Ring in an early new year at Morehead's Night Lights

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center in Chapel Hill will offer families a chance to mark the new year and get to sleep on time with Night Lights: A Family-Friendly New Year's Eve celebration.

It's 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday, at the center. Tickets are $5 and you'll need to register for this one. The event includes activities, performances and a kid's countdown "under the stars." There also will be science demonstrations, an illuminated dance performance, low-impact gymnastics and food trucks (including hot and fresh doughnuts made by Dusty Donuts).