Ella Fitzgerald asked the age-old musical question, “What are you doing New Year’s Eve?” And every year people all over the world debate whether to go out or stay home watching “Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve?” AGAIN. But does it even rock anymore? You know what does rock? A New Year’s Eve spent in Shores & Islands Ohio! With so many options, both festive and family-friendly, we’re here to answer that question and settle the debate. You should be HERE on New Year’s Eve. Check out all the exciting events to ring in 2024:
Family Fun
New Year's at Noon Party
11:30 am on Saturday, Dec 30
Sandusky Library, Sandusky
Happy 2024! Count down to the New Year at a kid-friendly time with snacks, crafts and a countdown in the Children's Department at the Sandusky Library!
Horse-drawn sleigh and trolley rides through Spiegel Grove
1-4 pm
R.B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Fremont
Ride through the wooded estate of President Rutherford B. Hayes in a horse-drawn sleigh, as he did when he lived there. A horse-drawn trolley also will offer rides through Spiegel Grove. The sleigh can fit four people, and the trolley can fit 16-18 people. The rides are a nostalgic trip through the beautiful wooded estate, past the historic Victorian Hayes Home and down Lover’s Lane, a favorite pine-tree-lined spot on the grounds.
First Night Sandusky's New Year's Eve Celebration
4 pm-12 am
Schade-Mylander Plaza and Jackson Street Pier, Sandusky
Bring the whole family to this brand-new, exciting New Year's Eve Celebration in downtown Sandusky! Sponsored by Great Lakes Audio Visual, LLC, they've got an unforgettable event planned, filled with live music, DJs, and activities for all ages. It's going to be a night to remember! There will be food, 
roaming magician, caricature artist, face painter, balloon twister, and more. Two stages of entertainment will be offered by a mix of top-notch DJs and local bands to keep you dancing all night long! As the clock strikes midnight, join friends, family and the community alike for an epic countdown and a spectacular fireworks display that will light up the night sky! This incredible New Year's celebration is free and open to everyone!
New Year's Eve Grand Buffet
Multiple time slots available
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Sandusky
Ring in the New Year at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions and a delicious end-of-the-year meal! Join in on the fun for their New Year's Eve Buffet, where you will enjoy all of your favorite holiday dishes. Plus, don't miss out on their dessert station featuring a wide array of sweet treats, sure to satisfy any sweet tooth! Plus, New Year's Eve Buffet attendees get free admission to their New Year's Eve Glow Party!
Minnow Drop
6 pm
Knights of Columbus Hall, Port Clinton
Kids welcome the New Year with an indoor “Minnow Drop” where a mini-Wylie will drop, along with hundreds of balloons, from the ceiling inside the Knights of Columbus Hall. Kids snacks, activities, and costumed characters.
NYE Fireworks Celebration
6 pm
Jackson Street Pier, Sandusky
Hotel Kilbourne hosts an annual NYE Fireworks Celebration for the City of Sandusky. This offers an expansive fireworks display off of Jackson Street Pier at 6 pm for families. This event welcomes anyone and everyone to start the New Year together. Whether the fireworks are viewed from a downtown local business, Jackson Street Pier, or from someone’s front porch, Sandusky is the place to be.
New Year's Eve Donut Drop!
11 pm-12 am
Lakeside Pavilion, Lakeside Chautauqua
Watch as a giant inflatable donut drops from the Pavilion to ring in 2024. Enjoy music, donuts and a blessing for the new year. Free Patio Donuts and hot chocolate will also be served. In case of inclement weather, the fun will move to Wesley Lodge, and the donut will be dropped from the second-floor balcony of Wo-Ho-Mis Lodge.
Exciting Entertainment
Billy Likes Soda At the Legendary Barrel House Saloon
5:30 pm
Barrel House Saloon, Sandusky
Adjacent to the Jackson Street Pier, Barrel House is a fantastic location to view the fireworks at 6 pm and 12 midnight. Billy Likes Soda is a kick-a$$, good-time, good-looking band; named Cleveland Magazine’s “Best Cover Band” in 2018.
New Year's Eve Walleye Drop 2023/2024!
6 pm-12 am
Downtown Port Clinton and various locations
Countdown to the New Year with this region's favorite local celebrity; Wylie the Walleye and his friends! Count down to the New Year when Port Clinton, the “Walleye Capital of the World,” drops a 20-ft, 600-lb fiberglass walleye at the stroke of midnight, followed by a spectacular fireworks display over the Portage River. The festive atmosphere includes musical entertainment, vendors, and a regional bar crawl.
NYE 2024 Bash at Harbor House Bar & Grill!
6-11:55 pm
Harbor House Bar & Grill, Huron
Ring In the New Year at Harbor House Bar & Grill and Riverside Banquet Center! There will be an amazing dinner, delicious drinks, sure to be can't miss live music and a room right next door with room deals available! Dinner for 2: $119.99. Jessica Hannon made will have you movin' & groovin' on the dance floor! RSVP now at huronharborhouse.com
Sawmill Creek's Toast of the North Coast NYE Bash
8 pm-1 am
Sawmill Creek by Cedar Point Resorts, Huron
Party like it’s 2024! Ring in the New Year at Sawmill Creek's annual Toast of the North Coast New Year’s Eve bash. Experience a unique blend of North Pole magic and coastal charm as you indulge in exquisite cuisine, handcrafted drinks, and dance to the electrifying tunes of our live band. $85/per person 
You can also book an overnight stay as part of Sawmill Creek’s Season of Joy celebration.
NYE Fireworks Celebration
12 am
Jackson Street Pier, Sandusky
Hotel Kilbourne hosts an annual NYE Fireworks Celebration for the City of Sandusky. This offers an expansive fireworks display off of Jackson Street Pier at 6 pm for families and a Midnight Show to ring in the New Year. This event welcomes anyone and everyone to start the New Year together. Whether the fireworks are viewed from a downtown local business, Jackson Street Pier or from someone’s front porch, Sandusky is the place to be.
No matter what you do New Year’s Eve, Shores & Islands Ohio wishes you the best and we can’t wait to share more #LakeErieLove with you in 2024!
