From massive fireworks and rooftop parties to family-friendly countdowns and free community events, Charlotte offers dozens of ways to welcome 2026.
Whether you want champagne at midnight, an early balloon drop with kids, or a relaxed New Year’s Day tradition, here are 26 of the best ways to celebrate in the Queen City.
🎆 1–6: Major Countdown & Signature Events
1. CLT NYE at Truist Field
Charlotte’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration returns with live music, drinks, and midnight fireworks.
👉 https://www.milb.com/charlotte-knights/events/cltnye
2. New Year’s Eve at Carowinds WinterFest
Rides, lights, live entertainment, and fireworks for all ages.
👉 https://www.sixflags.com/carowinds/events/new-years-eve-at-winterfest
3. Ballantyne Hotel New Year’s Eve Party
An upscale celebration with DJ, dancing, and champagne at midnight.
👉 https://www.theballantynehotel.com/calendar/new-years-eve-party
4. NYE at South End Station
Live music and late-night party energy in one of South End’s busiest venues.
👉 https://southendclt.org/do/new-years-eve-at-south-end-station
5. UTOPIA NYE Party (Uptown)
A high-energy dance party with DJs and midnight countdown.
👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/utopia-nye-bash-tickets-1971499526154
6. CLT Love NYE Party
Local DJs and dance vibes to close out the year.
👉 https://www.instagram.com/reels/DSz4BvfgJzy
🍾 7–12: Rooftop & Themed Parties
7. 80s Glow NYE at Fahrenheit
Retro rooftop party with skyline views and glowing décor.
👉 https://www.simpletix.com/e/fahrenheit-charlotte-nye-2026-rooftop-80-s-tickets-245078
8. All That Glitters NYE at Merchant & Trade
Stylish dinner party with cocktails and a midnight toast.
👉 https://www.merchantandtrade.com/music-events
9. City Lights & Champagne at Nuvole 22
Uptown rooftop celebration with DJ and city views.
👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/city-lights-champagne-nights-new-years-eve-party-tickets-1976509952474
10. Punchin’ Eve at Suffolk Punch
All-inclusive party with food, drinks, and dancing.
👉 https://suffolkpunchbrewing.com/event/new-years-punchin-eve-2026/
11. NYE at Novelty House & Havana Smoke
Two-level party with rooftop fireworks views.
👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-tickets-1975881865850
12. Black & White Ball at STATS Charlotte
Formal-themed party with DJ and midnight celebration.
👉 https://www.instagram.com/reels/DRx-Ka5DKUM/
🎉 13–18: Nightlife & Unique Experiences
13. Neon NYE at Seoul Food Meat Co.
Free-entry glow party with DJs and late-night food.
👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-neon-party-at-seoul-food-south-end-tickets-1975357432255
14. NYE Day Party at Vaulted Oak Brewing
Afternoon fest with bluegrass and brews (free).
👉 https://www.facebook.com/events/2393969557686570
15. NYE Masquerade Gala
Dress-up celebration with music and champagne.
👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queen-city-nye-masquerade-gala-tickets-1976511175131
16. Champagne Society NYE at Ink N Ivy
Uptown party with DJ and midnight toast.
👉 https://uptowncharlotte.com/do/champagne-society-new-years-eve-party-presented-by-sportslink
17. Rich & Bennett’s NYE Bash
Popular local venue hosting a packed New Year’s party.
👉 https://richandbennett.com/nye-bash/
18. Rooftop NYE Lounge Experience
Chill, upscale celebration with cocktails and music.
👉 https://uptowncharlotte.com/do/city-lights-and-champagne-nights-new-years-eve-party-at-nuvole
🍻 19: The ONE Bar Crawl
19. Charlotte NYE Countdown Bar Crawl
One wristband, multiple venues, and a guided New Year’s Eve crawl.
👉 https://www.nasstive.com/charlotte/newyearseve/
👨👩👧 20–23: Family-Friendly & Early Celebrations
20. Noon Year’s Eve at Discovery Place Kids
Early balloon drop and kid-friendly activities.
👉 https://discoveryplacekids.org/event/noon-years-eve-celebration
21. Rockin’ Noon Year’s Eve at ImaginOn
Music, crafts, and a countdown for younger kids.
👉 https://fun4charlottekids.com/Whats-Happening/New-Year-Events/12/31-Rockin-NOON-Years-Eve/View-details.html
22. Matthews Noon Year’s Celebration
DJ, balloons, and early countdown for families.
👉 https://www.matthewsnc.gov/pview.aspx?id=21015
23. New Year’s Eve at Whitewater Center
Outdoor celebration with live music and winter activities.
👉 https://whitewater.org/event/new-years-eve
🥂 24–26: New Year’s Day Traditions
24. Free Soup Day (Jan. 1)
Community soup events across Charlotte to kick off the year.
👉 https://www.freerangebrewing.com/events/free-soup-day
25. Birdsong Brewing New Year’s Day Party
Bagels, coffee, and relaxed vibes to start 2026.
👉 https://birdsongbrewing.com/events
26. First Footin’ at Rural Hill
Historic New Year’s Day tradition with walking and storytelling.
👉 https://ruralhill.net/event/first-footin
