A New Year’s Eve You Can Actually Enjoy
By admin December 6, 2025 On December 31, the celebration begins at 6:30 PM as we gather around a glowing bonfire at the resort. Guests can pull on a warm jacket, bring camp chairs or blankets, and settle in near the flames while sipping complimentary hot chocolate and roasting marshmallows. It’s intentionally simple—time to slow down, warm up, and enjoy real conversation instead of fighting through crowds.
At 7:00 PM sharp, we’ll turn our eyes to the sky as fireworks burst over the lake. The reflections on the water create a beautiful, mirrored show that feels close and personal, not distant or overwhelming. Because we’re starting early, families with younger kids can join in the fun without staying up until midnight, and anyone who prefers a quieter, more relaxed evening after the show can head back to their RV or cabin and ease into the rest of the night.
This event is exclusively for our overnight guests, which keeps the atmosphere friendly, safe, and community-focused. You’ll see other families walking down from their sites, couples strolling hand in hand, and snowbirds who’ve chosen to make The Lakes a peaceful stop on their winter journey.
Ring in the New Year From Your RV or Cabin
Part of what makes this celebration special is that when the fireworks fade, you’re already home.
If you’re traveling in your RV, you’ll appreciate our spacious, well-designed sites, each with a custom low-smoke fire ring and picnic table so you can continue the evening with your own campfire, a late-night snack, or a quiet toast to the year ahead. Ultra-fast Wi-Fi makes it easy to stream a movie, video chat with loved ones back home, or watch the ball drop from the comfort of your rig.
If you prefer a cabin getaway, our park model cabins offer all the comforts of home with a lakeside twist: full kitchens with granite countertops, private baths, and cozy living spaces where you can unwind after the festivities. Whether you’re brewing a late-night pot of coffee, heating up snacks, or just kicking off your shoes and relaxing, the focus is on comfort and convenience—not compromise.
Either way, you’re not driving home after the fireworks. You’re simply walking back under the stars, breathing in the cool night air, and stepping into a warm, inviting space that’s all yours.
Winter at The Lakes: Peaceful, Scenic, and Refreshing
New Year’s at The Lakes isn’t just about one evening; it’s about the whole experience of being here this time of year.
The resort sits along three serene bodies of water—Misty Morning, Cypress, and White Oak Lakes—creating a peaceful backdrop for your stay. In late December and early January, the air is crisp and clear, the trees are quiet, and the lakes take on that reflective, glassy calm that makes morning walks especially beautiful.
Our Lakeside Trail between Misty Morning and Cypress offers an easy, scenic stroll where you can stretch your legs, clear your head, and talk about the year ahead. The path includes charming picnic spots and overlooks that are just as enjoyable in cooler weather as they are in summer—only quieter, and often more peaceful.
Anglers who don’t mind the cool air can cast a line in our private lakes, which are home to species like Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, and Bream. The slower pace of winter fishing can be its own kind of therapy: fewer distractions, more time to simply listen to the water and enjoy the setting.
And when you’re ready to warm up, our modern bathhouses with hot showers and clean, comfortable interiors are just a short walk away. Coinless laundry makes longer winter stays easy, especially for snowbirds and travelers who like to pack light.
19 Miles From Emerald Isle: The Perfect Home Base
One of the best parts of spending New Year’s Eve at The Lakes is how close you are to some of Eastern North Carolina’s best coastal destinations—without having to fight for a parking spot at the beach.
We’re just 19 miles from Emerald Isle, making it easy to plan a daytime trip to the coast during your stay. Even in winter, Emerald Isle’s beaches are beautiful and inviting. You might not be in the water, but you can walk the shoreline, hunt for shells, watch dolphins offshore, or simply enjoy the wide-open views and salty air.
The winter season along the Crystal Coast is quieter and more relaxed than the peak summer months. It’s the ideal time for peaceful beach walks, photography, and unhurried meals at local restaurants that stay open year-round. You get the best of both worlds: coastal beauty and a calm, uncrowded experience.
Explore Eastern North Carolina While You’re Here
If you extend your stay beyond New Year’s Eve, The Lakes becomes an ideal launching point for exploring more of Eastern North Carolina.
Jacksonville is an easy drive away, offering shopping, dining, and a chance to explore the area’s rich military history. New Bern, with its historic downtown, riverfront views, and Tryon Palace, makes for a rewarding winter day trip full of charm, architecture, and small shops to wander through. To the south, Wilmington’s historic district and riverfront provide even more options for history, food, and culture.
Nature lovers will appreciate the proximity to Croatan National Forest, where you can walk through longleaf pines, watch for birds, and appreciate the quiet of a winter forest without the heat and humidity of summer. Trails are often less crowded this time of year, which makes it easy to find a moment of genuine stillness.
What ties all of this together is the simple comfort of knowing you have a calm, lakeside retreat waiting for you at the end of each day.
Why Choose The Lakes for New Year’s Eve?
If you’re considering your options for New Year’s Eve in Eastern NC, it helps to think about what you really want from that night.
If you’re craving an evening where you can actually hear the people you’re with, where kids can run around safely, and where the focus is on warmth, connection, and simple traditions like hot chocolate, marshmallows, and a shared fireworks show—The Lakes is a natural fit.
You’re not just booking an event; you’re booking an experience that stretches beyond a single countdown. You’re securing a place where you can rest, reflect on the year that’s ending, and step into the next one at a slower, more intentional pace.
Make Your New Year’s Reservation
Our New Year’s Eve bonfire and fireworks celebration is reserved for overnight guests, so the first step to joining us is to book your RV site or cabin. Once you’re here, the rest is easy: settle in, explore the resort, plan a day trip or two if you’d like, and then gather with us on December 31 for an evening by the fire and fireworks over the lake.
If you’re ready for a New Year’s Eve in Eastern NC that feels more like a retreat than a rush, The Lakes RV & Cabin Resort is waiting to welcome you.
Reserve your stay, bring the people you love, and come ring in the new year camping in comfort—because life really is better at The Lakes.
