From dinner to a New Year’s Eve party, ring in 2022 with these Charlotte events
Charlotte, let’s ring in the new year and get 2022 started off right.
Restaurants and entertainment venues throughout Charlotte have planned New Year’s Eve dinner menus and other special events for you to celebrate the end of 2021 and welcome 2022. You can snack at home, dress up and grab a mask to head out for upscale cuisine or plan to lace up your sneakers for a New Year’s Day run.
A Charlotte infectious disease specialist warned that people should reconsider their plans, however. Dr. Katie Passaretti of Atrium Health said the latest variant of COVID-19, omicron, is extremely contagious. “For everyone, I would encourage people to reconsider their New Year’s Eve plans,” she said. “If they’re in indoor settings in particular.”
Some Charlotte venues including VBGB and its neighboring 8.2.0 Event Space, have taken note of the rapid spread of the omicron variant of the coronavirus and canceled New Year’s plans, so watch for updates before you go. “We struggled with this decision, but in the end, we chose the health and continued safety of our guests and staff as our first priority,” VBGB said via Instagram.
NoDa Company store also canceled its New Year’s plans, saying via Instagram, “There’s just too many spikes in Omicron for us to be able to have a (responsible) Ball with you guys.” At Comedy Zone Charlotte, several staff members tested positive for COVID, leading the club to cancel its upcoming New Year’s shows with Jeff Dye. All tickets will be refunded.
Whether you plan to stay in, find a special event taking COVID precautions to attend or make a night of it with dinner and drinks out on the town, we’ve got ideas for you. And we want to hear from you, too. You can submit your NYE plans in our survey below.
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NYE dinner plans
Crab cakes and chocolate cheesecake: A special NYE menu at DTR SouthPark by chef Jonathan Shuler will be $75 per person, including champagne. It will feature Crab Cakes with arugula and lemon herb crema, Grilled Bone-In Pork Chop with Southern collard greens and black-eyed peas, and Chocolate Ganache Cheesecake with raspberry coulis and buttercream whipped cream. Reservations are required. 4905 Ashley Park Lane, Suite J.
Farewell to 5Church: 5Church Charlotte will host a late-night party starting at 10 p.m. with an open bar and buffet. The festivities will include a DJ, a live countdown of the ball drop and festive party favors, plus a champagne toast at midnight. Once the clock strikes midnight, guests will say goodbye to the 5Church brand, as the restaurant will transform into Church and Union Charlotte on Jan. 1. Tickets start at $40, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Levine Children’s Hospital. 127 N. Tryon St., Suite 8.
French dining: La Belle Helene’s 10 p.m.-2 a.m. party will feature an open bar and buffet. Guests can dance to a DJ with festive party favors and toast champagne at midnight after the ball drops. Tickets start at $75, and a portion of all proceeds will benefit Levine Children’s Hospital. 300 S. Tryon St.
The Gatsby: RockSalt is offering 24 spots for its The Gatsby New Year’s Eve Dinner. For $150 per person, the high-end tasting menu will include bubbles, an oyster sampler, foie gras, caviar, black truffle lobster tail, proscuitto-wrapped monkfish and petite prime filet. Make reservations online or call 704-503-9945. Bar seating — where there will be an oyster happy hour from 10 p.m. to midnight — is available first come, first serve. 512 Brandywine Road, Suite 500.
Japanese-inspired seafood: Mizu has created a luxe menu for New Year’s Eve in addition to its regular menu. You can make reservations for a dinner that includes Wagyu Tann, oysters and caviar and Alaskan King Crab cooked on its specialty robata grill. Beverage offerings include Moet & Chandon Brut “Imperial” Splits for $30 and Champagne Drappier for $18 per glass or $70 per bottle. 3100 Apex Drive, 9th floor.
Jewish deli snacks: Meshugganah has a limited number of party packs for pickup at City Kitch West End from noon-4 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Each New Year’s Nosh package is easy to “heat and eat”, feeds six to eight people, and costs $200 plus tax and fees. What you get includes 24 Pups in a Blanket with Lusty Monk Mustard; eight Classic Knishes, eight Pimento Cheese Knishes and eight Sweet Potato Casserole Knishes (vegetarian); 12 mini Stuffed Collards (vegan); 24 French Onion Soup Rugelach; Bagel Baked Brie (but dippers aren’t included); and an assorted cookie platter. 2200 Thrift Road.
Seven courses: Bardo will have 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. seatings of a special seven-course tasting menu for New Year’s Eve. The option including non-alcoholic pairings is $165 per person (excluding tax and gratuity), and the option including alcoholic drink pairings with each course is $185 per person. Tickets are limited. 1508 S. Mint St.
Shareables for the table: VANA’s New Year’s Eve party is a dress-to-impress event filled food, drinks, and surprises. Shareable plates will be delivered to tables throughout the night, starting at 9 p.m. (Regular dinner service is available from 4-7 p.m.) The $200 event tickets also include three drinks and a champagne toast to ring in 2022. 1440 South Tryon St., Suite 100.
