And that’s a wrap… 2022 is coming to a close, and what a year it’s been! We’re full of hope and optimism that 2023 will be just as good, if not better – and this weekend, we’re focused on festive ways to ring in the new year in the Queen City. Here are 15+ ways to spend this weekend, including the New Year’s holiday.
FEATURED EVENT
CLT NYE
Saturday, Dec 31, 8p
Head to uptown Charlotte to ring in the New Year with a crowd full of your favorite local friends. Enjoy live music and the lighting of the Queen City crown – then top off the evening with an NYE firework show.
THINGS TO DO FRIDAY, DEC 30
Holidays at the Garden
December 30 – December 31, 5 – 9p
Stroll through dazzling lights, sparkling fountains, and holiday décor at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden this holiday season. Make s’mores and gather around the warmth of an outdoor fire, grab snacks and warm beverages at food trucks, and shop at The Garden Store & Wine Nook. Purchase your tickets here.
Light the Knights Festival
Thru January 6
Celebrate this season’s magic in the city’s heart at Light the Knights Festival, located in Truist Field. New this year is a regulation-size outdoor hockey rink for ice skating, hockey, tournaments, figure skating, and more. Also new this year is a 6-lane, 150-foot snow tubing hill. There’s much to do at this event, from a holiday walkthrough experience and light show to shopping, live entertainment, and visits from Santa. Don’t miss out on all of the holiday fun and purchase your tickets here.
NEW YEAR’S EVE and “NOON” YEAR’S EVE EVENTS
Our Picks for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day restaurant options are HERE.
Noon Year’s Eve is a Thing. And We’re Here for It.
Give the kids their own fun before we adults head out to celebrate! Noon Year’s Eves are happening all over town, find one near your home and make an event of it.
- Rockin’ Noon Year’s Eve at ImaginOn and Noon Year’s Storytimes at other CM Libraries (FREE)
- Noon Year’s Eve Party at Matthews Community Center ($7)
- Noon Year’s Eve Party at Birkdale Village (FREE)
- Noon Year’s Eve at Discovery Place Kids Huntersville ($18)
- Noon Year’s Eve at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden ($7.95 – $14.95)
Gatsby’s Gala NYE: Prohibition Themed Celebration at The Music Yard
Saturday, Dec 31, 7p
The Music Yard, Southbound, and Backstage Lounge will join in throwing the biggest roaring 20’s party around. The event will feature three stages, bands, DJs, performances, VIP Tables, vendors, college football games, and a free champagne toast & hors d’oeuvres for VIP buyers. Don’t forget to dress to impress!
Early Bird NYE Party at NoDa Company Store
Saturday, Dec 31, 6 – 10p
Have trouble staying up ’til midnight on New Year’s Eve? You’re not alone, and that’s why NoDa Company Store is throwing an Early Bird NYE party! Dress festive and ring in the New Year with a free champagne toast at 9 p.m.
Charlotte NYE Bar Crawl
Saturday, Dec 31, 2022 – Sunday, Jan 1, 2023; 6p – 2a
Crawl your way through the city at this year’s Bar Crawl. From 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., you can visit a variety of selected bars with free entry and drink and food specials. Also enjoy a VIP viewing of the ball drop, a champagne toast, and live music.
New Year’s Eve at Midnight Mulligan’s
Saturday, Dec 31, 2022 – Sunday, Jan 1, 2023; 7p – 1a
Join Midnight Mulligan’s Brewing for the ultimate New Year’s Eve celebration with no cover charge! The night will start with DJ LG at 7 p.m., followed by comedy hosted by Chris Corrado at 8:30 p.m. and a champagne toast at midnight.
New Year’s ’23 at El Thrifty
Saturday, Dec 31, 2022 – Sunday, Jan 1, 2023, 7p – 2a
Head to El Thrifty for a free NYE celebration complete with a complimentary champagne toast, a DJ and new menu items. Be one of the first 200 to RSVP and you will recieve a parking validation code for NYE night. Uber/Lyft-ing? Present your code and bowling is only $5 for you!
