On New Year’s Eve, we simultaneously reflect on the past year and look ahead to the new one. Even though many beloved annual events have been cancelled, the spirit of a Northern Michigan New Year’s Eve remains, and with it, a few virtual or socially distanced events. So, let’s all take part in celebration, no matter how small or far apart, and ring in 2021 with full hearts and full glasses.
Gaylord
Treetops Resort is hosting a family New Year’s Eve party, as well as an adults-only New Year’s Eve party. Head over to the Treetops Resort website to book your attendance.
Ludington
In place of the annual ball drop, the Downtown Ludington Board will host a virtual event on Facebook. Anyone is welcome to participate by submitting a short video in one of four categories for a possible gift certificate prize. Also be sure to check out the New Years Resolution Run on New Year’s Day, for which there are both in-person and virtual options.
Suttons Bay
Black Star Farms is offering a New Year’s Eve dinner for carryout. This four-course dinner includes a pomegranate quinoa salad, lobster bisque, smoked whitefish crab cake, and lemon ricotta cake. Create an expertly paired wine dinner by adding the winemaker’s suggestions. It costs $150 per couple, and you can order online.
Thompsonville
Crystal Mountain is offering a Family Glow Light & Torchlight Parade, in which participants who are 18+ can carry torches, and ages 6-17 can carry glow lights, on the top of a ski slope. Everyone with a valid season pass or lift ticket is welcome to participate, and participants must be proficient in skiing or snowboarding intermediate slopes, able to follow direction, and ski or snowboard in a controlled manner. For more information, call 888-968-7686 ext. 2000.
There is also an on-slope DJ, which is free to attend, New Year’s Eve party packs, and New Year’s Eve dinner-to-go for two, which is $95 per box and requires an order by noon on December 30. Head to Crystal Mountain’s website for more information.
Traverse City
Even though this year’s annual CherryT Ball Drop isn’t happening in-person, it’s still happening virtually! Catch the CherryT Ball Drop live on Facebook with your very own Mawby Ball Drop Bubbly, which is available at local retailers and from Mawby’s website.
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa is also getting in on new year celebrations. The “New Year’s Eve Your Way” package includes one-night accommodation, $100 resort credit per package, 2 $50 vouchers for Turtle Creek Casino, New Year’s Eve party favors, and coupons for the spa and gallery of shops. Head to the Grand Traverse Resort’s website for more information and/or to book your package.