How to Celebrate New Year's Eve in Charlotte

As 2025 comes to a close, it’s time to start planning how you’re going to celebrate the start to 2026. Whether you’re in the mood for a fancy night out, a dance party or something more family friendly, the Queen City has your New Year’s Eve plans covered.

Nightlife & Entertainment

CLT NYE

Neighborhood: Uptown

Ring in the new year at Truist Field. A general admission ticket for this celebration includes access to Light the Knights activities and light displays, plus a fireworks show at midnight and complimentary glass of champagne or apple cider.

Rich & Bennett’s NYE Bash

Neighborhood: Lower South End

Rich & Bennett is kicking off 2026 with the annual NYE Bash at Brewers at 4001 Yancey. This private event features light hors d'oeuvres, party favors, beer, wine, liquor, champagne, a silent disco room, DJs and balloon drop at midnight.

Rooftop ‘80s Glow Party

Neighborhood: Uptown

Make the Charlotte skyline your backdrop to end 2025 on Fahrenheit’s rooftop. This ‘80s-themed glow party features an all-inclusive bar, music from DJ A-Minor, a champagne toast and more with the price of a ticket.

All That Glitters New Year’s Eve Party

Neighborhood: Uptown

Ring in the new year with an evening of delicious food, cocktails and DJs all night at Merchant & Trade’s rooftop. Indulge in champagne, caviar, a ribeye carving station, seafood buffet, espresso martini station and so much more included with the ticket cost.

City Lights & Champagne Nights New Year's Eve Party

Neighborhood: Uptown

Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo is closing out 2025 with a party overlooking the Uptown skyline. Enjoy live entertainment, a champagne toast at midnight, desserts, Nuvole’s cocktail menu and more included with the ticket price.

New Year's Punchin' Eve

Neighborhood: South End

Suffolk Punch’s New Year’s Eve party is back. A ticket to this event includes an open bar, DJ, glowsticks and dance party in Norfolk Hall. Ring in the new year at midnight with a champagne toast and cold sparklers.

New Year’s Eve Party at The Ballantyne

Neighborhood: Ballantyne

Book a night at The Ballantyne for dancing from 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. There is no entry fee for hotel guests, as well as diners attending the New Year’s Eve Dinner at Gallery Restaurant.

Kid-Friendly Events

Rockin’ NOON Year’s Eve at ImaginOn

Neighborhood: Uptown

Bring in the new year at noon at ImaginOn. Liz, Holly and the Jolly Lollies perform at 11:15 a.m. followed by a balloon drop at noon. 

ImagineYOU: Teen Loft New Years Eve Hang Out

Neighborhood: Uptown

Teens can hang out at ImaginOn from 1-4 p.m. and create their own vision board for the upcoming year. Enjoy refreshments and sparkling cider, then snap pictures in the photo studio at this event.

New Year’s Eve at WinterFest

Area: South Charlotte

Ring in the new year at Carowinds’ WinterFest. The park is open from 2 p.m.-1 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31 for this family-friendly celebration featuring WinterFest food, entertainment and fireworks at midnight.

Noon Year’s Eve at Discovery Place Kids

Area: Huntersville

New Year’s Eve at Discovery Place Kids is filled with fun, learning and festive activities. The kids can enjoy a dance party before counting down for the ballon drop before bedtime.

Noon Year’s Eve at The Schiele

Area: Gastonia

Bring the kids out for a midday New Year’s Eve celebration at The Schiele. This event is included with admission, but you can also get tickets to the Holidays Around the World planetarium program that highlights holiday traditions from around the globe.

Eat & Drink

Church & Union

Neighborhood: Uptown

Enjoy an open bar and buffet, plus live DJ, during New Year’s Eve at Church & Union. As the ball drops, grab a complimentary glass of champagne for a toast at midnight.

Ever Andalo

Neighborhood: NoDa

Say “buon ano” to 2026 with an Italian feast at Ever Andalo. Executive chef Sam Sheehan and his team created a show-stopping, five-course menu.

Fahrenheit

Neighborhood: Uptown

Before Fahrenheit’s New Year’s Eve party, the restaurant is serving a four-course dinner from 4-8 p.m. 

Gallery Restaurant

Neighborhood: Ballantyne

The Ballantyne Hotel’s Gallery Restaurant offers a prix-fixe dinner that’s a great alternative to the traditional New Year’s Eve party.

The Goodyear House

Neighborhood: NoDa

The Goodyear House serves a three-to-four course, carefully curated dinner in the spirit of “auld lang syne.”

Haberdish

Neighborhood: NoDa

Haberdish’s menu of Southern fare is a great option for New Year’s Eve. Reservations are recommended for this five-course feast prepared from chef Lex Falardeau and the culinary team.

L’Ostrica

Neighborhood: Montford

Start the evening with a glass of champagne before a sumptuous 11-course tasting menu. Wine and cocktails are also available for purchase.