Forget the ball drop. On the Crystal Coast, the new year arrives with a crab pot lowered from a fire truck ladder, a pirate walking the plank into Taylor’s Creek and a chilly New Year’s Day plunge into the Atlantic. Here’s how to ring in 2027 in and around downtown Morehead City.
Downtown Countdown and the Crab Pot Drop
Where: Big Rock Landing, on the downtown Morehead City waterfront
When: New Year’s Eve, traditionally starting around 5 p.m.
Downtown Morehead City’s New Year’s Eve celebration is built for families. In recent years the Downtown Countdown has started in the late afternoon at Big Rock Landing with music, face painting, games and kids’ activities, building to an early Crab Pot Drop around 6 p.m., when the Morehead City Fire Department lowers a lighted crab pot from its ladder truck. It’s a countdown for the little ones (and anyone who doesn’t plan to stay up until midnight), and Downtown Morehead City adds early fireworks for kids. The town doesn’t hold midnight fireworks.
After the family event, downtown restaurants and bars host their own New Year’s Eve dinners, live music and midnight toasts. Check Downtown Morehead City’s announcements for this year’s schedule as the date gets closer.
Big Rock Landing is right outside our Lofts at Big Rock Landing, and a short walk from our Bask condos. It doesn’t get much more convenient.
More ways to ring in the new year nearby
- Beaufort Pirate Drop. Across the bridge in Beaufort, a pirate has traditionally walked a plank above the Beaufort docks and dropped into Taylor’s Creek around 7 p.m., with a fire pit, s’mores and hot cocoa.
- Fort Macon cannon blast. Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach has marked the new year with cannon fire, and rangers have led a First Day Hike on New Year’s Day.
- Penguin Plunge. Brave the Atlantic on New Year’s Day at the traditional Penguin Plunge in Atlantic Beach, which raises money for local causes.
Where to have New Year’s Eve dinner
Downtown’s restaurants book up fast for New Year’s Eve. Reserve early at waterfront favorites like Mar, Red Fish Grill, Catch 109 or Southern Salt. See our full guide to downtown Morehead City restaurants.
Why spend New Year’s on the coast
Winter on the Crystal Coast is calm and uncrowded, with mild days that are perfect for a waterfront walk. Staying downtown means you can enjoy the Crab Pot Drop with the kids, walk to dinner and never worry about driving home.
Ring in 2027 downtown
Our condos and lofts are steps from Big Rock Landing. Book direct for the best rate and no booking-site fees.
See our downtown rentals or call 252-342-6108
Planning more trips? See our Morehead City events by season.
Event dates and times are set by the organizers and can change, especially with weather. Check the organizer’s announcements before you go.