Thousands flock into uptown to usher in new year

Thousands across the area rang in the new year Tuesday night in uptown Charlotte.

Celebrations went on all day around the world as 2019 came to an end, and a new decade began.

In the video at the top of this webpage, check out revelers getting ready for the clock to strike midnight in uptown.

Here are a few events that happened around the Charlotte area:

CLT New Year’s Eve (Charlotte)

This family-friendly event will feature live music, the lighting of the Queen City crown, and fireworks at midnight. Festivities kick-off at 8 p.m. on South Tryon street at Levine Avenue of the Arts. Admission is free. Website

New Year’s Eve at WinterFest (Carowinds)

Usher in 2020 with a family-friendly celebration featuring a parade, live bands, fireworks at midnight and more. Festivities start at 5 p.m. Tickets start at $32. Website

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New Year’s Eve Under the Stars (Charlotte)

Enjoy a view of Charlotte’s skyline while you ring in the New Year at this party at Rooftop 210 at uptown’s Epicentre. Tickets start at $70. Website

Rich & Bennett’s NYE Bash (Charlotte)

Rich and Bennett, the team that produces the huge pub crawl on St. Patrick’s Day, will host their New Year’s Bash at Tyber Creek Pub. The party includes appetizers, drinks, party favors and balloon drop. Tickets start at $65. Website

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Sparkle & Glow New Year’s Eve (Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Belmont)

The Garden’s family-friendly celebration happens from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Garden’s holiday lights display will still be up, plus there will be crafts and activities for the kids. Ticket prices range from $7.95 to $14.95. Website

New Year’s Eve Traditions New Year’s Eve Traditions (NCD)

Around the region

A Southern Times Square (Myrtle Beach)

The Market Common will host a street party featuring live music, a mirror ball drop and fireworks. Family-friendly. Festivities kickoff at 9 p.m. Admission is free. Website

Famously Hot New Year (Columbia)

Famously Hot New Year is Columbia’s largest New Year’s Eve party. This year’s free outdoor concert will feature Salt-N-Pepa. Countdown to midnight and see fireworks at the historic State House on Main Street. Concert gates open at 6:30 p.m. Website

First Night Raleigh (Raleigh)

This family-friendly festival features over 20 blocks of music, art, comedy and other performances in downtown Raleigh, a Ferris wheel, games and food vendors. The Raleigh Acorn is lowered to ring in the New Year. Tickets cost $11 in advance or $15 day of. Website

Island of Lights (Carolina Beach Boardwalk)

This free, family-friendly New Year’s celebration kicks off at 9 p.m. at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk and features a DJ and dancing. Refreshments and party favors will be available for purchase. A giant beach ball will be dropped at midnight followed by fireworks. Website

And for good measure we had to include one that you’ll only find in the Carolinas ...

Mt. Olive’s New Year Pickle Drop

The pickle people at Mt. Olive have been dropping a pickle on New Year’s Eve for 20 years! This year, the pickle drop will happen in front of the University of Mount Olive’s Kornegay Arena because of a construction project going on at the company’s main plant. The event starts at 5:30 p.m., and the pickle drops at 7 p.m. There will also be live music, food trucks, fireworks and free Mt. Olive pickles. Admission is free. Website

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Cox Media Group