Acorn, pig, pickles: Unusual New Year's Eve celebrations in North Carolina
New Year's Eve in North Carolina isn't just about watching the ball drop in Times Square; it's about celebrating in true Tar Heel style. From giant acorns to plastic pigs, the state has some of the quirkiest traditions that make ringing in the new year a unique and unforgettable experience. Let's take a closer look at these eccentric celebrations and discover the stories behind them.
What are the New Year's traditions in North Carolina?
1. The acorn drop in Raleigh: The seed of a new year
What: The First Night celebration in the City of Oaks features the midnight dropping of a gigantic acorn at the intersection of Fayetteville and Davie streets. An early countdown for families is also scheduled at 7 p.m. in City Plaza.
Why: The acorn drop is a whimsical nod to Raleigh's nickname as the "City of Oaks." It symbolizes growth, strength and the promise of a fruitful new year for the capital city.
Where: Downtown Raleigh, at the intersection of Fayetteville and Davie streets.
2. Blueberry drop in Burgaw: A berry good time
What: The coastal town of Burgaw drops a giant lighted aluminum blueberry at about 7 p.m. during its 5th annual event. The celebration includes food, music and a fireworks display.
Why: Burgaw, recognizing the significance of its local blueberry industry, celebrates the fruit that has become a symbol of the town's identity.
Where: Burgaw, a charming coastal town in southeastern North Carolina.
3. Crown lighting CLT NYE in Charlotte: Royal revelry
What: Charlotte's New Year's Eve celebration, Crown Lighting CLT NYE, features the midnight lighting of the Queen City crown and a large fireworks display. Festivities start at 8 p.m. on Tryon Street at Levine Avenue of the Arts.
Why: Charlotte, known as the Queen City, pays homage to its regal nickname with the crown lighting, creating a majestic start to the new year.
Where: Tryon Street at Levine Avenue of the Arts in Uptown Charlotte.
4. Flea drop in Eastover: A peculiar homage
What: The town of Eastover drops a 3-foot-tall, 30-pound ceramic flea at midnight, along with a Moon Pie-eating contest, a dance and the firing of a cannon.
Why: This quirky tradition pays homage to the town's historical name, Flea Hill, adding a touch of eccentricity to the New Year's celebration.
Where: Eastover, near Fayetteville.
5. Flip flop drop in Folly Beach, SC: Southern coastal charm
What: Sparkly flip flops fall from high above Center Street at midnight, followed by fireworks.
Why: Folly Beach adds a touch of southern coastal flair to its New Year's celebration, reflecting the laid-back beachfront lifestyle.
Where: Folly Beach, just south of Charleston, South Carolina.
6. Gold Nugget drop in Marion: A mountainous tribute
What: At midnight, the town of Marion drops a 6-foot, 80-pound gold nugget sculpture into a pot of gold, celebrating the history of gold in McDowell County.
Why: Marion honors its rich economic heritage tied to gold mining in the region, offering a visually striking celebration.
Where: Marion, nestled in the mountains of western North Carolina.
7. Pig drop in Newport: Swine-fueled festivities
What: Newport drops a plastic pig at 5 p.m., accompanied by hot cocoa, music, cookies and s'mores.
Why: The Pig Drop adds a touch of whimsy to the celebrations, creating a family-friendly atmosphere for all ages.
Where: Newport, a coastal town in eastern North Carolina.
8. Pickle drop in Mount Olive: A flavorful tradition
What: Known for its pickles, Mount Olive drops a giant pickle into a pickle jar.
Why: This tradition celebrates the town's culinary heritage, adding a flavorful twist to the New Year's festivities.
Where: Mount Olive, located in the southeastern part of the state.
9. Egg drop in Nashville: A cracking good time
What: Braswell Family Farms will be hosting a New Year's Eve Egg Drop at The Nashville Junction, featuring a countdown just before 7 p.m. and the dropping of eggs, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. The event will also include live music, food and beverage trucks, raffles, outdoor yard games, a photo booth, face painting and cornhole.
Why: This egg-citing tradition adds a playful and family-friendly element to the New Year's celebrations, highlighting Braswell Family Farms' connection to the egg industry.
Where: The Nashville Junction, 723 S. Barnes St., Nashville, NC.
10. Possum drop in Brasstown: A quirky past
What: In 1990, Clay Logan, a convenience store owner in the mountain community of Brasstown, created a unique New Year's Eve tradition involving lowering an opossum in a Plexiglas box during the countdown to the new year.
Why: The possum drop, while controversial, was a quirky and unconventional way for the town to ring in the new year, showcasing the community's sense of humor.
What happened: The tradition faced legal challenges, including a lawsuit from PETA. Logan retired in 2018, and in 2019, the nearby city of Andrews took over the drop for one year before the tradition ultimately ended.
These quirky New Year's Eve traditions showcase North Carolina's diversity, creativity and sense of community. Whether you're drawn to the nuttiness of Raleigh's acorn drop, the fruity vibes of Burgaw's blueberry, or the regal charm of Charlotte's crown lighting, each celebration offers a unique way to welcome the new year in true Tar Heel fashion. As the clock strikes midnight, North Carolinians embrace the eccentricity that makes their New Year's celebrations truly one of a kind.
