Where To Ring In 2026 In (Traverse City) Style
Counting the days, hours, and minutes to the New Year? Here’s a sampling of what to do as we bid adieu to 2025.
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.
Take A Bite Out Of 2026
Acclaimed Detroit chefs Sarah Welch and Cameron Rolka—the team behind Marrow and Mink—are hosting a dinner at Riverside @ Commongrounds Cooperative. The event offers a preview of Umbo, their seafood-driven restaurant set to open in spring 2026. Guests can expect a tasting menu featuring oysters, caviar, locally sourced proteins, and champagne pairings, all rooted in northern Michigan ingredients. Seating is limited for the dinner, which runs from 5–9 p.m. Info and tickets here.
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.
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.
Chateau Chantal is partnering with Archie's Social House for a five-course wine dinner, including exclusive wine pairings selected to complement every dish on the chef-crafted menu. But act soon: There are limited seats at the downtown TC dinner. More here.
Resort & Ski Fun
At Crystal Mountain feast at a dinner buffet, then 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 andfireworks.
Lots of choices at 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 there’s a fireworks display over Summit Mountain at 11pm.
But Wait, There’s More
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.
At Farm Club, enjoy farm-to-table dining with 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.
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.