Make the Most of New Year's Eve in Gaston County
- Jennifer Easler
- 31 minutes ago
- 4 min read
From time-honored traditions to lively parties and family-friendly celebrations, Gaston County offers countless ways to ring in the New Year. Whether you’re drawn to the echo of historic musket fire in Cherryville, an early countdown with the kids, an energizing outdoor hike, or a night of music, dancing, and dining, there’s a New Year’s Eve experience for everyone to welcome 2026 in style.
A Traditional New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve Shooters | Cherryville
One of the oldest traditions continues in Cherryville, NC as New Year's Eve Shooters celebrate with a bang! Taking place on December 31st from 10:30 pm to 1:00 am, local residents fire muskets from an assortment of pre-determined locations around town as a symbol of tradition compared to the 1700s, when pioneers believed loud noises would drive witches from their property. This family-friendly celebration will also include music and food trucks.
Fun for the Kids
Little ones don’t always make it to ring in the New Year so here’s the perfect day for them.
Noon Year's Eve Party | Schiele Museum of Natural History
Families with children are also encouraged to check out "Noon Year’s Eve" at Schiele Museum of Natural History, where they will celebrate early in the day with games, crafts, and snacks, then learn about different New Year’s traditions around the world.
Noon Year's Eve Party | Cherryville Public Library
Celebrate the end of the old year and welcome the new year at the Noon Year's Eve Party. Join the Cherryville Public Library for games, crafts, songs, and more.
Ring in the Noon Year | We Kan Go Play
Ring in the noon year with us at We Kan Go Play in Mount Holly. Celebration with a light snack, bluey dance party, and balloon drop to end the year in style.
Start the New Year with Fitness
Warlick YMCA | Gastonia
A family-friendly New Year’s celebration—Happy Noon Year! Skip the late-night countdown and ring in 2026 with us on Wednesday, December 31st, at the Warlick Family YMCA.
Crowders Mountain State Park | Kings Mountain
Start your New Year's resolution on the right foot and hit a state park trail for First Day Hike. This will be a ranger-led hike from the CCC Bathhouse Trail-head of Kings Mountain State Park to the Boulders Access Area of Crowders Mountain State Park.
Enjoy dinner out on the town
These restaurants have created a special menus. Make your reservations now.
Drift on Lake Wylie (980) 351-0111
Webb Custom Kitchen in Gastonia (704) 864-8385
New Year's Eve Parties
Jekyll and Hyde | Belmont
Hello 2026, goodbye 2025! Get your tickets to ring in 2025 at Jekyll and Hyde New Year's Eve Bash. Live DJ, midnight toast, dancing, entertainers & more! Dress up, bring friends & party.
Nellies Southern Kitchen | Belmont
Step back in time and ring in the new year in true Gatsby-era glamour at the Roaring 20's New Year's Eve Bash at Nellies Southern Kitchen! An unforgettable night filled with Southern charm, live entertainment, decadent bites, and sparkling spirits as we welcome 2026 in high style.
The Cherry Pit | Cherryville
New Year's Eve at The Cherry Pit. with live music from the Rosewater Duo from 7 PM all the way to midnight — and yes, we’ll be partying until the ball drops.
Dallas Tavern and Taphouse | Dallas
Ringing in 2026 by bringing the '80s back! Celebrate the new year at this 80s-themed NYE party!
The Rooster | Gastonia
Kicking off the night with a special edition Singer/Songwriter Open Mic hosted by Kennon Knight, Trace Casanova, and a very special appearance from Jade Moore. Then the Hee Haw Disco Rodeo New Year's Eve Party.
Gaston Pour House | Gastonia
Gaston Pour House hosts a NYE Midnight Masquerade. featuring live music by Aaron Michael & Noëlle Ward from 9 PM–12 AM, a $10 cover with late-night bites, party favors, and a champagne toast, plus optional table reservations that include champagne.
CityCade | Gastonia
Bring in 2026 at City Cade with DJ Smirk throwing an all-out New Year's Eve dance party. Drink specials, bankers dropping, and a midnight toast to kick off the new year right.
Local Logic | Mount Holly
A New Year's Eve Party to remember at Local Logic with music bingo at 7 pm and then a DJ all night long! Ballon drop, drink specials, free photo booth, and more.
Traust Brewry | Mount Holly
Don't miss this New Years Eve party to remember! We will have music bingo at 7 pm and then DJ all night long! Ballon drop, drink specials, free photo booth and more!
No matter how you choose to celebrate—daytime or midnight, low-key or high-energy—New Year’s Eve in Gaston County is full of opportunities to create lasting memories. Gather with family and friends, support local events and businesses, and start the new year on a joyful note as you make the most of all the festivities happening close to home.
