New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Events in Asheville

What better way to give this old year the boot and usher in the new one than to celebrate with family and friends? Sure, you could spend yet another night cuddling on the couch with a movie and popcorn, but you could do that anytime! New Year’s Eve is a night for revelry and celebration, so check out our list of New Year’s Eve events in Asheville and get off the couch!

Restaurant Events

Before you go out for the evening, be sure to fuel up with drinks and apps at Azalea Bar & Kitchen right here at The Residences at Biltmore. A mix of Southern comfort entrees, local beer, and curated cocktails are on the menu from 3-9 p.m. No reservations are necessary; just stop in and get a seat.

Bargello will offer a four-course prix-fixe New Year's Eve Menu for $120 per person, or enhance your evening with an optional $50 wine pairing menu. Dinner begins at 5 p.m., and reservations are suggested by visiting the restaurant website.

Posana will serve a four-course prix fixe curated for $120 per person, available from 5 to 10 p.m. Bring the whole family—kids can enjoy a single menu item for just $20. Reservations are highly recommended at the link.

Bars and Breweries

The Whale in West Asheville will host an early New Year's Eve party, with a countdown and champagne toast at 9 p.m. so you can get home to bed earlier.

Flashback to the decade of neon and hairspray at the 80’s New Year’s Eve Party at The Draftsman. The price includes a buffet, champagne toast, party favors, and more. The night starts at 9 p.m., and your best 80’s dress is encouraged.

Party on the rooftop at Capella on 9 from 7 p.m. - Midnight advanced tickets are $75, and $85 at the door. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and a charcuterie spread, a photobooth to capture the night’s memories, a special holiday cocktail menu, live music, and a festive champagne toast at midnight. No reservations are required.

Experience numerous bars and breweries throughout the city with the Asheville New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl. Starting at Urban Orchard Cider Co. at 6 p.m., you’ll get a digital map with all of the spots included in the crawl, drink specials at all participating locations, free entry, and a midnight champagne toast. Check in between 6-9 p.m., and keep going after midnight at the exclusive after-party.

Live Music

Electro Lust is an Asheville-based outfit comprised of Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band, The Fritz, and Empire Strikes Brass members. Their high-energy sound delivers funk, Latin, Cuban, Afrobeat, and a full brass section, and they will play at The Grey Eagle starting at 9 p.m. New Year's Eve.

Ring in the New Year with Direct From Sweden, an ABBA tribute show backed by the Asheville Symphony. Grab your shiniest disco boots and dance your way into the New Year with hits like “Mamma Mia,” “Waterloo,” “Fernando,” “Dancing Queen,” and more. The event begins at 8 p.m. on Dec. 31 at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Get tickets online before it sells out.

For the Whole Family

Biltmore Christmas at Biltmore continues through January 5. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to visit the largest private home in the country, this is it!

Visit the house and grounds during the day to see it adorned with festive garland, numerous Christmas trees and decorations, and a general spirit of the holidays in every room. Or, choose to visit the Estate during Candlelight Christmas Evenings, when the fireplaces throughout the house are lit, trees are illuminated, pathways are glowing with luminaries, and winter floral displays top the tables and the grounds. Reservations are necessary and can be made on the Biltmore website.

While you’re there, be sure to take in Chihuly at Biltmore, an exclusive exhibit of Dale Chihuly’s glass work, on display until February 2. Individual event and ticket packages with the Candlelight and daytime visits are available.

North Carolina Arboretum The walking tour of Winter Lights continues at the North Carolina Arboretum gardens through December 31. The light show, which features more than one million lights, celebrates forest and garden creatures and whimsy. Highlights of the show include the Quilt Garden and a 50-foot lighted tree, as well as numerous other lighted displays. Reserve your time and pay at the link.

National Gingerbread House Competition Houses For more than three decades, the National Gingerbread House Competition at the Grove Park Inn has been a hallmark of the holidays in Asheville. This year, the hotel canceled the gingerbread house display because of the effects of Hurricane Helene. However, the gingerbread house artists are still getting the opportunity to show off their creations via the Gingerbread Trail of Giving. More than 45 gingerbread houses will be showcased at local businesses through January 5. All you need is a map to view all the gingerbread houses that are part of this year’s display.