Spotlight: Happy New Year!

 

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No matter your celebration style, there’s a New Year’s Eve shindig for you.

Here are a few of our favorite local ways to ring in 2016:

First Night Raleigh

The Oak City version of Times Square truly offers something for everyone at dozens of venues throughout downtown. Catch a jazz or organ concert, see high school improv comedy troupes, ride the ferris wheel, or behold the larger-than-life Paperhand Puppet Intervention. It all culminates when the giant copper acorn – that same one you see in Moore Square throughout the year – drops at both 7 p.m. and midnight. Prepare for this one: be sure to check the website for a map of performances and parking tips.

2 p.m. – 12 a.m.; $10; firstnightraleigh.com

New Year’s Eve in Vienna

Dress up for a thematic symphony concert at Meymandi Concert Hall. The Jazz Repertory Orchestra and the N.C. Symphony, directed by conductor David Glover, will perform Viennese waltzes and other traditional selections from the region.

8 p.m.; $52 – $82; ncsymphony.org

Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes play the Washington Capitals at 6 p.m., which leaves time to catch the game and still head elsewhere – or be home in time – to make a midnight toast.
6 p.m.; $30 and up; thepncarena.com

An Umstead Celebration

Head to the Umstead Hotel and Spa for an elegant soiree in the ballroom. The formal festivities feature gourmet small plates, a dessert buffet, and an open bar before a live band plays nonstop music to usher in the new year.

9:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.; $185; theumstead.com

The Merrimon-Wynne House
Ring in the New Year at the Merrimon-Wynne House gala. Join the crowd at the historic home for a night of dancing, festive cocktails, and plenty of food.

500 N Blount St, Raleigh; merrimonwynne.com