Raleigh is gearing up for another mid-week New Year’s Eve (coming in on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, this year), and we’re keeping track of every party, dinner, concert, and celebration popping up across the Triangle. This roundup will be updated throughout the season as new events land in our inbox, so check back often for the latest ways to ring in 2026. Whether you’re looking for fireworks, family-friendly fun, or a midnight toast, here’s what’s happening around town.
Sheraton Imperial Hotel Raleigh-Durham Airport at Research Triangle Park
Celebrate in elevated cocktail style with VIP tables, party favors, and a champagne toast at midnight while two DJs—“The Mash Out King” DJ Skillz and “Kid ’N Play’s Tour DJ” DJ Bro Rabb—keep the party going all night. Expect a high-energy, dressed-to-impress New Year’s Eve vibe perfect for dancing your way into 2026. Get Tickets Here
Vidrio in Downtown Raleigh
Enjoy a full night of dinner, dancing, and dynamic entertainment in the heart of Downtown Raleigh at Vidrio. Guests can choose from a four-course Dinner & Party Experience with wine or cocktail pairings and a Love Prosecco toast at midnight; a Late-Night Party Experience featuring appetizers, live music, a midnight toast, and a cash bar; or a Dinner & Deejay Experience with reservations available through Resy for seatings at 5, 7, or 9 p.m. The Shavonna Antoinette Band, a deejay, a tarot card reader, and even the Poetry Fox will keep the celebration fun, festive, and unforgettable. More Details + Tickets
A Starry Affair: An Old Hollywood New Year’s Eve with Theatre Raleigh
Step into the spotlight and celebrate the New Year in true silver-screen style. A Starry Affair transforms Theatre Raleigh into a glittering 1940s film studio and supper club, where the champagne flows, the music swings, and the night unfolds like a classic film. Enjoy a lavish dinner, live performances, and the glamour of Old Hollywood cinematic magic. Formal attire encouraged—think elegance and vintage Hollywood flair. Tickets $125-150
The OG Raleigh Ticket: First Night Raleigh
Downtown Raleigh rings in 2026 with WRAL’s First Night Raleigh, the city’s signature New Year’s Eve celebration. The festivities begin at 2 p.m. with a family-friendly Children’s Celebration and live performances at City Plaza before expanding into a full evening of music, art, and activities across multiple downtown venues. As midnight approaches, crowds gather for the iconic Great Raleigh Acorn Drop, complete with fireworks and triumphant music to welcome the new year. Tickets are on sale now (~$15 for adults, free for kids), with early-bird pricing available through December 25. Schedule + Tickets
A Roaring New Year’s Eve at Birdie’s
Enjoy a Roaring Twenties–themed New Year’s Eve celebration in the heart of downtown Raleigh at Birdie’s Barroom & Kitchen. Ring in 2026 with vintage glamour, high energy, and a modern spin on Gatsby-era revelry. À la carte dining is available until 8 p.m., with ticketed entry beginning at 9 p.m., when the entire venue transforms into a lively 1920s-inspired soirée. Guests can enjoy open seating, festive food stations, and a cash bar throughout the dining room and heated outdoor tent. Tickets are $50 and limited to just 100 guests. The party kicks into high gear at 10 p.m. when the deejay takes over, syncing beats across both indoor and outdoor spaces to keep the celebration going until 2 a.m. Dress to impress—sip, dance, and welcome the New Year in Gatsby style. Tickets
Figulina Serves a Four-Course Feast to Welcome 2026
Ring in 2026 with an unforgettable evening at Figulina, where chef-owner David Ellis presents a special four-course New Year’s Eve menu built around seasonal, luxurious ingredients and a complimentary midnight toast. Guests will choose from standout dishes like Lobster and Smoked Trout Roulade, Braised Rabbit Canneloni, Wagyu Picanha with bone marrow sauce, Black Treacle–glazed salmon, and indulgent desserts including Black Forest Cake or Banoffee Pie. Reservations at $145 Per Guest, Wine Pairings Optional
Mala Pata Marks NYE with a Six-Course Nixtamal Celebration
Fresh off its Bib Gourmand honor from the Michelin Guide, Mala Pata is celebrating New Year’s Eve with a six-course Nixtamal dinner and a champagne toast. Guests can enhance the experience with curated alcohol packages featuring rare mezcals, fine wines, or bespoke cocktails — each tailored to the table through a personal phone consultation after booking. Reservations are $175/Guest, Gratuity Included
Countdown to 2026 at Boatman Spirits’ NYE Departure Party with Kooley High
Downtown Raleigh’s Boatman Spirits is sending off 2025 in high style with its New Year’s Eve Departure Party, a mashup of elevated dining and live hip hop brought to you by Kooley High. From 5–9:45 p.m., guests can enjoy a four-course holiday dinner for $165 per person, then stick around as the energy shifts with a 9:30 p.m. performance from the iconic local hip hop group. Those looking to level up their night can opt for the $150 VIP package, which includes premium seating, a distillery tour, a bottle of Moët, and a $50 gift card to use on a future visit, while general admission to the show runs $25.75. Dinner reservations and VIP or GA tickets are available via Resy, and the celebration takes place at 713 Seaboard Station Dr., Raleigh. Make Your Reservation
NYE Live! Hosts Cary’s Biggest New Year’s Eve Bash
Ring in 2026 with one massive, multi-venue celebration at NYE Live! in Cary at Sports & Social—presented by Peroni. This all-in-one New Year’s Eve party takes over the entire building with themed specialty drinks at each bar, live entertainment, and a DJ spinning all night with immersive sound that keeps the energy high.
