The new year is almost here, and that means it’s time to celebrate. Start a new tradition this year by gathering the family and joining in the fun at one of Wisconsin’s many kid-friendly New Year's Eve events. From unique “ball drops” to tasty treats, have a New Year’s Eve your crew won’t soon forget at these one-of-a-kind festive celebrations.
Delightful Drops
It’s always a tradition to watch New York City’s glittering ball drop, but around here, we love a New Year’s Eve with a Wisconsin twist.
In Sister Bay, your children will be mesmerized as they watch the Cherry Drop, which—you guessed it—is a twinkling red cherry that celebrates Door County’s famous fruit. Complete with pre-midnight ice-skating and a bonfire, kids will marvel at the 7-foot wide, 300-pound cherry as it counts down to the new year. A show-stopping fireworks show happens at 8 p.m., and there are sure to be plenty of sweet treats to share.
Head to Plymouth to see another Wisconsin specialty take center stage at the Big Cheese Drop. Take part in festive activities like sipping hot cocoa, listening to live music and sitting by a bonfire. If you’re mindful of tucking your kids in early on New Year’s Eve, you’ll be pleased to know that the lit-up, 80-pound wedge of cheese will drop at 10 p.m. instead of midnight.
Tasty Parties
What better way to end the year than with delicious food? These events are sure to fill up the whole family.
Noon Year’s Eve at the Grateful Shed in Wisconsin Dells starts at the kid-friendly time of 11 a.m., with a kids’ toast at noon. Watch balloons and confetti drop all around you, get your faces painted, and enjoy pizza, wings, street tacos, gourmet grilled cheeses and even more deliciousness while wrapping up the year the right way.
Make a weekend of it at Lake Lawn Resort in Delevan, where the New Year’s Eve package includes adult and kid dinner buffets followed by the Family Glow Party upstairs. Dance the night away and enjoy the 10 p.m. sparkling cider toast or make it all the way to midnight for a true new year’s toast.
Looking for more? Check out these New Year's Eve festivities just for adults or browse our full directory of NYE events!
