Winter Wander at Boar's Head Resort sets off New Year's Eve fireworks at 8 p.m. Dec. 31. Home fireworks are illegal in the city. Jan. 1 closings.

Last checked Oct. 19, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Facts come from Winter Wander, the Charlottesville Fire Department and the City of Charlottesville.

New Year’s Eve is Thursday, Dec. 31, and the one public fireworks show announced so far is at Boar’s Head Resort’s Winter Wander, at 8 p.m. It is an early show, built for families. As of Oct. 19, the Downtown Mall’s theaters and music venues had not posted New Year’s Eve shows; we will add them, and restaurant dinners, as each venue announces them.

At a glance

  • Thu. Dec. 31: Winter Wander fireworks, 8 p.m., Boar’s Head Resort; trail open 5 to 9 p.m.
  • Home fireworks: illegal everywhere in the city, sparklers included.
  • Fri. Jan. 1: city offices closed; no trash pickup (Friday routes move to Saturday); garages free.

Fireworks at Winter Wander

Winter Wander, the light trail around Heritage Lake behind the main hotel at Boar’s Head Resort, 200 Ednam Drive, puts on a fireworks show at 8 p.m. Dec. 31. The trail is open from 5 to 9 p.m. that night, and Dec. 31 is one of its higher-priced “prime” nights on the ticket page.

  • Tickets are sold online for a 30-minute entry window; pick an early slot to be on the trail by 8 p.m.
  • Parking is free; the event is cashless and runs rain, snow or shine.
  • No pets, bikes or vehicles on the trail.
  • The trail is also open Jan. 1 and 2, from 5 to 8:30 p.m., its last two nights of the season.

More about the trail is on our holiday lights and Christmas events page.

Fireworks at home are illegal

The Charlottesville Fire Department says all fireworks are prohibited inside city limits, including sparklers, whether or not they are legal in Albemarle County or elsewhere in Virginia. Under the Virginia Fire Prevention Code, a violation can be prosecuted as a Class 1 misdemeanor. A public display needs a city permit and certified professionals.

To report fireworks, call the police non-emergency line, 434-970-3280. In an emergency, call 911.

Getting home

  • Buses: Charlottesville Area Transit is fare-free. It ran regular service on New Year’s Day 2025; check the holiday schedule for New Year’s Eve and Jan. 1 hours before you go out.
  • Parking downtown: the Market Street garage, 550 E. Market St., and Water Street garage, 200 E. Water St., charge after the first free hour on Dec. 31 and are free on New Year’s Day. Both are open 24 hours.
  • Plan a sober ride before the night starts.

What is open and closed

Thu. Dec. 31 Fri. Jan. 1
City offices Open Closed
Carver Recreation Center and Smith Aquatic and Fitness Center 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed
Key and Tonsler recreation centers Noon to 4 p.m. Closed
Crow Recreation Center Closed Closed
Trash and recycling Normal None; Friday routes move to Saturday, Jan. 2
Downtown garages Normal rates Free

Recreation center hours are from the Parks and Recreation FY27 holiday hours sheet, trash from the city’s holiday rule.

Schools: Charlottesville City Schools students are on winter break through Jan. 1. Monday, Jan. 4, is a teacher workday, and classes resume Tuesday, Jan. 5.

Send us your event

Restaurants, bars, theaters and churches: send us your New Year’s Eve event or dinner with the time, place and a link to your own page, and we will add it.

What this means for you

  • For fireworks, plan on Boar’s Head at 8 p.m., not midnight.
  • Leave the sparklers at home inside the city.
  • New Year’s Day: no trash pickup, free parking downtown, City Hall closed.

Related guides: holiday lights and Christmas events, getting around Charlottesville and trash and recycling.

Frequently asked questions

Are there New Year’s Eve fireworks in Charlottesville?

Yes. Winter Wander at Boar’s Head Resort, 200 Ednam Drive, sets off a fireworks show at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31. The light trail is open from 5 to 9 p.m. that night with timed tickets.

Can I set off fireworks on New Year’s Eve in Charlottesville?

No. The Charlottesville Fire Department says all fireworks, sparklers included, are prohibited inside city limits, and a violation can be charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Is trash picked up on New Year’s Day in Charlottesville?

No. New Year’s Day falls on Friday, Jan. 1, so Friday routes move to Saturday, Jan. 2.

Is downtown parking free on New Year’s Day?

Yes. The city’s Market Street and Water Street garages are free on New Year’s Day.