26 Ways to Ring in 2026 in Northern Michigan

The NYE countdown is on!

Counting the days, hours, and minutes to the New Year? You’re not alone—or at least you don’t need to be, as there are celebrations of all sorts across the region. The list of NYE parties below is not by any means comprehensive, but it does serve as a sampling of what there is to do as we bid adieu to 2025 and set our sights on 2026.

TAKING A BITE OF OUT 2026

1. Go back to the future at Black Star Farms of Suttons Bay. The Roaring 20s come alive again with the winery’s culinary team curating a dining experience featuring dishes and desserts inspired by the Jazz Age. Channel the opulence and glamour of a bygone era at a reception and communal feasting tables. Dress for 1920’s success.

2. Elevate your experience by taking the elevator to the top of the tower at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Enjoy an elegant five-course pre-fixe New Year's Eve menu at Aerie Restaurant & Lounge from 5-10pm, then head to the 17th floor for a DJ, dancing, cash bar, and fireworks at midnight.

3. Ring in the New Year in style at VUE Wine Bar in Charlevoix with an evening of live music, celebration, and sparkling ambiance. Laura Crowe performs from 8:30-11:30pm, setting the tone for a soul-filled night of music and celebration. As the countdown approaches, head outside for a special viewing of the iconic Charlevoix Bridge Drop (see below).

4. Get some good karma (their words not ours) at Karma Taproom in Gaylord. Dressing up for the black-tie event is not required, but c’mon, it’s just once a year. Drink specials all evening and complimentary champagne at midnight. Be smart and safe and save some money—Karma offers a discount to anyone that has us call them a taxi ride home.

IT’S A BALL, IT’S A BRIDGE, IT’S A… TURTLE?

5. Falling from the sky to touch down at the stroke of midnight, Traverse City’s CherryT Ball Drop is the next best thing to Times Square. That’s according to those who put it on, and who are we to argue? This is the 16th year the giant glowing cherry will descend to the street, followed by fireworks. Gates open at 10pm, and the fun lasts until just after midnight. Donations will benefit the North Ed Foundation, supporting students facing food insecurity.

6. That’s not the only ball drop, and arguably not the most well-known. That’s because readers of USA Today last year chose the Big Ball Drop in Ludington as the “Best New Year’s Eve Drop” in the country. Beginning at 9pm on Ludington Avenue, patrons can enjoy live music and a beer garden with commemorative light-up glasses. At the stroke of midnight, the ball lit by 6,000 LEDs will drop, followed by fireworks.

7. The title of quirkiest drop surely belongs to Mackinac Island, where the Great Turtle Drop signifies the changing of the year. As the clock strikes midnight, the sky above Main Street lights up as the 70-pound fiberglass turtle—Norton, to his friends—is lowered from the top of the Lilac Tree Suites. Clad in a top hat and glowing purple and green lights, his landing marks the start of a new year.

8. Biggest drop? That would be the Charlevoix Bridge Drop. Various activities take place at East Park beginning at 1pm, which is also when horse drawn wagon rides start at the corner Bridge and Mason Streets. Downtown restaurants get in on the fun with food and drink specials, and at 11:55pm the bridge drop starts.

RESORT & SKI FUN

9. Boyne Mountain boasts two New Year’s Eve dinner offerings, Stein Eriksen’s or Vienna, plus the annual Torchlight Parade followed by a Fireworks Display. Got youngsters? Head to the Kids’ Glow Party in Matterhorn, located in the Civic Center, from 10pm to midnight. It’s a neon-lit celebration with glow sticks, music, dancing, and festive fun.

10. At Crystal Mountain you can enjoy a dinner buffet, live entertainment, and activities for the kids at the Family Party or a meal at the Wild Tomato or The Thistle. Plus live music at the Vista Lounge, the annual Torchlight Parade and—wait for it—fireworks! The resort will even throw in NYE Party Packs (if you shell out $20) with top hats, tiaras, noisemakers, and more.

11. Seems the theme here is torchlight parades, including the one at Nub’s Nob. The Nub’s Nob Ski Patrol and Winter Sports School instructors will make one run down Smokey and another down Valley with flares in hand, creating a beautiful light display. It starts at 5:30pm, great for those who don’t want to or can’t stay up till the midnight hour

12. At Treetops Resort, dance to live music, sip your favorite winter cocktails, and raise your glass with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Step outside for fireworks over the slopes and a roaring bonfire under the stars. The resort is adding its own midnight ball drop to make the celebration even more epic. Its alternative family-friendly party includes laser tag battles, live DJ and dancing, face painting, and a photo booth, with a balloon drop at 11pm.

