Best New Year’s fireworks shows, broken down by region

Check out these great fireworks shows, ranging from free to bougie, in each of North Carolina’s three geographical regions to end 2025 with a bang.

Somehow, New Year’s Eve is nearly upon us, though we’re not entirely sure where this year has gone. In many ways, this year was a rough one, but the celebration must go on—we’ve earned it. That’s why we’re taking a look at the best fireworks shows that North Carolina has to offer and breaking them down by region. By this, we of course mean the Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and Mountains regions of the state.

Thankfully, colorful fireworks displays are bountiful this year, so there should be one close enough to home no matter where you live. You’ll only need to grab your red Solo cup and enjoy. Just remember to follow the same fireworks and grill safety tips that you would for the Fourth of July. With that said, here are the fireworks shows you’ll want to attend to ring in 2026 in style.

Coastal Plain region

New Year’s Eve Celebration (Morehead City)

Those along the coast are in luck, as Morehead City’s bringing its annual New Year’s Eve Celebration back to Ottis Landing in 2025. From 7:30 pm to 9:15 pm, attendees will have the chance to eat good food and indulge in delicious drinks from local vendors like KC’s Brews, as well as watch a spectacular fireworks show, of course. There will also be child-friendly activities, so you’re welcome to bring the whole family.

You also won’t want to miss the crab pot drop. Think of it like the coastal version of New York’s iconic ball drop. It’s something that locals look forward to every year, and it’s a unique tradition to experience for the first time if you haven’t seen it before.

District New Year’s Eve Spectacular 2025 (Fayetteville)

Further inland than Morehead City? Head to Fayetteville, where the District New Year’s Eve Spectacular 2025 will rage on from 7:30 pm to 12:30 am at Festival Park in the Cool Spring Downtown District. This night promises to be fun, boasting several energetic performers (including the headlining 702 and “Ms. New Booty” rapper Bubba Sparxxx) and bursts of captivating fireworks.

Fayetteville’s annual New Year’s Eve festival is entering its fifth year in 2025, and it continues to get better. Children’s activities will be available for the younguns, and food trucks will be on-site for those wanting yummy snacks while they wait for 2026. (Snacks are the best part of the holiday, if you ask us.) Oh, and while other events on this list drop an acorn or a crab pot, Fayetteville will ascend a bright, 18-foot star into the night sky—a beacon of good things to come, to be sure. The event is free to attend, but VIP tickets can be purchased for $75.

Grand New Year’s Celebration (Manteo)

If waterside fireworks are up your alley, you need to head to Manteo’s Grand New Year’s Celebration. This is one of the most kid-friendly events on this list for the sole fact that the fireworks are scheduled for 8 pm, allowing everyone to see them before heading to bed. The event’s Facebook page also mentions that children’s activities will be available.

According to the comments on the Facebook post, locals are excited to see Manteo’s New Year’s Eve tradition return after the city previously “canceled” it. Companies in the area, namely Kellogg Supply Company, are sponsoring the event now, ensuring everyone has a happy and safe holiday. You, too, can support this yearly tradition by showing up and proving just how special ringing in a new year with community really is.

Piedmont region

Larger Than Life CLT (Charlotte)

Engineered by Six Stars Entertainment, an event-organizing firm that puts together events across the world, Larger Than Life CLT is one of the company’s several New Year’s Eve parties planned for 2025. Six Stars Entertainment describes the event as “the BIGGEST New Year’s Eve Celebration in the Carolinas,” so this is one event you won’t want to miss.

Larger Than Life CLT is planned for 10 pm to 2 am and has an “upscale” dress code. Fireworks, flowing drinks, and live music from local Charlotte DJs will grace the event. Tickets begin at just $25, and more location details are set to come, so you’ll want to follow Six Stars Entertainment on social media to stay updated.

First Night Raleigh (Raleigh)

Further south than Charlotte? No problem. The Raleigh-based event-organizing nonprofit Artsplosure is hosting its annual New Year’s Eve bash, First Night Raleigh, which is slated to begin at 7 pm and last until everyone rings in 2026 at midnight. Live music and dance performances will keep attendees’ energy high, and fireworks will be the perfect nightcap as 2025 exits the scene. The best part? There’s an acorn drop at 7 pm for kids. This way, they can experience the magic of New Year’s without being up all night.

Tickets can be purchased online and cost $15.33, including fees, and you receive access to a Ferris wheel, children’s crafts, the aforementioned performances, and more. You do not need to pay if you just want to see fireworks, of course. The event’s website notes that you can see them clearly from City Plaza.

Mountains region

Beech Mountain Resort’s New Year’s celebration (Beech Mountain)

Beech Mountain has some of the most stunning views in North Carolina, and you can extend that to New Year’s Eve when you head up to Beech Mountain Resort on Dec. 31. The resort will be hosting a big get-together complete with food trucks, live music, a silent disco, and, of course, a memorable fireworks show. The festivities are slated to begin at 7 pm and last until 12:30 am, with the fireworks beginning at 12 am on the dot.

Worried about the cold? Don’t. The resort will have firepits stationed and ready to keep guests warm while they swoon at the sky with their loved ones by their sides. A fully stocked bar will also be on-site for those who want to stay extra warm.

New Year’s Eve Celebration at Sugar Mountain (Banner Elk)

In true Mountains-region style, Banner Elk will also be throwing a New Year’s Eve celebration complete with glorious fireworks lighting up the heavens. This mountain-top soiree, called the New Year’s Eve Celebration at Sugar Mountain, will take place at Sugar Mountain Resort and come in two waves. The first is a paid event that will last from 9 pm to 1 am. This ticketed portion of the night, coming in at $55 per person or $75 for two, includes live music and food, but the fireworks show and “torch light parade” are free for all to attend.

Want to spend New Year’s Eve glamorously? Reach out to the resort at (828) 898-4521 ext. 261 to reserve your spot.

Hatley Pointe’s Dinner + The Bash (Mars Hill)

We’ve saved the priciest event for last. The reservation-only resort Hatley Pointe in Mars Hill is holding its annual Dinner + The Bash on New Year’s Eve again this year, and it will cost a whopping $250 to participate. You can choose to have dinner at 6 pm or 8 pm, and afterward, you can enjoy the rest of 2025 with live music, drinks (two free drinks are included with your ticket), and, of course, fireworks. You’ll likely be able to see the fireworks outside of the resort, but if you want in on the action (and delicious food), buying a ticket might just be the move for you.