New Year's Eve 2026 in Durham: Noon Year's Eve for kids at the Museum of Life and Science, Mamma Mia at DPAC, FestiBull of Lights and where to see fireworks.

Last checked Nov. 3, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. New Year’s Eve is Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026. Events come from the organizers and the Downtown Durham calendar; restaurant and bar plans are added only when the venue announces them.

Durham does not hold a citywide countdown or fireworks show, so New Year’s Eve here is a night of shows, lights and bar parties, with a noon countdown for small children. Most restaurants and bars announce their New Year’s menus and parties in December; we add them here as they post.

Who to call

  • Museum of Life and Science: 919-220-5429
  • FestiBull of Lights tickets: Durham Bulls box office, 919-687-6500
  • GoDurham: 919-485-RIDE (7433)
  • Police non-emergency: see who to call at City Hall
  • Emergency: 911

At a glance

Time Event Where
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Noon Year’s Eve (kids) Museum of Life and Science
5:30 to 9 p.m. FestiBull of Lights Durham Bulls Athletic Park
7:30 p.m. Mamma Mia! DPAC
8 p.m. to midnight El Vinyl Barbaro, 708 Ramseur St.

Noon Year’s Eve for kids

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, Museum of Life and Science, 433 W. Murray Ave. Add a wish to the wishing tree, make New Year’s crafts and try hands-on science, then count down at one of the museum’s special countdown stations at noon. It is included with admission (Noon Year’s Eve page).

Lights and shows

  • FestiBull of Lights is open New Year’s Eve, 5:30 to 9 p.m., at Durham Bulls Athletic Park, 409 Blackwell St. Tickets are $12 a person in advance and $13 on the day for ages 3 and up, and the last entry is 8:30 p.m. (event page). More on our holiday lights page.
  • Mamma Mia! plays DPAC, 123 Vivian St., from Dec. 29 to Jan. 3, with a 7:30 p.m. show on New Year’s Eve and another on New Year’s Day, according to the Downtown Durham calendar.

Bars and parties

Hosting a New Year’s Eve party, dinner or countdown? Send the details through our contact page and we will add it. Bars and venues are listed on our live music and nightlife page.

Fireworks nearby

No public fireworks show had been announced in Durham when we checked. The nearest big countdown is WRAL First Night Raleigh on Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh: the event’s website describes an early acorn drop at 7 p.m. for families and the midnight acorn drop and fireworks, with a ticket covering the indoor performances and rides. Check its 2026 schedule before you go.

New Year’s Day

  • Earlier in 2026 the collection calendar moved pickups back one day for New Year’s Day; check the Durham Rollout app for Friday, Jan. 1, 2027, and our trash and recycling page.
  • FestiBull of Lights stays open through Saturday, Jan. 2.

What this means for you

  • Getting home: plan a ride before you go out. Call GoDurham at 919-485-RIDE (7433) for its holiday bus schedule.
  • With small children, Noon Year’s Eve gives you the countdown without the late night.
  • Downtown parking and decks are on our getting around page.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a New Year’s Eve event for kids in Durham?

Yes. The Museum of Life and Science holds Noon Year’s Eve from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026, with a countdown at noon. It is included with admission.

Are there New Year’s Eve fireworks in Durham?

No public fireworks show in Durham had been announced on Oct. 12. The nearest big one is the midnight acorn drop and fireworks at WRAL First Night Raleigh on Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh.

Is FestiBull of Lights open on New Year’s Eve?

Yes. The Durham Bulls list FestiBull of Lights as open nightly from 5:30 to 9 p.m. through Jan. 2, 2027; its closed dates are Nov. 26, Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14 and Dec. 25.

What is playing at DPAC on New Year’s Eve 2026?

Mamma Mia! runs at DPAC from Dec. 29, 2026, to Jan. 3, 2027, with a 7:30 p.m. show on Thursday, Dec. 31.