Last year on New Year’s Eve, we had one option: stay home. This year that is definitely not the case. For New Year’s Eve 2021/22 on the Outer Banks, there are plentiful options for getting out and celebrating. If you’re playing it safe in these times of lingering COVID but don’t want to stay home, you might consider an intimate dinner out, and we’ve got some suggestions below. If you’re in the mood for a party this New Year’s Eve, you definitely have options.
For the Family
Midnight Magic in Manteo
Celebrate New Year's Eve family-style on the waterfront in downtown Manteo. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. and run throughout the evening, ending in a huge fireworks display to ring in 2022. Live music, a kids' zone with fun games and activities, an early ball drop and fireworks will bring cheer to the new year. This free, safe event will be great for the whole family. The live music schedule includes DJ Mixin Mike from 6 to 8 p.m., Trick Fly from 8 to 10 p.m. and Jonny Waters & Co. from 10 p.m. to midnight. There’s a kids’ countdown at 8 p.m. and the real countdown at midnight followed by fireworks. Food vendors, games and activities will be available from 6 to 10 p.m.
Pioneer Theatre and Bluegrass Island Trading Co. are offering a New Year’s Eve concert at Pioneer Theatre with Breaking Grass starting at 10 p.m. Advanced tickets are required. Visit the event website for more information.
For the Early Birds
New Year’s Steve
Sanctuary Vineyards in Jarvisburg (Currituck mainland) knows how to throw a great party. On New Year’s Eve, they’re having a party featuring the music of Steve Hauser. Bring your own snacks and get ready to dance. They’ll provide the wine. Come between 5 and 8 p.m.
Special Dinners
A Very Village New Year
Village Table & Tavern in Duck is hosting a festive three-course dinner from Chef Mike Thomas featuring local and seasonal flavors. Cost for the dinner is $60 per person and includes a glass of bubbly. Seatings are available from 3 to 9:30 p.m. Make your reservation by calling (252) 715-1414
Ocean Boulevard New Year’s Eve Dinner
Ocean Boulevard always makes New Year’s Eve special. Each year they feature a New Year’s Eve-only multi-course menu with some of the best upscale products they are able to source accompanied by the perfect wines, and there’s usually a glass of bubbly at midnight. Call asap for reservations: (252) 261-2546.
Café Pamlico’s Four-Course New Year’s Eve Dinner
Café Pamlico in Buxton is hosting its annual New Year’s Eve multiple-course dinner, with the Pamlico Sound as an enchanting backdrop. This year’s dinner will feature four courses as well as a complimentary champagne toast to ring in the New Year. Reservations are required by calling (252) 995-4500.
Pangea Tavern’s Old Farts New Year’s Eve Dinner
Pangea Tavern in Avon hosts an annual Old Farts New Year’s Eve Party. The evening features live music, a complimentary champagne toast and an anchor drop at 9:30 p.m., so you'll be home early. Reservations are required: (252) 995-3800.
Comedy
New Year’s Dinner and a Show
Sandtrap Tavern in Kitty Hawk wants you to laugh this New Year’s Eve. They’ll start with a special New Year’s Eve dinner, with seatings at 6 and 7 p.m. Entertainment begins at 8 p.m. with local guests and headliner comedian Kevin Whelan. The night will end at 9:30 p.m. with a champagne toast. $60 covers the meal, the show and the toast. Make a reservation at (252) 261-2243.
Late Night
Outer Banks Brewing Station New Year’s Eve Party with DJ Styles
The Brewing Station hosts the longest-running New Year’s Eve party on the OBX, complete with a celebratory champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight. It’s a guaranteed good time. Cost is $10 at the door, and the party gets going at 10:30 p.m.
La Fogata Mexican Restaurant Kitty Hawk New Year’s Eve Party
Here’s something new to do. La Fogata Mexican Restaurant’s Kitty Hawk location is hosting a New Year’s Eve party with music by Gustavo and Omon Ra. The fun starts at 10 p.m.
Shipwrecks Taphouse & Grill New Year’s Eve Party
Dress to impress for this party at Shipwrecks. DJ Qrispy will provide the music, starting at 9 p.m., and there will be a champagne toast at midnight.
Blue Crab Tavern New Year’s Eve Party
Spend your New Year's Eve on the waterfront in Colington. Blue Crab Tavern's New Year's Eve party will feature the power-pop-punk sounds of The Clawbacks. The night will be complete with a champagne toast at midnight and complimentary snacks.
Lighthouse Sports Bar New Year’s Eve Party
Lighthouse Sports Bar will in Buxton will feature live music with the band CC Ryder starting at 10 p.m. Lighthouse Sports Bar will be open throughout the afternoon and evening for apps and dinner.
The Breeze New Year’s Eve Party
The Breeze nightclub in Ocracoke is hosting a New Year’s Eve party with live music from Wil Guyton and Wild Ride. They’ll have drink specials and a champagne toast at midnight.
For more details on these events and a rundown on other fun things happening around the Outer Banks this week, visit our Daytime and Nightlife pages.
Have fun, stay safe, call a cab or an Uber. Enjoy your holiday weekend on the Outer Banks. Happy New Year!
PS:
For those of you who are planning to stay home, here's a little something for you:
About the Author Molly Harrison
Molly Harrison is managing editor at OneBoat, publisher of OuterBanksThisWeek.com. She moved to Nags Head in 1994 and since then has made her living writing articles and creating publications about the people, places and culture of the Outer Banks.