The Vintage 70’s New Year’s Eve Party
Saturday, Dec 31, 8p
Take a step back in time at The Vintage Whiskey & Cigar Bar where 70’s music and style will used to ring in the New Year. No cover charge for members, $20 for non-members. Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast at midnight.
Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve Party at Pinhouse
Saturday, December 31, 8:00p
Designed with this very party in mind, Pinhouse is excited to host its 3rd Annual Great Gatsby New Year! Tickets include $1 drinks, over 70 taps, appetizers, free Duckpin bowling, a champagne toast, and more.
New Year’s Eve at South End Station
Saturday, Dec 31, 2022 – Sunday, Jan 1, 2023; 9p – 2a
Celebrate the last hours of 2022 at South End Station! Expect multiple DJ’s, drinks, and an enormous balloon drop at midnight inside Slate, Oak Room, and an outdoor heated tent. There is also a VIP ticket option that grants exclusive access to the dancefloor and premium bar inside All American Pub.
New Year’s Eve at Puttery Charlotte
Saturday, Dec 31, 2022 – Sunday, Jan 1, 2023; 8:30p – 2a
Ring in the New Year by raising your putter one last time for 2022! General admission is $55 per person which includes entry and one round of gameplay. Festive attire encouraged with a live DJ all night.
Countdown at Canopy: A New Year’s Eve Affair
Saturday, Dec 31, 2022 – Sunday, Jan 1, 2023; 9p – 1a
Countdown the New Year at Canopy SouthPark for a night filled with dancing, celebrating, drinks, and a live band. The Ultimate VIP Package includes appetizers, access to a four hour premium bar, and champagne toast at midnight.
New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball at Bazal Gallery
Saturday, Dec 31, 2022 – Sunday, Jan 1, 2023; 10p – 2a
Dress in your finest Masquerade Ball attire and ring in the New Year at Bazal Gallery. The night will be filled with live music from Minutes & Years and DJ Method. VIP Admission includes premium open bar from 9 -11 p.m., hors d’oeuvres, sushi, champagne, a live harp performance by Beste Toparlak, and party favors.
New Year’s Eve Party at Bargarita
Saturday, Dec 31, 10p
Say goodbye to 2022 at Bargarita, where there will be no cover charge and food and drink specials all night. DJ starts at 10 p.m. with a toast at midnight.
New Year’s Eve Trail Race at the Whitewater Center
Saturday, Dec 31, 2022 – Sunday, Jan 1, 2023; 11:30p – 1a
Ring in the new year with a little bit of exercise at the Whitewater Center! Say goodbye to 2022 by kicking on your headlamps and racing through the woods at midnight. Choose from a 5K or five-mile course. Registration is now open.
THINGS TO DO NEW YEAR’S DAY
Charlotte New Year’s Day 5k
Sunday, January 1, 10a
Start 2023 off on the right foot with a post-New Year run along the Light Rail’s Blue Line in University City. Post-race festivities include a street party of music, brunch, warm drinks, and beer courtesy of Armored Cow Brewing.
First Day Hike
Sunday, January 1
Come out to your favorite North Carolina State Park for First Day Hike, where park staff will lead you and a group on a beautiful hike, some parks offer other activities such as a scavenger hunt. Visit here for a list of parks and times to meet!
NEXT WEEK
Wednesday Night Live: Cine Casual Film Screening at the Mint Museum Uptown
Wednesday, January 4, 5 – 9p
Wednesday Night Live includes free admission to Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, and the Mint Museum, as well as live entertainment or programming at one of the institutions each week. This week, Cine Casual will present a screening of Rosalia Torres-Weiner’s short film “The Magic Kite” (begins at 6:30pm) and a main screening of the film Perfume de Gardenias. A cash bar and complimentary popcorn will be available.
