Last Updated on December 4, 2025
Do you consider a great New Year’s Eve event the perfect end to the current year or the best start to the new year? If you ask us, that’s as important a perspective as the age-old glass half full/glass half empty debate.
Regardless of your stance on NYE, Western North Carolina offers plenty of opportunities each year to try something new, get out more, and enjoy life—and this year is no exception! Here are more than a dozen local events across the region to help you ring in the new year.
Holiday Windows Competition
Now–December 31 | Brevard
Close out the holiday season by walking through downtown Brevard to view festive window displays throughout town. Businesses in the Heart of Brevard have decorated their windows with spectacular, eye-popping displays for all to enjoy. The holiday window competition mirrors the Chamber’s annual Christmas parade theme: “A Story Book Holiday!”. A panel of judges vote on the windows for winners in five categories. Visitors to downtown can also vote for their favorite window to win the People’s Choice Award. Winners will be announced on January 5, 2026.
Learn more: brevardnc.org
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Now–December 31 | Bryson City
All aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride—if you get your tickets in time! This memorable journey takes you on an incredible 75-minute round-trip ride. From the Bryson City depot, journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit to the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, you can enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story: their own silver sleigh bell! Tickets required.
Learn more: gsmr.com
National Gingerbread House Competition
Now–January 4, 2026 | Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa, Asheville
Following the unforeseen impact of Hurricane Helene and cancellation of the 2024 event, The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa welcomes back the National Gingerbread House Competition. The 2025 winners have officially been announced! Guests not staying at the resort are invited to view the display after 6:00 PM on Sundays or anytime Monday–Thursday, based on parking availability and excluding holidays and certain dates.
Learn more: omnihotels.com
Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum
Now–January 4, 2026 | Asheville
Don’t miss the 12th annual Winter Lights show at the North Carolina Arboretum! The event welcomes members and guests into the gardens for a spectacular and elaborate outdoor open-air walk-through. Enjoy the famous 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden. And spot popular arrangements throughout the gardens that mingle with ones never seen before, including six of Dambo’s Trolls, who will be experiencing the show for themselves. Pets are not allowed. Tickets required.
Learn more: ncarboretum.org/winter-lights
Wine in Winter Wonder
Now–January 5, 2026 | Marked Tree Vineyard, Flat Rock
Wine in Winter Wonder at Marked Tree is a month-long enchanting evening experience unlike any other. Each night, the estate is transformed into a modern, illuminated holiday landscape, featuring over 6,000 twinkling lights. Guests are invited to either drive or stroll through the property, taking in the beauty of the season beneath star-filled skies. Along the way, savor award-winning wines and the serene atmosphere of winter in the mountains.
Learn more: visithendersonvillenc.org
New Year’s Heritage Plated Dinner
December 28–January 3, 2026 | Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville
Step into an evening of romance, mystery, and grandeur at the Mystical Masquerade at Grove Park—a New Year’s Eve celebration inspired by the timeless allure of “Phantom of the Opera”. Indulge in a luxurious five-course French-inspired dinner while enjoying live music inspired by the great French composers. After dinner, the celebration continues at the after party. Don a masquerade mask and dance the night away to a live party band, special guest performers, and a silent DJ lounge. All events are available for registered guests 21+ of the New Year’s Package, and each guest must hold a valid ticket/wristband.
Learn more: omnihotels.com
Hendersonville Swing Band: New Years Celebration
December 31 @ 3:00–5:00 PM | Trailside Brewing Co., Hendersonville
Swing into the new year early at Trailside. The brewery is hosting an afternoon of Big Band tunes from the 1930s, ‘40s, and ‘50s. The Hendersonville Swing Band will be playing all your favorites, perfect for dancing and celebrating the end of 2025. Bring your dancing shoes and enjoy a swingin’ afternoon! Food and drinks available for purchase.
Learn more: trailsidebrews.com
New Year’s Eve “Apple Rise” Celebration
December 31 @ 5:00–7:00 PM | Hendersonville
Want to celebrate 2026 with your entire family—without busting the kids’ bedtime routine? Henderson County Parks and Recreation hosts their annual celebration of the new year at the Historic Courthouse. This family-oriented event will begin at 5:00 PM, with a countdown and “Apple Rise” at 7:00 PM. Families will enjoy NYE swag, crafts, a DJ dance party, hot beverages, games, and more.
