Celebrate New Year's in the Carolinas with a mix of charm, quirkiness, and plenty of Southern hospitality.
Whether you're digging your toes into the sand, jumping into the ocean, or sharing a meal with friends, there's no shortage of ways to ring in 2025. These celebrations are less about the glitz and more about the experience—the kind of event that leaves you with a smile, a few laughs, and a memory to take into the next year. Embrace the warmth and fun of ringing in the New Year, Carolina-style. Let’s dive into six of the most unique and heartwarming ways to welcome 2025!
1. Folly Beach Drone Show and Flip Flop Drop
Location: Folly Beach, SC
Date & Time: December 31, 2024, 7:00 PM
Get ready for the first ever drone show!
If you’ve ever imagined ringing in the New Year barefoot on the beach, surrounded by good company and the sound of waves crashing, Folly Beach offers just that. The first annual drone show starts at 7:00 p.m. The Flip Flop Drop is a charmingly quirky way to say goodbye to the old year and step into the new one. At midnight, a giant flip flop slowly descends from a crane, signaling the start of 2025. It’s a perfect reflection of the laid-back, beachy vibe of Folly Beach.
No need for fancy outfits or crowded party scenes here. This celebration is all about embracing the sand between your toes, the salt in the air, and the joy of being together by the ocean. As the flip flop reaches the ground and the crowd cheers, you’ll realize that sometimes, the best celebrations are the simplest. It’s a fun, heartwarming, and completely unpretentious way to start the year. Whether you’re dancing on the beach or watching the glow of the flip flop from a cozy spot, this is a celebration that feels like home.
2. Burgaw Blueberry Drop
Location: Burgaw, NC
Date & Time: December 31, 2024, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Gather together for a beloved New Year's Eve tradition
In Burgaw, a town known for its small-town charm, New Year’s Eve is all about community and tradition. The Blueberry Drop is a unique and fun way to kick off the celebration, and it’s perfect for families. Starting at 5:00 PM, the downtown area comes alive with music, local food vendors, and the excitement of the evening. As 7:00 PM approaches, the crowd gathers in anticipation of the giant illuminated blueberry slowly descending. There’s something delightfully unexpected about watching a massive blueberry drop to mark the occasion, and it always brings out the smiles.
The festivities don’t stop there. Local bands keep the energy high, and food trucks offer up delicious bites for every taste. When the blueberry touches down, the crowd erupts in cheers, and the evening is capped off with a beautiful fireworks display. It’s a wholesome, feel-good event where the whole town comes together to celebrate the New Year, and you can’t help but be swept up in the joy of it all.
3. Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Dinner Party
Location: Hendersonville, NC
Date & Time: December 31, 2024, Reservations from 5:00 PM
Ring in the New Year in Style!
For a more refined yet equally festive New Year’s Eve celebration, head over to The Silo Cookhouse for their Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Dinner Party. This is the place to be if you’re craving a delicious, carefully crafted meal in a cozy, intimate atmosphere. With the option for both à la carte dining and a special prix fixe menu, this event strikes a perfect balance between indulgence and relaxation.
The evening is set to live music, and the menu is a celebration of local flavors. You can even treat yourself to a luxurious caviar bar, all while enjoying the warm, welcoming vibe of the venue. If you’re in the mood for a nightcap after dinner, head over to the sister restaurant, Root & Bone, for an exclusive after-party. It's a wonderful choice if you prefer a night that’s delicious, lively, and intimate—without the usual late-night chaos.
4. The Annual New Year’s Eve Apple Rise
Location: Historic Courthouse, Hendersonville, NC
Date & Time: December 31, 2024, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
For a family-friendly, earlier New Year’s Eve celebration, Hendersonville’s Apple Rise is an absolute gem. Held at the Historic Courthouse plaza, this event honors the town’s place as the Apple Capital of North Carolina. At 7:00 PM, a giant apple slowly rises into the sky, marking the town’s transition into the New Year, well before the late-night festivities kick off.
But it's not just about the apple. The event is full of fun activities for all ages—DJ music, hot cocoa stands, and plenty of vendors selling handmade crafts and local treats. The atmosphere is warm, inviting, and free from the usual noise of typical New Year’s parties. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the evening with the kids or just savor a quieter, yet equally festive, way to ring in 2025.
5. 3rd Annual New Year’s Dolphin Dip
Location: Surf City, NC
Date & Time: January 1, 2025, 11:00 AM
Take the plunge!
Start your year with a literal plunge into the Atlantic at the 3rd Annual New Year’s Dolphin Dip in Surf City, NC. If you’re looking to wake up and shake off the old year, this is the place to be. The event begins at 11:00 AM, with participants gathering at Roland Avenue Beach Access to take part in a chilly (but invigorating) dip in the ocean. At noon, everyone plunges into the water—braving the cold temperatures to mark the beginning of a fresh start.
What makes this event stand out is the festive atmosphere—costumed participants, belly dancers, and even a few dinosaurs make their way into the surf. It’s an unexpected and fun way to get your blood pumping on the first day of the year. Proceeds from event merchandise go to Share the Table, a local nonprofit focused on food security, making this cold dip feel just a little warmer.
