New Year’s Eve is right around the corner, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate. In fact, start early and enjoy a variety of events throughout the day.

Don’t let an early bedtime keep your young one from celebrating the new year. The Spring Lake Branch, Cumberland County Public Library and Information Center has a Noon Year’s Eve Party planned for 11 a.m. on Dec. 31. It’s geared to children eight and under and their responsible adults. The party includes songs, dancing, games and crafts. Guests are invited to dress up for the occasion and wear sparkly hats and tiaras. There will be a countdown followed by a ball drop at noon. Registration is recommended. Call 497-3650 to register. 

Celebrate Kwanzaa with the Umoja Group at Smith Recreation Center at Seabrook Park. The celebration includes a potluck meal and a variety of activities. Some of the highlights include a drum call, welcome song, tribute to elders, libation, parade of African kings and queens, college scholarship award, feast, children’s candlelight ceremony and traditional dance performance.  Bring a dish to share. The Umoja Group is also accepting donations of nonperishables for Operation Blessing. The celebration runs from 5-8 p.m. Call 485-8035 for details.

If you have never been to a Flea Drop, now is your chance. Eastover’s New Year’s Eve Flea Drop starts at 10 p.m. and includes a night filled with festivities. At midnight, the 3-foot-tall, 30-pound ceramic flea is lowered in conjunction with the countdown to 2017. This event is free. Call 323-0707 or visit www.eastovernc.com for information. 

Welcome 2017 with neon lights at Cape Fear Botanical Garden’s New Year’s Eve Glow Party at the Garden. From 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., enjoy a live DJ, dessert, entertainment and a New Year’s Toast. Tickets cost between $15 and $45 and include a dessert bar, champagne toast, one free drink, music and dancing. Call 486-0221 or visit www.capefearbg.org for tickets and information.

Before heading out to your party of choice, take in a hockey game at the Crown Coliseum. The Fayetteville FireAntz take on the Macon Mayhem at 7:30 p.m. Tickets run from $7 -$21. Find out more at http://www.fireantzhockey.com, or call 321-0123 for information.

The Round-a-Bout Skating Center will be open from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Dec. 31. It costs $15 to get in and the price includes skate rental as well as party favors. There are two locations: 115 Skateway Drive and 880 Elm Street. Call 860-8900 or 484-4465 for information.

Bowlers will have plenty of options this New Year’s Eve. B&B Bowling Lanes on Fort Bragg Road has several specials that include party favors, a balloon drop, glow bowling and a midnight celebration. Visit bandblanes.com to learn more.

Lafayette Bowling Lanes offers nine-pin games from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. It costs $35 per person. The event includes snacks, party favors, cash giveaways and a midnight toast. Call 484-0113 for more information.

Airborne Lanes on Fort Bragg is planning a family bowling event that includes party favors, nonalcoholic champagne and a buffet. It runs from 5-8 p.m. Tickets start at $7.

Fort Bragg’s Dragon Lanes is open from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. for a New Year’s Eve party. It includes unlimited bowling and shoe rental, party favors, champagne, hors d’oeuvres and a DJ. It costs $25 per person. Find out more at fortbraggmwr.com. 

If you are looking to get out of town, you don’t have to go far to find some fun.

Cape Fear Vineyard and Winery in Elizabethtown hosts Wine and Dine at New Year’s Time on Dec. 31. The Nina Repeta Jazz Trio will provide live entertainment with a special appearance by LA’s Beck Black. The fun starts at 7 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres. Dinner is from 8-9:30 p.m. DJ Howard Faircloth ushers in the new year with dance tunes from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. There will be a champagne toast at midnight accompanied by midnight “nibbles.” A full cash bar with all ABC permits will be open throughout the night. Tickets include party favors and more. Tickets cost $50 per person or $350 for a table of eight (gratuity and tax not included). Call 844-VINE-FUN for tickets and information, or visit www.capefearwinery.com.

First Night Raleigh has more than 100 performers lined up for several downtown venues. It kicks off around 2 p.m. with a celebration for children. This includes music dance, storytelling and crafts. The children’s portion ends at 6 p.m. Adult festivities are scheduled for late into the evening with an acorn drop at midnight. Visit firstnightraleigh.com for more information.

Temple Theatre in Sanford has a New Year’s Eve concert featuring Tommy Edwards and the Bluegrass Experience. Tickets are available at templeshows.com and cost $15.

Pine Hurst Resort Rings in the New Year with the Band of Oz at the Carolina Hotel Grand Ballroom starting at 9 p.m. Come for the night for $100 per person. Tickets include a champagne toast, a midnight breakfast buffet and party favors. Or stay the night. There are packages available starting at $249. The overnight packages include a gourmet dinner and a breakfast buffet. Call 855 235-8507 to make a reservation.

A Riverboat cruise aboard the Henrietta III awaits in Wilmington. Cruises run from 9:30 p.m. until after midnights. Boarding begins at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $87 per person and include a buffet, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Visit cfrboats.com for tickets and information.