For many, going out on the town is the only way to ring in the New Year. Champagne at midnight, party favors, music, maybe even fireworks. So where to go and what exactly to do? We gathered some options from around the region.
 
Cherry T-Ball Drop
The annual downtown Traverse City festivities features a large replica of the unofficial city fruit being dropped to the ground at the stroke of midnight. It’s a tradition started a decade ago by a group of Traverse City-area residents as a way to celebrate and give back. In the last ten years it’s raised nearly $110,000 for local non-profits.
 
The large cherry drops from the sky at the intersection of Park and Front Streets. The gates open at 10pm and the event ends at 12:20am. Everyone is welcome to this family-friendly event, with a suggested donation of $3 per person. Typically between 8,000 and 12,000 attend, which also offers a DJ for dancing in the streets, and there are even fireworks at midnight (weather permitting).
 
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Dinner at Aerie Restaurant & Lounge features a one-night-only menu with wine pairings from its award-winning wine list. Local musician John Pomeroy will perform live music. Seating is limited.
 
For those looking for a little more action, resort guests and Club Members are invited to a special celebration in the newly-remodeled Governors’ Ballroom. The space will be set up with a variety of retro-style arcade games, a rocking DJ, and other activities. Light appetizers will be available, as will a cash bar. This is exclusively for guests and Club Members; admission to the party is complimentary.
 
Actually there is a third option, this one for the little ones. The Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party is an option for children ages 6–12, and includes activities like crafts, games, swimming, and a balloon drop at midnight. Licensed daycare is also available. Registration is $40 per child for guests ($30 per child for Club Members). 
 
For information on all three, go to www.grandtraverseresort.com.

Bluebird in Leland
It may be too cold for a riverwalk, but the views are so delightful at the Bluebird in Leland. Start with a buffet dinner at 7pm with catfish boudreaux, BBQ ribs, chicken piccata, pork potstickers, and more. Then groove to the soulful sounds of Soul Patch, with their trademark mix of everything from world beat and jazz to rockabilly and ska.
 
All-inclusive dinner and music tickets are $40 per person in advance by calling 231-256-9081 or $50 each at the door. Music and champagne tickets are $10 per person at the door starting at 9. 

Celebrate & Ski
Of course, many revelers like to take to the slopes. Most of the ski and snowboard resorts offer special amenities and activities for New Year’s Eve. Such as:

Shanty Creek Resort
The sprawling resort outside Bellaire offers a host of activities for all ages. For the younger set, Kids’ Night Out in the Bellaire Room runs 6–10pm, with games, arts and crafts, dancing and snacks. On the other hand, maybe the whole family wants to party together, at the Prime Rib & Crab Legs Dinner Show in the Lakeview Hotel’s Grand Ballroom. It begins at 6:30pm and features dinner, a ventriloquist/magic show, then dancing with a DJ. Adults $60, children 6–12 $25, 5 and under free. Reservations are required. Call 231.533.3000 ext. 7084.
 
The Lakeview Restaurant offers a more low-key approach, Ivan’s at Schuss Village has a $10 cover, and the River Bistro at Cedar River Village offers dinner, game room and eight TVs. And everyone can enjoy the fireworks display over Summit Mountain at midnight.
 
Crystal Mountain
There’s something for pretty much everyone here on New Year’s Eve. There’s dinner at the Thistle Pub & Grille ($58 per person) or a buffet at the Wild tomato (adults $32, kids 7-12 $18, 6 and under $11), or the New Year's Eve Family Fun Party And Buffet in Hudson Bay in the upper level of the Crystal Center. The buffet is open 6-8, family fun including face painting, crafts and games beginning at 7pm, with a live DJ starting at 8pm. Ages 13+,  $35 per person; 7–12, $25; 6 and Under, $15. After 9pm, it’s just $10 per person. 
 
The New Year's Eve adult party runs 8pm to 1am for $79 per couple. It features live music and tasty treats in Northwest Territories at the Crystal Center. Cocktails and Dancing, 10pm–1am ($15 cover charge for dance party only), with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, and, yes, fireworks!

Reservations are required for all; call 855-998-5359. 
 
Don’t miss the torchlight parade, starting at 11:45pm. Everyone with a valid season pass or lift ticket is welcome to participate. It starts at the top of Cheers at 11:45pm. To carry a torch, you must be 16 years of age and you must sign up at the Snowsports Desk on Dec. 31.