New Year's Eve

Charleston traditionally has no shortage of ways to ring in the New Year.  Many restaurants, breweries and night spots offer special menus and champagne toasts.  Best bet is to check their websites or social media for the latest. 

Some popular spots with special soirees for NYE  included Forte Jazz Lounge, Republic, Uptown Social, Bourbon 'N Bubbles, Ritual, Vintage Lounge, Lenoir, Bay Street Biergarten, Share House, Emeline's Roarin' 20's party, Eli's Table's NYE Speakeasy, the Rice Mill, the Alley, Prohibition, Maya, XO Lounge's Black Tie Masquerade Party, NYE party aboard the yacht Carolina Girl, Red's Ice House/Tavern & Table on Shem Creek, Islander 71 and The Windjammer on IOP. 

The SC Aquarium hosts a very special New Year's Eve evening of its Aquarium Aglow.  The family-friendly event lasted from 5:30 - 8:30 pm, with a DJ spinning party music, plus face painting and a whole lotta wholesome fun, including a "ball drop before bedtime."  Cute!

For a posh night, check out the all-inclusive, all-VIP, formallly attired party at Memminger’s Festival Hall downtown, for the 11th annual Charleston Wonderland NYE.   Included are a red carpet experience, specialty photo booths, premium bar, cirque performances, live bands and DJs, variety acts, Charleston’s largest balloon drop, champagne bar, cigar bar and a silent disco.  Charleston Wonderland lasts from 8:30 p.m. till 1:00 a.m.

Check out a rundown of New Year's Eve events here. 

FREE FUN...

Folly Flip Flop Drop

Folly Beach hosts its own unique version of the Times Square Ball Drop.  Instead of a big mirror ball, they drop a pair of giant flip flops from the top of the Tides Hotel.  After all, flip flops are the (un)official footwear of the beach.

The Folly Flip Flop Drop party kicks off at 7:00 p.m. with a special holiday Drone Show, new this year.  It centers around Center Street. The celebration lasts till about 12:30 a.m., with the drop itself happening just before midnight.  Folly's bars and restaurants will have plenty of live bands playing, plus food and drinks specials galore.  It’s a festive way to flip the calendar.