The 5 Best New Year’s Eve Events for Families in Delaware!

New Year’s Eve is celebrated in a variety of ways across the state of Delaware. From First Night celebrations, to noon year’s eve parties, to even a famous anchor drop, we’ve got it all. Come together for music, art, fireworks, and parades with these awesome New Year’s Eve events for families in Delaware. 

1. First Night, Oneonta, DE

The First Night Oneonta celebration takes place at the Foothills Performing Arts Center. This year, their theme is “Here Comes the Sun,” and this New Year’s Eve Party is headlined by Alex Torres and Latin Orchestra. Plus, at 10:18 p.m. don’t miss the spectacular fireworks as they light up the winter sky. Buttons are only $10 and get to access to all events and activities.      

Paranoid Joy 😬

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2. New Year’s Eve Celebration, Dewey Beach, DE

Get ready for Dewey Beach’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration which kicks off at 11:30 p.m. on New Orleans Street to watch the ball drop. But wait, there’s more.  In this two-day event, at noon on Jan. 1, people will plunge into the frigid waters of the Dagsworthy Street Beach for the legendary Dewey Dunk, which is followed by a bonfire, and gift prizes, like a T-shirt and wristband for post-dunk discounts at Dewey restaurants and businesses.

3. Anchor Drop on the Lightship Overfalls, Lewes, DE

Featuring music, cozy fires, hot chocolate, and more, the annual Anchor Drop on the Lightship Overfalls will be held at 11:30 p.m. and will run until 1 a.m. The Lightship Overfalls is one of just 17 remaining lightships of a total 179 built between 1820 and 1952. Amazing! 

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4. Brandywine Zoo’s Noon Year’s Eve, Wilmington, DE

Channel your totem animal at this zoo event. It is a mid-day party for the kids offering games and crafts before a countdown and sparkling cider toast at noon held at Brandywine Park. It is a celebration with a festive New Year’s Eve atmosphere, but it does take place in the park, so the zoo recommends that everyone dress appropriately. The event begins at 10 a.m. on the Dec. 31, and zoo members get in for free.

5. New Year’s Rockin’ Noon, Wilmington, DE

The Delaware Children's Museum offers a morning jam-packed with activities and games for kids. First, children and encouraged to grab hold of wooden and foam blocks and other architectural materials to build a city of structures. Then, join the activity, “what can you do with a cardboard box?” with puzzle designer Dave Phillips. The party culminates with a countdown to noon when confetti and noisemakers will be unleashed in an explosion of exuberance.

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