Travel Editors Go Nuts Over Raleigh's New Year's Party

Would you believe that the way we celebrate in Wake County has earned us national attention? It’s true.

TripAdvisor, which hosts the world’s largest travel community, came out with a listing last year from its editors and travelers that ranked First Night, the annual downtown Raleigh celebration, as one of the top 10 New Year’s Eve celebrations in America. Actually, it was among the top 10 “quirkiest” ones, but we do not think it’s too odd.

Really, what is so unusual about having a giant, 1,250-pound copper acorn drop in Moore Square to show the changing of the year? The acorn is appropriate for Raleigh, as it is known as the City of Oaks. And Moore Square is in the heart of our artistic district. Makes sense, doesn’t it?

Seriously, this celebration has been going on for nearly 20 years, and people across the Triangle have made it a beloved tradition in the area. It is fun, safe, family friendly (children under 5 are admitted free, and they have a special activities to enjoy that afternoon as well), and it offers music, comedy, dance, and stage shows in two dozen downtown locations – even transportation on the Raleigh tram and a horse-drawn sleigh that goes around the Capitol. How can you beat that?

Efforts like this, to go beyond what is typically expected, have helped define Wake County as a unique place in North Carolina. Events such as First Night Raleigh are the reason why businesses and their employees look forward to relocating and staying here.

Admission is $9 in advance, otherwise it is $12 for adults and $10 for children 6-12. For more details on First Night Raleigh – one of the top 10 events in the nation, remember that – visithttp://www.firstnightraleigh.com/home.html.