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New Year's Eve First Night and Family Friendly Celebrations in the Southeast

Family Fun for New Year's Eve

By , About.com Guide

First Night celebrations began in Boston in 1976 as a family-friendly alternative to the traditional New Year's Eve celebration. Welcoming the New Year though the arts and entertainment, most of these celebrations are alcohol-free public festivals. First Night Celebrations throughout the world are held on December 31st.

Arkansas - Last Night Fayetteville

This new celebration, featuring many of the popular events of the former First Night Fayetteville, celebrates the Last Night of the year on New Year's Eve with entertainment in several venues, the popular Puppet Parade, fireworks and more on the Fayetteville Square.

Florida - First Night Celebrations

The largest of Florida's First Night celebrations is First Night St. Petersburg, where family-oriented festivities including music stages, entertainment, drama, dance, games, art, fireworks and more ring in the New Year. On Florida's east coast, the annual Delray Beach First Night Celebration features family-friendly crafts, games, parades, fun, food and entertainment.

For more information about these and other New Year's Eve celebrations in Florida, visit About.com's Guide to Florida Travel.

North Carolina - First Night Charlotte

This family-friendly cultural celebration takes place at NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Charlotte Convention Center Outdoor terrace, Bechtler Museum, Mint Museum, The Green and the main stage located at Levine Avenue of the Arts Street. With plenty of fun for all ages, younger family members can enjoy First Night Kids from 12 - 5 p.m. Beginning at 9 p.m., the party continues for the adults with entertainment and a midnight finale show.

North Carolina - First Night Raleigh

Fayetteville Street, Bicentennial Plaza and other nearby streets are the center of First Night festivities in Raleigh, North Carolina, including fireworks at midnight. An earlier Children's Celebration for very young family members takes place in the afternoon.

Tennessee - First Night Knoxville

This family-friendly New Year's Eve Celebration of the Arts, which takes place throughout multiple entertainment venues in Downtown Knoxville, Market Square and the Old City, features music, dance and comedy entertainment, plus rides, amusements and food vendors. A Children's Festival takes place during the day and the evening celebration culminates with a midnight countdown and fireworks.

Virginia - First Night Celebrations

First Night celebrations are held in eight Virginia cities and towns, including Alexandria, Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, Leesburg, Charlottesville, Warrenton, Williamsburg and Winchester. More about First Night Celebrations in Virginia.

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