“Should auld acquaintance be forgot?” Well, in the case of 2020, absolutely. Can’t get it in the rearview mirror fast enough. But with the threat of COVID-19 around every corner, how to ring in the new year safely? There are some options. 

Thompsonville
Like parades? Like skiing? Like fire? Hey, who doesn’t? So here’s a deal for you: At Crystal Mountain, the Family Glow Light & Torchlight Parades begin at the top of Cheers at 10pm. Participants must be 18+ to carry a torch; younger skiers will carry a glow light. Everyone with a valid season pass or lift ticket is welcome to participate. 

For safe dining and partying options, kick off 2021 year with a full-fledged (albeit intimate) party in your room. New Year's Eve party packs ($15) include four each of top hats, tiaras, noisemakers, “Happy New Year” eyeglasses, and a “Happy New Year” banner.

Staying home? You can get a New Year's Eve To-Go for Two, a box of outstanding eats (shrimp cocktail, artisan meats, and cheeses, cranberry-basil goat cheese crostini), smoked whitefish dip, beef tenderloin, a garden of grilled veggies, and chocolate-dipped strawberries, too) so you can celebrate at home. Cost is $95 per box, with an order deadline of noon on Wednesday, Dec. 30; pickup is at the time you select on New Year’s Eve.

Bellaire
Fire(works) on the mountain; run boys run. At Shanty Creek Resorts in Bellaire, you can check out two fireworks shows: The first is over Schuss Mountain after the slopes close at 9pm, and the other over Summit Mountain, following the close of the alpine tubing park at 10pm.

Traverse City
With apologies to Fleetwood Mac, you can go your own way at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. The resort’s New Year’s Eve Your Way Package includes one night’s accommodations, a bottle of bubbly, party favors, a $100 Resort credit, plus special savings at Spa Grand Traverse and the Gallery of Shops. (Rates at press time were $382+ for a Tower Deluxe Room with two queen beds; prices and availability subject to change.)

Or if you prefer to celebrate from own home, the New Year’s Eve Dinner to Go is a four-person spread ($119) featuring a chef’s charcuterie, herb-pepper-crusted bistro steak with horseradish cream, assorted chocolate truffles, and more. No prep time, just pick it up, warm it up, and bid the year a not-so-fond farewell. As the resort says, “This meal is the perfect way to say goodbye to 2020.” And good riddance.

Everybody’s downtown Traverse City favorite is taking on a new life this year. The Cherry T-Ball Drop has, like so many other events, gone virtual. But don’t despair — there are advantages. As it says on the website, “This year, party in your pajamas and watch the Cherry T-Ball Drop live on Facebook.”

The event, brought to you by the good folks at the National Cherry Festival, always collects donations to a local charity that’s focused on food insecurity, and this year is no exception. Food Rescue collects fresh healthy food, and distributes it to local food pantries. Click here to donate.

And you can still make it a party with a bottle (or two) of the event’s signature wine, Mawby Ball Drop Bubbly. It is available at local retailers and here, or you can head out to Mawby HQ in Suttons Bay. Then head home to watch the giant TC cherry descend to ring in the new (and hopefully better) year.

Leelanau
Black Star Farms of Suttons Bay is offering a romantic four-course dinner for two ($150 per couple), highlighted by pomegranate quinoa salad, whitefish crab cake, beef tournedos, and lemon ricotta cake. Click here for the complete mouthwatering description. Pickup is Dec. 31 from 2pm to 4 pm.

Or opt to stay at the inn and choose from room service — or a table for two in a private dining space. With plenty of room to spread out -- including the banquet room, dining room, fireside room, library, and lounge -- distancing won’t be a problem. Black Star is offering wine pairing suggestions with each course, so any add-ons are the choice of guests.