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If you're looking forward to making 2024 NYE plans in the Carolinas, chances are you'll encounter an interesting item being dropped from the sky…
From giant blueberries and acorns to life-size pig cutouts and a pair of flip flops, we're reporting on the most interesting NYE ball drops in the Carolinas. If you're looking for 2024 NYE plans, we're positive you'll find one of these next options enticing!
To stay up to date with the latest events and “things to do near me” in SC and NC for 2024, follow us on Facebook, where we regularly offer free tickets and other giveaways, and make sure to become a 2024 subscriber to Carolina Traveler magazine!
Newport NC: Operation Pig Drop
Winner: Best Free 2024 NYE Plans in NC | North Carolina is BBQ nation — are you really that surprised that we're paying our respects to a descending pig on New Year's Eve? All hail porky!
The Newport Pig Drop takes place at the Newport Community Park from 5-6:30 PM on December 31, making it a great family-friendly option for the early-to-bed crew. Enjoy FREE cookies, hot chocolate, and good music to bring in the new year!
Traveling with kids? The Fort Benjamin Park Recreation Center is one of the best playgrounds in North Carolina — guaranteed to be a great time passer for a day trip to Newport!
Golf Ball Drop At Harbour Town
Winner: Best 2024 NYE Plans For Early Birds | Two ball drops, you say?! Surely, that's too good to be true…or is it?!
The annual Golf Ball Drop celebration at the Sea Pines Resort in Harbour Town on Hilton Head Island is a great option for celebrating 2024 NYE plans on the coast.
Those who prefer going to bed before the clock strikes 12 can enjoy a 7 PM golf ball drop then get a good first night's sleep of the new year. You'll surely be looking for dinner reservations adjacent to the Golf Ball Drop — check out our Carolina Traveler recommendations for the best restaurants in Hilton Head Island.
Address: 149 Lighthouse Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC
SC Aquarium Aglow: The Best Family-Friendly 2024 NYE Plans
Set against a stunning backdrop of the illuminated Charleston Harbor and adjacent to the recently-opened International African American Museum (IAAM), Aquarium Aglow at the South Carolina Aquarium offers of the most unique and family-friendly 2024 NYE plans in the Carolinas.
Enjoy DJ music, face-painting, circus actors, a ball drop, and more! The fun goes down from 5:30-9:30 PM. Tickets are $34.95 for adults, $29.95 for kids, and toddlers get in free. Here's an excellent deal: SC Aquarium members receive a 20% discount on their NYE tickets!
Looking for other fun things to do in Charleston with kids? Check out our recommendations for family-friendly Charleston activities as well as the best places to stay in Charleston.
Address: 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, SC
Classic Downtown 24 NYE Plans: The Raleigh Acorn Drop
Also known as First Night, the Raleigh Acorn Drop is a NYE celebration that every Tar Heel needs to check off their Carolina bucket list. One must, at some point in their lives, behold the giant acorn in all its majesty, and bask among the oohs and aahs of the denizens of the City of Oaks.
You may be surprised to learn that thousands make their way to Raleigh to attend each year's First Night celebration. The 2024 NYE iteration features an eclectic line-up of music and comedy along with a funky ferris wheel! Oh, and one more thing…FIREWORKS!!!
Folly Beach Flip Flop Drop
Winner: Beach Bar-Hopping 2024 NYE Plans | Who knew that the coolest place to spend 2024 NYE plans in the Carolinas is also one of the hottest?
Folly Beach, also known as the Edge of America, is an extremely laidback beach town just outside of downtown Charleston. With good eats interspersed among lively dive bars, you might as well book your stay for the night — attending the Flip Flop Drop will be worth it for the brunch possibilities the next day! Try to get to Lost Dog Cafe early for mimosas and a breakfast sandwich, then take your first walk of the new year on Folly Beach!
Burgaw Blueberry Drop
Winner: Best Small Town 2024 NYE Plans | If you loved our top picks for Christmas in a Small Town, you'll love the charming Blueberry Drop that has been going down in Burgaw as of late.
Plus, the Burgaw Blueberry Drop wins an additional award for Best 2024 NYE plans with fireworks! This year's celebration takes place from 5:30-8 PM in Historic Downtown Burgaw