WRAL’s First Night Raleigh returns for New Year’s Eve 2025, offering a fun, jam-packed way to welcome 2026. Head to Downtown Raleigh on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, for an exciting, low-cost New Year’s Eve celebration.
The festivities include the Children’s Celebration, which starts at 2 p.m., outdoor musical performances at City Plaza in the afternoon, an early New Year’s Eve countdown and Acorn Drop at 7 p.m., and performances and activities in multiple indoor venues in the evening. Then at midnight, the highlight of the celebration — music on the outdoor Main Stage, the Raleigh Acorn Drop and a fireworks show.
Read on for a list of performers, activities, and even where to park.
Check out our list of New Year’s Eve events in the Triangle. We focus on free and cheap events!
Tickets for First Night Raleigh
Tickets are available for purchase now.
Ticket prices:
- $15.33 by December 25. $17.33 after. This price includes fees, but not taxes.
- Free for children 5 and under
Your ticket includes:
- Ferris Wheel
- Amusement rides
- Silent disco
- All indoor activities
- Indoor musical performances and comedy sets
- Children’s celebration with crafts and activities
- People’s Procession
You do not need a ticket to watch the Acorn Drop and Fireworks Show.
Daytime Activities
The Children’s Celebration takes place from 2 to 6 p.m.
The celebration will include plenty of entertainment and activities for families.
The People’s Procession, led by Paperhand Puppet Intervention, takes place at 6 p.m.
Performances
- 2 p.m.: African American Dance Ensemble
- 3 p.m.: Dawn Rushing
- 4 p.m.: Byron Jennings
- 5 p.m.: Dari Satterwhite
- 6 p.m.: Cuqui Gorman
Children’s Craft Activities
- Glow bracelets
- Glow keychains
- Glow buttons
- New Year’s Wish Wall
An Early Countdown
There will be an early countdown and fireworks at 7 p.m., for kids and others who want to call it a night.
Performances
The Main Stage is at City Plaza, 400 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC. There will be performances there from 2 p.m. to midnight. See schedule below.
In addition to the Main Stage, there will be live music at several indoor venues. All are included with your ticket.
Main Stage
- 6 to 7 p.m.: Julia.
- 7 p.m.: Early Acorn Drop
- 7:15 to 7:50 p.m.: African American Dance Ensemble
- 8 to 8:20 p.m.: Magic Al
- 8:25 to 9:15 p.m.: Raleigh Rockers
- 9:45 to 10:30 p.m.: Azul
- 10:30 to 10:55 p.m.: Magic Al
- 11 p.m. to midnight: Jason Scott & The High Heat
- Countdown to midnight and fireworks at midnight
Indoor Venues and Street Activations
First Baptist Church
101 S Wilmington Street
- Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble
- The Gregg Gelb Jazz Quintet, featuring Kathy
- Montgomery Gelb
The Self Care Market Place
12 W Martin Street
- DL Zene
- Pynk Mo$cato
- Kylah Leshon
Transfer Co. Ballroom
500 E Davie Street
- Comedy Worx Performances
Church of the Good Shepherd
125 Hillsborough Street
- Dom Flemmons
- Mason Via
House of Rebellion
206 S Wilmington Street
- Jack the Songman
- Lavae Hylton
- Rebecca Kleinmann
- Katzin
High Tide Salon
309 W Martin Street
- The Deacon Board
- Ayrun Vena
- Shekwoaga
Amusement Rides
These are included with your ticket.
- Ferris wheel
- The Inferno
Countdown
At 11:59 p.m., the countdown begins at City Plaza. Midnight will be celebrated with the famous Raleigh Acorn Drop and fireworks!
Where to Park for First Night Raleigh
Please check out this parking map for Downtown Raleigh. In all there are over 70 parking decks and parking lots.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
You might also be interested in:
- Signing up for Triangle on the Cheap’s daily email
- Free and cheap events this week
- Day by Day list of holiday events
- Best Christmas Lights in the Triangle
- Christmas tree farms and lots near the Triangle
- Free pictures with Santa in the Triangle
- Holiday Markets in the Triangle
- Christmas Trains in North Carolina
More New Year Events in the Triangle
Check out our list of New Year’s Eve events in the Triangle, or look at a few of them here:
[…] WRAL First Night RaleighDate: Tuesday, December 31, 2024Time: 2 p.m. to midnightPlace: City Plaza, Fayetteville, Raleigh, NCCost: $16 ($13 if purchased before December 25) Features: The festivities include the Children’s Celebration, which starts at 2 p.m., outdoor musical performances at City Plaza in the afternoon, an early New Year’s Eve countdown at 7 p.m., and performances and activities in multiple indoor venues in the evening. Then at night, the highlight of the celebration — music on the outdoor Main Stage, the Raleigh Acorn Drop and a fireworks show. […]