Celebrate the New Year with Local Food, Drinks and Festivities
By Kyle Marie McMahon
Ring in the New Year in style! Whether you’re looking to indulge in a multi-course feast, sip craft cocktails at a party or dance the night away, the Triangle has something for everyone. From upscale restaurants offering exclusive pre-fixe menus to bars hosting unforgettable celebrations, these local hotspots are ready to make your countdown to midnight memorable. Keep in mind that reservations are highly recommended and filling up fast, so be sure to plan ahead to secure your spot for the festivities. Here’s a roundup of some great New Year’s Eve events to help you toast 2024 and ring in 2025!
DINNER INCLUDED
The Durham’s Parents Night Out
● Where: 315 E. Chapel Hill Street, Durham
● When: December 28, 4:30–9 p.m.
● Cost: $105 per couple
● Reservations: thedurham.com
Celebrate New Year’s a little early with a Parents’ Night Out event at The Durham. Enjoy a champagne toast, shared appetizer, two entrees and a dessert of your choice. The Patrick McGrew Trio will perform on the Roof from 7–9 p.m. Add childcare at nearby Kate’s Korner Learning Center, located 0.4 miles from hotel, for $20 an hour per child.
Alley Twenty Six’s New Year’s Eve Dinner
● Where: 320 E. Chapel Hill Street, Suite 200, Durham
● When: December 31, 4–11 p.m.
● Cost: $140 per person
● Reservations: alleytwentysix.com
Durham’s Alley Twenty Six will offer a five-course New Year’s Eve dinner with craft cocktail pairings. Alley Twenty Six is a 2022 James Beard Foundation finalist for Outstanding Bar program.
The Willard’s New Year’s Eve Bash
● Where: 9 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh
● When: December 31, 8 p.m.–1 a.m.
● Cost: $125 per person
● Reservations: thewillardraleigh.com; 919.272.4486
Ring in 2025 with spectacular views of the downtown Raleigh fireworks. The Willard Rooftop Lounge will host its fourth annual New Year’s Eve bash. The celebration includes buffet of global fare, drinks, live music and dance floor with Peter Lamb & the Wolves, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. A VIP option is available for up to 12 guests and includes a private room and balcony, tickets to the party, a three-course plated dinner and exclusive bar offerings for $3,500.
The Durham’s New Year’s Eve Dinner
● Where: 315 E. Chapel Hill Street, Durham
● When: December 31, 5–10 p.m.
● Cost: $95 per person
● Reservations: thedurham.com
The Durham is offering a three-course prix fixe menu with a wide variety of delicious gourmet options.
Figulina’s New Year’s Eve Dinner
● Where: 317 S. Harrington Street, Raleigh
● When: December 31, 5 p.m.–12 a.m.
● Cost: $95 per person; $55 optional wine pairing
● Reservations: resy.com
Raleigh’s Figulina offers a four-course meal with optional wine pairings. The menu courses include both omnivore and vegetarian options:
Overlook’s New Year’s Eve Dinner
● Where: 616 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh
● When: December 31, 5–10 p.m.
● Cost: $45 per person
● Reservations: 10thandterrace.com
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in downtown Raleigh with a view of the fireworks. Overlook restaurant at the Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown offers a four-course pre-fixe dinner and a chance to view the early fireworks display viewed directly from the restaurant.
Ring in the New Year with Tamasha Modern Indian
● Where: 4200 Six Forks Road, Raleigh
● When: December 31, 4 p.m.
● Cost: $115 per person
● Reservations: opentable.com
Celebrate the New Year with elegance and indulgence. Delight in a lavish five-course menu featuring seasonal delicacies, thoughtfully paired with optional wines for a truly elevated experience, featuring luxurious new dishes from award-winning Chef Bhavin Chhatwani. Optional wine pairing is available for $65.
Peck & Plume’s New Year’s Eve Dinner
● Where: 301 S. Academy Street, Cary
● When: December 31, 5–10 p.m.
● Cost: $70 per person
● Reservations: peckandplume.com
Cary’s Peck & Plume restaurant is offering a special pre-fixe menu. A jazz quartet will perform from 5:30–9:30 p.m.
Wye Hill’s New Year’s Eve Party and Sippin’ Santa Finale
● Where: 201 S Boylan Avenue, Raleigh
● When: December 31, 6 p.m.–1 a.m.
● Cost: $75+ per person
● Reservations: wyehill.com
Raise your glass to the Sippin’ Santa season’s grand finale with specially crafted holiday cocktails that are nothing short of festive magic. Indulge your taste buds in an end-of-the-year buffet that promises a culinary journey like no other. For beer enthusiasts, the New Year’s Eve wouldn’t be complete without a special beer release.
Rocky Top Catering
● Where: 510 W Martin Street, Raleigh
● When: December 31, 8 p.m.–1 a.m.
