It comes as no surprise that New Year’s Eve 2020 will look quite a bit different from past years.
Gone are the huge gatherings, the throngs of people clustered around a dropping ball, or kissing strangers at midnight. Forget rushing into the ocean surf for a quick dip in costume on New Year’s Day. Officials are actually cordoning off Times Square so folks don’t gather there. And the annual Polar Bear Plunge hosted by Dunleavy’s on Sullivan’s Island was called off a while ago.
But that doesn’t mean there are no New Year’s Eve events going on. Yes, there are still social distance requirements, face mask mandates, and reduced capacity at indoor venues, restaurants and bars. Also, there’s also a bit of a complication for traditional celebrations. Because of the pandemic, SC Governor McMaster ordered earlier this year that alcohol sales and consumption in bars and restaurants must end at 11:00 p.m. That certainly throws a giant wrench into the idea of having a champagne toast at midnight.
Well, these issues haven’t stopped many parties and festivities from moving forward in the Lowcountry.
New Year’s Eve, 2020 Style
One of the more creative options I’ve heard – Red’s Ice House on Shem Creek. They’ve decided to have the countdown and toast the New Year on Barbados time – two hours ahead of us. That means the New Year’s Eve moment will fall at 10:00 p.m. while the alcohol is still flowing. They’re even giving away a trip to Barbados.
The biggest one around, the annual Yorktown Countdown aboard the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier, is going forward this year. They have scaled limited attendance and put plenty of precautions in place so you can party safely. Read more from WCSC. Update: this event has just been postponed, as of a unanimous vote of the board on 12/30/20.
Eventbrite has a slew of New Year’s Eve parties – like, eight pages worth, including the Good Riddance 2020 party. Check them all out here. Several are selling out fast. Holy City Sinner has also put together a big list of what’s going on on New Year’s Eve in and around the Holy City.
If you’re interested in more family-friendly fare, Hulafrog has put together this list.
However you celebrate, do please be safe.
Quick! Before they’re gone…
You still have time to enjoy two festive events. Both “expire” when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, this coming Thursday night.
As I covered in that last blog, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra is giving the gift of their annual Holiday Pops concert. It’s free of charge, and you can watch it virtually any time through Thursday night.
Also, be sure to go see the Holiday Festival of Lights while you still can. It officially closes Thursday evening as well. This year it’s a drive-thru experience. It’s actually makes a great way to celebrate New Year’s Eve and say “Good riddance!” to the dreaded 2020.
Here are some fun facts about the Holiday Festival of Lights. It’s made up of over two million lights. It takes 2,500 breakers and 40 transformers to power all the light displays. It’s also takes a whole hour to turn on and off the show every night of the festival! Catch it while you can.
It’s also a perfect time to think about booking one of our Isle of Palms vacation rentals for 2021. Just give us a call, and we’ll get you on the new calendar.
All best,
Lowcountry Lisa
your Isle of Palms vacation blogger