New Year's Eve 2025-2026 in Charlotte, NC

CLT New Year's Eve

Uptown Charlotte offers plenty of events for a memorable year-end. The city's official and biggest party CLT New Year's Eve takes place at South Tryon Street, at Levine Avenue of the Arts. The festivities get underway at 8 pm and culminate at midnight with the Queen City Crown's lighting and a spectacular firework show. The event is alcohol-free, yet you can find tons of opportunities for imbibing elsewhere around the city.

Carowinds WinterFest (November 17, 2023–January 1, 2024)

Another iconic place to celebrate is Carowinds WinterFest on Charlotte's southwestern outskirts, South Carolina's border. The program features a Winterfest Wonderland Parade at 9 pm, live entertainment, holiday shopping, festive foods, an array of family-friendly activities, and of course, a midnight firework display to rock in the New Year with a blast. You can experience the world of holiday magic with a ticket, starting from $32.99.

Minor NYE parties

Apart from these popular celebrations, you'll find dozens of smaller events and parties to dance the night away in the Charlotte area. Many local pubs and bars have some special NYE offers. For instance, Gaston Pour House invites for a NYE bash. Alternatively, opt for a silent disco at Hi-Wire Brewing Charlotte.

Noon Year's Eve

The city also boasts a surprisingly large variety of kids-friendly Noon Year's Eve festivities. Matthews Community Center hosts a splendid Noon Year's Eve for families. The hours are from 10:30 to noon, and admission is $7. Besides, check out Discovery Place Kids and city libraries, most of which throw family-friendly NYE parties and grant free admission. Another kid-friendly opportunity is a free end-of-the-year hike at Reedy Creek Park from 2 pm to 3 pm.

Charlotte Motor Speedway Christmas Lights

Charlotte Motor Speedway Christmas Lights in Concord is another excellent family option. The event boasts 3.75-mile (6-km) track clad in glowing illuminations, movie nights, and a Christmas Village. The dazzling displays are running from mid-November well into early January.

Lastly, if you prefer to explore the city by day and ring in the New Year from the comfort of your warm room, CNN and ABC usually offer New Year's Eve live specials. So curling up on the couch in front of the TV is also an option.