Guests can enjoy a full buffet on both the first and second floors, unforgettable photo-op moments throughout the venue, and a midnight champagne toast featuring the Times Square Ball Drop on a towering 42-foot LED screen. Whether you’re rolling in with a crew or celebrating with someone special, this is one Triangle party you won’t want to miss. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the party kicks off at 8 p.m. Tickets from $51.97
Opa! Ring in 2026 With Greek-Style at Taverna Agora
Ring in 2026 with a Greek-style New Year’s Eve celebration featuring live bouzouki music and energetic belly dancing performances. Entertainment begins at 8:30 p.m., with the party continuing until 1 a.m. Guests can enjoy chef’s special features throughout the evening and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, creating a lively, festive atmosphere perfect for welcoming the New Year—Opa! Make a dinner reservation for standard menu dining.
A Golfer’s NYE: One Club Challenge and Early Ball Drop at Sully’s
Golfers looking to ring in the New Year a little early—and a little differently—can head just outside Raleigh to Sully’s Golf & Gather in nearby Garner for a fun, fast-paced One Club Tournament and 9 p.m. New Year’s Ball Drop. Festivities tee off at 6 p.m. with the popular One Club Challenge on the Sheep Ranch back nine, where players of all ages complete the course using just one club of their choice. Prizes are awarded for best score, creativity, and sportsmanship, making this a favorite among serious golfers and playful competitors alike. It’s technically in Garner, but close enough to Raleigh to earn its spot as a go-to NYE option—especially for those who’d rather celebrate on the green and still make it home before midnight. Sign up for $25.
Get Swanky for a Black-Tie New Year’s Eve at The Parlor at Heights House
Ring in the New Year in elevated style at The Parlor at Heights House with an all-night, all-inclusive black-tie celebration designed for a truly memorable start to the year. Guests will enjoy a multi-course dinner paired with curated wine service, followed by hours of dancing in the elegant setting of one of Raleigh’s most distinctive venues. Tickets are $460, and black-tie attire is encouraged, making this an ideal choice for those looking to celebrate New Year’s Eve with refined food, festive energy, and a polished, upscale atmosphere.
A Laid-Back New Year’s Eve Bash at Whiskey Kitchen
Celebrate the arrival of 2026 at Whiskey Kitchen with a lively New Year’s Eve bash that keeps things fun, festive, and approachable. Tickets are $40 and include complimentary bubbly and party favors to help you toast the New Year in style. Come ready to mix, mingle, and dance—and if tradition holds, don’t be surprised if a slice of shoo-fly pie makes an appearance as part of the celebration.
Play On Into 2026 at Smash Social Club
New Year’s Eve is meant to be spent celebrating—not watching the clock—and Smash Social Club is inviting guests to play on with a high-energy night built around games, craft cocktails, and great company. Ring in 2026 with friends while enjoying shareable bites, nonstop vibes, and a DJ spinning starting at 9 p.m. The night also includes a complimentary bubbly toast at midnight and a free game play card for a future visit for every guest, making this an easy, fun way to welcome the New Year with momentum. Book a complimentary reservation online.
Stranger Things–Themed NYE Party at The Williams House in Cary
Step into the Upside Down this New Year’s Eve at The Williams House: Craft Taproom in Cary, where an ’80s-inspired Stranger Things–themed party brings Hawkins vibes to the countdown to 2026. The free event runs from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and invites guests to break out their best retro costumes, enjoy themed drinks, fun snacks, and décor, and dance along to ’80s tunes all night long. Adding to the experience is a uniquely local connection—the building was designed by the same architect as the WPTF radio station (known as WSQK in Stranger Things), and was once owned by the Williams couple, who famously met and exchanged wedding vows live on WPTF in 1931. The Bulkogi food truck will be onsite from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., and while the event is free to attend, RSVPs are encouraged at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stranger-things-new-years-eve-party-7pm-1am-tickets-1978507442019.
