First Night Coverage

Acorn drops to signal end of 2023

The acorn has dropped in downtown Raleigh to signal the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024.

Happy New Year! Acorn drop marks beginning of 2024 at WRAL First Night Raleigh

Tens of thousands crowded the streets of downtown for WRAL First Night Raleigh on Sunday night.

WRAL staff

Velvet Rodeo performs live on WRAL

Country duo Velvet Rodeo shares plans for 2024 and perform live on WRAL First Night Raleigh.

WRAL's Dan Haggerty debuts sparkly NYE look

WRAL anchor Dan Haggerty gets a special gift from fellow anchor Ashley Rowe to help get him into the spirit of NYE coverage.

Brooke Simpson teases 2024 plans

Brooke Simpson, singer and songwriter from Hollister, North Carolina, looks back at 2023 and shares her big plans for 2024.

Families share their New Year's resolutions

From toys to health, many people at WRAL First Night Raleigh had plans for their New Year's resolutions.

Ira David Wood III reflects on 2023

Ira David Wood III reflects on 2023 and looks ahead to 2024.

Brooke Hatala wishes hometown well in 2024

Singer Brooke Hatala is originally from the Raleigh area. She sent a special greeting for New Year's Eve.

WRAL's Ken Smith shares thoughts for 2024

WRAL's Ken Smith looks at the end of 2023 and ahead to a new year.

Singer-songwriter Kasey Tyndall shares 2024 plans

Singer-songwriter Kasey Tyndall shares well wishes for the new year, including info about her upcoming new single.

Craig Woolard shares well wishes for 2024

Craig Woolard of The Embers shares a special New Year's Eve message.

Children's celebration ends with early acorn drop, fireworks

WRAL First Night Raleigh rang in the new year during the early acorn drop at 7 p.m. in downtown.

Artsplosure shares details behind First Night lineup

Artsplosure's Program Director Cameron Laws talks about the 2023 WRAL First Night Raleigh lineup.

WRAL First Night Raleigh gets underway

Crowds were filling the streets of downtown Raleigh on Dec. 31, 2023, in preparation for the early acorn countdown.

Law enforcement agencies in Wake Co. making NYE preparations

As New Year's Eve approaches, many people are finalizing their plans for the big night. Some residents will even head to downtown Raleigh for WRAL First Night Raleigh. But they're not alone. The Wake County Sheriff's Office and the Raleigh Police Department are also preparing for WRAL First Night Raleigh.

Eric Miller, WRAL reporter

The countdown to WRAL First Night Raleigh

The countdown is on for WRAL First Night Raleigh. The event is a huge New Year's Eve celebration. WRAL's Heidi Kirk spent the day in downtown Raleigh - where organizers are in the home stretch of preparation

Time capsule: What secrets are hidden inside Raleigh's giant acorn?

Raleigh's giant metal acorn statue is the source of many legends and tall tales.

Heather Leah, WRAL multiplatform producer

WRAL First Night Raleigh promises music, comedy, rides, acorn drop

Make plans to spend New Year's Eve in downtown Raleigh for WRAL First Night.

Acorns and fireworks: Your guide to New Year's Eve in the Triangle

We have your guide to New Year's Eve in Raleigh, Durham and surrounding cities!

Gospel singer Cindy Morgan, musician Blair Holland team up to perform at WRAL First Night Raleigh

Gospel singer Cindy Morgan and musician Blair Holland teamed up Saturday night to perform at WRAL First Night Raleigh.

Producer Dave Rose discusses Triangle music scene at WRAL First Night Raleigh

Music producer Dave Rose joined WRAL First Night Raleigh to discuss the music scene in the Triangle.

North Carolina musician Paige King Johnson finds success in 2022, looking forward to 2023

Musician Paige King Johnson, a native of Angier, stopped by during WRAL's broadcast of First Night Raleigh.

WRAL First Night Raleigh: People celebrate the start of 2023

Here's a look at the sights of the New Year's festivities in downtown Raleigh.

Braving the weather to ring in 2023 at WRAL's First Night Raleigh

Rain is not expected to hinder the midnight acorn drop and fireworks display.

Early acorn drop lights up downtown Raleigh

The early acorn drop and fireworks display was held as planned at WRAL First Night on Dec. 31, 2022.