New Year Eve's Events Raleigh

Looking to celebrate December 31st in style? Here are a few local events to consider for kids, families or adults! Voted as one of the quirkiest New Year’s Eve celebrations in America is Raleigh’s Nutty New Year’s bash. Better known as First Night Raleigh, our city will drop a large copper acorn at midnight as part of the New Year’s Eve celebration. This is Raleigh’s largest and most popular event for families. First Night Raleigh 2009 will kick off with the Children’s Celebration beginning at 2:00 PM at the NC Museums of History and Natural Sciences and outside on Bicentennial Plaza, followed by the People’s Procession and Early Countdown at 7:00 PM. Evening entertainment features music, comedy, dance, and theatre in two dozen downtown locations! Tickets to First Night Raleigh are $12 for adults, $10 for kids and admission is free for children under five. Admission buttons are on sale at Raleigh area Harris Teeters and Rite Aid stores and other local retailers. First Light Wake Forest is a family-friendly, alcohol-free event in downtown Wake Forest . Its schedule of events features kid’s activities, live music, a climbing wall, karaoke and a fireworks display. Interested in a spa day and a night of luxury? Then try the Umstead Hotel and Spa, as well as Heron’s Restaurant. They are offering a special eight-course New Year’s Eve dinner ($125/person), followed by a countdown to New Years complete with free-flowing champagne. Check website for rates and availability. For the sports fan, here are two options to consider: NC State Men’s and Women’s Teams will be playing New Year’s Day. Carolina Hurricanes will be playing New Year’s Eve at 8:00 PM.