Need plans for New Year’s Eve? Here’s where to ring in 2025 around the Midlands
As the clock strikes midnight on the final day of 2024, fireworks will go off. Some will pop champagne and drunkenly sing “Auld Lang Syne.” Lovers, or strangers, will kiss at house parties and on dance floors.
Around the Midlands, families and friends will ring in the new year with their own celebrations. And many restaurants and bars across Columbia will hold special ticketed events featuring dance parties, champagne toasts and local DJs.
Whether you’re looking for an upscale evening in your best cocktail attire or want to dance the night away, we’ve got you covered. This list isn’t exhaustive, but here are some of the spots around Columbia to check out this Dec. 31.
For dancing the night away
The Senate and Tin Roof will host a Midnight Masquerade, featuring a Carolinas-based cover band and a slew of DJs. The party kicks off at 8 p.m. and final call happens at 2 a.m. General admission tickets are $20, but if you want to skip the line, you’ll have to fork up $60. VIP and group tickets can be purchased to include tables and complimentary snacks and drinks. Tickets can be purchased at tinroofcolumbia.com
Last year, New Brookland Tavern rang in the new year with a dance party cover band show as one of the first shows in its new space in Five Points. This year, it’ll host a cover show featuring popular artists like Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga and David Bowie. Tickets are $20 and can be bought at newbrooklandtavern.com.
PT’s 1109, a longtime dance club in the Vista, will have its dance floor open and ring in 2025 with performances from a host of drag queens. Doors open at 5 p.m. and showtime is at 9:30 p.m. More information can be found on the bar’s Facebook page.
The Hoot, a vegan restaurant and bar in Rosewood, will host a dance party with two local DJs. The party starts at 9 p.m. and has a $5 cover beginning at 8:30 p.m. Prosecco will be on tap for $4. More information can be found on the bar’s Instagram page.
For celebrating with kids or family
If staying out until midnight isn’t your thing or if you’ve got kids in tow, Segra Park, home to Columbia’s minor league baseball team the Fireflies, will host early fireworks alongside its holiday lights event. General admission tickets, required for kiddos ages three and up, are $12 and can be purchased at firefliestickets.com. Doors open at 5 p.m. and fireworks begin at 7:30 p.m.
Those looking for a fun, alcohol-free event downtown can check out fireworks on Main Street which are put on by the city of Columbia. The best viewing spot is on the north side of the South Carolina Statehouse, facing Gervais and Main Streets. The free show will begin right after midnight and city parking garages and street spots will be free for the night. More information can be found at columbiasc.gov.
Grab your skates and head over to Lexington County’s Three Fountains Skating Rink for a wholesome night of rollerskating and mini golf. The decades-old spot will open its doors Dec. 31 at 7:30 p.m. and stay open until 2 a.m. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. More information can be found on the skating rink’s Facebook page.
For putting on your best dress and sipping champagne
Those looking to sit down for a nice meal can head to Keg Cowboy in downtown Lexington. The laid-back restaurant and bar will offer a $125 four-course meal with beverage pairings. The event begins at 7 p.m. and guests will be seated at 7:30 p.m. Tickets and additional information can be found on the bar’s Facebook page.
You don’t have to be in a big city to get the red carpet experience. Throw on your best suit or dress if you’re headed to Smoked. The upscale oyster bar and microbrewery will host a New Year’s Eve party where you can dress up and enjoy complimentary drinks with the purchase of a $125 ticket. The celebration is part of a free block party happening along the 1600 block of Columbia’s Main Street. More information can be found at thedroponmain.com.
If you can’t afford a ticket to Germany this New Year’s Eve, you can still get a taste of the country’s cuisine at Bierkeller Brewing Company. The German-style brewery along the Columbia Canal will offer $99 tickets for a four-course meal that includes two drinks and a midnight toast. The brewery and taproom will ring in the new year at 6 p.m. here, midnight in Germany, so you’ll still get to bed at a reasonable hour. More information can be found on the brewery’s Facebook page.
