As December 31 approaches, downtown Ludington comes alive in a way that only winter in a small lakeshore town can. The streets, usually quiet this time of year, fill with lights, laughter, and the energy of people coming together for the annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. What started as a local tradition has grown into something bigger—last year, USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards named it the no. 1 NYE Ball Drop in the country, and it’s easy to see why.
The day’s festivities start long before midnight. Families with kids head to Sandcastles Children’s Museum for the NYE Balloon Drop, a playful early countdown with music, crafts, and hands-on fun. Nearby, the Ludington Library hosts pre-party activities, and downtown shops stay open late, offering snacks, live music, and small celebrations. There’s a buzz in the air, a feeling that something special is coming, and people of all ages are part of it.
As the evening draws in, restaurants and breweries fill with people enjoying a meal, a drink, or live music before heading outside for the main event. When the ball begins its descent, the crowd counts down together, and then cheers as fireworks light up the night sky and confetti drifts over the streets. It’s a moment that captures what makes Ludington unique—a sense of community, a love of tradition, and the simple joy of welcoming a new year together.
The weekend doesn’t have to end at midnight. Winter trails in Ludington State Park and Cartier Park are perfect for hiking, snowshoeing, or fat-tire biking, and lakeshore views provide a peaceful backdrop for a morning stroll or photography. Indoors, the city offers plenty to do, from art galleries and coffeehouses to Sandcastles’ interactive exhibits. On New Year’s Day, the Resolution Run 5K gives everyone a chance to start the year on a healthy note, whether you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines.
The Ludington New Year’s Eve Ball Drop is more than a countdown—it’s a weekend full of tradition, outdoor adventure, and small-town energy. Start planning your New Year’s Eve getaway at PureLudington.com.
Courtesy of Pure Ludington.
Photos courtesy of Pure Ludington.