New Year’s Eve Day Party at Lawrence Food Co.
Also in Cary, kick off New Year’s Eve early at Lawrence Food Co. (aka Lawrence Barbecue) with a laid-back New Year’s Eve Day Party on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., right on Cedar Street. Adult presale tickets are $75 and include all-you-can-eat oysters from N Sea Oyster Co. plus traditional good luck plates to send you into 2026 on the right foot, while kids tickets are $10, making this a family-friendly way to celebrate. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door. Tickets and details are available at https://www.toasttab.com/catering/lawrence-barbecue-cary-150-east-cedar-street/menu/new%20years%20eve%20-%20day%20party!/.
Noon Year’s Eve at Notasium
Families can ring in the New Year early at Notasium in Cary with a ticketed Noon Year’s Eve celebration designed just for kids. The music-themed indoor play space kicks things off at 10 a.m., leading up to a festive balloon drop at noon, making it a high-energy, age-appropriate way for little ones (and parents) to celebrate without staying up late.
Two Countdowns at Fortnight Brewing
Fortnight Brewing in Cary is hosting not one, but two New Year’s Eve countdowns. The free, family-friendly party begins at 5 p.m. and counts down to London’s New Year at 7 p.m. After 7:30 p.m., the celebration shifts to adults-only, with a second countdown to midnight local time—perfect for those who want options as the night unfolds.
Naos New Year’s Eve: Gods and Goddesses Party
Ring in 2026 in mythic style at Naos, where a Gods and Goddesses–themed New Year’s Eve brings live music, dancing, and Hellenic cuisine together for a festive night. Dinner begins at 5 p.m., with the party starting at 9 p.m. Reservations are required for this immersive, high-energy celebration.
Sips, Shimmies, and “Shenanigans” NYE Party at RBF
For those who want to celebrate without a midnight finish, RBF Champagne Bar in Downtown Cary is hosting an early-evening New Year’s Eve party starting at 6 p.m. Described as a “jazzy speakeasy meets underground burlesque show,” the all-inclusive event includes flowing bubbles, with discounted mocktail tickets and higher-tier VIP options available. The goal: celebrate big and still be home by 10 p.m.
Hearsay New Year’s Eve Party
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in cozy, historic style at Hearsay in Downtown Cary. The cocktail bar will host a festive evening complete with sparklers and a complimentary midnight champagne toast—no ticket required. It’s a relaxed, elegant option for those who want to toast the New Year without a big production.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Peak of the Vine
Wine lovers can ring in 2026 at Peak of the Vine in Apex with a laid-back New Year’s Eve celebration starting at 9 p.m. The party features DJ Jeffy, free appetizers, and a complimentary midnight toast. RSVPs are encouraged for this no-cover, wine-forward way to welcome the New Year.
New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party at Dram & Draught Raleigh
Ring in the New Year with a mysterious twist at Dram & Draught Raleigh, where a New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party brings elegant vibes and high-energy celebration to downtown. This free event features a DJ spinning from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., festive drink specials, and $8 glasses of champagne all night, plus a midnight countdown and champagne toast. Masks are encouraged—bring your own or grab one at the door—and guests are invited to dress sharp, mask up, and celebrate loud. Doors open at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, making this a great option whether you’re stopping in for a quick toast or staying through the countdown to 2026, with free RSVP, to boot.
La Dolce Notte NYE in Midtown at Peregrine x Capulet Cocktail Club
Capulet Cocktail Club and Peregrine are teaming up for La Dolce Notte, a refined New Year’s Eve celebration blending old-world glamour with modern indulgence in the heart of Midtown Raleigh. From 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Tuesday, December 31, guests will enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, curated party bites, live music, and magical entertainment woven throughout the evening, all building toward a midnight champagne toast welcoming 2026. Tickets are $150 per person and include three drinks, with full access to both the Peregrine and Capulet spaces, allowing guests to move freely between atmospheres. Cocktail attire is encouraged for this elegant, high-energy night where timeless romance meets New Year’s revelry.
Laugh Your Way Into 2026 at Goodnights Comedy Club
Ring in the New Year with nonstop laughs at Goodnights Comedy Club in the Village District, where Alonzo Bodden headlines the New Year’s Eve Comedy Show with performances at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. The late show includes access to an after-party in the lounge with a champagne toast at midnight, party favors, and drink specials—making it an easy, entertaining way to welcome 2026. Ticket holders can also enjoy a complimentary cocktail hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and good vibes. Couples packages are available and include show tickets, shared food, and drink options ranging from champagne or wine to cocktails or unlimited mocktails. Tickets and details are available online starting at $47.99, and for comedy lovers, there’s truly no better way to end the year laughing.
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