New Year, Big Celebrations: Ludington Ranks Among Top Spots

A Unique Tradition in Ludington

Ludington's New Year's Eve Ball Drop, now in its 16th year, has become a standout event in the 2025 USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice rankings. This celebration is one of the top spots for those looking to ring in the new year with a unique and memorable experience.

Last year, Ludington managed to outshine even the iconic Times Square in the 2024 USA TODAY's 10Best rankings. This year, it secured the fifth position in the U.S., highlighting its growing popularity among travelers and locals alike.

The Significance of the Ball Drop

According to USA TODAY, welcoming a new year often involves reflection, anticipation, and celebration. One of the most popular traditions associated with this festive time is the New Year's Eve drop, where a large object descends as midnight strikes. These events have been nominated by an expert panel and voted on by readers, making them the best in the United States. Each location offers its own unique twist, with different items being lowered during the celebrations.

The annual New Year's Eve celebration in Michigan is known for its walkability, featuring an outdoor beer garden, DJ performances, fireworks, and a ball drop that dazzles with 6,000 LED lights against the backdrop of downtown Ludington.

A Festive Atmosphere

Michigan embraces the holiday spirit through Ludington's New Year's Eve Ball Drop, an event that takes place on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. This festival invites both Michiganders and visitors to relax and enjoy wine and local craft beer while marveling at colorful fireworks and a ball drop stage adorned with thousands of flashing lights.

Known as "West Michigan’s largest New Year’s Eve Ball," the event is a 90-minute drive from Grand Rapids and about 3.5 hours from Detroit. Visitors can also explore the downtown eateries and take advantage of stores that remain open until midnight.

A Community Celebration

Ludington’s main street shuts down to car traffic at 9 p.m., allowing thousands to spill onto the street and enjoy the festivities. At the stroke of midnight, attendees look skyward to watch the ball drop, followed by confetti and a fireworks display over the rooftops of downtown. While the event is free, drinks and merchandise are available for purchase.

Top 10 Best New Year’s Eve Drop Locations

According to USA TODAY readers and editors, the top 10 destinations to celebrate the new year include:

• Pierogi Drop (Whiting, Indiana)
• Idaho Potato Drop (Boise, Idaho)
• The Possum Drop (Tallapoosa, Georgia)
• Moon Pie Over Mobile (Mobile, Alabama)
• Ludington New Year's Eve Ball Drop
• PEEPS Chick Drop (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania)
• The Great Pinecone Drop (Flagstaff, Arizona)
• New Year's Eve Beach Ball Drop (Panama City Beach, Florida)
• New Year's Eve Shrimp Drop (Amelia Island, Florida)
• Pickle Drop (Mount Olive, North Carolina)

How the Rankings Are Determined

The USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards highlight the very best travel, food, drink, and lifestyle experiences. The panel includes industry experts who nominate their favorite attractions across various categories. Editors then vet the nominations and create a final list of nominees to be presented to the voting public.

Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.