Hundreds of people came out to downtown Raleigh's First Night celebration last year.
And Raleigh Visitor Bureau President Dennis Edwards thinks low cost events like First Night are a good way for people to have fun on a budget.
"I think the economy is still having a bearing on what people are doing on New Year's Eve," Edwards said. "That's the reason activities like First Night or free events in Wake Forest are probably apt to do better than paid events."
There's a wide range of activities for all budgets this year.
Wake Forest will also have a free event called First Light, complete with fireworks.
A handful of hotels, like the Marriott downtown have dinner and dancing packages for a wide range of prices.
And the Carolina Hurricanes will have an 8 p.m. game followed by a puck drop and fireworks.
"Hotels and restaurants are offering better packages and better deals. In the past, one package might have just included the hotel and dinner, now they're giving guests the option.
And that's exactly what the award winning Umstead Hotel in Cary did - it's hosting its first New Years Eve gala this year.
"We had heard from other people that they wanted more of a celebration at the Umstead, so we ventured out, we did the planning and as I said earlier we couldn't be happier with the response," said Jim Beley, General Manager at Umstead Hotel.
Guest responded quickly and despite the economy, the event is already sold out.
"We're thrilled that we have approximately 280 people going to celebrate the New Year here at the hotel," Beley said.
"So everyone is pretty much thrilled about the awards and recognition that we have received."
No matter your budget or taste you can find it all this New Year's Eve.
For a list of events near you visit www.visitraleigh.com.
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