● Cost: $170 per person
● Reservations: rockytopcatering.com
Rocky Top Catering’s Annual New Year’s Eve Gala, an ultimate black-tie celebration, happening at Union Hall. This all-inclusive experience includes gourmet food stations, passed appetizers, desserts, and late-night snacks and an open bar with premium liquors, wine, craft beer, and specialty cocktails. It also features two DJs, dance floors and a festive atmosphere to ring in the new year.
Young Hearts Distilling’s New Year’s Eve Party
● Where: 225 S. Wilmington Street, Raleigh
● When: December 31, 5 p.m.–1 a.m.
● Cost: $200 per person
● Reservations: trophybrewing.com
Young Hearts Distilling is hosting a throwback Busy Bee New Year’s Party with an open bar, dinner and dessert buffet and a champagne toast at midnight. This will be the final event ever at the former Busy Bee Cafe location. Deejays Robert Mooney and Mike Forno will be spinning until 1 a.m. Former Busy Bee Chef Dave Mitchell will be cooking for the event.
New Year’s Eve at Back Then Bar and Grill
● Where: 107 Edinburgh South Drive, Cary
● When: December 31, 4 p.m.–2 a.m.
● Cost: $30+ per person
● Reservations: backthenbar.com
Dinner attendees will enjoy a four-course meal, which includes admission into the party, starting at 8 p.m. A live DJ entertains guests until the Stone Age Romeos take the stage. Admission to the party includes one drink ticket and a champagne toast at midnight.
Vidrio’s New Year’s Eve Prix Fixe Dinner
● Where: 500 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 100, Raleigh
● When: December 31, 5 p.m.–1 a.m.
● Cost: $90 per person
● Reservations: vidrioraleigh.com
Enjoy a Mediterranean dinner to ring in t2025. Share a meal with friends, family or your loved one. The dinner menu will be available, as well as a special curated prix fixe menu. Many delicious options are available for the four-course prix fixe menu.
Virgil’s Cocktails and Cocina’s New Year’s Eve
● Where: 126 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh
● When: December 31, 5 p.m.–2 a.m.
● Cost: $20+ per person
● Reservations: eventbrite.com
This elevated New Year’s Eve at Virgil’s Cocktails and Cocina features a selection of a pre-fixe dinner and cocktail menu, and a DJ party including a premium Champagne toast. Vegetarian options are available. The menu includes a trio of guacamole, chili con queso & pico de gallo with house-made chips; a Raleigh Sunrise & Virgil’s house Caesar salad; FKN Catalina & Chicken Tinga Tostadas; Lucha Libre & Tierra y Mar (short rib, shrimp, house-made chimichurri); Champagne toast and an ancho chile brownie & organic vanilla bean ice cream.
New Year’s Eve Masquerade at The London Bridge Pub
● Where: 110 East Hargett Street, Raleigh
● When: December 31, 9 p.m.–2 a.m.
● Cost: $125 per person
● Reservations: eventbrite.com
Don’t forget your masks and costumes! A fun event, in a cool space, with real food, real drinks, and real hospitality. Your ticket includes all food and beverages plus a champagne toast.
PARTY TIME
10th & Terrace – Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve
● Where: 616 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh
● When: December 31, 4–10 p.m.
● Cost: $45 per adult, $25 per child ages 6–12, kids 5 and under free
● Reservations: 10thandterrace.com
Celebrate the New Year early with an evening for the whole family at 10th & Terrace’s private event space. Parents and children can enjoy great views of the early fireworks display as well as a delicious buffet to suit all ages and tastes.
10th & Terrace – ’90s Themed New Year’s Eve Party
● Where: 616 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh
● When: December 31, 9 p.m.–1 a.m.
● Cost: $150 per person
● Reservations: 10thandterrace.com
10th & Terrace will host a ’90s dance party with appetizers and passed hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast at midnight. Other beverages are not included in the ticket price but will be available for purchase.
Whiskey Kitchen New Year’s Eve Bash
● Where: 201 West Martin Street, Raleigh
● When: December 31, 2024, 9:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m.
● Cost: $30 per person
● Reservations: whiskey.kitchen
Whiskey Kitchen, the iconic Southern kitchen and neighborhood bar, is thrilled to host its New Year’s Eve Bash. Guests will enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring a live DJ, dancing and a bubbly toast at midnight. Each ticket includes a midnight bubbly toast and festive party favors. VIP tables for up to four guests are available for $400, which includes a reserved table, a dedicated server and a bottle of Moët; Chandon Champagne served tableside.
New Year’s Eve Extravaganza by NC Vibes
● Where: 4500 Marriott Drive, Raleigh
● When: December 31, 8:30 p.m.–1 a.m.
● Cost: $120 per person
● Reservations: eventbrite.com
Ring in the New Year with an epic celebration at the Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley! Meet your friends or make new ones! Dance the night away with a live international DJ. Entry includes party favors, games and prizes, ball drop, hors d’oeuvres, desserts bar, and midnight toast and unlimited Champagne.
Pin Point’s New Year’s Eve Party
● Where: 2201 S. Wilmington Street, #Suite 145, Raleigh
● When: December 31, 9 p.m.–1 a.m.
