Whether you’re tucking kids into bed by 9pm or dancing your way into the wee hours of Jan. 1 this New Year's Eve, West Michigan has no shortage of ways to send off the old year and welcome the new one.
From early countdowns with confetti and noisemakers to black-tie galas, disco-fueled dance floors, and a midnight ball drop under the stars, here’s how to make the most of New Year’s Eve, no matter your vibe.
FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
New Year’s Early Eve – Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
Dec. 30 | 5–8pm
The celebration kicks off a day early at New Year’s Early Eve at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, where kids can party from 5–8 pm on Dec. 30 with music, dancing, party hats, a photo booth, and a festive ball drop timed just right for little hands and short attention spans.
New Year’s Eve Party – Battle GR
Dec. 31 | 1:30–4:30pm (kids under 10)
Dec. 31 | 5–8pm (kids 10+)
On New Year’s Eve itself, Battle GR offers two tailored sessions of laser tag, archery tag, board games, and high-energy fun.
New Year’s Eve Family Fun – Craig’s Cruisers
Dec. 31 | 4–8pm
Craig’s Cruisers gets in on the early celebration, too, hosting a 4–8pm family party packed with go-karts, laser tag, bumper cars, glow golf, and more, plus an unlimited buffet and party favors to keep energy levels high.
Countdown to Happy Noon Year – Kent District Library (multiple branches)
Dec. 31 | 10am–1pm (varies by branch)
Happy Noon Year – Grand Rapids Public Library (multiple branches)
Dec. 31 | 11:30am–12:30pm
Libraries across Kent County are also getting festive. The Kent District Library invites kids to ring in “Happy Noon Year” with crafts, noisemakers, and hands-on fun at branches throughout the area, while the Grand Rapids Public Library hosts its own midday countdown with games, dancing, and a flurry of confetti at multiple locations.
Neon New Year’s Eve – Walker Ice & Fitness Center
Dec. 31 | 5–7pm
Families looking to burn off some energy can lace up their skates at Walker Ice & Fitness Center, offering glowing lights and two hours of skating fun — skate rental included.
New Year’s Eve Bowling – Clique Lanes
Dec. 31 | 12:30–3pm, 3:30–6pm, 6:30–9pm, 10pm–12:30am
Prefer to roll into the new year? Clique Lanes offers multiple New Year’s Eve bowling sessions throughout the day and into the night, complete with pizza and unlimited bowling.
NYE Celebration – Grand Rapids Griffins, Van Andel Arena
Dec. 31 | Post-game
And hockey fans won’t want to miss the Grand Rapids Griffins’ annual celebration, which wraps up with fireworks and open skating at Van Andel Arena following the game.
FOR THE GROWN-UPS
NYE Pre-Party – Founders Brewing Co.
Dec. 31 | 5–8pm
Founders Brewing Co. keeps things casual with a lively NYE pre-party featuring live music and no cover charge.
Ballroom Bashes – Amway Grand Plaza & JW Marriott
Dec. 31
For one of the city’s most iconic celebrations, the Ballroom Bashes at the Amway Grand Plaza and JW Marriott transform downtown into a glittering playground of music, dancing, and endless champagne vibes—all connected by climate-controlled skywalks. Elevate the experience with a Black-Tie Dinner at the Amway, complete with a multi-course meal and live jazz, or head to IDC for a late-night toast in a high-energy lounge setting.
Stop Making Sense on NYE – Wealthy Theatre
Dec. 31 | 8pm | $12
Celebrate with a big-screen screening of the iconic Talking Heads concert film — costumes encouraged.
OTHER GR PARTIES
NYE 21+ at Craig's Cruisers
Dec. 31 | 9 pm-1 am | $60, includes two drinks, buffet, and unlimited attractions
NYE Midnight Masquerade - The B.O.B.
Dec. 31 | 7 pm-1 am | $50 GA
New Year’s Eve Disco - New Holland Brewing’s Knickerbocker
Dec. 31 | 8 pm-1 am
NYE at Rapid River Stillhouse
Dec. 31 | 8 pm-midnight | $10 cover
NYE at BackForty Saloon
Dec. 31 | 7 pm-1:30 am | $35 cash cover
Met Gala NYE at HUB 07
Dec. 31 | 8 pm-midnight | $50 cover
Afterglow: New Year’s Eve - The Intersection
Dec. 31 | 8 pm | $47.50
New Year’s Eve for the People - Tip Top Deluxe
Dec. 31 | 7 p.m.
BEYOND GRAND RAPIDS
Downtown Kalamazoo’s New Year’s Fest
Dec. 31 | 6pm–12am | $10 advance, $15 day-of (outdoor events free)
Celebrate 40 years of this all-ages arts festival with live music, comedy, magicians, roaming performers, a midnight ball drop, fireworks, and free trolley rides downtown.
New Year’s Eve at Pigeon Hill Brewing
Dec. 31 | 6–11pm | Free
Kick off NYE with a 6pm German-style ball (barrel) drop, followed by music bingo, trivia, and karaoke — plus great beer and easy parking near downtown Muskegon’s festivities.
NYE!26 Celebration – Downtown Allegan
Dec. 31 | 8pm–12am | Free
Bundle up for Michigan’s largest lighted ball drop, fireworks, live music, food trucks, firepits, ice skating, and a silent disco at this outdoor, family-friendly bash.
NYE Lock-In – One Well Brewing
Dec. 31–Jan. 1 | 10pm–2am | $60
A 21+ ticketed arcade lock-in with unlimited games, duckpin bowling, a live band, and a pizza-and-appetizer bar to fuel you past midnight.
NYE Party feat. Haute Chile – FireKeepers Casino
Dec. 31 | 9pm | $65
Dance into 2026 with live music from Haute Chile, late-night bites, a balloon drop, and a high-energy casino countdown.
Pure Ludington New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
Dec. 31 | 9pm–12:15am | Free
This lakeshore favorite features live music, an outdoor beer garden, fireworks, and a dazzling LED ball drop in a walkable, pedestrian-only downtown.
