Whether you like to relax with a view of the mountains at a family-friendly event or attend vibrant waterfront parties, there’s a perfect New Year’s Eve celebration for almost any lifestyle in North Carolina. Ring in a brand new year with the sound of cannons going off at Atlantic Beach, or dance all night at the clubs in Asheville. When you book a stay at a vacation rental in North Carolina, you can enjoy exciting holiday festivities, as well as scenic nature trails and flowing waters. Before finalizing your North Carolina trip itinerary, consider these cities for your next New Year’s Eve getaway.

1. Raleigh

Prepare for an exciting round of events to ring in the New Year when opting for a vacation rental in North Carolina. The city comes alive with dancing and Dj music at the Ultimate New Year’s Eve Party at Isaac Hunter’s Tavern, in addition to the New Year’s Eve Extravaganza at Raleigh’s Farotage Nation Lounge. If a tamer celebration is in order, head over to the New Year’s Eve Gala at the Nature Research Center of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences for guided tours, late night snacks, and a DJ performance in the Daily Planet Theater.

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2. Charlotte

You can party like it’s 1999 when you reserve a ticket for the New Year’s Eve party at Whisky River in Charlotte. Dance to the music of the DJ, ride the mechanical bull, or toast a loved one with the complimentary champagne toast when the clock strikes midnight. The city of Charlotte also hosts a Mothers & Daughters New Year’s Eve celebration with food, games, and music until the new year arrives. The Assorted Table Wine Shoppe offers an exciting event with wine sampling and live music for more laid-back tourists wondering where to go in North Carolina for New Year’s Eve.

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3. Bryson City

If a mountain city festival is what you’re looking for, then Bryson City fits the bill with a family-friendly New Year’s Eve street party. Let the kids enjoy the arts and crafts activity area while you listen to the live music radiating from the train depot. Hot cocoa and popcorn are available to satisfy your thirst and hunger at this annual celebration located within minutes from your North Carolina vacation rental. The city also hosts a variety of nature attractions, including hiking trails that wind around the Tuckasegee River and lush forests for you to explore during the remainder of your trip.

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4. Beech Mountain

Skate away the evening when choosing a vacation rental for New Year’s Eve in Beech Mountain. The View Haus at the Beech Mountain Resort offers a family-friendly celebration complete with snow tubing, ice skating, games, prizes, and live music. Snap a picture of the family in the free photo booth at the resort’s festival, or dance away the night at the Beech Tree Bar and Grille. Kids 12 and under may prefer the New Year’s ball drop, games, and activities hosted by the Beech Mountain Parks and Recreation, located in the town’s center.

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5. Tryon

See the sights of a historic town and witness the ball drop from the clock tower when making Tryon your New Year’s Eve getaway city. The town is home to a nighttime street festival featuring food vendors, live music, and children’s activities. Don’t worry about having to stay up too late because the ball drops at 10 p.m. instead of midnight.

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6. Morehead City

Morehead City doesn’t just celebrate the eve of the new year — this city spans out the celebration for a few days with its annual Crystal Coast Countdown festival. Entertain the kids with the indoor and outdoor activities that include storytelling sessions, art competitions, and performances by dance groups. Tap your feet to the live musicians filling the streets with country, rock and roll, and pop music from December 30 through January 1 each year. The countdown celebration also includes fireworks at midnight and a Crab Pot Drop.

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7. Atlantic Beach

Start off the year with a loud bang when attending the New Year’s Eve Cannon Blast in Atlantic Beach. This coastal city is home to Fort Macon State Park where residents traditionally fire three large cannons early in the evening on New Year’s Eve. Spend your holiday sampling the fresh seafood in Atlantic Beach at Oceanana Pier & Pier House Restaurant before taking a tour of the boardwalk. If you’re wondering where to go in Atlantic Beach for a rustic New Year’s Eve, opt for a hike along the Hoop Pole Nature Trail early in the day or on New Year’s Day.

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8. Asheville

The Asheville area lights up during the holidays with street decorations, and a vacation on New Year’s Eve puts you in the heart of the Biltmore Estate decor. Admire the creations still on display at the National Gingerbread House Competition, or book a spot at the Biltmore Estate Inn for a grand gala celebration on New Year’s Eve, complete with fine dining and dancing. Pack’s Tavern offers a New Year’s buffet designed to fill you up throughout the evening, and the Grove House hosts a bash with three clubs for the price of one featuring three floors of dancing and a midnight balloon drop.

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