Last Updated on December 10, 2024
Do you consider a great New Year’s Eve event the perfect end to the current year or the best start to the new year? If you ask us, that’s as important a perspective as the age-old glass half full/glass half empty debate.
Regardless of your stance on NYE, Western North Carolina offers plenty of opportunities each year to try something new, get out more, and enjoy life—and this year is no exception! Here are more than a dozen local events across the region to help you ring in the new year.
Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum
Now–December 31 | Asheville
Don’t miss the 11th 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
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Now–December 31 | 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. 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! Tickets required.
Learn more: gsmr.com
Holiday Windows Competition & Walking Tour
Now–December 31 | Brevard
Close out the holiday season by walking through downtown Brevard to view 30+ festive window displays. Businesses in the Heart of Brevard have decorated their windows with spectacular, eye-popping displays for all to enjoy. The holiday window competition mirrors the Chamber’s annual Christmas parade theme: “Merry and Bright”. A panel of celebrity judges vote on the windows for winners in five categories. Visitors to downtown can also vote for their favorite window to win the People’s Choice Award. Winners will be announced on January 2, 2025.
Learn more: brevardnc.org
New Year’s Blue Ridge Buffet Dinner
December 27–January 2, 2025 | Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville
Welcome 2025 at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa with a magical celebration inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s timeless masterpiece, “The Starry Night”. Enjoy a New Year’s Eve dinner for two at the Blue Ridge Buffett. After dinner, journey to the New Year’s Eve afterparty, A Starry Night at Grove Park, where you’ll dance the night away and feel as if you are part of the painting. Classic cocktail attire is encouraged. All events are available for registered guests 21+ of the New Year’s Package, and each guest must hold a valid ticket/wristband.
Learn more: omnihotels.com
Noon Year’s Eve Storytime & Celebration
December 30 @ 11:00 AM–12:15 PM | Waynesville Library
Haywood County children and families are invited to welcome the new year with a kid friendly “Noon Year’s Eve” party, courtesy of Waynesville Library Youth Services. Enjoy a special story time, music, crafts, and snacks as the crowd awaits the countdown to noon—when a fun balloon drop and bubbles will ring in the new year. This event is ideal for children 13 years and younger accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required, as space is limited.
Learn more: haywoodlibrary.org
Fabulous Equinox Orchestra
December 30 @ 7:30 PM | Highlands
Come out to enjoy this pre-New Year’s Eve party and concert. Audiences have fallen in love with the high-energy show of the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra. Inspired by the style and swagger of legendary entertainers, the orchestra is making their own revisions to the Great American songbook, including favorite melodies from recent history—a dash of Motown, a splash of Country, some folk and rock sprinkled on top—and the stories behind them.
Learn more: highlandschamber.org
New Year’s Eve “Apple Rise” Celebration
December 31 @ 5:00–7:00 PM | Hendersonville
Want to celebrate 2025 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
2nd Annual Mischief Revue
December 31 @ 6:00 PM | The Hideaway, 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. This year will feature six musical acts, 16 visual artists and performers, and an array of local craft vendors versed in the ways of Appalachian folklore, trade goods, and the traditional arts.
Learn more: eventbrite.com
New Year’s Eve Gala at The Orchard Inn
December 31 @ 7:00 PM | Saluda
Ring in 2025 in style. The Orchard Inn’s sensational, seven-course dinner begins with hors d’oeuvres at 7:00 PM and sit-down dinner at 8:00 PM, ending with a complimentary glass of French champagne while watching the ball drop at midnight. Black tie optional. It’s a perfect gathering spot for a couple or group of friends. The inn also offers a NYE package, which includes dinner for two on December 30 and 31, brunch on New Year’s Day, plus two-night accommodations.
Learn more: saluda.com
Tryon Midnight
December 31 @ 7:00–10:30 PM | Tryon
Count down to midnight in Downtown Tryon! As the clock ticks toward the stroke of midnight, historic Tryon comes alive with anticipation. Families gather, their faces illuminated by the warm glow of streetlights and the twinkle of stars. Laughter and chatter fill the air, creating a sense of togetherness that transcends time. And then, as the final seconds tick away, the crowd chants in unison: “Happy New Year!”
Learn more: downtowntryon.org
New Years Eve Prom Party!
December 31 @ 7:30 PM–12:30 AM | Black Mountain
If you’ve had a year of contradictions, bring them to a head at this BIG event held in North Carolina’s smallest boutique hotel. Peri Social House is a 1936 Georgian-revival home turned mountain-boho coffee and wine bar. Their all-inclusive prom tickets include hors d’oeuvres and access to the open bar. Enjoy a live band, photo booth, and lots of fun leading up to the champagne toast at midnight.
Learn more: perisocialhouse.com
New Year’s Eve – A Carnival Celebration
December 31 @ 7:30 PM–1:00 AM | Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa
Join the crew from the Old Farmer’s Ball for a vibrant night of music, dance, and merriment! Don your finest carnival or circus attire to celebrate and share an unforgettable night. The event features live music by The Lagomorph Quartet and expert calling by David Winston. Not familiar with contra dancing? Show up at 7:30 PM for a quick lesson. Dancing starts at 8:00 PM. A midnight toast will be followed by partner dancing (waltz, swing, and more).
Learn more: oldfarmersball.com
NYE: Music of ABBA with Direct From Sweden
December 31 @ 8:00 PM | Downtown Asheville
Ring in the new year with an unforgettable ABBA tribute show featuring Direct From Sweden and backed by your Asheville Symphony! Grab your shiniest disco boots and let’s take a chance on 2025 the way old friends do. Dance your way into the New Year with hits like “Mamma Mia,” “Waterloo,” “Fernando,” “Dancing Queen,” and more!
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 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
Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Party at The Horse Shoe Farm
December 31 @ 9:00 PM–12:00 AM | Hendersonville
Ring in the new year with a lively celebration of music, dancing, and festive cheer! Join the Horse Shoe Farm for a Rockin’ New Year’s Eve party, complete with live music, hors d’oeuvres and a grazing board, cash bar, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Guests are also invited to book a dinner reservation beforehand, as space is limited, and get ready to dance the night away as you welcome the new year in style!
Learn more: visithendersonvillenc.org
80’s New Year’s Eve Bash
December 31 @ 10:00 PM–1:00 AM | Tryon International
Get ready to throw it back to the most iconic decade of all time! TIEC is celebrating the arrival of 2025 with a totally tubular 80’s-themed New Year’s Eve celebration that’s sure to be a blast from the past! Catch comedy shows featuring Philly Plowden and Ben Jones, a live performance by Lazr Luvr, a midnight countdown and champagne toast, era-appropriate photo ops, and a cash bar with 80’s-inspired cocktails. Whether you’re channeling your inner glam rocker, pop diva, or totally rad skateboarder, come dressed to impress in your best 80’s gear.
Learn more: resort.tryon.com
11th Annual New Year’s Resolution Run
January 1, 2025 @ 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 on 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!
Learn more: idaph.net/resolution-run
First Day Hike: Lake James State Park
January 1, 2025 @ 1:00–2:30 PM | Lake James State Park
Put your best foot forward in 2025! Join Ranger Hughes for a nature walk along the Fox Den Loop Trail for Lake James State Park’s first guided hike of the year. The park will also have free hot chocolate as a treat after the hike! This hike is 2.25 miles long and considered moderate.
Learn more: ncparks.gov
