New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to dance the night away before you start making your resolutions. Though you can spend the night at home or a friend’s house, Charleston, SC, offers so many things to do that you’ll want to get out of the house. Check out some of the best ways to enjoy a night of fun this year.
1. Annual Charleston Wonderland NYE
Festival Hall in downtown Charleston comes to life during Charleston Wonderland NYE celebration. Conveniently located near some of the top Kiawah Island real estate, the celebration features DJs spinning tracks and live bands. Head over to the champagne bar to toast the night and grab a check or commemorate the night with photos taken in one of the photo booths. The Annual Charleston Wonderland NYE event runs until 1 a.m.
2. Charleston NYE Bar Crawl
This New Year’s might be the best time to check out the city’s top bars with the Charleston NYE Bar Crawl. Grab your friends and head downtown to start the fun. If you don’t have a big group, don’t worry. This event is a good way to make some new ones. Doors open at 6 p.m. at the John King Grill & Dueling Piano Bar where you can register and grab a wristband. Visitors spend the whole night working their way through some of the top bars and restaurants in Downtown Charleston.
3. Take a Cruise
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Taking a cruise is a fun way to ring in the holiday. The Carolina Girl is just one of the yachts that offers New Year’s Eve cruises. It departs at 6:30 p.m. and sails around Johns Island. Take in the sights and sounds as you enjoy live DJ music and flowing drinks. Appetizers and other foods are also available.
4. NYE Yorktown Countdown Charleston, SC
The Charleston City Paper named the NYE Yorktown Countdown as the best party in the city. Though the USS Yorktown might look like an ordinary battleship, it transforms into party central on New Year’s Eve. With roughly 15,000 feet of space, you’ll find plenty of ways to shake loose and have fun. Not only does the ship have a full-service bar, but the party brings in some leading DJs to drop beats.
5. NYE at Aquarium Aglow
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Aquarium Aglow is back and ready for families who want to celebrate the holiday with marine animals. Set for 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., it’s a great choice for kids who need to head to bed early. Enjoy the party atmosphere provided by the live DJ and let your kids have their faces painted. You’ll also find a unique ball drop and tons of entertainment. Don’t forget to swing by and check out the animals before leaving.
6. Marion Square New Year’s Celebration
See Marion Square in a new way when it kicks off its annual New Year’s Eve celebration. One of the biggest benefits of heading here is that the fun starts earlier in the day around 4 p.m. Up until 10 p.m., you’ll see loads of food trucks selling some of your favorite local dishes and plenty of activities. Some of the nearby stores stay open, too.
7. Ring in the New Year at Night Heron Park
If you live near Heron Park or Kiawah Island, head to the park and ring in the coming year. The event starts at 6 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m. You’ll have plenty of time to head to other parties or events before the clock hits midnight. You may want to stick around to watch the fireworks displays though. Dinner service is available until 9 p.m. at this event, which is a favorite among local families.
8. Head to Folly Beach for the Flip-Flop Drop
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Who needs to head to New York City for the ball drop when Charleston has its unique holiday tradition? Folly Beach is home to the annual Flip-Flop Drop. Find a comfy spot on the beach and watch the illuminated flip-flop drop as the clock starts at midnight. Suitable for people of all ages, the fun starts at 9:30 p.m. when the flip-flop rises into the air.
9. Dress up for the Fort Jazz Lounge Gala
Do you love the idea of dressing up for New Year’s Eve? Grab your masquerade mask and dancing shoes before heading to the Forte Jazz Lounge. It hosts an annual New Year’s Eve Gala for adults only. Though the playlist includes some jazz music, it also features plenty of swing classics. The club is only open to those 21 and older and requests guests dress formally for the celebration.
10. Enjoy NYE Dinner at These Charleston Gems
When looking for historic homes for sale in Charleston, residents and locals often look for those near their favorite restaurants. You’re in luck if you want to celebrate the holiday with a delicious meal because many restaurants stay open.
The minds behind Jackrabbit Filly honed their skills working on the food truck, Short Grain. Their restaurant hosts a special New Year’s Eve dinner where you have the chance to meet new people. Served family style, the meal includes multiple American dishes with a Chinese twist. As a bonus, you get a free glass of champagne.
Church and Union gives you two fun options. Reserve the New Year’s Eve dinner to enjoy three courses early in the night. At 10 p.m., the restaurant transforms into a club for the New Year’s Eve Late Night Celebration. Enjoy a large buffet filled with appetizers and snacks along with an open bar. A balloon drop and champagne toast take place at midnight.
Enjoy New Year’s Eve in Charleston
Whether you want a fun place to take your kids or an exciting spot for adults, Charleston has you covered. From the fun at the aquarium and Heron Park to the adults-only events at local bars and restaurants, you’ll easily find the best way to ring in the New Year. Just make sure to buy your tickets in advance as many of the top spots have limited space. Spend this New Year the way you always dreamed of in Charleston, SC.
