For New Year’s in Highlands, you are spoiled for choice. Think intimate mountain town with twinkling lights, cozy fireplaces and standout dining rather than a giant city fireworks show. Use this guide to match your perfect stay with your style of celebration.
Places for group gatherings and multi-family stays
Fairview House
A restored 1910 estate with 10 bedrooms, accompanying baths and generous indoor and outdoor gathering spaces. Sleeping up to 22 guests and located a short walk from Main Street, it is ideal for reunions, wedding groups and milestone celebrations that call for privacy, comfort and everyone under one roof.
Eastern Heights
A beautifully renovated 4 bedroom, 3½ bath home that sleeps eight near Whiteside Mountain. With game tables, a yoga nook and balconies with long range views, it is a natural fit for multi generational trips and friend groups who want both adventure and relaxed time together.
On Main Street
The Park on Main - This boutique, dog friendly hotel sits just off Main Street and looks postcard ready in the snow. Elegant rooms, plush bedding and a quiet courtyard create a calm retreat, while shops, galleries and restaurants are only steps away. It is ideal if you want to walk to dinner, enjoy the lights and slip back to a peaceful room for the midnight toast. 
200 Main
A relaxed sister property with rustic chic rooms, fireplaces, a heated pool and fire pits. Just a short stroll from downtown dining and nightlife, it offers both comfort and walkability.
Highlander Mountain House
An English country house style inn with roaring fireplaces, layered art and the Ruffed Grouse Tavern. Very atmospheric in winter and an easy walk to Main Street.
Old Edwards Inn & Spa
A Relais and Châteaux property with European style rooms, a full-service spa, multiple bars and restaurants and a long tradition of New Year’s Eve dinners, live music and a midnight champagne toast. Often the center of Highlands holiday energy.
Design forward and new school
Trailborn Highlands
A newly renovated 63 room property on wooded acreage near town, with clean lines, warm finishes and social common spaces. Highlands Supper Club in a historic log cabin adds a sense of occasion to the holiday.
Outpost Inn
A small, stylish sister to Highlander Mountain House with only 14 rooms. Coffee bar by day and natural wine and craft beer by night in a modern mountain setting.
Views and quiet
Skyline Lodge
Set on a ridgeline outside town with mid century architecture and big views. Evenings here are about fires, stargazing and a more tucked away New Year’s Eve.
Half Mile Farm
An adults only retreat with lake views and chef prepared breakfasts. Perfect for couples who want a calm celebration and plan to come into Highlands only for dinner and a toast.
Winter activities and things to do
Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park transforms into an outdoor ice rink from late November into early March, with expanded hours around the holidays. Skating under the lights in the center of town is a classic Highlands winter experience and a charming pre dinner activity.
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Highlands Outpost in nearby Scaly Mountain, with snow tubing, an alpine coaster and family friendly winter fun.
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Gallery hopping and boutique shopping in downtown Highlands, which stays fully decorated and in holiday mode through the season.
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Fireside cocktails and live music in hotel lounges and local restaurants.
Choose your favorite stay, layer up and let Highlands welcome you into the new year in true mountain style.
