As the clock ticks down to midnight, Ann Arbor prepares to welcome the New Year with open arms and vibrant festivities. Whether you’re looking for a rowdy party or a sentimental celebration, Ann Arbor has something for everyone this New Year’s Eve!

Here are some of the many ways you can ring in the new year in this dynamic city, from dazzling parties and gourmet dinners to electrifying concerts and family-friendly events. So, whether you’re looking to dance the night away, indulge in a delectable feast, catch a live performance, or create lasting memories with your little ones, Ann Arbor has the perfect celebration waiting just for you. Let’s dive into the excitement and make this New Year’s Eve a night to remember!

 

PARTIES

New Year’s Eve Bash at Captain Joe’s Grill

Where: Captain Joe’s Grill, Whitmore Lake

When: December 31, 7 p.m.

Captain Joe’s Grill in Whitmore Lake is hosting their annual New Year’s Eve Bash, starting with a dinner buffet, followed by a comedy show hosted by Alan Black featuring Bob Phillips and Gary George, live music from Soniq Cell Band, and of course — a champagne toast at midnight. Get more details and purchase your tickets here!

 

HOMES Brewery New Year’s Eve Party

Where: HOMES Brewery, Ann Arbor

When: December 31, 7 p.m.–1 a.m.

HOMES Brewery is throwing an all-out tiki-themed celebration on New Year’s Eve, complete with a three-course buffet of Polynesian-inspired dishes, plus signature cocktails and special HOMES beers on tap. DJ Batz and friends will be setting the vibe all night long — and at midnight, watch the ball drop on the big screen with a complimentary champagne toast. Your ticket includes entrance, a welcome warmer shot, two drink tickets, the buffet, and the champagne toast!

 

Necto New Year’s Eve 2024

Where: Necto, Ann Arbor

When: December 31, 9 p.m.–3 a.m.

Necto Nightclub is hosting an unforgettable party on NYE. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the party doesn’t stop until 3 a.m., with a special countdown celebration at midnight! There will be rotating DJs in both the Main Room and the Red Room, with catering provided by Cottage Inn. Level up with VIP Bottle Service, which includes priority expedited entry, personal VIP attendants, and more! Get more details and purchase tickets here.

 

DINNERS

Early New Year’s Eve Dinner & Show ft. Bob Mervak Quartet

Where: Blue LLama Jazz Club, Ann Arbor

When: December 31, 6–7:45 p.m.

Photo Courtesy of Blue LLama Jazz Club

Experience dinner AND a show at Blue LLama Jazz Club this New Year’s Eve. In addition to a phenomenal performance by Bob Mervak, you’ll enjoy a four-course chef-curated tasting menu and a midnight champagne toast with a countdown to 2024! Click here for all the details and to make your reservation.

 

NYE at Venue

Where: Venue by 4M, Ann Arbor

When: December 31, 6 p.m.

Venue by 4M is a restaurant, coworking and event space all in one in Lower Burns Park. On New Year’s Eve, Venue is offering a four-course tasting menu, which includes rosemary table bread with artichoke dip, a shaved fennel salad, surf and turf, and tiramisu, paired with exquisite wines, bubbly and entertainment. After dinner, participate in the champagne toast at 9 p.m. (Greenland time), plus DJ music and dancing from 8–11 p.m. Get more information and tickets here!

 

Late New Year’s Eve Dinner & Show ft. Gayelynn McKinney & the McKinney Zone

Where: Blue LLama Jazz Club, Ann Arbor

When: December 31, 8:30 p.m.–12 a.m.

If you’re more of a night owl, don’t miss the late dinner at Blue LLama Jazz Club! Enjoy a phenomenal performance by Gayelynn McKinney and the McKinney Zone, and a four-course chef-curated tasting menu and champagne toast at midnight. Click here for all the details and to make your reservation.

