Published on December 9, 2025
As the clock ticks toward midnight on December 31, 2025, New York joins Idaho, Florida, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and more in hosting epic New Year’s Eve ball drops. These iconic celebrations are a cherished tradition across the United States, with each state putting its own twist on the classic countdown. From the sparkling crystal ball in New York’s Times Square to the quirky Idaho Potato Drop, Florida’s MoonPie, and Pennsylvania’s Hershey’s Kiss, these jaw-dropping celebrations promise unforgettable moments. The ultimate guide to America’s most sensational events will take you through the unique features of each celebration, providing all the details you need for an exciting start to the new year. Get ready to join the festivities, as these spectacular ball drops bring people together, from coast to coast, in a night filled with fun, music, fireworks, and pure joy. Don’t miss out on these epic events across the U.S. this New Year’s Eve!
The Times Square Ball Drop is undoubtedly the most famous New Year’s Eve celebration in the world, and it has been a tradition in New York City since 1907. This spectacular event attracts more than a million people to Times Square every year, with millions more watching it on television. At 6 p.m. on December 31, the giant crystal ball is raised atop the flagpole at One Times Square. It stays there until 11:59 p.m. when it begins its iconic 60-second descent to mark the arrival of the new year.
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The event is free and open to the public. The viewing areas along Broadway between 43rd and 50th Streets and along Seventh Avenue up to 59th Street open at 3 p.m., and attendees are encouraged to arrive early. Police control the entry points, and while there are no tickets required, visitors must go through security checkpoints. Spectators can enjoy live music, performances, and hourly countdowns leading up to the final drop. This celebrated tradition has made Times Square the centre of worldwide attention for over a century, and its influence has inspired countless similar events across the United States.
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Nashville, Tennessee, known for its rich musical heritage, hosts one of the most vibrant New Year’s Eve celebrations in the U.S. “Jack Daniel’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash” at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park offers hours of live music, performances, and a spectacular Music Note Drop at midnight. This free event, broadcast live nationwide on CBS, features headliners such as Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean, and Bailey Zimmerman. The Music Note Drop is the highlight of the evening, where a giant illuminated musical treble clef descends at midnight to ring in the new year.
In addition to the music performances, Nashville’s Big Bash features fireworks and multiple performance stages, making it a perfect event for music lovers and families alike. Nashville’s identity as “Music City” shines through in this celebration, which attracts both locals and tourists.
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Boise, Idaho, has its own quirky tradition: the Idaho® Potato Drop, which has quickly gained popularity across the country. This event features the “GlowTato,” a giant internally lit potato that rises at 6 p.m. on December 31, to be lowered at midnight in sync with fireworks. The GlowTato is a symbol of Idaho’s potato industry, and the event has become a local favourite, drawing thousands of visitors each year.
The Potato Drop event is free to attend and offers a variety of activities, including food trucks, beer gardens, sports exhibitions, and a ski and snowboard “Urban Air” exhibition. It’s a community-driven event that supports local arts and charities, making it an excellent way to celebrate the new year while supporting the local community.
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In Mobile, Alabama, the city celebrates the new year with the famous MoonPie Over Mobile event. A giant electronic MoonPie descends at midnight to mark the arrival of the new year, paying tribute to Mobile’s rich Mardi Gras traditions. The event starts with a Kids Zone from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a decorated umbrella contest, and culminates in the cutting of the world’s largest MoonPie at 7:45 p.m.
A second-line parade kicks off at 8:10 p.m., followed by live performances from local bands. At 11 p.m., Morris Day & The Time takes the stage, and the MoonPie is lowered from a crane to the cheers of thousands of revelers. The MoonPie Over Mobile event combines the excitement of New Year’s Eve with the festive spirit of Mardi Gras, making it one of the most unique celebrations in the country.
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In Hershey, Pennsylvania, the town known as “The Sweetest Place on Earth,” New Year’s Eve is marked by the raising of a giant Hershey’s Kiss rather than the traditional ball drop. The event begins with bubble wrap stomps at 11 a.m., followed by a family hour from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. featuring children’s musician Holly Serio. At 8:30 p.m., Hershey characters lead a final bubble wrap stomp and dance party, setting the stage for the main event.
The Hershey’s Kiss Raise occurs at 11:59 p.m., followed by a laser and pyrotechnics display. Main stage entertainment includes performances by the band Fully Stocked and headliner Burn the Jukebox. The event is free, though donations are encouraged to support local community programs.
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The Raleigh Acorn Drop is part of the First Night Raleigh family-friendly arts festival, which features two countdowns: one at 7 p.m. for children and the main countdown at midnight. The acorn, a 10-foot, 1,250-pound copper sculpture, is lowered at midnight as fireworks light up the sky. The event also includes performances from local artists such as the African American Dance Ensemble and Magic Al.
The festival is a celebration of Raleigh’s cultural identity, showcasing local talent and providing a family-friendly environment for the community to enjoy. While the main event is free, tickets are required for some performances and activities.
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The Mount Olive Pickle Drop is a fun and charitable way to ring in the new year. The event begins at 5 p.m., with the giant lighted pickle dropping at 7 p.m. sharp. The celebration includes live music, food trucks, and the ceremonial pickle drop, which is followed by fireworks. The event encourages attendees to bring canned food or monetary donations for the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, with donors entered into a door-prize drawing.
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Bethlehem’s PEEPSFEST® celebrates New Year’s Eve with a candy-themed festival that culminates in the dropping of a 400-pound PEEPS® Chick at 5:35 p.m. each day. The event includes games, crafts, and live music, making it a great way for families to spend the day together. The festival also features fireworks to mark the new year.
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Port Clinton, Ohio, hosts the Walleye Drop, where an illuminated Wylie Walleye drops from the sky to mark the new year. The event features a Kids’ Minnow Drop, fireworks, and the “Bar Swim” adventure for adults. The festival fosters community spirit and supports local businesses, making it a beloved tradition for residents and visitors alike.
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The Sarasota Pineapple Drop is a family-friendly event that takes place in Selby Five Points Park. The celebration features food, carnival rides, and live music, with the festivities culminating in the dropping of a giant pineapple at midnight. The event draws thousands of visitors to the heart of the city.
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Fort Lauderdale’s Downtown Countdown is a vibrant street festival celebrating New Year’s Eve with a giant anchor drop at midnight. The event features a Kids Zone, DJ performances, and a giant lighted anchor. The anchor drop pays homage to the city’s maritime heritage.
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The Key West Conch Shell Drop is an iconic celebration that takes place at Sloppy Joe’s Bar. The event features live music and the lowering of a giant conch shell at midnight. It honors Key West’s conch-fishing heritage and attracts visitors from around the world.
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Key West’s Red Shoe Drop is a popular LGBTQ+ celebration where a drag queen is lowered from a giant red high-heeled shoe at midnight. The event, held at Bourbon Street Pub, is one of Key West’s most photographed New Year’s traditions.
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While Pensacola Beach does not feature a drop, the city’s midnight fireworks display is a major draw for families. The event is free and presented by the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce and other local organizations.
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From coast to coast, New Year’s Eve 2025 will be marked by unforgettable ball drops. New York, Idaho, Florida, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania each offer unique, jaw-dropping celebrations that promise a fun-filled start to the new year. Don’t miss out on these epic events!
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Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Tuesday, December 9, 2025