RALEIGH NC (WNCN) – Some of the biggest New Years Eve events in the Triangle will draw thousands to downtown Raleigh.

But, as the omicron variant spreads, health experts are urging caution in crowds and at holiday events.

For the first time in two years, First Night Raleigh will be holding its acorn presentation at the City Plaza, hosted by the Artsplosure group.

Artsplosure organizers said they are now working with health officials to see if they need to update their plans.

For events inside First Night Raleigh, people will be required to wear masks and show proof of vaccination or a negative covid test.

These precautions will not be necessary outdoors.

Duke Hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr Lisa Pickett recommends anyone going to big events to keep the mask and social distancing in mind.

“I think people need to think about their personal health and then their environment,” Pickett said. “Outdoor events are clearly better than indoor events. But even outdoor events, if you are very close to others, should really be covered up for maximum protection given how contagious this variant seems to be.

Also on New Years Eve, omicron will not be shutting down plans for 600 people to fill the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences for the annual Rocky Top Catering gala.

“We’re going to run the event and we’re going to run the event only under the strictest security measures to make sure people feel comfortable,” said Dean Ogan, owner of Rocky Top Catering.

Ogan said he would also need masks and proof of vaccination or a negative covid test within 48 hours.

“I think there is still a bit of concern in rallying the masses for an event like this, especially with the omicron variant being on the back of people’s heads,” Ogan said.

He said that because of the vaccines, his event activity had exploded in recent months, even with the emergence of variants such as delta and omicron.

“The virus is what it is, it’s not going to go away,” Ogan said. “We have to learn to live responsibly with it. “

Eagle Eye Entertainment is also hosting a New Years Eve celebration at Union Station.

In a statement, the company said it has added a tent for more space and “masks are encouraged but not mandatory. We will come back to that on Monday to see if we will make masks mandatory.”