New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Wilmington, NC

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 at the Ocean Front Park & Pavilion in Kure Beach for a live DJ, local vendors, a beach ball drop at midnight and a spectacular fireworks show to ring in 2024. 

Farewell to the year's past at local restaurant soirees or pair your dinner with a musical production held at a historic theater. Enjoy dinner and a show during the New Year's Eve Gala at the Thalian Hall Center for Performing Arts featuring the Broadway musical, "The Producers," a midnight champagne toast, after-hours karaoke fun and more. In nearby Wrightsville Beach, visit Bluewater Waterfront Grill for their New Year's Eve Bash featuring live music from Uptown Easy, late night bar bites, party favors and a cash bar. Carolina Beach's SeaWitch Café & Tiki Bar's New Year's Eve Bash returns with music from Machine Gun, complimentary champagne split, live DJ and more.

Immerse yourself in Wilmington's vibrant nightlife to celebrate the New Year. Stop by Wilmington’s Soda Pop District to find craft beers, high-end bourbons and tequilas to cheer in the New Year at Bowstring Burgers & Brewyard. Groove to your own beat while sipping craft ciders during Bull City Ciderworks' Silent Disco or enjoy live piano music and a complimentary midnight champagne toast 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, purchase tickets for Sauce'd New Year's Eve Party and enjoy holiday shooters, a midnight champagne toast and more. 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.

Ring in the New Year at Olivero and enjoy a five-course dinner paired with unique cocktail and wine offerings. Order Ana's Masonboro Smoked Oysters or try the NC Crab Tortelloni made with vermouth melted leeks, chermoula and smoked trout roe. First seating begins at 5 p.m. with last seating at 10 p.m. Tickets cost $150 per person and there is a limited number of seating available; reserve your spot today!

Pair scenic river views with decadent Italian fare and wine at downtown Wilmington's Floriana. Toast to the New Year with a specialized menu and complimentary bubbly wine. Make your reservations early, tickets are $90 per person and seating times begin at 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Make reservations at three10 and enjoy a delicious New Year's Eve prix-fixe, four-course dinner menu including a sparkling toast and amuse bouche. Try the Tuna Tartare or the Short Ribs with polenta and mustard greens. Or, enhance your dining experience with fresh oysters, champagne and caviar. Tickets are $90 per person with two seating options; 5 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. Reserve your table online.

Caprice Bistro is celebrating New Year's Eve with a pre-fixe menu including your choice of appetizer, entree and dessert. Savor warm Lobster Bisque made with lobster shells and brandy or enjoy the Seafood Waterzooi featuring a selection of fresh seafood and shellfish tossed in a herb cream broth. Tickets begin at $55 per person with limited seating available. Call (910) 815-0810 to book your reservation.

Indulge in delicious culinary creations this New Year's Eve at Seabird. Revel in a special four-course pre-fixe menu featuring caviar, lobster, oysters and more. Tickets begin at $100 per person and advance reservations highly recommended.

Enjoy fine wine and a pre-fixe menu during The Second Glass' New Year's Eve dinner. Start the evening with an amuse-bouche following a four-course meal of your choice. Pair your meal with the finest wines and discover cuisine like Duck Confit with aged cheddar risotto and cherry jus or Stuffed Butternut Squash with quinoa, Swiss chard and walnuts. Tickets start at $75 per person, and are sure to go fast. Make your reservations online.

Visit South Beach Grill in Wrightsville Beach for a special chef crafted, pre-fixe New Year's Eve menu. Enjoy a four-course meal featuring traditional favorites like the She Crab Soup made with lump crab and sherry redux or try the local fresh catch paired with chestnut bread pudding, winter greens and more. Pre-fixe dinner menu starts at $69 per person. Call (910) 256-4646 to reserve your spot!

EMBASSY SUITES

Experience a New Year's Eve party to remember at the Embassy Suites Wilmington Riverfront Hotel. The NYE Gala 2024 Under the Embas-SEA package includes an overnight stay, specialty four-course dinner for two, open bar, celebratory libations, late night bites, live music by Diverse Groove Band and a midnight champagne toast. Tickets begin at $509.00 per couple.

The Hive

Opt for a stay at one of downtown Wilmington's luxury boutique hotels, The Hive. Explore historic downtown's lively nightlife at local bars and speakeasies, dine at local restaurants or attend a holiday event - all within walking distance. Use promo code DIRECT to receive 10% off.

BLOCKADE RUNNER BEACH RESORT

Spend a long New Year's weekend soaking in the scenic views at the Blockade Runner Beach Resort in Wrightsville Beach! Book your getaway and enjoy savings up to 20% off.

Lumina, a Holiday Inn Resort

Ring in the New Year with special rates on an oceanfront or soundside room at Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, a Holiday Inn Resort. Special rates start at $109 per night and can be booked here. Select your arrival and departure date, choose the Holiday Cheer rate and book your stay to welcome 2024 in Wrightsville Beach. 

Courtyard Carolina Beach Oceanfront

Combine oceanfront accommodations with a delicious dinner at Lake Park Steakhouse with the Courtyard Carolina Beach’s Enhance Your Stay package. Use the promo code D60 when booking to receive a $100 gift card to Lake Park Steakhouse, a local island hotspot conveniently located one block from the hotel. Valid through Dec. 31, 2023.

FRONT STREET INN

Celebrate the New Year in downtown Wilmington at the Front Street Inn, a boutique hotel a short distance from the Cape Fear River and downtown’s local entertainment. Stay two nights at regular mid-week rate (Sunday-Thursday) and get the third consecutive night for half price. Call (910) 762-6442 to secure the Explore Historic Wilmington Package!

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.