New Year's Celebrations Across West Michigan

January in West Michigan is glittering and refreshing, and what better way to welcome in a new year than by enjoying one of the many celebrations on this side of the state. Whether that means a sparkling dress and a glass of champagne, or hot chocolate with the kids while counting down to midnight, there are a variety of activities across West Michigan to enjoy and celebrate.

Fancy Festivities in West Michigan

If you're ready for a night of partying on the town in Grand Rapids this New Year's Eve, you cannot miss The Ballroom Bashes at the Amway Grand Plaza, Courtyard Marriott and JW Marriott-party hop across four different themed parties all located at these three hotels. These fun-filled parties are for 21 and overs, so be sure to book an overnight stay at the Amway or Marriott on the 31st, with tickets included, though you can purchase tickets to just the parties as well.

Looking for a place to ring in the New Year in Muskegon? Make sure to buy tickets for the Dueling Pianos party at SE4SONS Banquet Center! Tickets include party favors, hors d'oeuvres, a station-style dinner, a late night snack, a three-hour Dueling Pianos Show, and champagne toast at midnight, so be sure to pick yours up soon!

Reserve your seats at Stafford's Perry Hotel to enjoy a dinner buffet with music and dancing right in downtown Petoskey! The Hotel is offering two nights lodging on Friday and Saturday with breakfast each morning and New Year's Eve Dinner for two.

Bay Pointe Inn in Shelbyville will have live music by Michele Moretti at their restaurant, the Terrace Grille, from 6pm to 12am on New Year's Eve. They'll be serving a limited menu and have a complimentary champagne toast as they say good bye to 2016 and welcome in the new year!

Billed as "West Michigan's Largest New Year's Eve Ball", Ludington's New Year's Eve Ball Drop offers the quintessential New Year's Eve celebration - complete with an outdoor beer garden and music, a ball drop with 6,000 LED lights in the heart of downtown, plus a spectacular fireworks display.

Family-Friendly Fun in West Michigan

Bring the whole family to the Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City this New Year's Eve and take part in fun activities like a glow-in-the-dark dance party with live music, as well as crafts, karaoke, and bingo! There'll surely be something every member of the family will enjoy.

For those looking for a kid-friendly activity earlier in the evening, the Grand Rapids Children's Museum is hosting New Year's Early Eve on December 31st at 6:00 pm. There will be crafts for the kids to create noisemakers and fireworks paintings, in addition to refreshments at the kiddie cocktail bar! Everything leads up to an exciting balloon drop at 7:30, so make sure to plan this fun event into your schedule!

Starting at 8:00 pm on New Year's Eve, make your way to Downtown Hastings to enjoy a variety of activities including live music, ice sculptures, face painting, outdoor games, and more! After the countdown and traditional ball drop, close the night off with a beautiful sound and light display! The city will be buzzing with festivities and cheer.

Double JJ Resort in Rothbury is a must-do if you're in need of an absolutely packed New Year's Eve party that really offers a lot for the kids. The celebration will be at Rustler's Roost in the JJ Frontier and starts with pizza and salad at 6:00 pm. Activities include the Wooden Nickel Arcade, bounce house, mechanical bull, karaoke, craft corner, movie showing, and a balloon drop at 10:00 pm! There will also be live music from 9:30 pm to 1:00 am, and a variety of additional activities for another charge. Reserve an overnight stay package to take advantage of all of the available celebrations!

If you're anywhere near Charlevoix on New Year's Eve, you must come down for the 5th annual Charlevoix Bridge Drop. There will be activities that the whole family can enjoy including a snowman making contest, s'mores in Bridge Park, and two different fireworks shows over Lake Charlevoix! Several local restaurants will feature event specials, and the Elks Lodge, Bridge Street Taproom, and Stafford's Weathervane will even have live music.

If you're looking for an option that offers entertainment for both the children and the adults, make a reservation with Shanty Creek in Bellaire! For the children, there will be a fun night of NYE fun during the Kids' Night Out at the Lakeview Hotel with games, arts and crafts, dancing, and snacks. Everyone in the family will love Dueling Pianos in the Lakeview Hotel's Grand Ballroom during the Family Dinner Show, which will be followed by fireworks at midnight. You can also relax at The River Bistro while enjoying the Times Square Countdown and drinks.

The Petoskey area offers a number of family friendly activities this year to welcome in 2017. For a friendly atmosphere with lots to do, drop by either Boyne Highlands or Boyne Mountain. They will be celebrating with the Torchlight Parade and Fireworks Extravaganza to honor the life of Stein Eriksen (1927-2015).

Restaurants & Breweries in West Michigan

For a nice evening of live music featuring Michele Moretti, spend your New Year's Eve at the Bay Pointe Inn in Shelbyville and end the night with a complimentary glass of champagne at midnight. However, if you want to experience an especially extravagant evening, reserve your spot at Black Star Farms in Traverse City and enjoy a six-course wine-paired dining experience presented by executive chef, Cole Thornton and his culinary team. The night begins at 6:00 pm.

For a relaxing meal on either New Year's Eve or Day, make a reservation at Schuler's Restaurant in Marshall where a special menu of pub and dining room favorites will be available while you enjoy the parades and football from the comfort of the pub TVs.

Another option for a nice night out to dinner can be found at Reserve Wine & Food in Grand Rapids on NYE between 4:00 and 10:00 pm. The restaurant will be offering a six-course tasting menu for $100, and be sure to call and reserve your spot soon!

Stop by one of your favorite breweries for some New Year's fun! Saugatuck Brewing Company will have live music by Matt Gabriel starting at 6:00 pm and food specials throughout the evening. Don't forget about Arcadia Brewing, where you can purchase tickets to spend the evening learning fun dance moves with the Kalamazoo Ballroom Company, all leading up to a special champagne toast at midnight! And make sure to stop into Rockford Brewing Company to take part in a NYE pub party featuring live music, special release beer, and half-off growlers all day!

Odawa Casino in Petoskey offers both a prime rib buffet or a more formal restaurant experience at Sage, and dinner will be followed by a party in the Ozone, or if you'd rather, live music on the gaming floor by RAndy Moore and the Fabulous Suedes. Not to mention the chance to win $2,700 in the Hot Seats!

For a special NYE meal, hop online and make reservations at Wheelhouse Kitchen & Cocktails in Grand Rapids-the menu, created by Chef Andrew Alcid, will feature locally sourced ingredients and artisanal cocktails created by mixologist, TJ Shinnish. The evening will also include live music and a champagne toast at midnight.

Whatever your plans for New Year's this year, West Michigan offers such diverse ways to celebrate that choosing just one seems impossible! Be sure to book tickets early so you don't miss out on the festivities this fun time of year.

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