New Year’s Eve events in Wilmington

Wilmington, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington has no shortage of fun New Year’s activities to participate in.

The Children’s Museum of Wilmington is preparing their 18th Annual New Year’s Noon on Wednesday, December 31st, from 9am to 12pm. New Year’s Noon is a family-friendly New Year’s celebration, featuring creative festivities all morning long, including activities such as creating a collaborative art project based around 2025 and enjoying a juice toast and confetti toss at noon.

This year’s event will also feature new and returning activities such as crafting a streamer stick, decorating a crown, and making paper fortune tellers that will give a glimpse into 2026.

In Burgaw the 8th Annual New Year’s Eve Blueberry Drop event will be held on Wednesday, December 31st, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm in downtown Burgaw.

The blueberry drop event will occur on Fremont Street adjacent to the Pender County Courthouse.

There will be a firework display that will last 10-15 minutes and will start shortly after the blueberry drop at 7:00 pm and will be displayed in the area of Burgaw Middle School. All roads within that area will be closed for the duration of the show.

In Kure Beach the Island of Lights New Year’s Celebration makes its return.

The family-friendly event will be held at Ocean Front Park and along Atlantic Avenue starting at 9 pm on Wednesday, December 31st, and will feature a DJ and dancing, with refreshments and party favors available for purchase.

There will also be a raffle for the original artwork for the Island of Lights official Christmas card and ornament. At the end of the night, a giant lighted beach ball being dropped at midnight will be followed by a fireworks demonstration.