Lexington Hosts Indoor New Year’s Eve Celebration

News Summary

Lexington is preparing for an indoor New Year’s Eve celebration at the Central Bank Center due to inclement weather. The festivities will begin at 5 p.m. with family-friendly activities including inflatables and an early countdown for children. The evening will feature live music and food trucks, all free to the public. Local restaurants are also offering special menus, and a Recovery Café will provide a supportive, alcohol-free dinner for those in need. This celebration marks the start of the city’s 250th birthday activities leading into 2025.

Lexington Gears Up for New Year’s Eve Celebration Indoors

As the countdown to midnight approaches, the city of Lexington is putting some exciting plans on hold—thanks to the unpredictable Kentucky weather. With rain in the forecast, the city’s beloved New Year’s Eve celebration will take a cozy turn and head indoors to the Central Bank Center.

This year, the festivities coincide with a special occasion: the city’s upcoming 250th birthday celebration kickstarting in 2025. Mayor Linda Gorton has made the call to keep folks safe and dry by moving the festivities inside, and there is already a buzz of anticipation in the air!

Festivities Kick Off Early

The celebration will officially kick off at 5 p.m., making it perfect for families wanting to jump-start their night of fun. The indoor venue will be child-friendly with a variety of activities to keep the young ones entertained. Little adventurers can look forward to an exciting lineup, including inflatables, a basketball zone, educational programming crafted by the Lexington Children’s Museum, and an energetic performance by M’Power Rhythm, a talented African drumming ensemble.

A highlight for the kiddos includes a special countdown to the New Year at 7 p.m., led by the Mayor herself. This unique countdown will coincide with a live-stream of London’s iconic celebration, allowing children to feel a part of something grand without staying up too late. Children’s activities will wrap up by 8 p.m. in the main exhibition halls on the second floor, setting the stage for the big night once the young ones are tucked in.

Evening Entertainment Awaits

As the clock ticks closer to midnight, the party will transition into a lively atmosphere from 9 p.m. onwards! Attendees can groove to the tunes of live music featuring performances by Tee Dee Young and Honeychild. Food trucks will line the venue gearing up to satisfy your late-night cravings, with an exciting Maker’s Mark cocktail specially crafted for the 250th anniversary available throughout the night. And here’s the best part—entry to this fantastic gathering is free and open to the public!

Smart Parking Options and Safety Policies

Parking concerns? Not to worry! The High Street parking lot opens at 5 p.m. with an hourly rate for those driving in, but rideshare services are also on the list of recommended options, with designated drop-off and pick-up points available on Vine Street. As a reminder, patrons should be mindful of the new clear bag policy in effect for the celebration.

Dinner Plans with a Twist

In keeping with the spirit of the night, local restaurants are preparing special menus to make sure diners have a memorable evening. This year’s anticipated high turnout has prompted restaurants to stock up like never before, ensuring favorite food and drink items won’t run out.

Additionally, there’s a heartwarming option for those in need of a little extra support. The Recovery Café Lexington is hosting a free, alcohol-free New Year’s Eve dinner aimed at creating a safe space for those battling mental health challenges, addiction, and homelessness. Guests can partake in activities like creating vision boards to welcome the year ahead, fostering a sense of community and hope as they say goodbye to the past year.

Bring on the New Year!

As Lexington gears up for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration indoors, there’s no shortage of ways to welcome 2024. Whether dancing to live bands, wrapping up a family celebration, or creating connections over a meal, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your friends and family, and let’s toast to new beginnings under one roof!