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Ring in the New Year with Fire & Ice on the Crystal Coast
As the final days of 2026 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 2027 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, enjoying a chef-crafted New Year’s Eve dinner, or warming up beside a beach bonfire, Fire & Ice is the perfect way to turn the holiday weekend into a memorable coastal getaway.
Daily Ice Skating: A Coastal Winter Tradition
Throughout the week, guests can enjoy the magic of our daily iceless skating rink, open for 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 and friends or enjoying a special outing with someone you love.
Ice Skating Hours
- December 30 – Wednesday – 4 – 8 PM
- December 31 – Thursday, New Year’s Eve – 10 AM – 10 PM
- January 1 – Friday, New Year’s Day – 10 AM – 10 PM
- January 2 – Saturday, 10 AM – 10 PM
- January 3 – Sunday, 10 AM – 8 PM
Thursday, 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 begins at 6 p.m.
- The iconic cannon fires at 7 p.m. sharp
- A festive crowd ready to celebrate the arrival of 2027
Bring a folding chair, bundle up, and arrive early—parking fills quickly for this popular annual event.
New Year’s Eve Dinner at 34° North Restaurant
After the cannon blast, continue the celebration at 34° North Restaurant, where Todd Barnes & Guest set the tone for an unforgettable evening. From 9 p.m. to midnight, the duo will fill the waterfront with rock, blues, and original music.
Pair the evening’s entertainment with an exceptional New Year’s Eve dinner prepared by our culinary team. This festive menu is 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 New Year’s Eve celebration effortless by turning it into a coastal getaway. Guests can save 20% on room rates, making it the perfect time to relax, recharge, and enjoy the comfort and convenience of the Beaufort Hotel. For reservations, call 252-728-3000 or visit BeaufortHotelNC.com.
Friday, January 1, 2027
First Day Hikes at Fort Macon State Park
Start 2027 in the great outdoors with Fort Macon State Park’s First Day Hikes. Ranger-led hikes are expected to begin at the Visitor Center at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., offering both short and long options focused on nature and birding.
- Short hike: Approximately 0.75 miles along Yarrow’s Loop Trail and the inlet beach
- Long hike: Approximately 3.2 miles along the Elliott Coues Trail
Each time slot will feature one short hike and one long hike, with both hikes beginning at the Visitor Center.
Location: Fort Macon State Park Visitor Center, 2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach
Part of a nationwide tradition, the First Day Hikes program encourages visitors to begin the new year outdoors while exploring the natural beauty of America’s state parks.
New Year’s Day Brunch
Sleep in, savor the morning, and welcome 2027 with our New Year’s Day Brunch, served from 8 AM to 3 PM. Enjoy a delicious menu along with our signature Bloody Mary Bar—the perfect remedy after a late night or a festive way to begin the new year.
For reservations, call 252-838-7250 or book your table through OpenTable.
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 p.m., and the plunge takes place at 1 p.m.
Join hundreds of locals and visitors for this chilly, cheerful coastal tradition.
Saturday, January 2, 2027
Bonfire on the Beach
Keep the celebration going with a cozy Smoke on the Water Bonfire at the Circle Beach Access off Atlantic Boulevard. From 6 to 10 p.m., enjoy:
Live music by Robert McDuffy & Friends
A warm bonfire beneath the winter sky
Hot drinks from Traveling Tom’s Coffee Truck
It’s the perfect setting to gather with friends, relax by the water, and enjoy one more festive evening on the Crystal Coast.
Celebrate the New Year, Coastal Style
From ice skating and cannon blasts to live music, gourmet dining, nature hikes, and beach bonfires, the Crystal Coast offers a New Year’s celebration unlike anywhere else.
Whether you join us for one special event or the entire Fire & Ice weekend, we can’t wait to welcome you to the Beaufort Hotel as we ring in 2027 together.
It’s the perfect way to celebrate the new year—surrounded by coastal beauty, festive experiences, and the people who matter most.