13. At Otsego Resort diners can choose between the Grand Buffet at Duck Blind Grille or dinner at Pontrasina. And their Fireworks Over the Valley show is back, beginning at 10pm.

14. So many choices with the three villages of Shanty Creek. There’s the Family Fun Dinner Party in the Grand Ballroom, where the whole family will rock the night away with a comedian, magician, and a DJ. At Ivan’s in Schuss Village, Cosmic Groove will keep the dance floor busy all night. And of course there’s a fireworks display over Summit Mountain at 11pm. Or take in the fireworks following the dinner buffet featuring roaring fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling views at the Lakeview Restaurant.

15. Enjoy extended hours at Nonna’s Ristorante at The Homestead in Glen Arbor. (It will be open until 10.) Then guests can head over to Whiskers, unless of course they started there. It will be open until the stroke of midnight, and will feature live music all evening.

16. Last but not least, party the day and night away at Boyne Highlands. Find hot cocoa and treats, crafts and games, a bonfire and s’mores at the main lodge back lawn from 7-8pm, then celebrate at either the main lodge tower lobby or the Family New Year’s Eve Party at Zoo Bar Cantina from 9 to midnight.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY OUTINGS

17. At Curiosity Place Great Lakes Children's Museum in the Grand Traverse Mall, doors will open at 10am to give everyone enough time to get their wiggles out in the galleries and craft their party accessories. The countdown will take place right at 12 (that’s 12 noon). Following the ball drop, partygoers will have some time to finish up their crafts before saying good-bye at 12:30pm.

18. Once again, it’s a cooperative venture to celebrate at Crooked Tree Arts Center and Petoskey District Library. From 6-9pm, kids can enjoy face painting, pottery and dance workshops, magic shows, a silent disco, and hands-on art activities, plus a pizza buffet and live music. Guests will also find outdoor entertainment on the Bidwell Plaza with DJ Michael, with cookies, coffee, cocoa, and chili. While the library will be closed during the day, it will open from 6–9pm to host family-friendly activities including live music, drawing, coloring, crafts and games. The night will conclude with CTAC’s popular “Midnight at 9” ball drop on East Mitchell Street.

19. You can also ring in the new year a little early with the kids at a family-friendly event at Sandcastles Children’s Museum in Ludington. The annual festivities will include crafts, activities, food, drinks, and an 8pm balloon drop to celebrate 2026.

NOT YOUR TYPICAL NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

20. At 7:30, Yoga Roots in Petoskey is offering Gong Bath and Sound Healing Meditation to soothe the soul and reset the mind. Enjoy the sounds of antique symphonic gongs, Tibetan singing bowls, alchemy quartz crystal singing bowls, Burma bells, wave drums, Koshi chimes, and more. No yoga poses required.

21. Enjoy a New Year’s Eve Worship Party at Revival Center in Cadillac. It will include worship, testimonies, fellowship, and praise. Extended live worship throughout the night, mocktails, snacks, and fellowship and yes, a countdown at midnight.

22. The Grand Traverse Band Cultural Department and Niizh Animikiig present the GTB Sobriety Round Dance at Strongheart Center in Peshawbestown. From 8pm-12:30am, the Side Step Social will feature singers, dancers, specials and more.

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE

23. At Farm Club, you can enjoy true farm-to-table dining. This year it is offering a four-course meal, showcasing provisions harvested and preserved from its fields, cellars, and pantries. Each dish is a tribute to the bounty of the land and the joy of gathering.

24. Rock The Clock at The Venue Event Center in Cadillac with three, count ’em, three bands: Burn The Ships, Hands Of The Ocean, and Asshole Worms. The party runs from 9pm-1am.

25. Turn back the clock to the funky ’70s at Gypsy Distillery. It will be transformed into a full-blown disco, complete with glitter, mirror balls, and dancing, with a DJ, a midnight balloon drop to ring in the new year, and even free shuttle service between Gypsy Spirits Petoskey and Gypsy Distillery beginning at 8pm.

26. Celebrate early at Mari Vineyards. From 5-8pm, enjoy music from Party Down DJs while noshing on appetizers from the vineyard’s kitchen team. Plus, you can sample pours from its exclusive Library Wines.

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