Learn more: hendersoncountync.gov
New Year’s Eve Early Show
December 31 @ 5:00–7:30 PM | Green River Eddy’s Taproom, Saluda
Craig St. John’s early evening New Year’s Eve show at Green River Eddy’s Taproom is open to the public at no charge during dinner hours. This singer/songwriter is a virtual one-man show, offering up a wide variety of music and tremendous vocals. As a solo artist (and lead singer for the band Saints & Sinners), Craig never fails to draw the audience to the dance floor. He’ll be warming up the evening for the main band, the Carolina Players of Greenville.
Learn more: saluda.com
Tryon Midnight
December 31 @ 7:00–10:00 PM | Tryon
Count down to midnight in Downtown Tryon! As the clock ticks toward the stroke of midnight, historic Tryon comes alive with anticipation. Families gather, their faces illuminated by the warm glow of streetlights and the twinkle of stars. Laughter and chatter fill the air, creating a sense of togetherness that transcends time. And then, as the final seconds tick away, the crowd chants in unison: “Happy New Year!”
Learn more: downtowntryon.org
New Year’s Eve – Peace Love & Contra
December 31 @ 7:30 PM–1:00 AM | Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa
Join the crew from the Old Farmer’s Ball for a vibrant night of music, dance, and merriment! This contra dance celebration features live music by Appalachian Roots and expert calling by Barbara Groh. Not familiar with contra dancing? Show up at 7:30 PM for a quick lesson. Dancing starts at 8:00 PM. Stay for the midnight countdown and toast. $5 with WWC ID, $25 in advance, $30 at the door.
Learn more: oldfarmersball.com
Annual Gold Nugget Drop
December 31 @ 8:30 PM–12:30 AM | Marion
What’s better than the New York City Times Square ball drop to welcome in the new year? Head to the small town of Marion to watch a six-foot gold nugget drop into a pot of gold! This fun, free, quirky New Year’s Eve celebration also features a variety of events, including a cosplay costume contest, wagon rides, and more! Music, food, and craft vendors will be scattered throughout the 310 District of downtown Marion. The beer and wine garden will feature many nearby wineries and breweries.
Learn more: romanticasheville.com/nugget-drop
New Year’s Eve Bash
December 31 @ 9:00 PM–12:30 AM | Green River Eddy’s Taproom, Saluda
The Carolina Players of Greenville will play a reservations-only show at Green River Eddy’s Taproom for New Year’s Eve. The six-piece party band who loves to dress in black tie provides catchy melodies and soulful vocals reminiscent of the rich cultural legacy of Motown, mixing in some jazz, a little country, and Americana. They will be focused on drawing dancers of all ages and styles to the floor, even shaggers and line dancers. $35 single/$60 couple. Call for reservations.
Learn more: saluda.com
New Years Eve Fireworks
December 31 @ 10:00 PM | Cherokee
Ring in the new year in the heart of the Smokies with one of the region’s biggest fireworks spectacles. After you skate around the rink and grab a delicious bite at one of the food trucks, stop over to watch magic in the sky, with fireworks starting at 10:00 PM. There will be party favors and giveaways!
Learn more: visitcherokeenc.com
12th Annual New Year’s Resolution Run
January 1, 2026 @ 10:00 AM–12:00 PM | Asheville
Start the year strong with this inspiring Asheville tradition. This annual in-person running event begins at 10:00 AM, so you can watch the ball drop and still get up in time to kick off the first day of the year on the right foot. Held on the vibrant streets of downtown Asheville, this run offers participants a scenic and invigorating event. With 5K and 10K routes to choose from, the event caters to runners and walkers of all levels. Make this your first resolution and start the New Year strong!
Learn more: idaph.net/resolution-run
First Day Hike: Gorges State Park
January 1, 2026 @ 10:00–3:00 PM | Gorges State Park, Sapphire
Put your best foot forward in 2026! Join park staff for one of two nature walks through Gorges State Park during the first guided hikes of the year. A half-hour hike to the Upper Bearwallow Falls Overlook starts at 10:00 AM. A one-hour hike down the Raymond Fisher Pond Trail begins at 2:00 PM. Both hikes are considered moderate.
Learn more: ncparks.gov
