How do you plan to ring in 2026? Whether you’re looking for a festive late-night party, fireworks or something kid-friendly, there are plenty of options in Charlevoix, Emmet and Otsego counties.
Here is some of what is on the calendar for New Year’s Eve:
Charlevoix County
Boyne Falls
Ring in the New Year
Boyne Mountain Resort has a packed schedule for New Year’s Eve.
On Dec. 31, guests can enjoy activities like the Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark Glow Night, live music in the Snowflake Lounge, special reservation-only holiday dinners and more.
The Torchlight Parade and Fireworks Extravaganza will take place on the Victor run at 9:30 p.m. That will be followed by the Kids’ Glow Party in the civic center from 9 p.m. to midnight or the Adult New Year’s Eve Party, for ages 21 and up, from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. in the Snowflake Lounge.
Charlevoix
Goodbye 2025 Party
The Castle Pub at Castle Farms will host a “Goodbye 2025 Party” from 7-11 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27.
Live entertainment will be provided by Michelle Keyboard.
For more information, visit castlefarms.com/pub.
Noon Year’s Eve Party
Join the Charlevoix Public Library for a kid-friendly celebration that doesn’t require staying up until midnight.
From 11 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Dec. 31 , families can ring in the “noon” year with party hats, dancing, storytime and more fun in the community room. Party guests will also countdown to 12 p.m. to celebrate together.
Bridge Drop
There will be festive activities all day long in downtown Charlevoix on New Year’s Eve.
At 10:30 a.m., there will be a free showing of “Paddington” at Charlevoix Cinema III. Guests are asked to bring a non-perishable canned good for the Charlevoix Food Pantry.
From 1-5 p.m. there will be horse-drawn wagon rides at the corner of Bridge and Mason streets. There will also be activities in East Park from 1-4 p.m.
Then, be sure to head over to the bascule bridge before midnight in order to see the popular Bridge Drop.
Emmet County
Alanson
New Year’s Eve Bash
Riverside Bar and Grill, 6253 River St., will host a New Year’s Eve Bash from 8 p.m. until 1 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31.
Music starts at 8 p.m. and will continue until the new year.
Harbor Springs
Torchlight Parade
Witness the annual Torchlight Parade at Nub’s Nob at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday Dec. 31.
You can watch from the bottom of the Green Lift as the Nub’s Nob Ski Patrol and Winter Sports School instructors ski down with lit flares in hand.
This event is free of charge and no ticket is required.
The Golden Hour
Otis, 7291 S. Lake Shore Drive, will host The Golden Hour: New Year’s Eve at Otis from 8:30 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31.
The evening will include an open bar with champagne and signature cocktails, chef-curated hors d’oeuvres, late-night bites, live music by The Charlie Millard Band, dancing and more.
Tickets are $275 per person. While the event is sold out, you can still join the waitlist at otisharborsprings.com/nye-rsvp-otis.
Holidays at the Highlands
The Highlands will host many activities on New Year’s Eve.
The schedule includes hot cocoa and treats, crafts and games, a New Year’s Eve buffet dinner, and a bonfire and s’mores.
The Torchlight Parade and fireworks will take place at 9 p.m., followed by the Family New Year’s Eve Party in the Zoo Bar from 9 p.m. util midnight.
You can see the full schedule at highlandsharborsprings.com.
Pellston
New Year’s Eve with Eric Ward
Beach’s Up North Tavern, 944 U.S. 31, will host a New Year’s Eve party starting at 8 p.m.
Live music featuring Eric Ward will begin at 8 p.m.
Petoskey
New Year’s Eve at Odawa Casino
Guests at Odawa Casino will enjoy free admission from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. in celebration of New Year’s Eve.
Festivities on Dec. 31 will also include dining specials, giveaways, entertainment and other promotions throughout the day.
For more information, visit odawacasino.com.
New Year’s Eve Murder Mystery
The Bay View Inn will be hosting a special New Year’s Eve Murder Mystery dinner on Wednesday Dec. 31.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and appetizers will be served, followed by dinner service and the murder mystery at 6 p.m.
Tickets are $110 per person and can be purchased at cottoncollection.ticketspice.com/nye-murder-mystery-at-bay-view-inn.
New Year’s Eve at the Arts Center
The popular New Year’s Eve at the Crooked Tree Arts Center with the Petoskey District Library is back from 6-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31.
Activities inside at the arts center include live music, art and music workshops, a magician, a silent disco, a pizza and salad buffet, face painting and much more .
Outside on the plaza there will be bonfires, s’mores and a DJ, while across the street at the library there will be games, crafts, music and more.
Admission is required for entry into the arts center. Buttons are $10 for adults, $5 for youth ages 3-17 and free for kids age 2 and younger. Activities outside and at the library are free.
Don’t forget to join the ball drop at 9 p.m. on the corner of Division and Mitchell streets.
Otsego County
Gaylord
Treetops parties
Treetops Resort will have something for everyone on New Year’s Eve with two holiday parties.
The adult party at Legends on the Hill for ages 21 and up will includes live music, dancing, winter cocktails and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. There will also be a midnight ball drop followed by fireworks over the ski slopes and a bonfire.
Tickets are $45.
The family-friendly party at the convention center will have laser tag battles, a live DJ, face painting and more. Kids can enjoy a balloon drop at 11 p.m. before heading outside for the fireworks at midnight. Tickets for age 13 and older are $25 and kids age 12 and under are $20.
Fireworks Over the Valley
Otsego Resort will host a fireworks display at 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.
The fireworks will overlook the valley at the top of the ski hill.
For more information, visit otsegoclub.com/events/nye-fireworks.
New Year’s Eve at The Landing Zone
The Landing Zone, 1200 Gornick Ave., will host two New Year’s Eve parties on Wednesday, Dec. 31.
The “Day Celebration” includes time slots of 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. The two-hour window includes unlimited glow bowling, a sparkling cider toast, a large one-topping pizza, arcade games and more. The cost is $135 per lane. Limited spots are available and reservations are strongly recommended.
Then the “New Year’s Eve Bling Party” gets started at 9 p.m. with a DJ/Karaoke by DJ Brian Productions, a champagne toast, a special New Year’s Eve menu and unlimited glow bowling for $25 per person. If you don’t want to bowl, you can still enjoy the party with a $5 cover charge.
— Contact Jillian Fellows at jfellows@petoskeynews.com.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Ring in the New Year: Find Northern Michigan New Year’s Eve events
Reporting by Jillian Fellows, The Petoskey News-Review / The Petoskey News-Review
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
