New Year’s Eve 2020 was … quiet. New Year’s Eve 2021, on the other hand … ? It’s ready to rock, though Omicron might yet have something to say about it. But for now, we’re charging ahead and sharing some options in and around Traverse City, ranging from revelry to quiet family celebrations. As always, check before you head out — plans are changing rapidly these days.

Rock Out
New Year’s Eve in TC wouldn’t be complete without dancing to a D.J. in the streets — or the descent of a big illuminated cherry. Gates open at 10:30pm for the CherryT Ball Drop (corner of Park and Front streets); the event ends at 12:20 am, after the fireworks show. A $3 donation per person is requested, with funds donated to local charities. Partying from home? You can catch the ruby-red fruit drop live on the CherryT Ball Drop Facebook page from the comfort and warmth of your couch.

As for live performances, Jim Hawley, vocalist and guitarist who has opened for Jimmy Buffet and the Steve Miller Band, plays The Parlor. Distant Stars, a raucous foursome with one of the most charismatic frontmen in the North, rocks the Workshop Brewing.

The annual ball drop in Northport will also take place New Year’s Eve. This year the glittering orb makes its appearance on Nagonaba Street near the Ace hardware, The Mitten and the village’s giant Griswold-esque tree. Also keeping with tradition, Northport establishments will be open late for revelers.

Laughs
The Traverse City Comedy Club hosts Dinner & Comedy (sirloin steak, baked potato and parmesean garlic asparagus; baked salmon, rice pilaf, and balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts; or grilled portabella, rice pilaf and parm-garlic asparagus) with comedians Rob Jenkins, Ella Horwedel, and headliner Mike Stanley. Chicago Reader People’s Choice poll named Stanley named "Best Chicago Stand-up Comedian" and HOUR Detroit Magazine named him "Best Detroit Comedian." 

Studio Anatomy welcomes Detroit native, Los Angeles-transplant Brad Wenzel for two shows. Known for his non-sequitur style, offbeat one-liners, dry delivery, and unassuming presence, he’ll have you in stitches. 

Elegance
Looking to dress up and do the night right? Be one of 125 attendees at Nittolo’s Masquerade Party at Nittolo’s in Lake Leelanau. You’ll dance away 2021 with Mark Randisi and the Sounds of Sinatra while enjoying unlimited champagne and appetizers, gourmet food, seafood stations, and wood-fired pizzas. Bonus: The best dressed attendee will win $500. Tickets are $149 per person. 

Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay is hosting a formal (black tie optional) multi-course dinner. Think: oysters, lamb, craft beef and much more, each paired with BSF’s best bottles — as part of its Arcturos Dining Series. $174 per person. 

Family Option
The Leland Lodge hosts Winter Cheer Fest for families, and it is not only fun but free for the whole family. Party hours are “2pm til frozen,” and that’s because the sledding hill is open and awesome. You can warm up inside the lodge with food and drink specials, Painted Lady Face Painting (2pm-5pm), or singing along with The Broom Closet Boys (6pm-9:30pm)

Make It A Weekend
Northern resorts are rolling out the white carpet on New Year’s Eve; go for the evening or stay until 2022.

Grand Traverse Resort offers a five-course dinner with live music from 7pm to 10pm with the David Chown Trio and a cash bar in the Michigan Ballroom. Package guests 21 and older also receive one ticket to the Light Up the Night party from 9pm to 1am (also available for purchase separately) inside the Governor’s Hall, plus enjoy fireworks, dance music from DJ Ryan Rousseau, a cash bar, and hors d'oeuvres. The kids can celebrate too, with a pajama party at the Health Club. It includes a DJ, balloon games, a pool party, scavenger hunt, cookie decorating, face painting, pizza, popcorn, and dessert, plus a sparkling juice toast and balloon drop at midnight.

At Crystal Mountain, start with dinner at the Thistle Pub & Grille or the Wild Tomato. Enjoy live music from the Boone Doggies at the Vista Lounge. Or celebrate at the Family Party in Northwest Territories in the Crystal Center, which includes a dinner buffet, non-alcoholic beverages, party favors, live entertainment, and kids’ goody bags. Don’t forget the Family Glow Light and Torchlight Parades, followed by fireworks.

The Next Day/Year
Resolve to start your New Year off right: Whatever time you get up, get outside and hike, run, snowshoe, or cross-country ski for the nation’s First Day Hikes celebration. America’s State Parks are the hosts, and they’ve got hundreds of self-guided routes and distances you can use to put your best foot forward on New Year’s Day. The ultimate goal? 2,022 miles of course. (And if a nation of hungover people can’t manage to tally that together in 24 hours, we’ve got bigger problems than ignoring our parks.) RSVP for the virtual event in our Great Lakes State by searching “First Day Hikes” at Michigan.gov.