What are your goals for 2020 and the decade ahead? Are they to try something new, get out more, and enjoy life? If so, we know how to start off the new year right!

Here are 20 local events across Western North Carolina to help you ring in 2020:

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Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum

November 22–January 4, 2020 | Asheville

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

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Omni Grove Park Inn’s Countdown to Midnight

December 29–January 1, 2020 | Asheville

Swing into 2020 at the Omni Grove Park Inn! Package holders for the New Year’s Eve Heritage Jazz Age 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 speakeasy party. Hotel reservations required. Ages 18+ and 21+ for some events.

Learn more: omnihotels.com

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Uncorked!: A Rail Line and Wine Experience

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 $125. Adults 21+.

Learn more: gsmr.com

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Monk’s Flask New Year’s Eve Luau

December 31, 4:00–11:59PM | Biltmore Park

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Monk’s Flask in Biltmore Park. They will have a special tiki-themed menu, as well as their famous Must Love Coconut IPA! Head onto the patio to join the countdown to 2020 as they drop the golden keg next door!

Learn more: monkpub.com

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Thirsty Monk’s 7th Annual Keg Drop

December 31, 5:00–11:59PM | Biltmore Park

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 7th 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

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Tryon Resort’s Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration

December 31, 5:00PM–2:00AM | Tryon

Tryon Resort’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration is sure to be a glamorous way to bring in the New Year. Hosted at Legends Club, the celebration will feature two comedy shows, a dance party, and a live band, as well as a balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight! Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland drive-through lights tour will also be open. Comedy night (18+) tickets $25. Party (21+) tickets $40.

Learn more: tryon.coth.com

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Mountain Magnolia Inn’s New Year’s Celebrations

December 31 | Hot Springs

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. 

Learn more: mountainmagnoliainn.com

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4th Annual New Year’s Eve “Apple Rise” Celebration

December 31, 6:00PM–12:00AM | Hendersonville

Don’t miss Hendersonville’s 4th 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 at 7:00PM local time. 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 2019 as you celebrate the New Year.

Learn more: visithendersonvillenc.org

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Rumbling Bald Resort New Year’s Eve Dinner Party

December 31, 7:00PM–12:30AM | Lake Lure

It’s been a year in the making! Ring in the New Year with family and friends at Legends on the Lake. Enjoy live music with DJ Rodney and a champagne toast at midnight. This year’s menu includes a custom pasta station, carved beef tenderloin, carved tuna loin, and lobster tails. Reservations encouraged. $65.

Learn more: rumblingbald.com

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Biltmore’s Gala at The Inn

December 31, 7:00PM–1:00AM | Asheville

You are cordially invited to ring in 2020 in style with a black-tie celebration known for unparalleled elegance and superlative service. Your unforgettable evening 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 fireworks. This event is offered exclusively for The Inn New Year’s Eve Gala Package guests. Reservations required. Ages 16+.

Learn more: biltmore.com

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Oskar Blues’ 8th Annual NYE Hootenanny

December 31, 7:00PM–1:00AM | Brevard

The Oskar Blues NYE Hootenanny is a WNC tradition, complete with foot stompin’ music and Brevard-brewed beers! Celebrate another trip around the sun with Oskar Blues on the heated patio, with food trucks on site and beer flowing all night. Enjoy live music from Jeff Sipe’s Electric Buddha, High Flying Criminals, and Darby Wilcox and the Peep Show. Free shuttle service (weather permitting) from local Brevard hotels.

Learn more: oskarblues.com

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A Roaring New Year’s Eve

December 31, 7:00PM–1:00AM | Mills River

Calling all flappers and dappers! Ring in the new year at Bold Rock’s Roaring 20s New Year’s Party! Celebrate the start of 2020 in style by dressing in your favorite Roaring 20s themed outfit. With live swing music, fresh hors d’oeuvres, a champagne toast at midnight, and decorations galore, you’ll feel right at home in West Egg! Must be 21+, costumes and tickets required. Tickets $25 in advance or $30 at the door.

Learn more: boldrock.com

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Burntshirt Vineyards New Year’s Eve/Decade Party

December 31, 8:00PM–12:00AM | Hendersonville

Bring in 2020 with Burntshirt Vineyards, and dress for your favorite decade! Burntshirt will have DJ GetVocal, hors d’oeuvres, a champagne toast with party favors at midnight, and of course … wine! They will also be raffling off six bottles of Burntshirt wine throughout the night. $60 per person ($55 Club Members).

Learn more: burntshirtvineyards.com

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Darren Nicholson’s Uptown Downhome New Year’s Eve

December 31, 8:00PM–1:00AM | Waynesville

Make New Year’s Eve memories at Folkmoot’s Queen Auditorium with Darren Nicholsen & Friends’ Uptown Downhome New Year’s Eve Party. Enjoy celebratory food and drinks, dance with your sweetheart, make your new year’s pronouncements, and ring in the new year with one of Haywood County’s most celebrated artists. This Folkmoot NYE party will be a family-friendly, semi-formal event. Babysitting services are available for kids 5–12. $25/child.

Learn more: showclix.com

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NYE Classical Mystery Tour with the Asheville Symphony

December 31, 8:00PM | Asheville

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with your Asheville Symphony and the Classical Mystery Tour band, including cast members from the Broadway smash Beatlemania! The first half of the concert features selections from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, performed exactly as it was recorded. The set-list for the second half will be entirely up to you! Stay for the “Yellow Submarine” afterparty and ring in 2020 with heavy hors d’oeuvres, a beer/wine open bar, and a champagne toast, featuring live music from Carolina Music Planner. Tickets $125.

Learn more: ashevillesymphony.org

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Grove House 38th Epic NYE Bash!

December 31, 8:00PM–3:00AM | Asheville

Bring in 2020 with a dazzling soirée at Grove House. Enjoy three sets of dance floors, DJs, and balloon drops for one price! There will be eight holiday-themed areas, complementary party favors, and heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts. 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

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9th Annual Gold Nugget Drop

December 31, 8:30PM–12:30AM | Marion

What’s better than the New York City Times Square ball drop to welcome in 2020? Head to the small town of Marion to watch a six-foot, 80-pound 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

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NYE Party 2020 at The Montford Rooftop Bar

December 31, 9:00PM–12:30AM | Asheville

Ring in the new year with the best views in town—but only if you have your ticket in hand! Indulge in paradise-themed sips at the holiday themed, tropical oasis on the rooftop. Revel in a champagne toast at midnight while taking in sparkling city views. 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. $135/person.

Learn more: facebook.com

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Boojum’s Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve Party @ The Gem

December 31, 9:00PM–2:00AM | Waynesville

Ring in the new year for the Roaring Twenties-era price of $5! After all, a little party never killed nobody! Boojum will provide a champagne toast for everyone at midnight, as well as fabulous drink specials the entire evening. Small bites and desserts will be served before the ball drops. A backdrop will be provided for your New Year’s photos. Dress up is suggested (and more fun) but not required.

Learn more: boojumbrewing.com

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New Year’s Eve with Beggar’s Clan

December 31, 9:00PM–2:00AM | Sylva

Come year round to enjoy Mad Batter Kitchen’s full-service restaurant featuring fabulous fresh foods, fantastic beer, and free films! This family-friendly restaurant is located in Sylva’s historic Lyric Theater. On New Year’s Eve, enjoy live music from special guests Beggar’s Clan with a champagne toast at midnight.

Learn more: madbatterfoodfilm.com

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BONUS: Run in 2020 5K

January 1, 2020, 11:00AM | Cullhowee

Happy New Year! Celebrate the start of a new year 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

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