Small plates: BOCADO’s New Year’s Eve lineup of small plates include Oyster Potstickers, Peruvian Salmon with aji potatoes and Prosciutto Wrapped Figs. Special entrees include Smoked Chicken with celery root gratin, apple salsa, pickled fennel and bourbon cider glaze, and Pad Thai Spaghetti Squash. Meals will include a complimentary prosecco toast at midnight. Reservations are recommended. 2000 South Blvd., Suite 530.
Southern spin: Golden Owl Tavern is serving a New Year’s Eve dinner with Southern flair, which includes options such as Bayou Shrimp Pasta; 24 oz Ribeye for Two; Good Luck Soup with black-eyed peas, ham and collard greens; Cornish Hen Salad with Goat Cheese and Champagne Vinaigrette; and a Gingerbread Crème Brulee topped with a Sugar Cookie. Reservations are encouraged. 9041 Robert D Snyder Road.
Spanish cuisine: Bulla Gastrobar’s New Year’s Eve Party lasts from 5 p.m.-midnight, and reservations are required. The $65 prix-fixe menu will offer four courses of food and a complimentary toast at midnight There’s also a 25% off deal on bottles of selected sparkling wines. 4310 Sharon Road, Suite W01.
Stay at home with Sam: Chef Sam Diminich’s Your Farms, Your Table will offer a NYE menu of grilled shrimp salad and parsnip fondue with kale, arugula, prosciutto, pear, and cider sesame vinaigrette; braised beef short ribs with pinto gold-scallion crushed potatoes, celery root, pumpkin seed, pinot jus; and a salted chocolate caramel tart with peppermint streusel, sweet crème and graham cracker. Order online for delivery.
Steak and seafood: Eddie V’s is celebrating New Year’s Eve with a complimentary glass of bubbly at midnight and party favors for each guest. There will be live music, signature cocktails and artistically prepared dishes. Reservations are recommended. 101 S. Tryon St., Suite 100.
Tasting menu: The Stanley will feature a New Year’s Eve meal with $100 per person tickets, plus tax and gratuity. The tasting menu from James Beard nominated chef Paul Verica will include: Gougeres with leek, mushroom and taleggio; Cauliflower with caviar, chocolate and hot pepper; Bucatini with short rib, carrots, parsnips, truffle and cheese; Foie gras with cherries, pistachio and balsamic; Trout with shrimp, beets, horseradish, apples and kale; Beef tenderloin with leek, mushroom, spinach, potato and red wine; Carrot cake, foie gras, cream cheese, pecan and fennel; Chocolate and peanut butter; and Beets and blue cheese. A beverage pairing is available for an additional $40. Reservations are available via Resy or by calling 980-299-2741. 1961 E. 7th St
Vegan and gluten-free friendly: Make reservations for a New Year’s Eve filled with music, art and fine dining at Alchemy Restaurant & Bar. A customized menu will feature dishes for all dietary preferences and restrictions for $95 per person (excluding tax and gratuity). The four-course meal includes choices such as Cauliflower Elote or Roasted Beet Timbale, Lamb Pops and Mushroom Meatballs, along with a bottle of champagne to take home. 2517 Distribution St.
World cuisine: From 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Mariposa will host a celebration of the new year for $125 per person. Start off your dinner with housemade garlic and rosemary focaccia and an amuse course of Tuna Crudo. The first course will feature a choice of 100 Gardens Salad, Califlower Bisque or Duck Confit Gnocchi. The second course offerings are Morita-Crusted Short Rib, Piri Piri Chicken or Pan-Roasted Grouper. Finishing out the meal will be your selection of either Burnt Basque Cheesecake or Single Origin Chocolate Mousse. The meal includes a half bottle of Canard Douchene Brut Champagne for every two guests, but there is no discount for non-drinkers. Reservations are required. 500 S. Tryon St.
NYE things to do
Charlotte’s countdown: Mayor Vi Lyles will help lead the city’s countdown to 2022 starting at 8 p.m. as Charlotte’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration returns after a year off due to COVID-19. The free uptown event will feature music, food trucks and fireworks. South Tryon Street at Levine Avenue of the Arts.
Duckpin bowling: Pinhouse’s second-annual Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve is $85 per person. Tickets include appetizers after 9 p.m., a DJ, party favors, $1 beer and wine, a champagne toast, a photo booth and duckpin bowling. The Cutting Board Food Truck will be on site, as well. 2306 Central Ave.
Mask-Erade: Charlotte Beer Garden is inviting guests to dress up their masks while wearing them appropriately, and the best mask gets a prize. There’s no cover before 10 p.m., and it’s $10 to get in afterward for the party that will include a DJ, giveaways, champagne features and a champagne toast at midnight. 1300 S. Tryon St.
