It's time to usher in a new era, welcome a new decade, and celebrate the beginning of a brand-new year! If you haven't celebrated New Year’s Eve in Ohio's Lake Erie Shores & Islands before, you are missing out on some very unique traditions and festivities. Plan to welcome 2020 at one of these amazing parties. Plentiful lodging options are available to make a night of it, several with special New Year's Eve packages.
Kelley's Island Wine Company New Year's Eve Party – 4 pm, Kelleys Island
Celebrate the new year with an island-style celebration at the Kelley's Island Wine Company. Pizza and flatbread specials served 4 pm-close, Prime Rib dinners 6-9 pm, champagne toast at midnight.
Walleye Drop – 6 pm, downtown Port Clinton
The area's biggest street party begins at 6 pm with food and craft vendors. DJ Hondo begins entertainment at 7 pm, along with the Wall-EYES giant dice game drawing for participants every 30 minutes. Every roll is a winner! Grand prize raffle drawings begin at 11 pm. Enjoy the 2nd annual “Bar Swim,” a bar loop across Port Clinton, Catawba, and Marblehead with eight participating businesses on heated luxury busses. Busses stop every 30 minutes, 7-11:30 pm. Head to the main stage for the countdown to midnight, official Walleye Drop (a 600-lb, 20-ft walleye is lowered at midnight), and fireworks over the Portage River.
2nd Annual Brew Year’s Eve – 6 pm, Twin Oast Brewing, Catawba Island
Join Twin Oast Brewing for a Roaring 20s party with entertainment from The Flyin Jays and Ben Delong. The Bootlegger Package includes admission from 8 pm-12:30 am with heavy appetizers, desserts, two drink tickets, cash bar, and dancing. The Buchanan Package includes all of the above, plus a three-course plated dinner from 6-8 pm. 21 and older only; come dressed in your best 1920s attire.
New Year’s Eve Gala “Celebration 2020 – A Year Like No Other” – 7 pm, Cedar Point Sports Center, Sandusky
Join the exclusive premier event of the Cedar Point Sports Center and the Lee C. Jewett Sports Medicine Center. Be the first to experience the innovation and collaborative partnership brought to you by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company and Firelands Regional Health System. Heavy hors' d’oeuvres and open bar, live music from Rock the House Live, silent disco, and dessert stations. Black tie optional. Proceeds benefit Cedar Fair Charities and The Foundation for Firelands.
Roaring 20s New Year’s Eve Party – 7 pm, McCarthy's Irish Pub & Restaurant, Port Clinton
Celebrate like it's 1920! Period costumes encouraged, but not required.
5th Annual NYE WWII-era Big Band Dinner & Dance – 8 pm, Liberty Aviation Museum, Port Clinton
Dance the night away at a 1940s-era, USO-style swing dance. The Tim Daugherty Orchestra will present “New Year's Victory Canteen,” a tribute to the Glenn Miller AAF Band. Come dressed in vintage or reproduction-era clothing – civilian or military. Tickets include a dinner and dessert buffet, soft drinks, party favors, and a champagne toast at midnight. Cash bar available as well as door prizes, 50/50 raffle, and silent auction. All proceeds benefit the Liberty Aviation Museum.
New Year's Fireworks – Midnight, downtown Sandusky
A gift to the community to commemorate the new year from Hotel Kilbourne, a fantastic fireworks extravaganza will welcome 2020. Best viewing is from Moseley's Rooftop Bar at Hotel Kilbourne, Schade-Mylander Plaza, Sandusky Paper District Marina, or Shoreline Park.
Not a night person? Sometimes you just want to get your celebrating done early and sleep your way into the new year, waking up to a new dawn. Or, for families with younger children, these early-bird events will assure you still get to commemorate the occasion.
- New Year's Noon Party – 11:30 am-12:30 pm, Sandusky Library, Sandusky
Join the staff at the Sandusky Library for crafts and activities for children of all ages. Count down to the new year at a kid-friendly time! - Minnow Drop Kids' Party at the Walleye Drop – 4-6 pm, Knights of Columbus, Port Clinton
The kids' party at Walleye Drop 2020 includes entertainment by Once Upon a Time Princess Parties, games, party favors, and snacks. The “Minnow Drop” includes a New Year's countdown and balloon drop at 6 pm. - Family Fireworks – 6 pm, downtown Sandusky
Sponsored by Hotel Kilbourne, a short fireworks display will take place at Jackson Street Pier at dusk for kids who may need to go to bed before the official welcoming of the new year. Best viewing is from Schade-Mylander Plaza, Sandusky Paper District Marina, or Shoreline Park.
Make a holiday getaway out of the occasion with an overnight in the region – a variety of lodging options are available. Start planning your New Year's Eve revelry at SHORESandISLANDS.com.
