Staying up to ring in the New Year? Welcome 2025 with a ball (or other object!) drop, a staycation at a resort, or a quiet wine or dinner evening. Here’s The Ticker’s annual look at NYE around the north.

Countdown Downtown
CherryT Ball Drop
Traverse City’s signature New Year’s Eve event rings in the New Year with its 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. More here.
 
Take A Drive 
Crooked Tree Arts Center & Petoskey Library 
Take a drive north for the Crooked Tree Arts Center and Petoskey District Library’s artsy extravaganza, 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. 

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. 

Ringing In At A Resort 
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+.

New Year’s Eve Party at Crystal Mountain
Crystal Mountain is a hot spot for New Year 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 2–5p. 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 here.

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. 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. 

Black Tie
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.