Masquerade NYE: SouthBound will have multiple stages and VIP areas set up for a night of music featuring Josh Daniel & Friends, Tin4 Band, Kckbck, Snshne and more on its heated outdoor patio and three other spaces. (You can watch the college football playoff, too.) The party starts at 8 p.m., and VIP buyers will get a champagne toast and hors d’oeuvres. General admission ticket is $35, with VIP tickets $75. Proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test required. 2433 South Blvd.
Paparazzi NYE 2021: SportsLink’s all inclusive New Year’s Eve Party features two dance floors with DJs on one and live music on the other. Martini and champagne bars will serve those drinks exclusively, while others will serve premium beer, wine, cocktails and spirits. Hors d’oeuvres will be passed early and again later on. Buy tickets online for $120, or at a cash-only sale in person. Ink n Ivy, 222 South Church St.
Play a round: Book at night at the new Puttery Charlotte venue during its New Year’s Eve event. Packages start at $50 per person, which includes unlimited game play, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. You can also share a table with up to 10 guests for $1,500, complete with two bottles of Moet, a cheese and charcuterie board, hummus and crudité, and a mini dessert shooter board. Doors open at 8 p.m. for an 8:30 p.m. start. Must be 21+. 210 Rampart St.
Pose with Kapture CLT: Kapture Selfie Lounge is planning a red-carpet ready night for guests 21 and over that starts at 10 p.m. Tickets start at $50 and include an open bar with featured drinks from 10-11 p.m., light bites and party favors, a midnight balloon drop with cash and prizes, and a champagne toast. Proceeds from the event will benefit Carolina Film Community. 2400 Dunavant St.
Sip through time: Billy Sunday Charlotte is planning a New Year’s Eve Drink Through the Decades event. A welcome cocktail and hors d’oeuvres will kick off the evening, followed by a seated cocktail experience. Cocktails from the 1920s, 1950s, 1970s, 1990s, 2000s and future will be paired with food popular from that decade. A champagne toast and locally made chocolates will finish out the night. Tickets are $125. 1115 North Brevard St., Unit 1.
SouthEnd Station: Wade through the paparazzi or stop in the photo booth at SouthEnd Station’s New Year’s Eve party. From 9 p.m. onward, you can access Slate, Oak Room and a heated outdoor tent with beer, wine, spirits and party favors. You can dance with multiple DJs and a band in the tent, plus there’s a balloon drop and a champagne toast at midnight. Slate Charlotte, 200 East Bland St. Tickets online start at $30 for designated drivers and $85 for general admission.
Take in a concert: Celebrate the New Year with an evening of music featuring American Idol finalist Melinda Doolittle. The ticket includes a post-concert party at Belk Theater with champagne, hors d’oeuvres and desserts, dancing on stage and more. Proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test required. $66+ 7:30-11 p.m. Dec. 31. 130 N. Tryon St.
Trap & Paint: Sip and paint to hard hitting trap music by DJ Toast. A $20 ticket Includes all art supplies, instruction and comedians. Parking is free, and there’s a raffle, too. 9-11 p.m. Fiesta Mexican Cuisine, 11329 E. Indpendence Blvd.
Support local theater: Spend New Year’s Eve at a late-night performance from Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, complete with drinks, hors d’oeuvres, a ball drop and special host Delighted Tobehere. Proof of vaccination and photo ID required. 9 p.m. $71.71 + Hadley Theatre, 2132 Radcliffe Ave.
New Year’s Day things to do
Start off with brunch: Ease into the new year with brunch at Angeline’s, which is open from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., or have dinner from 5-11 p.m. The uptown Charlotte spot will be serving its lineup of traditional Italian fare, but reservations are strongly encouraged. 303 S. Church St.
Celebrate Veltree’s reopening: From 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 1, Veltree is holding a grand opening party for its new location with brunch, music and giveaways. The vegan restaurant known to attract celebrity visitors will showcase a new gluten-free menu, too. 14825 Ballantyne Way, Suite 150.
Get running: The Charlotte New Year’s Day 5K will return this year along the LYNX rail line in University City at 10 a.m. After the run, there will be a celebration complete with brunch, craft beer, mimosas, hot cider and music. The race, presented by Atrium Health, raises awareness about hunger challenges in Charlotte and proceeds will benefit Hope Street Food Pantry. $30-$45. All registered participants will receive an all-day pass to ride the LYNX. 7205 N Tryon St.
Have holiday tea: Enjoy the Ballantyne Hotel’s Holiday Afternoon Tea in the lobby from 1-4 p.m. on New Year’s Day. The event includes a variety of seasonal loose leaf tea blends and a selection of savory tea sandwiches, confectioneries and holiday treats, plus live entertainment. Prices are $60 for adults, including a glass of sparkling wine, or $25 for children under 12 (not including taxes or gratuity). Make reservations by calling 704-248-4004. 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.
This story was originally published December 15, 2021 at 6:00 AM.
