Here we are again, capping one year and planning for the next. And there are so many different ways to celebrate it, from a quiet night with your family and friends in your home to a big time on the town. Here’s a short list of options based on what I’ve found online.
IN SUSSEX COUNTY
If you’d like to go out for great dining and camaraderie, consider:
The Starboard New Year’s Eve Party in Dewey Beach, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., with tickets
at $43
New Year’s Eve at the Rusty Rudder in Dewey Beach from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m., with
tickets at $110
New Year’s Eve at Chesapeake & Maine in Rehoboth, from 7:30 p.m. to midnight, with
tickets at $75 (and yes, they’ll have lobsters!)
A New Year’s Hoedown at Crooked Hammock in Lewes from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m, with
tickets from $50 to $110
New Year’s Eve Bash at The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel in Rehoboth from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.,
with lots of different price options, including the opportunity to stay the night and check
out late on New Year’s Day
Family Fun at Lefty’s Alley & Eats’ New Year’s Party in Lewes from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m –
check with the restaurant for pricing
If you just want a traditional moment as the New Year dawns:
Head to Dewey Beach for the free New Year’s Eve Ball Drop event from 11:30 p.m. to
midnight at the intersection of New Orleans Street and Rt. 1
Or to Lewes for the New Year’s Anchor Drop events at Canalfront Park – one for
families from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and one for grown-ups from 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. There
are lots of special treats at both events – learn more HERE
Or to the New Year’s Eve Celebration at Dickens Parlour Theatre in Millville, which is
holding both daytime and nighttime events. Get the details HERE.
IN KENT COUNTY
The biggest event around Dover happens at Bally’s Dover Casino Resort from 9:30 p.m. to
12:30 a.m., on Wednesday, December 31st with party favors, different dinner options and a
champagne toast at midnight. Tickets range from $85 to $211. Learn more HERE.
If you want to spend time with your kids, check out the family-friendly New Year’s Eve
“Countdown to Noon” party at Rail Haus, with a balloon ball drop at noon, a kids’ dance party,
arts and crafts, sparkling juice, face painting and food trucks from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on
Wednesday, December 31st.
IN NEW CASTLE COUNTY
For fine dining and festive fun:
Since there are so many cultural sites and fine restaurants around Wilmington and surrounding
towns, it should come as no surprise that many will celebrate New Year’s Eve in high style.
These are wonderful places for a special night out with your loved ones. Here’s a link to some of
the most prominent venues for adults.
There are also many family-friendly events around Wilmington and surrounding towns,
including:
Education and crafts at the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science from 9:30 a.m. to 12
p.m. on Wednesday, December 31st , with hands-on activities and a science-themed ball drop.
Tickets range from $5 to $20, and pre-registration is required. Learn more HERE.
Zoo Year’s Eve at the Brandywine Zoo, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31st,
with sparkling apple cider and lots of quality time with the animals and a group countdown and
ball drop. Online registration is recommended. Learn more HERE.
A New Year’s Eve day Dance Party at the Bear Public Library, from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.,
featuring crafts, storytelling, music and dancing. Learn more HERE.
The New Year’s Eve Drone Light Show on the Wilmington waterfront at 6 p.m. on Wednesday,
December 31st , choreographed to music in a spectacular setting on the Christiana River. Learn
more HERE.