You don’t need to be at Times Square to have a spectacular New Year’s Eve. Northern Michigan is brimming with festive parties, fireworks and celebratory toasts to light up your night.
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Traverse City | CherryT Ball Drop
Traverse City’s signature cherry (a giant, glowing display) is a gorgeous sight on New Year’s Eve, and even more so when accompanied by sparkling lights and fresh snow. After the ball drop, you’ll be treated to fireworks. 10 p.m. on Front Street.
Ludington | New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
Don’t miss West Michigan’s largest ball drop. Head to Ludington Avenue at 9 p.m. to start the evening with music and drinks at the beer tent. Fireworks wrap up the perfect night after an illuminated ball drops at midnight.
Thompsonville | New Year’s Eve at Crystal Mountain
Spend a full day celebrating at Crystal Mountain. After you hit the slopes, unwind with music at the slopeside tent from 3–5 p.m., grab dinner at the Wild Tomato or The Thistle starting at 5 p.m., and don’t miss fireworks over the mountain.
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Petoskey | New Year’s Eve at the Arts Center
Crooked Tree Arts Center and the Petoskey District Library join forces for a family-friendly celebration on the corner of Division and Mitchell streets. Expect live music, hot cocoa and cookie stations, bonfire pits with s’more kits, games, a pizza buffet, and a ball drop.
Mackinac Island | New Year’s Eve Great Turtle Drop
Watch the island’s impressive giant turtle drop from the top of the Lilac Tree Hotel starting at 11:50 p.m.
Sault Ste. Marie, Canada | New Year’s Eve Puck Drop
Go way north for this unique ball drop, which features a large, illuminated hockey puck suspended 80 feet above the Downtown Plaza. The “puck drop” will happen twice, once at 8 p.m. for families with children and again at midnight.
Alpena | Sunrise Side New Year’s Eve Celebration
This party is not like the others! Enjoy drink specials at local establishments and dance the night away with local DJs in the alleyway, as downtown is filled with light to honor the new year ahead. 5 p.m.–1 a.m.
Marquette | New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
The sparkling snow will (hopefully) be a beautiful backdrop for this Upper Peninsula countdown. Hosted by Double Trouble Entertainment, don’t miss the ball drop bash and block party from 10 p.m.–1 a.m. The family-friendly ball drop will kick off at 6 p.m. Bonus: Stop by Lower Harbor Ore Dock for a light show (there’s a fun playlist you can listen to while you watch).
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Frankfort | 12th Annual Growler Drop
Stormcloud Brewing invites brew enthusiasts to celebrate with live music by Tim Jones, fantastic beer (of course), and a toast to the new year. Festivities begin at 9 p.m.
Gaylord | New Year’s Eve at Treetops Resort
Ring in the new year with Treetops at its family-friendly or adult parties, which feature a celebratory toast, games, music and fireworks shows.
Houghton | Chook Drop
Head into 2025 like a Yooper with this Upper Peninsula party. Head to the Portage Canal by 11:30 p.m. for live music, and stay cozy around the fire while you countdown ’til midnight. There’s also a 6:30–7 p.m. party for families with children.
