New Year’s Up North: 15 Ways to Celebrate 2025

Ball drops, parties, dinners, and more!

By Rachel Pasche | Dec. 21, 2024

Staying up to ring in the New Year? Welcome 2025 with a ball (or other object!) drop, a staycation at a resort, festive fun at a local restaurant or bar, or a dinner party that’s sure to wow. We’ve rounded up some of the best places to celebrate the end of one year and the start of another.

COUNTDOWN DROPS

1. CherryT Ball Drop
Traverse City is ringing in the new year with the 15th annual CherryT Ball Drop, a rocking event that draws thousands to Front Street to watch the 600-pound cherry descend. Though it’s a free event, donations are recommended, and all proceeds go towards Project Feed the Kids. The event runs from 10pm until shortly after midnight.

2. Great Turtle Drop
If you’re in the mood for a more whimsical drop, Mackinac Island’s Great Turtle Drop gathers a festive crowd. Several hotels and inns on the island are open, as well as two restaurants for dining options. The Turtle Drop starts at 11:50pm on New Year’s Eve.

3. Muskegon Ball Drop
With 12,000 estimated attendees, street vendors, a live DJ, and plenty of open bars, the Muskegon Ball Drop is a party that’s not to be missed. Last year was this event’s inaugural year and saw a surprising turnout and was a huge success; the Lakeshore Legacy Project (the group that puts on this and other events) expects this year to be an even more festive celebration. The party starts at 8pm and continues after the ball drops at midnight. Those attending are encouraged to bring a hat, gloves, or coat for donation.

4. Bridge Drop
Charlevoix hosts a day chock-full of family fun to ring in the New Year, starting with a free children’s movie at the Charlevoix Cinema III theater (bring a non-perishable item for the food pantry!), then horse-drawn wagon rides, events in East Park, and bar and restaurant specials. The night concludes with the bridge—illuminated of course—dropping for a countdown at midnight.

PARTIES, BASHES, AND MASQUERADES

5. Crooked Tree Arts Center & Petoskey Library
Is your resolution to engage your crafty side more? Crooked Tree Arts Center and Petoskey District Library are hosting an artsy extravaganza in downtown Petoskey including a host of craft projects, workshops, glow games, video games, live music, bonfires, DJs, dancing, chili and hot cocoa tents, and a ball drop at 9pm on Mitchell Street. Arts and crafts will take place inside the Crooked Tree Arts Center, live music and games are at the library, and the Bidwell Plaza will host the food and drink tents, bonfires, and dancing. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids.

6. Gypsy Distillery’s New Year’s Eve Masquerade
Ring in 2025 with a masquerade ball at Gypsy Distillery in Bay Harbor. Don your finest black, gold, silver, or sparkles for the event, and don’t forget your mask! DJ ODZ will be working the turntables all night, and at midnight a confetti cannon will signify the start of 2025. The party starts at 8pm and goes until 12:30am. Tickets are $10 and include shuttles from High Five Spirits in downtown Petoskey to the distillery. eventbrite.com/e/gypsy-distillerys-nye-masquerade-party-tickets-1096469633189

7. New Year’s Eve Party at Dixie Saloon in Mackinaw City
Not up for making it to Mackinac Island? The Dixie Saloon is hosting a New Year's Eve party with live music, dancing, a champagne toast, and food and drink specials until 1:00am.

8. The Karma Taproom Black Tie Party in Gaylord
Feel like dressing up? Karma Taproom is hosting a black-tie New Year’s Eve event, though the dress code is encouraged, not required. Those attending can expect food, drink, and shot specials, plus discounts if they ask Karma employees to call them a taxi home. The party kicks off at 8pm.

RINGING IN AT A RESORT

9. Party at the Top of the Tower at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
For a sky-high start to 2025, head to the tallest building in northern Michigan. The festivities start on the 17th floor of the resort and end with fireworks from the tower at midnight. Guests can enjoy DJs, dancing, drink specials, and a memorable kick-off to the New Year. Attendance is first-come, first-serve to the first 200 guests; must be 21+.

10. New Year’s Eve Party at Treetops Resort in Gaylord
Treetops promises entertainment for all at their New Year’s Eve party. Laser tag, face painting, photo booths, a live DJ, and dancing to keep the fun going all night, then a balloon drop and fireworks display to greet the new year with verve. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for kids, and include N/A beverages. There will be a cash bar for guests over 21. treetops.com/events/2025-nye-family-party

11. New Year’s Eve Party at Garland Resort in Lewiston
The Garland Resort is throwing a New Year’s Eve celebration complete with a balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight. Live music by The Ones and Twos will keep the party grooving, complimentary snacks are included, and there will be a cash bar for drinks. Guests can reserve tables of 10 people for larger parties, or be seated on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are $30 in advance, and $40 at the door. Call to reserve your tables/tickets. (877) 442-7526

12. New Year’s Eve Party at Crystal Mountain
Crystal Mountain is a hot spot for 2025 celebrations and activities for all ages. Whether dining at one of the restaurants, joining the family party and dinner, or enjoying some live music après ski, there are plenty of ways to feel festive. The Vista Lounge will have live music from 2–5pm. and again from 8:30–12:30pm. Don’t miss the Torchlight Parade down the mountain starting at 10pm, or the fireworks that follow immediately after! More information, tickets, and registrations can be found online. crystalmountain.com/event/new-years-eve-celebration

13. NYE Through the Decades at Shanty Creek Resort
Bring the family for an all-ages shindig at the Grand Ballroom in the Lakeview Hotel. The theme is “NYE Through the Decades,” and guests are encouraged to come in costume and prepare to dance the night away. The dinner includes buffets, appetizers, carving stations, and kid’s options. Adults tickets are $65, kids 6-12 tickets are $40, and kids under six eat free. There’s also a dinner at the Lakeview Restaurant, and a party at Ivan’s, as well as fireworks over Summit Mountain until 11pm. shantycreek.com/event/new-years-eve

DINNER PARTIES

14. NYE Wine Dinner Black Star Farms
Prefer something elegant to close out the year? Black Star Farms is hosting a four-course dinner prepared by their in-house chefs, with an optional wine pairing menu. The dress code is formal, black-tie optional. The dinner begins with a sparkling wine reception and is hosted at large feasting tables for an old-fashioned feel. The dinner starts at 6:30pm and runs until 9:30pm. Tickets start at $150. mynorthtickets.com/events/black-star-farms-new-years-eve-wine-dinner-12-31-2024

15. NYE at The Parlor in Traverse City
The Parlor in downtown TC is hosting its third annual NYE dinner, which includes four courses and a glass of bubbly. There are two seatings: 5–7pm and 8–10pm. Tickets are $75 each and sell out early! mynorthtickets.com/events/nye-2024-dinner-12-31-2024