● Cost: $50+ per person
● Reservations: eventbrite.com
Get ready to ring in the new year with music, pickleball, golf, food, and drinks. It’s going to be a night to remember, so grab your friends and family and celebrate at Pin Point Indoor Pickleball & Golf!
Tin Roof’s New Year’s Eve Party
● Where: 300 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh
● When: December 31, 5 p.m.–2 a.m.
● Cost: $10+ per person
● Reservations:tinroofraleigh.com
Enjoy champagne and a midnight toast, featuring live music by Southern Stampede, Sayless the Band, DJ Johnny G and DJ Tezza.
New Year’s Eve Party at Slim’s Dive Bar
● Where: 227 S Wilmington Street, Raleigh
● When: December 31, 4:30 p.m.–2 a.m.
● Cost: May have entry cost
● Reservations: downtownraleigh.org
Live music from Dallas Tetnus, The BQ’s, and Richard Bacchus from 9–11 p.m. Ring in 2025 with a shot of Malört!
Dooms Day Ball – New Year’s Eve at the Wicked Witch
● Where: 416 W. South Street, Raleigh
● When: December 31, 9 p.m.–2 a.m.
● Cost: May have entry cost
● Reservations: visitraleigh.com
Everybody’s happy when the dead come home. The Doomsday Ball returns to the Wicked Witch as the essential goth New Year’s Eve party!
New Year’s Eve Party with Kate McGarry & Friends
● Where: 4608 Industry Lane, Ste L, Durham
● When: December 31, 9 p.m.–1 a.m.
● Cost: $100 per person
● Reservations: discoverdurham.com
The 2024 New Years Eve Party/Fundraiser to support the Durham Jazz Workshop/Sharp 9 Gallery. Open bar including a midnight champagne toast and an absolute decadent dessert spread from Durham’s finest bakeries.
The Big Easy NYE Bash
● Where: 222 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh
● When: December 31, 9 p.m.–2 a.m.
● Cost: $10 per person
● Reservations: eventbrite.com
Get ready to be blown away by the amazing music, dazzling lights, and the energetic crowd. So, put on your dancing shoes and get ready to party like there’s no tomorrow.
New Year’s Eve at Watts and Ward
● Where: 200 South Blount Street, Raleigh
● When: December 31, 9 p.m.–2 a.m.
● Cost: $30 per person
● Reservations: eventbrite.com
Welcome 2025 in true Roaring Twenties fashion at Watts & Ward’s Gatsby-Style NYE Celebration! Indulge in an unforgettable evening filled with elegance, live entertainment, and vibrant energy. This sophisticated soirée will transport you back to the glitz and glamour of the Jazz Age, perfect for an unforgettable start to the new year.
Nomad’s New Year’s Eve Party
● Where: 301 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 130, Raleigh
● When: December 31, 9 p.m.–2 a.m.
● Cost: Free–$20 per person
● Reservations: eventbrite.com
Bid farewell to 2024 with a night of fun, music and celebration. Let’s bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one together. This is a free event, but ticket packages are available to skip the line and receive a complimentary glass of Champagne.
New Year’s Eve at The Architect Bar and Social House
● Where: 108 1/2 E Hargett Street, Raleigh
● When: December 31, 9 p.m.–2 a.m.
● Cost: $30 per person
● Reservations: eventbrite.com
Create a night to remember as you usher in the New Year with your friends, homies, loved ones, dance partners, and other various partners in crime! Ticket includes admission, party favors, DJ and a champagne toast at midnight! VIP tickets are also available.
New Year’s Eve at The Westin
● Where: 3931 Macaw Street, Raleigh
● When: December 31, 8 p.m.–2 a.m.
● Cost: $25 per person
● Reservations: eventbrite.com
A night filled with music, laughter, and the joy of new beginnings! Party favors, open bar, and
DJ provide entertainment. Dinner buffet available before the party begins.
New Year’s Eve at CAM Raleigh
● Where: 409 West Martin Street, Raleigh
● When: December 31, 9 p.m.–2 a.m.
● Cost: $35 per person
● Reservations: eventbrite.com
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) Raleigh. A night of music, art, and good vibes. It’s going to be an epic evening filled with live performances, interactive art installations, and delicious food and drinks
High Rail’s New Year’s Eve Celebration
● Where: 11 Seaboard Avenue, 7th Floor, Raleigh
● When: December 31, 8 p.m.–12:30 a.m.
● Cost: $200 per person
● Reservations: opentable.com
Raleigh’s newest rooftop bar set atop Hyatt House Raleigh Downtown/Seaboard Station is gearing up to host its first-ever New Year’s Eve celebration! Enjoy a night of luxury, live jazz provided by Jazz Plus Trio and unforgettable memories to ring in 2025. Ticket includes hors ‘oeuvres, four drink tickets, party favors and a midnight Champagne toast. This is a formal- attire event and space is limited. Additionally, Hyatt House Raleigh Downtown/Seaboard Station is offering discounted room rates for those who book by December 26, 2024.
