South Carolina adds a refreshing twist to typical New Year’s Eve celebrations, thanks to its warm climate. You can enjoy fireworks on the beach with a Polar Bear Plunge, or take your kids to a Noon Day party. The festivities seem nearly endless in this Southern state. Book a stay at a vacation rental in South Carolina today. Here are some of the best cities and towns to stay at for the holidays.
1. Charleston
Charleston, one of South Carolina’s major cities, offers several options when it comes to ringing in the New Year, such as the South Carolina Aquarium’s Snyder Grand Ball. This is a swanky, formal affair, perfect for putting on that little black dress, enjoying hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, and exploring the exhibits at your leisure. Go for a unique party aboard the USS Yorktown, a World War II aircraft carrier that is now as a museum. The Yorktown Countdown New Year’s Eve has a masquerade ball, hors-d’oeuvres, drinks, and music. For family-friendly fun, head to downtown’s Marion Square. The New Year’s Eve event has children’s activities, face painting, street performances, live music, and dances.
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2. Myrtle Beach
When it comes to where to go on Myrtle Beach, move to the sand. It has fun for both kids and adults from fireworks to a kids-only party. The New Year’s Eve celebration at Celebrity Square in Broadway at the Beach has it all, from champagne for the adults to confetti cannons for the kids. There’s also a balloon drop, music, and dancing, culminating in a spectacular display of fireworks over the beach. Your kids can cut loose at Ripley’s Aquarium party where there’s pizza and cookies, music, activities, and other delights. The next morning, take the Polar Bear Plunge in the ocean to start the year anew.
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3. Folly Beach
Speaking of Polar Bear Plunges, Folly Beach also has its own version of the time-honored method of ushering in the New Year. If getting nice and chilled isn’t your thing, stick with the New Year’s Beach Bash. There’s a buffet, open bar, music, and dancing. Toast to new beginnings with some champagne, and dig your toes into the sand as you watch the fireworks.
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4. Murrells Inlet
Enjoy the holiday season for one more day in Murrells Inlet’s Brookgreen Gardens. This light show includes 5,500 hand-lit candles, creating a magic, golden glow. If you want a great choice of live music and good food, go to the MarshWalk, a wooden boardwalk where a collection of waterfront restaurants puts on a great party. There’s live music, a fireworks extravaganza, and a variety of food and drink options. While there, enjoy the Wonderland of Lights, a display that runs through the holiday season.
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5. Greenville
If you’re a couple for a night out on the town or hanging with your friends, Greenville is the perfect place to celebrate the New Year. The Southern Gala is a fancy affair that has food, cocktails, and schmoozing. The music and dancing allow you to let your hair down and have fun, and a portion of the profits go to charities. If you have kids, let them celebrate their own Noon New Year’s Eve party at the Children’s Museum of the Upstate with bubble blowing, noise making, and pizza eating. Opt for a different celebration with the Winter Walk, an easy, family-friendly hike to start your New Year out right.
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6. Columbia
As the capital of South Carolina, Columbia has more New Year’s Eve offering than you have time. However, try to squeeze in Blue Moon Ballroom’s New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party. This celebration is all about dancing to your favorite ballroom music and features a live band. There are plenty of beverages, and free-flowing hors-d’oeuvres to give you the energy to dance the until dawn. Alternatively, add listening to live music to your New Year’s Eve checklist. Bands hit Main Street for the NYE Famously Hot event in downtown Columbia. Get some grub for you and the kiddos, grab an adult beverage, and enjoy the music before watching the fireworks display.
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7. North Augusta
North Augusta lies on the South Carolina and Georgia border across from Augusta, giving you two states worth of New Year’s Eve fun. Go with the kids to Gordon Lanes New Year’s Eve Party. There are prizes, food, drinks, and — best of all — unlimited bowling. Afterwards, drop the kids off at your vacation rental, and head to Urban Suite’s New Year’s Eve Social across the river in Augusta at the Julian Smith Casino. Enjoy food, drink, and live music. After the midnight champagne toast, move onto The Boathouse for a New Year’s brunch before heading home.
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8. Hilton Head Island
If you want to know where to go on Hilton Head Island for some festivities, go first to Harbour Town. Its New Year’s Eve Celebration has two ball drops, one early enough for the kids to enjoy before heading to bed, and the other at midnight. Hang out around the crowds to absorb the enthusiasm. Plenty of local restaurants offer good food from burgers to shellfish. There are also party favors, children-friendly activities, and music. Other kid-friendly events include Noon Year’s Eve at the Sandbox Children’s Museum. Families enjoy scavenger hunts, arts and crafts activities, and a picnic lunch, along with a balloon drop and party favors to celebrate Noon New Year’s Eve. After treating the kids, get some adult time in at Trattoria Divina’s Elegant New Year’s Eve Dinner and the Skull Creek Boathouse. On New Year’s Day, the Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe has a Pajama Brunch, the perfect way to usher in the New Year.
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