What are your goals for 2019? Are they to try something new, get out more, and enjoy life? If so, we know just how to start off the new year right!

Here are 19 local events across Western North Carolina to help you ring in 2019:

---

Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum (Asheville)

WHEN: November 16–December 31

Don’t miss the North Carolina Arboretum’s elaborate Winter Lights show! The event transforms the gardens into a nighttime wonderland with 500,000 lights. Walk through spectacular displays and see the gardens in a completely new way. The Winter Lights show is designed with an artistic aesthetic to enhance the natural beauty of the gardens as you celebrate the holidays. Tickets required in advance.

Learn more: romanticasheville.com/arboretum_lights

---

Miracle on Wall Street (Asheville)

WHEN: November 24–December 31

Miracle has arrived in Asheville! Miracle is an annual Christmas-Hanukkah pop-up devised by famed bartender Nico de Soto at his New York City bar, Mace. This year, its fifth annual, the event has expanded to six dozen bars and restaurants around the world—including one in our very own Asheville! The Asheville pop-up at MG Road features Christmas lights, costumed bartenders, and alcohol-steeped merriment. On New Year’s Eve, they’re hosting a four-course dinner and cocktail pairing that you don’t want to miss!

Learn more: mgroadlounge.com

---

Omni Grove Park Inn New Year’s Eve Weekend Celebration (Asheville)

WHEN: December 29–January 1, 2019

Swing into 2019 at the Omni Grove Park Inn! Package holders for the New Year’s Eve Weekend Celebration will enjoy events all weekend long including a Comedy Show on 12/30, special programs for kids and teens, and the New Year’s Eve nightclub party. Hotel reservations required. Ages 18+ and 21+ for some events.

Learn more: omnihotels.com

---

Live Music at Mad Batter Food & Film (Sylva)

WHEN: December 31, 9:00PM

Come year round to enjoy a full-service restaurant featuring fabulous fresh foods, fantastic beer, and free films on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays! This family-friendly restaurant is located in Sylva’s historic Lyric Theater. Their menu features hand-tossed pizza, burgers, steak, sandwiches, vegetarian options, and homemade ice cream and dessert. On New Year’s Eve, enjoy live music from special guests Andrew Scotchie & the River Rats and Colby Dietz. $10.

Learn more: madbatterfoodfilm.com

---

Uncorked!: A Rail Line and Wine Experience

WHEN: December 31, 10:30AM

Join Great Smoky Mountains Railroad for Uncorked! This unique rail line and wine experience fuses the adventure of railroading with the love of good wine and good company. Passengers will enjoy a full-service All-Adult First Class ride in first-class cars with a private attendant and plush, well-appointed dining seating. A narrator will accompany the ride to present each pour to guests and share knowledge and history of the wines selected. Uncorked is offered on the Tuckasegee River excursion on December 31. Tickets $120. Adults 21+.

Learn more: gsmr.com

---

Thirsty Monk’s 6th Annual Keg Drop (Asheville)

WHEN: December 31, 5:00PM–Midnight

New York City drops a ball, Atlanta drops a peach, and Miami drops an orange. In Asheville, Thirsty Monk drops a keg! Ring in the New Year at the 6th Annual New Year’s Eve Keg Drop Celebration at Thirsty Monk’s Biltmore Park location. Their two-story golden keg will be lit up and glowing on New Year’s Eve, descending at midnight as they tap a keg of Must Love Coconut IPA to toast the New Year! Free to attend.

Learn more: monkpub.com

---

Mountain Magnolia Inn’s New Year’s Celebrations (Hot Springs)

WHEN: December 31–January 1, 2019

This is the ultimate in romance! Enjoy a special four-course dinner for two, including live piano music during dinner, and a champagne toast at midnight. Then, start your New Year’s Day the right way with a special mimosa brunch! $100/person.

Learn more: mountainmagnoliainn.com

---

3rd Annual New Year’s Eve Apple Rise (Hendersonville)

WHEN: December 31, 6:00–7:00PM, 11:00PM–12:00AM

Don’t miss Hendersonville’s 3rd Annual New Year’s Eve celebration at the Historic Courthouse! The evening includes a family celebration at 6:00PM, featuring a Greenwich Mean Time countdown to midnight, London time at 7:00PM. Apple Rise ceremonies start at 11:00PM, with noisemakers, glow sticks, and hot beverages given out while supplies last. There will also be warming stations, cornhole, and giant Jenga games. A DJ will play the top hits of 2018 as you celebrate the New Year.

Learn more: visithendersonvillenc.org

---

Rumbling Bald Resort New Years Eve Dinner Party (Lake Lure)

WHEN: December 31, 7:00PM–12:30AM

It’s been a year in the making! Ring in the New Year with family and friends at the Rumbling Bald Resort New Year’s Eve Dinner Party. The menu includes specialty hors d’oeuvres, shrimp cocktails, a pasta station, prime rib, lobster tails, and incredible desserts. Cap it all off with a champagne toast at midnight. Reservations required. Price starts at $54.

Learn more: rumblingbald.com

---

Biltmore’s Gala at The Inn (Asheville)

WHEN: December 31, 7:00PM–1:00AM

Usher in 2019 with exceptional style at The Inn’s annual black-tie celebration. Your evening of extravagance and superlative service includes pre- and post-VIP party receptions, an elegant five-course dinner with wine pairings, live entertainment, premium party favors, an open bar, and a sparkling toast at midnight accompanied by glittering fireworks. Reservations required. Ages 16+.

