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Ring in 2026 with Fire & Ice on the Crystal Coast
As the final days of 2025 slip away, the Crystal Coast transforms into a festive winter escape filled with sparkling lights, coastal charm, and unforgettable celebrations. This year, the Beaufort Hotel invites you to welcome 2026 with Fire & Ice — a multi‑day lineup of events designed to help you celebrate, unwind, and start the new year in coastal style.
Whether you’re gliding across the ice, savoring a chef‑crafted New Year’s Eve dinner, or warming up by a beach bonfire, this is the perfect way to turn the holiday weekend into a memorable getaway.
Daily Ice Skating: A New Coastal Winter Tradition
All week long, guests can enjoy the magic of our daily ice‑skating rink, open for both daytime fun and evening sparkle. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of winter wonder to your coastal stay — whether you’re skating with family, friends, or someone special. Click here for all the details.
December 31: Fort Macon New Year’s Eve Cannon Blast
There’s no better way to send off the year than with a bang — literally.
Fort Macon’s beloved New Year’s Eve Cannon Blast returns with:
• Live entertainment beginning at 6 PM
• The iconic cannon firing at 7 PM sharp
• A festive crowd ready to celebrate the countdown to 2026
Bring a folding chair, bundle up, and arrive early — parking fills quickly for this popular event.
Image courtesy of C. Peek.
New Year’s Eve at 34° North Restaurant
After the cannon blast, continue the celebration at 34° North Restaurant, where The Will & Tony Show will set the tone for an unforgettable night. From 9 PM to midnight, the duo will fill the waterfront with rock, blues, and original music.
Pair the evening with an exceptional New Year’s Eve dinner crafted by our culinary team — a festive menu designed to elevate your celebration and welcome the new year with flavor and flair.
Take the Elevator Home: Stay at the Beaufort Hotel
Make your night effortless by turning your celebration into a coastal getaway.
Guests can save 20% on room rates, making it the perfect time to relax, recharge, and enjoy the comfort of the Beaufort Hotel.
For reservations:
252‑728‑3000
BeaufortHotelNC.com
January 1: New Year’s Day Brunch
Sleep in, savor the morning, and welcome 2026 with our New Year’s Day Brunch from 8 AM to 3 PM. Enjoy a delicious menu and our signature Bloody Mary Bar, the perfect remedy for a late night or a festive start to the year. For reservations, call 252-838-7250 or book your table at OpenTable.com.
Atlantic Beach New Year’s Day Plunge
If you’re feeling bold, head to Atlantic Beach for the 23rd Annual New Year’s Day Plunge. Registration begins at 12:45 PM, and the plunge hits the water at 1 PM. Join hundreds of locals and visitors for this chilly, cheerful tradition.
January 2: Bonfire on the Beach
Keep the celebration going with a cozy Smoke on the Water Bonfire at the Circle Beach Access off Atlantic Blvd. From 6–10 PM, enjoy:
• Live music by Robert McDuffy & Friends
• A warm fire under the winter sky
• Hot drinks from Traveling Tom’s Coffee Truck
It’s the perfect way to wrap up your Fire & Ice weekend — relaxed, warm, and surrounded by coastal beauty.
Celebrating the New Year, Coastal Style
From ice skating and cannon blasts to live music, gourmet dining, and beach bonfires, the Crystal Coast offers a New Year’s celebration unlike anywhere else. Whether you’re joining us for an event or the entire Fire & Ice weekend, we can’t wait to welcome you to the Beaufort Hotel as we ring in 2026 together.