New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Wilmington, NC
Celebrate the start of a new year coastal-style with a New Year's Eve getaway to Wilmington and our Island Beaches. There are a variety of things to do with festivities on the river, dinner and shows, speakeasies, a lighted beach ball drop and family-friendly events. Check out a sampling of area celebrations below and find the perfect place to stay. For a list of special events happening all throughout the holidays, check out our roundup of seasonal highlights.
NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATIONS
From kid-friendly celebrations at noon to cruises and an island beach ball drop at midnight, Wilmington and our island beaches offer festive happenings for all ages. The Children's Museum of Wilmington's annual New Year's Noon features arts and crafts, singing and dancing, an apple juice toast at noon and more. Then, head to the annual Island of Lights New Year's Eve Celebration, the location of which rotates each year between Carolina Beach (at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk) and Kure Beach (Ocean Front Park), for a live DJ, local vendors, a beach ball drop at midnight and a spectacular fireworks show to ring in 2025. Or, visit Wrightsville Beach and participate in the Plunge into the New Year from beautiful beach accesses #36 and #37. You can also watch the excitement from the shore or from the Crystal Pier.
BARS & NIGHTLIFE
Immerse yourself in Wilmington's vibrant nightlife to celebrate the New Year. Enjoy specialty cocktails and mocktails at The Blind Elephant, a 1920s-inspired speakeasy known for their vast selection of elixirs. Visit Reel Cafe and dance to DJ music, sing karaoke with friends or hear acoustic tunes while you sip on craft beers and specialty wines. Or, dance the night away at Waterline Brewing Co. and indulge in one of their flagship ales like the Oatmeal Stout. Ring in the New Year at Satellite Bar & Lounge and enjoy back-to-back live entertainment from local rock and pop bands. Find more live music and entertainment at our local breweries and nightlife hotspots.
HOTEL PACKAGES & SPECIAL RATES
Many local accommodations offer deals and special events to celebrate the New Year in style. Check back closer to 2026 as Lodging Packages are announced and added.
VACATION RENTALS
Book a vacation rental in Wilmington or our Island Beaches and host your own New Year's Beachin' Eve celebration! Savor oysters and seafood steam pots catered from local favorites like Topsail Steamer in Wrightsville Beach or Cape Fear Boil Company in Carolina Beach. For those with a sweet tooth, order delicious treats from Apple Annie’s Bake Shop or The Donut Inn. Cheers to the New Year with pre-chilled champagne or local brews from Lighthouse Beer & Wine in Wrightsville Beach or pick up your favorite wines at Neapolitan Wine and Beer Oasis in Carolina Beach.
Find all festive New Year's Eve and New Year's Day events on the calendar below, which is updated daily as new events are announced.