 

3-Course Dinner at Café Cortina

Where: Café Cortina, Farmington Hills

When: December 31

Photo Courtesy of Special Moments Photographs via Café Cortina

The trip to Farmington Hills is worth it if you’re dining at Café Cortina, an elegant Italian eatery nestled in an apple orchard. On New Year’s Eve, Café Cortina is serving a special three-course prix fixe dinner for $135 per person (plus taxes and gratuity), with the option to add dessert and/or a special wine pairing. Check out this year’s menu to see your options. Make your reservation before the spots fill up!

 

CONCERTS + SHOWS

NYE Celebration with Jackie Flynn

Where: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, Ann Arbor

When: December 31, 7:30 + 10:30 p.m.

Laugh your way into the new year at a comedy show with Jackie Flynn, a Boston-based comedian defined as a “comic’s comic.” He has a refreshingly unique brand of sarcastic observational humor and utilizes a rapid-fire “take no prisoners” delivery. Flynn has graced the stages of the Improv, Comedy Store, Flappers, and Laugh Factory, and has even won the prestigious San Francisco Comedy Competition. He will be at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase on New Year’s Eve, with two performances back to back, to help us laugh our way into 2024! Secure your tickets before the shows sell out.

 

New Year’s Eve with Pete Siers

Where: Kerrytown Concert House, Ann Arbor

When: December 31, 7:30 p.m.

Kerrytown Concert House is hosting their annual New Year’s Eve party, featuring drummer Pete Siers, clarinetist Dave Bennett, and pianist Cliff Monear. The evening will feature “a snow globe of jazz highlights with this powerhouse trio, from sheer virtuosity, to sweetness of soul, with everything but the kitchen sink in between.” A glass of bubbly and some excellent jazz — what more could you ask for? Get your tickets to this unforgettable performance!

 

KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS

New Year’s Eve Family Bash

Where: Paradise Park, Novi

When: December 31, 12:30–2:30 p.m.

We can’t think of a better place to ring in the new year than paradise — Paradise Park in Novi, that is! The New Year’s Eve Family Bash is perfect for the whole family, with a mid-day countdown ideal for kids with early bedtimes. Tickets include one game of laser tag each, a homemade pizza buffet, unlimited soda, a balloon drop with amazing prizes, party hats and horns for each guest, and a coloring contest. Plus, mimosas and Bloody Marys are available for purchase for guests 21 and up! Tickets are limited, so be sure to get yours before they sell out.

 

The Polar Express 3D at the Henry Ford

Where: The Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn

When: December 31 + January 1, 11 a.m. + 3 p.m.

Continue the Christmas magic into the new year with a viewing of The Polar Express — in 3D — at the Henry Ford! This classic movie follows a young boy’s magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express, where he learns about friendship, bravery and the spirit of Christmas. The movie is showing at both 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Click here for more details and to purchase your tickets!

 

Goldfish Swim School Noon Year’s Eve

Where: Goldfish Swim School, Ann Arbor

When: December 31, 4 p.m.

Goldfish Swim School is hosting a “fin-tastic” New Year’s Eve celebration at 4 p.m., perfect for accommodating those earlier bedtimes. There will be tons of fun activities for the whole family, including swimming, games, crafts, and a balloon drop. The best part? This event is completely free! But you will need to reserve your spot here.

 

Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Arena Open Skate

Where: Buhr Park Ice Arena, Ann Arbor

When: December 31, 3:15–5:30 p.m.

Skate into 2024 at the Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Arena, which offers open skate throughout the winter. Since New Year’s Eve falls on a Sunday this year, you can skate from 3:15-5:30 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults and $5 for seniors and youth 17 and under — and skate rentals are just $3! Click here for all the details.

 

See a Light Show

Where: Various Locations

When: December 31 + January 1

Christmas may be over but the lights are still shining brightly throughout the city! Several of the holiday light shows in the Ann Arbor area are still operating through New Year’s Day — and sometimes even later, like Nite Lites, the Plymouth Walk of Trees, and the Northville Symphony of Lights. Bundle up, make some hot chocolate, and pack up the whole family for a magical evening filled with twinkling lights and festive music!

 

Happy New Year!

May we be the first to wish you a Happy New Year!