New Year’s Eve in Charleston
New Year’s Eve is a big deal in the Holy City. Restaurants offer special menus and there’s a party around every corner. Charleston even offers family-friendly New Year’s Eve events. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Charleston with an activity for every budget, group size and whim.
Bars and Restaurants
The Holy City’s food scene is legendary. Lots of restaurants pull out all the stops for New Year’s Eve in Charleston. Read on to find the restaurant of your choice for your last meal of 2019.
McCrady’s is the only fine-dining restaurant with a special tasting menu and wine pairing to ring in the new year. The intimate space seats 20 people. It’s perfect for couples or smaller groups looking to celebrate.
Searching for a decadent way to ring in the new year? Circa 1886 hosts a countdown with a six-course prix fixe meal. The champagne is even included! This Charleston spot is a go-to for southern cuisine.
5Church in Charleston is known for its cocktails. They’re offering a 3-course prix fixe menu that includes champagne. This Charleston restaurant has gotten rave reviews. Check it out if you’re looking for a trendy New Year’s Eve in Charleston.
Interested in a surf and turf feast? Check out the Swamp Fox at the Francis Marion Hotel. They’re offering a three-course dinner, including champagne. The perfect way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Charleston.
Mexican-food favorite Mesu is also hosting a dinner for New Year’s Eve in Charleston. The King Street stop offers free entry all night, with reservations from 4-11p.m., and a live DJ starting at 10 p.m. There’s even a ball drop at midnight. Ring in the new year with margaritas and tacos!
Zero George is hosting dinner in the restaurant and a party in the lounge. The lounge will feature a “champagne & caviar” package, while the restaurant hosts a six-course tasting menu. Pick one or both for your celebrations.
Where to Stay on New Year’s Eve in Charleston
Coming in from out of town to celebrate? Charleston has spectacular hotels. Check out the Hotel Bennett or The Vendue. Both are located close to downtown. Or stay at The Spectator, it’s close to City Market.
Looking for a Bed & Breakfast in Charleston? Discover the charms of Palmer’s Pinckney Inn at City Market or the Meeting Street Inn. These offer a more intimate feel.
Charleston New Year’s Eve Family Activities
If you’ve brought the whole family for New Year’s Eve in Charleston, the city presents opportunities to delight all ages.
Want an athletic way to close out the decade? Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of Palms is hosting a New Year’s Eve Fun Run. Starting at 8 a.m. on December 31, join the 5k to run or walk with your family.
Children’s Museum of the Low Country is hosting its annual “Noon Year’s Eve.” Taking place from 9:00 am to 2:00 p.m., this family-friendly party includes glitter crafts and a countdown culminating in a noon ball drop. Don’t miss the fun!
If you’re looking to include kids in your nighttime festivities, check out Kiawah Island Resort’s New Year’s Family Celebration. Night Heron Park will be filled with live music, games, and fireworks from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Families get to enjoy a magician, party favors, jump castles and train rides.
For those outside the city center, Center Street will be the site of the annual New Year’s Eve Flip Flop Drop at Folly Beach. Celebrate the new year and watch the glittery shoes descend as the clock strikes midnight.
Parties to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Charleston
People travel across the country to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Charleston. From gatherings featuring contortionists and music to a night of bowling, Charleston has parties fit to everyone’s budget and style.
Climb aboard the USS Yorktown for a rocking New Year’s Eve. All 15,000 square feet of the ship are open on the flight deck under a heated tent. There are drinks, food and a DJ. Ring in the new year with a view of Charleston harbor. This event is ticketed.
One beloved Charleston New Year’s Eve traditions is the Snyder Grand Ball. Hosted at the aquarium, this black-tie optional event includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and an open bar. Music is provided by Midnight City and DJ Natty Heavy.
Spend New Year’s Eve at Charleston’s historic Rice Mill. Featuring DJ Moo moo, catering, full bar and champagne toast. This event is great for larger groups, the Rice Mill offers group ticketing.
See and be seen as Charleston Wonderland hosts it’s 7th annual New Year’s Eve this year. Entertainment will be provided by American Idol contestant Quiana Parler and Ugi the Contortionist. It’s a real party featuring photo booths, a balloon drop, cigar bar and red carpet. Don’t miss this special party!
Interested in a themed Charleston New Year’s Eve celebration? The Cedar Room is hosting a Bond-themed party. Dress in your finest tuxedo and head down to listen to music by Kerwin L. Felix Band and DJ Wade.
If you’re looking for a low-key themed party, check out New Year’s Eve at the Alley. Get free bowling, arcade games, and a silent disco. You won’t be held to a dress code but you can still enjoy champagne and light appetizers.
Charleston’s New Year’s Day Activities
The fun won’t stop once the decade’s begun. If you’re not too tired from all that Charleston New Year’s Eve revelry, check out these fun January 1 activities.
If you’re looking for an extreme way to celebrate the day, head to the Dunleavy’s Pub Polar Plunge at Sullivan’s Island. Plunge to raise money for Special Olympics South Carolina! Food and drinks will be provided, and the plunge begins at 1 p.m.
If running is more your style, join the Charleston Race the Landing 5K New Year’s Day Pajama Run. Meet at Charles Towne Landing and participate in this family event. Don’t forget your PJs! The race begins at 8 a.m.