asheville
Ring in the new year with a pint at the Bold Rock’n NYE Steal the Pint event! Glasses will be available from opening at 10:00 AM while supplies last—meaning you can grab a cider, enjoy some brunch, and greet the new year in style with a brand new Bold Rock glass to toast your friends!
Learn more: boldrock.com
2024 New Year’s Eve “Apple Rise” Celebration
December 31 @ 5:00–7:00 PM | Hendersonville
Want to celebrate 2024 with your entire family—without busting the kids’ bedtime routine? Henderson County Parks and Recreation hosts a family celebration of the new year at the Historic Courthouse. This family-oriented event will begin at 5:00 PM, with a countdown and “Apple Rise” at 7:00 PM. Families will enjoy NYE swag, crafts, a DJ dance party, hot beverages, games, and more.
Learn more: hendersoncountync.gov
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
December 31 @ 5:30 or 7:05 PM | Bryson City
All aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride—if you got your tickets in time! This memorable journey takes you on an incredible 75-minute round-trip ride. From the Bryson City depot, journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit to the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, you can enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Experience the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Sing Christmas carols as you return back to the Bryson City Depot. Tickets required.
Learn more: gsmr.com
The Mischief Revue
December 31 @ 6:00 PM | Ella Asheville
Enjoy an enchanting night at The Mischief Revue, a New Year’s Eve events gala that promises an evening steeped in mystique, artistry, and musical brilliance. Merging the spirits of vaudeville, burlesque, and cabaret, this spectacle welcomes you to a place where every moment is a celebration of creativity. Sway to the soulful melodies of Hustle Souls, 81 Drifters, and the headlining act, Buddhagraph Spaceship. Witness live painters as they imprint their magic on canvas, capturing the essence of the night with each brushstroke. Costumes reminiscent of a bygone era are encouraged. $30.
Learn more: eventbrite.com
New Year’s Eve Party at Point Lookout Vineyards
December 31 @ 6:30 PM–1:30 AM | Hendersonville
Ring in the new year with fine dining, music with The Super 60s, and good times. A 7:30 PM seated dinner includes hors d’oeuvres, mains, and dessert. Music and dancing run from 9:00 PM until the midnight countdown. Stay for the complimentary midnight toast with party favors. $90/person or $170/couple.
Learn more: pointlookoutvineyards.com
Oskar Blues’ 11th Annual NYE Hootenanny
December 31 @ 7:00 PM | Brevard
The Oskar Blues NYE Hootenanny is a WNC tradition, complete with foot stompin’ music and Brevard-brewed beers! Celebrate another trip around the sun on the heated patio, with food trucks on site and beer flowing all night. Enjoy live music from Pink Beds, Kendall Street Company, and LITZ. A free shuttle from Brevard-area hotels and downtown Brevard to the brewery will run all night, weather permitting. This event is free and open to the public.
Learn more: facebook.com
New Year’s Eve: She’s Got Soul
December 31 @ 8:00 PM | Downtown Asheville
Ring in the new year with soul, symphony, and style. The Asheville Symphony proudly presents a lineup of legendary divas such as Whitney Houston, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Adele, and many others. These powerhouse vocals will be brought to life by none other than the fabulous Capathia Jenkins, joined by a talented trio of backup singers. Get swept away into 2024 by the soulful sounds of these iconic artists, all backed by your Asheville Symphony. “NYE: She’s Got Soul” will take place in the Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville’s ExploreAsheville.com Arena.
Learn more: ashevillesymphony.org
Annual Gold Nugget Drop
December 31 @ 8:30 PM–12:30 AM | Marion
What’s better than the New York City Times Square ball drop to welcome in the new year? Head to the small town of Marion to watch a six-foot, 80-pound gold nugget drop into a pot of gold! This fun, free, quirky New Year’s Eve celebration also features a variety of events, including a cosplay costume contest, wagon rides, and more! Music, food, and craft vendors will be scattered throughout the 310 District of Downtown Marion. The beer and wine garden will feature many nearby wineries and breweries.
Learn more: romanticasheville.com/nugget-drop
‘80s Glam NYE with Lazr Luvr
December 31 @ 9:00 PM–1:00 AM | The Ridge, TIEC, Tryon
Come in style: Popped collars, teased hair, and fingerless gloves. Lazr Luvr is live this New Year’s Eve at Tryon International! You’re not going to want to miss this event, complete with tributes to timeless favorites and a free champagne toast at midnight for all guests over 21. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and drink specials will be available, with on-site lodging packages so you can make a night of it. Tickets are available online, as well as available at the door. $35/person.
Learn more: resort.tryon.com/winterfest
Chill to Thrill: NYE
December 31 @ 9:00 PM–2:00 AM | Asheville
Escape the ordinary and welcome 2024 at the Getaway River Bar, your NYE retreat away from downtown. It’s outta the way in a good way, the perfect place for a laid-back celebration with a touch of sparkle. Enjoy a special cocktail menu, crafted just for NYE. Sample Asheville’s finest craft beers in a toast to new beginnings. Let the vinyl spin as the energy builds, moving your feet into the new year with DJ Nato. And raise your glass and cheer to a fresh start with a midnight toast. You’re sure to have an evening that’s chill at the start and thrilling by the end—all in the unique spirit of Asheville. Ages 21+.
Learn more: getawayontheriver.com
First Day Hike: 6 Miles Around the Park
January 1, 2024 @ 9:00 AM–2:00 PM | Mount Mitchell
Worried that New Year’s Eve events won’t count toward your 2024 resolutions? Begin your year at Mount Mitchell State Park for First Day Hikes! This year, park staff will offer three hikes, weather permitting. All hikes begin at the park museum, located at the summit. After each hike, hot chocolate and buttons will be available at the museum. The 9:00 AM excursion is a strenuous six-mile loop hike around the park for experienced hikers only. Carry plenty of water and snacks; dress and plan accordingly. Registration required.
Learn more: ncparks.gov
10th Annual New Year’s Resolution Run
January 1, 2024 @ 10:00 AM–12:00 PM | Asheville
Start the year strong with this inspiring Asheville tradition. This annual in-person running event begins at 10:00 AM, so you can watch the ball drop and still get up in time to kick off the first day of the year on the right foot. Held in the vibrant streets of downtown Asheville, this run offers participants a scenic and invigorating event. With 5K and 10K routes to choose from, the event caters to runners and walkers of all levels. Make this your first resolution and start the New Year strong! Discounted pricing for kids 12 and under.
Learn more: idaph.net/resolution-run
