Happy New Year! Acorn drop marks beginning of 2024 at WRAL First Night Raleigh
Tens of thousands crowded the streets of downtown for WRAL First Night Raleigh on Sunday night.
Posted — UpdatedThe annual New Year's Eve celebration includes the Sky Hawk and Tesla AC amusement rides, a Ferris wheel and music and dance performances covering a 20-block area of downtown Raleigh.
Alicia Melgar is among those looking forward to the celebration.
"It’s like good energy, everybody’s hype, everybody’s having a good time," she said.
Festivities began in the early afternoon City Plaza outdoor musical performances and the Children’s Celebration.
There will be musical performances, children's activities and ticketed indoor events across multiple venues throughout downtown Raleigh. Black Friday Market, Self Care Marketplace and Kings are among the businesses with performances and installations to check out.
"It's going to feel like all of Raleigh is here, and then all their friends from everywhere else from North Carolina has come with them. It's this incredibly energetic scene," Laws said. "
The People’s Procession was held at 6 p.m. It was led by the Paperhand Puppet Intervention, Helping Hand Mission Band and N.C. State's pipes and drums. Following that, there was an early acorn drop and fireworks.
Walking around to enjoy the atmosphere – and the midnight acorn drop and fireworks show – is free.
"No matter what you are doing on First Night, everybody wants to end up at the acorn drop," Laws said. It's so popular we do it twice."
Hotel employees like Kenny Garcia are thankful for the visitors.
This year’s headliner is Canadian singer Rich Aucoin. He was named Sirius XM Indie Awards' Emerging Artist of the Year. He will help ring in 2024 with the annual acorn drop at midnight and fireworks celebration.
"Everyone is pouring into these downtown businesses to support our city, and it’s just such an amazing benefit of this festival," Laws said.
Homebodies can ring in 2024 with WRAL. Live coverage of First Night Raleigh begins at 10 p.m. on FOX 50. Tune in for the day's headlines, the latest weather forecast and First Night performances and special guests.
Those watching Sunday Night Football on NBC won't miss the acorn drop either. WRAL will join the First Night festivities after the game in time to celebrate the new year.
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