First Night Raleigh teams up with WRAL Nights of Lights for NYE celebration

Instead of celebrating on the streets of downtown Raleigh on Dec. 31, First Night Raleigh has teamed up with the WRAL Nights of Lights for two nights (Dec. 30 and 31) featuring the famous copper acorn (made by sculptor David Benson) on display amid an art installation by artist Nate Sheaffer.

Sheaffer is teaming up with artist Mary Carter Taub for another display, the 2020 Year in Review, which will only be available at Nights of Lights on those dates.

The Nights of Lights drive-thru light show runs through Dec. 31. It features illuminated trees, festive light displays and local art installations along a 1.3-mile route. Tickets are sold out before Christmas, with some are still remaining for Dec. 26-31.

Sheaffer has also created three other large installations for the event.

Ticket prices for Wednesday, Dec. 30, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and Thursday, Dec. 31, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. are $20 for cars or pickups trucks, $40 per vehicle carrying 9 or more passengers. (Note: There is a 10-foot vehicle height limit)

General admission tickets are available in 30-minute time blocks. There are limited tickets available for each block. You may arrive no more than 10 minutes before your ticketed time block.

All vehicles will enter Nights of Lights at the Hunt Drive entrance off Western Boulevard. Please use 75 Hunt Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27603 for the most accurate address.

To ensure help keep the event moving efficiently for all, have your tickets downloaded or printed for scanning.

Attendees MUST remain in their vehicles at all times. Attendees are not permitted to leave their vehicle for any reason, including taking pictures with light displays.

WRAL has its own installation at Nights of Lights, so make sure to keep a look out for it. WRAL's First Night coverage will include an extended 11 p.m. newscast featuring WRAL's Bryan Mims and meteorologist Kat Campbell at Dix Park and recorded performances.