New Year's Eve 2026 in Wilmington: the Children's Museum's New Year's Noon, the Wrightsville Plunge at noon Jan. 1, Mayfaire hours and holiday closures.

Last checked Oct. 11, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Dates, times and prices come from each organizer’s own page, linked below. We list restaurant and bar parties only when the venue announces them.

New Year’s Eve is Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026, and New Year’s Day is Friday, Jan. 1, 2027. The two fixed points on Wilmington’s calendar are a family countdown at noon on New Year’s Eve and an ocean plunge at noon on New Year’s Day. The city had not announced a New Year’s Eve fireworks show when we checked; its fireworks night is the Fourth of July.

At a glance
New Year’s Noon (kids) Thursday, Dec. 31, 9 a.m. to noon, Children’s Museum
Wrightsville Plunge Friday, Jan. 1, noon, 703 S. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach
City trash No pickup on New Year’s Day
Wave Transit buses No service on New Year’s Day
Downtown meters Not enforced on New Year’s Day
Mayfaire 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 31 and Jan. 1

Who to call

  • New Year’s Noon tickets: Children’s Museum of Wilmington, 910-254-3534
  • City trash: Solid Waste Services, 910-341-7875
  • Emergency: 911

New Year’s Noon for families

The Children’s Museum of Wilmington, 116 Orange St., rings in the year early with New Year’s Noon, 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Dec. 31, ending in its countdown and confetti toss. Last year was the museum’s 18th. Tickets are $15 general admission and $5 for members. Member tickets go on sale Nov. 26 and general admission Dec. 3, according to the event page.

The Wrightsville Plunge on New Year’s Day

The 12th annual Wrightsville Plunge starts at noon Friday, Jan. 1, 2027, at 703 S. Lumina Ave. in Wrightsville Beach. Registration is $35 and includes a choice of T-shirt, trucker hat or beanie; after-party tickets are $15. The plunge raises money for Communities In Schools of Cape Fear, according to the registration page.

What is open and closed

Mayfaire lists 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day; individual stores may vary (holiday hours).

City trash and recycling. Solid Waste Services does not collect on New Year’s Day. In 2026 the Jan. 1 route was collected the day before, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, the city’s 2026 calendar shows. The 2027 calendar was not out when we checked; call 910-341-7875. See our trash and recycling guide.

Parking. New Year’s Day is on the city’s list of holidays with no meter enforcement downtown, the parking page says. On New Year’s Eve, a Thursday, meters are enforced until 6:30 p.m.; after 9 p.m. the Skyline, River Place, 2nd Street and Market Street decks charge a $10 nightly rate.

Buses. Wave Transit runs no fixed-route bus, RideMICRO or paratransit service on New Year’s Day, its holiday page says.

Schools. New Hanover County Schools are on winter break: Dec. 29-31 are vacation days and Jan. 1 is the New Year’s Day holiday on the 2026-27 calendar.

Museums. The Wilmington Railroad Museum closes on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, its website says.

What this means for you

  • New Year’s Noon tickets for nonmembers go on sale Dec. 3.
  • Plan a ride home on New Year’s Eve: Wave buses do not run on New Year’s Day.
  • Friday, Jan. 1, trash customers should watch for the city’s make-up day.

Related: holiday lights and Christmas events, Valentine’s Day and things to do this month.

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do with kids on New Year’s Eve in Wilmington?

The Children’s Museum of Wilmington holds New Year’s Noon from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Dec. 31, with a countdown to noon. Tickets are $15, or $5 for members.

When is the Wrightsville Beach New Year’s Day plunge?

The Wrightsville Plunge starts at noon Friday, Jan. 1, 2027, at 703 S. Lumina Ave. Registration is $35 and benefits Communities In Schools of Cape Fear.

Are there New Year’s Eve fireworks in Wilmington?

The city had not announced a New Year’s Eve fireworks show when we checked. Its big fireworks night is the Fourth of July.

Is there trash pickup on New Year’s Day in Wilmington?

No. Solid Waste Services does not collect on New Year’s Day. The city had not posted the make-up day for Jan. 1, 2027, when we checked.

Is Mayfaire open on New Year’s Day?

Yes. Mayfaire lists 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.