New Year's Celebrations

Say goodbye to 2021 and ring in 2022 in Grand Rapids, which celebrates the new year with everything from extravagant adult parties to fun-filled activities for kids and families.

Kids’ New Year’s Eve

The Grand Rapids Public Museum closes at 5pm on Dec. 31 – plenty of time to catch two kid-friendly exhibitions: POPnology, featuring interactive sci-fi technologies, and Bats! Masters of the Night, which separates bat-fact from bat-fiction in fun and fascinating ways.

The University of Michigan Health-West Christmas & Holiday Traditions show at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park also closes at 5pm Dec. 31 – and it’s the last day before the Jan. 2 show closing. (FMG is closed Jan. 1.)

Cheer on the Grand Rapids Griffins as they play the Milwaukee Admirals Dec. 31, followed by fireworks and a public open skate at Van Andel Arena.

Check out the New Year’s Eve day activities at Battle Grand Rapids Tactical Games and Sports, Spectrum Entertainment Complex and Tarry Hall Roller Rink.

Close out the year with a last look at The Christmas Lite Show Drive Thru at LMCU Ballpark – it’s open until 10pm Dec. 31.

The Walker Ice & Fitness Center is throwing a Neon New Year’s Eve Party from 5pm-7pm – with music, skating, a light show and disco dance party.

Roll into 2022 with a New Year’s Eve Party Package at Fairlanes Family Entertainment Center – enjoy two hours of bowling plus a pizza and pop for up to five people.

The New Year’s Eve Party at Skelletones – an alcohol-free, all-ages music venue in downtown GR – welcomes six bands and breaks out pizza and other fun surprises around midnight, all for just $7 at the door.

Adult New Year’s Eve

Spend early New Year’s Eve (6pm-7:30pm) Dining with Divas at Hamburger Mary’s – it includes  dinner and a live drag show.

The city’s most lavish New Year’s Eve parties are back: The Ballroom Bashes take place at downtown’s Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton and JW Marriott hotels, which are connected by skywalk. Enjoy live entertainment, a DJ, food and more.

The Bollywood Disco New Year’s Eve Party at Viewpond Banquet Hall in Kentwood includes Indian and American food, a DJ spinning Bollywood tunes and more.

Cielo Drive Presents: To Turnt, an Emo NYE Party at Turnstiles, a music-themed bar and restaurant near the Bridge Street Entertainment District.

Celebrate at Spectrum Entertainment Complex with Adult Rock ‘n Bowl and a New Year’s Eve Bash featuring the band HairMania.

Rock the night away at Mulligan’s Pub with deathcore/metal bands IDLE, Let it Rot, Dead Helmsman and Immortal Insight.

The New Year’s Eve Ball at the Grand Celebration Center welcomes local dance band Azz-Izz and special guest DJ Andre for an evening live entertainment, food and champagne.

SpeakEZ Lounge invites you to a French Quarter New Year’s Eve Dinner inspired by the culture and flavors of New Orleans.

Welcome the new year with rock bands Desmond Jones and Nathan Walton & the Remedy at the Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill.

Michigan-born, Nashville-based Billy Strings – hailed as the future of bluegrass – helps Grand Rapids bid farewell to 2021 with a NYE concert at GLC Live at 20 Monroe.

New Year’s Day

Many attractions are closed on Jan. 1 – but scores of restaurants, breweries and stores will be open for your dining, drinking and shopping pleasure.

Snow willing, you can take the kids sledding at Richmond Park , Belknap Park , Johnson Park  and Cascade Township Park .

Does your New Year’s resolution involve healthy living? Get off on the right foot with a day of snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or some other outdoor winter sport. Or get your steps in with a walk around the Downtown Refreshment Area – you can enjoy food and beverages from approved restaurants while you stroll.

Miss the Grand Rapids Griffins in action last night? They take on the Milwaukee Admirals at Van Andel for game 2 of the series on Jan. 1.