Are you looking for the most iconic things to do in Grand Rapids on New Year’s Eve? I have listed some of the most fun things to do and best places to ring in the new year!
Celebrating the new year can be so exciting! If you’re anything like me, you’re here because you love to research and plan ahead of time. Grand Rapids is a beautiful, mid-size city in Michigan with plenty of activities to offer, especially around the holidays. It may be overwhelming on where to start in your research of holiday activities. Not to worry, this Grand Rapids NYE guide will give you some unique things to do to keep things fun and exciting!
You are going to learn about the most traditional places to ring in the new year like the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel as well as some more unique things to do like dining out at a hot pot restaurant. After learning about all of the wonderful things Grand Rapids has to offer, you are going to be ready to ring in the new year!
This post is about the best things to do in Grand Rapids on New Year’s Eve.
Things to do in Grand Rapids on New Year’s Eve
1. New Year’s Eve Ballroom Bashes
Every year, the two most iconic hotels in Grand Rapids put on a spectacular party to ring in the new year. The Amway Grand Hotel and JW Marriott offer several ballrooms with music and dancing, typically each in their own fun theme. I personally attended this event several years ago, and it’s a blast! I love the variety that the ballrooms offer and having an excuse to get dressed up for a night. Guests must be at least 21 years old to attend.
2. GLC Live at 20 Monroe
GLC Live at 20 Monroe is a cool concert and event space in downtown Grand Rapids. The venue often hosts fun events around the holidays. Check out their website to see what special event they will be offering to ring in the 2025 new year!
3. New Year’s Eve at The BOB
The BOB Grand Rapids typically offers a fun NYE event. With several establishments in one building, it’s a great way to spend the evening. Take your time checking out all the bars and restaurants, and don’t forget dancing at Eve. Their comedy club Dr. Grins may also offer a special event.
4. Dine in Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
If you’ve never tried Korean BBQ or hot pot, you’re missing out! This is such a fun way to dine out and spend time with family and friends. For the BBQ, you select meats and veggies to cook over a BBQ hot plate. For the hot pot, you select your cooking broth flavor, meats, veggies, and seafood to cook in the broth. What better way to ring in the New Year than eating delicious, never ending food! Korean BBQ and hot pot restaurants typically offer all you can eat, so you can take your time and indulge! These are some of the Grand Rapids Korean BBQ and hot pot restaurants:
5. Enjoy Dinner at a Steakhouse
A classic way to celebrate New Year’s Eve is to go out for a fancy steak dinner. Grand Rapids has several amazing steakhouses! Some of my favorites include:
6. Kid Friendly Activities
There are so many kid friendly museums and centers in Grand Rapids! Many of them offer special events for New Year’s Eve.
The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum often hosts a New Year’s EARLY Eve party! This event is catered to kids and starts earlier in the evening so the little ones can still get to bed on time.
Another great museum to check out is the Grand Rapids Public Museum. They have two special Planetarium shows going on during the holiday season. Ice Worlds and Let it Snow!
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park offers a Christmas and Holiday Traditions Exhibit. Although not specific to New Year’s Eve, it is a great place to spend the holidays and enjoy time with family and friends. They offer something for all ages to enjoy. I especially love the Christmas trees decorated to celebrate different country’s holiday traditions.
Be sure to check out the Grand Rapids Public Library and Kent District Libraries to see if they will be offering any special NYE events at your local branch!
7. Movies & Shows
If you’re more into movies and theater, there are fun ways to celebrate NYE for you too! A common way to ring in the New Year is to go to a movie! We have several movie theaters in Grand Rapids including Celebration Cinema, AMC, and Phoenix Theaters.
The Wealthy Street Theater will be offering two showings of “Stop Making Sense”. They encourage attendees to dress up in their best NYE attire!
8. Grand Rapids Griffins and Other Sports
Another family friendly event is to go to a Grand Rapids Griffins game! They will be playing on New Year’s Eve. This is a super fun way to celebrate the holiday! There will be post-game fireworks too!
If you enjoy playing sports, there are so many ways to be active in Grand Rapids on New Year’s Eve. Here are just a few ideas to consider: bowling, pickleball, ax throwing, fowling, duck pin, indoor soccer or swimming, miniature golf, and rollerskating. If you’re interested in participating in a walking or running race, keep reading!
9. Participate in a Race
East Grand Rapids offers their Reeds Lake Resolution Run. The race is 4 miles and goes around the scenic Reeds Lake. They also offer a kids race too!
10. Enjoy the Spa
Ring in the new year by relaxing! Grand Rapids now offers several places to enjoy a spa day. Consider a facial, body massage, manicure/pedicure, or even change up your hairstyle to start the year fresh! Here are a few of my favorites:
11. Other Area Parties
The surrounding areas of Grand Rapids may also offer their own New Year’s Eve celebrations. Whether you live in Caledonia, Jenison, Hudsonville, Grandville, East Grand Rapids, Ada, Plainfield, Comstock Park, or other surrounding towns, there is something out there for everyone! Be sure to check out your local businesses and activity centers to see what they may offer.
New Year’s Eve can really be a fun holiday! There are so many more ways to celebrate than just a house party or bar. I hope this list gives you some fresh ideas on how to ring in the new year.
This post is about the best things to do in Grand Rapids on New Year’s Eve.
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