New Year’s Day Sunrise at Grandfather Mountain

Ring in the New Year in epic fashion on Jan. 1 by enjoying the first sunrise of 2024 atop Grandfather Mountain. This special event provides guests with the rare opportunity to visit Grandfather Mountain outside of regular operating hours and on a holiday.
Sunrise is at 7:38 a.m. Jan. 1, 2024, and Grandfather’s gates will open at 6:30 a.m. Due to safety regulations, participants may only visit the Mile High Swinging Bridge area during the event. To warm up on a cold winter’s morning, the mountain will offer a complimentary hot beverage bar and doughnuts for sunrise guests in the Top Shop building. The restrooms in the Top Shop will also be accessible.
Participants are encouraged to bring a flashlight and wear heavy winter jackets, hats, gloves and rubber-soled shoes. The event may be canceled on short notice in case of inclement weather. In addition, a picture-perfect sunrise, unfortunately, cannot be guaranteed.
Tickets to New Year’s sunrise are $50 for general admission, $35 for children (ages 4-12) and $25 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club. Admission includes an entire day’s access to Grandfather Mountain (Note: the rest of Grandfather Mountain doesn’t open until 9 a.m., so participants are welcome to leave the park following sunrise and return later in the day at no additional cost).
This event is limited to 150 guests. If the event is sold out, a waiting list will be available. More info is available here.