As New Year's Eve nears, Raleigh is gearing up for its iconic Acorn Drop ceremony. The centerpiece, "The Great Raleigh Acorn," a cherished symbol of the city's celebrations, is getting its annual makeover. Weighing 1,250 pounds and standing 10 feet tall, this copper and steel sculpture was created by local artist David Benson for Raleigh's bicentennial in 1992 and is part of the city's Municipal Art Collection, according to the City of Raleigh website.

The acorn is lifted into place by Morlando Crane for the First Night Raleigh celebrations, which include rides, music, and food. The crane operator carefully lowers the acorn to mark the final seconds of the year. It will remain at City Plaza until the countdown ends, signaling the start of 2025.

Raleigh Arts, in partnership with Raleigh Parks and Artsplosure, is hosting two countdowns. The first at 7 p.m. is for families with young children, while the main event at midnight marks the arrival of 2025.

Artsplosure, the nonprofit behind First Night Raleigh, organizes festivals with support from the city's Arts Commission Grant Program. The Municipal Art Collection, with over 600 pieces ranging from prints to sculptures, showcases both local and national artists in public spaces.

For more information on First Night Raleigh and the city's art scene, check the official event channels for all the details.