11 Ways to Celebrate the Arrival of 2024

Out with the old, in with the New Year’s Eve parties. From a five-course dinner to a throwback 2000s bash to a classic ball drop, it’s time to bust out the sparkles and sequins (and kazoos) at events in and around Traverse City.

1. Don your best cocktail attire for the Starlight Party in the Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Park. The gala begins at 7pm with live entertainment from Saving Sequoia, The Decibelz, and a late-night DJ. All proceeds go to the MiMusic Scholarship Fund supporting students in our community who need music opportunities. Tickets start at $35 at mynorthtickets.com.

2. If watching a ball drop is your idea of a perfect New Year’s Eve, then there’s no need to fly all the way to Times Square. The CherryT Ball Drop is both a nod to Traverse City’s status as the Cherry Capital of the World and a chance for some charity -- the event is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring a $5 donation to benefit this year’s nonprofit partner, The Father Fred Foundation. Since the ball drop began in 2008, nearly $127,000 has been raised for local nonprofits. The cherry falls on the corner of Cass and Front Street; gates open at 10:30pm and the fun ends at 12:20am.

3. Not to be outdone, Mackinac Island drops a smiling green turtle at midnight from the top of the Lilac Tree Suites. The hotel is open for select dates throughout the winter, including NYE. (Note: Many island amenities might be closed, but you can count on Doud’s Market for groceries!) Keep in mind winter ferries depart from St. Ignace, so give yourself a little time to get over the bridge.

4. Glen Arbor Wines will also be dropping a ball…all the way from their upper deck. But we think the bigger draw to this charming winery can be found in the pop-up mac-n-cheese bar, a bottle of their Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine, and the cozy ambiance of their tasting room. Live music starts at 8pm and runs through midnight.

5. In Suttons Bay, Black Star Farms returns with their annual New Year’s Eve dinner, a multi-course, wine-paired meal that begins at 6:30pm. Think: caviar, vanilla butter poached lobster, duck ravioli, prime sirloin, a citrus tiramisu, and a selection of red, white, and bubbly wines along the way. Formal attire is suggested (black-tie optional). Tickets are $175 at mynorthtickets.com.

6. Go around the world with Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Guests over 21 are invited to dance the night away in Governors’ Hall with the John Pomeroy Band, sample cuisine from Nashville to Venice to Tokyo, and enjoy a global selection of drinks at the cash bar. A complimentary champagne toast and fireworks display close out the night. The on-site Aerie Restaurant also has an NYE prix fixe dinner available.

7. Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville will have live music in the Slopeside Tent from 3-5pm and the Vista Lounge from 8:30pm-12:30am, dinner options at the Wild Tomato and The Thistle, and a Family Party in the Crystal Center with a dinner buffet, non-alcoholic beverages (others available for purchase), party favors, a DJ, and goodie bags for the kids. (Tickets: $85 for adults; $45 kids 3-12; free for ages two and under.) And don’t miss the Glow Light & Torchlight parades at 10pm, followed by fireworks over the mountain.

8. A romantic dinner at Bourbons 72, the rockin’ sounds of 5th Gear, and $2 champagne pours? Sign us up for New Year’s at Turtle Creek Casino. There will also be a free 360 video booth on-site plus plenty of prizes and giveaways available on the casino floor. Complimentary NYE hats, beads, and other party favors will also be available as supplies last.

9. Sister casino Leelanau Sands is throwing a bash of its own in Peshawbestown with the M-22 New Year’s Eve Party with over $25,000 in cash and prizes. Don’t miss the cash drawings of up to $2,024 from 7pm-11:30pm, nor the chance to dance and sing along in the Sands Showroom with The Prolifics’ Motown tribute show.

10. The early bird gets dinner at Artisan inside the Delamar Traverse City. The restaurant is offering an à la carte dinner from 4:30-7pm, followed by a five-course, prix fixe dinner from 8-10pm. (So we guess the late bird gets dinner, too!) The latter dinner is $155 and includes a variety of scrumptious options from black truffle tortellini to dayboat scallops to rack of lamb, concluding with a confetti mousse bomb. Reservations are required: (231) 421-2150.

11. Feel free to horse around at Lake Ann Farm from 6pm to 1am. Kiddos are welcome, with $5 pony rides and a petting zoo from 6-8pm. The farm will have live music and concessions, though you must bring your own beverages. Admission is $10 per person.