Learn more: biltmore.com

---

Oskar Blues’ 7th Annual New Year’s Eve Hootenanny (Brevard)

WHEN: December 31, 7:00PM–1:00AM

Continue the tradition of ringing in the new year at Oskar Blues Brewery! Featuring delicious craft brews, tasty food from the Oskar Blues CHUBwagons, a free photobooth, and killer tunes. Larry Keel and the NYE All-Stars will feature Sierra Hull, Graham Sharp (of Steep Canyon Rangers), Jason Carter (of Del McCoury Band), Steve ‘Big Daddy’ McMurry (of Acoustic Syndicate), Jeff Sipe, Ike Stubblefield, and Jay Sanders. Raise your can and toast to a truly epic 2019! Tickets $28+. Ages 21+.

Learn more: oskarblues.com

---

Tryon Resort’s 4th Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration (Tryon)

WHEN: December 31, 7:00PM

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in world-class style at the Legends Club and Campagna Italian Grille inside of Tryon International Equestrian Center! Your all-access pass includes: live jazz music by the Gypsy Swingers, dinner buffet at either venue, party favors, champagne toast at midnight, and more! Plus, turn your evening into an overnight getaway with one of TIEC’s New Year’s Eve lodging packages. All access passes $80/individuals, $150/couples.

Learn more: tryon.coth.com

---

Countdown to the New Year at Laurel Ridge Country Club (Waynesville)

WHEN: December 31, 7:00PM–12:30AM

Dine and dance into 2019 with classic cover songs from the Band Silver! A chef’s dinner includes surf and turf filet and lobster tail, salad, sides, and choice of dessert. Stay for live music and a champagne toast at midnight. All guests at the party will be eligible for a grand prize drawing after midnight, but you must be present to win! Reservations required. $80/individuals, $150/couples.

Learn more: laurelridgeexperience.com

---

Crescendo with the Asheville Symphony (Asheville)

WHEN: December 31, 8:00PM

Cirque Musica’s Crescendo is a high-flying performance featuring jugglers, acrobats, and contortionists—a perfect opportunity for the entire family to get into the New Year’s spirit! Crescendo combines a thrilling cirque experience with great music performed by the Asheville Symphony, including favorites from classical, pop, and more. It will have you on the edge of your seat!

Learn more: ashevillesymphony.org

---

Burntshirt Vineyards New Year’s Eve Party (Hendersonville)

WHEN: December 31, 8:00PM–12:30AM

Dance the night away at the Burntshirt Vineyards New Years Eve Party! DJ Sound Extreme provides the tunes to accompany heavy hors d’oeuvres and a midnight champagne toast with party favors. Hampton Inn in Hendersonville is offering a discounted rate for attendees—ask for the “BNY” group rate when you make your reservation. Semi-formal dress, $60/person.

Learn more: burntshirtvineyards.com

---

Grove House 37th Epic NYE Bash!

WHEN: December 31, 8:00PM–3:00AM

Bring in 2019 with a dazzling soirée at the historic YWCA 1924 building, now known as Grove House. Enjoy three dance floors, DJs, and balloon drops for one price! There will be eight holiday-themed areas, complementary party favors, heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts, and a legendary drag show at 12:30am on the Boiler Room stage. Don’t be late, though—Midnight balloon drops on all three floors will be stuffed with more than $1,000 in cash and prizes! $30 ($25 in advance). Ages 18+.

Learn more: thegrovehouse.com

---

Marion’s 9th Annual Gold Nugget Drop

WHEN: December 31, 8:30PM–12:30AM

What’s better than the New York City Times Square ball drop to welcome in 2019? Head to small town of Marion to watch a 6-foot gold nugget drop into a 10-foot freshly baked donut that you eat! This free, fun, quirky celebration also includes a cosplay costume contest (10:00PM), live DJ on the main stage, wagon rides, and more!

Learn more: romanticasheville.com/nugget-drop

---

NYE Party 2018 at The Montford Rooftop Bar (Asheville)

WHEN: December 31, 9:00PM–12:30AM

Ring in the new year with the best views in town—but only if you have your ticket in hand! The Montford is an intimate rooftop space, so tickets are limited for this capped event. Ticket holders receive three drinks of your choice, two small plate offerings, a glass of champagne at midnight, and party favors. Buy two tickets and get a discount on your room at Hyatt Place Asheville Downtown. $125/person.

Learn more: facebook.com

---

Run in 2019 5K (Cullhowee)

WHEN: January 1, 2019, 11:00AM

Happy New Year! What a great way to celebrate the start of a new year than by joining the Jackson County Parks & Recreation Department for a race. The 5K kicks off at 11:00AM (timed or not timed). An untimed 1/2-mile fun run begins at 11:45AM. Overall male and female first place participants win awards, as well as the top 3 in each age group. Long-sleeve shirts are guaranteed to the first 100 runners to sign up. $20+ for either 5K.

Learn more: runsignup.com

---

BONUS: Annual Lake Lure New Year’s Day Polar Plunge 2019

WHEN: January 1, 2019, Noon

Hundreds of brave (and crazy) people take the Polar Plunge at Lake Lure and freeze for a reason: to support local charities. Many more come to watch the fun, complete with bonfires to keep warm! It’s a very festive time with fantastic costumes and a live DJ. The Dash & Splash Fun Run at 10:30AM and the Tug-a-Plunge at 11:00AM for teams of five firefighters and police officers. Admission $20 (includes commemorative medal).

Learn more: romanticasheville.com/lake_lure_polar_plunge

---

We’d love to see your New Year’s Eve selfies! Tag us on Instagram at @beverlyhanks.