Are you looking for exciting ways to celebrate your New Years’ Eve in Grand Rapids?
Look no further than The GR Bucket list! From elegant ballroom bashes to high-spirited bar hopping, we’ll tell you ALL about the best events and places to celebrate for everyone. We even listed family-friendly New Years’ Eve activities, so keep scrolling and don’t miss out on these amazing NYE events in Grand Rapids!
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Ballroom Bashes
If you were excited to have some new party experiences on New Year’s Eve then you will want to make Ballroom Bashes your NYE party priority! Located at both the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and the JW Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids, you will have access to both parties when you purchase a ticket for $65 each OR simply book a room that includes access to the parties (double check if your room does or not).
You can also purchase VIP tickets from either location for $1500 which feature the following:
- Tickets for 8 guests
- Personal server
- Private Soft seating
- Private coat check
- 2 bottles of champagne for NYE countdown
- 1 Liter of liquor with mixers
- (4) 8-hour parking coupons
The Amway Grand will be dancing in the New Year with musical guest Starlight City and DJ Rich, and the JW Marriott will be featuring party expert, DJ Kane. With both of these options, you’ll be sure to be entertained for the whole evening! FOOD There will be an opportunity to pre-purchase drink tickets at registration otherwise the bars will only accept cash. The party starts at 8 p.m. and ends at 1:30 a.m. This event is for 21+ so make sure to have your ID when picking up your tickets.
Don’t feel like worrying about how you are getting home after partying all night? We’ve got you covered! When you book a room package at The Amway Grand Plaza, JW Marriott or Downtown Courtyard by Marriott you will gain access to the ballroom bashes as well as a late checkout! King rooms will receive two wristbands and Double rooms will receive four wristbands.
For more details on the event, head on over to the event’s linktree.
New Year’s Eve Ball
Social Dances Studio is a place where everyone can learn to dance in all kinds of different ways. This talented and creative dance studio is throwing a fantastical ball for New Year’s Eve! The well-known annual New Year’s Eve ball is back again this year at the Grand Celebration Center located in Grand Rapids. The tickets cost $65 and include:
- Delicious 3 course meals and celebratory champagne.
- Live performance by musical guest Azz-Izz will be in the house with live music plus DJ Dre and guest performances by SDS Dancers.
- Open dancing and
- a SPECIAL party favor to commemorate the evening!
*In order to make a proper reservation, you must prove the following information when buying tickets:
- Name of each person you are purchasing a ticket for, including your own
- Names of all guests you would like to sit with
- The time slot in which you would like to be served dinner (meals will be served promptly at the designated time)
- Any food allergies you may have.
If you are unable to add these details on your reservation for any reason, please send them to info@socialdancestudiogr.com
Doors open at 6 p.m. with dinner seating available between 7:30 and 9 p.m. Make sure to bring cash for the bar and tipping!
Mojo’s Dueling Piano Bar
180 Monroe Avenue Northwest Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Mojo’s Dueling Piano Bar is at it again this New Years’ season with one of their locally famous celebrations. The first floor features beautiful dueling pianos and classic decor. The show is sure to keep you and your friends entertained and laughing all night long. If you are in the dancing mood, then head on up to the second floor where their DJ will be spinning the beats. Advanced reservations are available and include admission and seating.
Ticket prices range from $20-$30 per person depending on where you would like your table to be. General admission at the door is $20 per person and does not include a table. This is a 21+ event so make sure to have your ID ready. Doors open for those with reservations at 7 p.m. and the public at 8 p.m. The kitchen is still closed so feel free to bring your own takeout or other food – just make sure to plan accordingly.
See details and buy tickets here.
New Year’s Eve Beer & Wine Tours
Grand Rapids Beer Tours is hosting two different guided beer tours on NYE. What a great way to ring in the new year in Beer City USA! Check out the different tours and see which one works best for you.
NYE Afternoon Beer Tour
Start your New Year’s Eve off early and book the afternoon tour from 12-3:30 p.m. Tickets are $65 per person and the tour includes a visit to Brewery Vivant, Harmony Brewing Co., and New Holland’s Knickerbocker. You will receive 12 large beer samples, transportation to and from the breweries, and a knowledgeable beer tour guide.
NYE Evening Beer Tour
Hop on the evening tour from 4-7:30 p.m. Tickets are $65 per person and the tour includes a visit to The Mitten Brewing Co., Creston Brewery, and City Built Brewing Co. The tour includes 12 large samples of beer, a private brewery tour at City Built Brewing Co., as well as transportation to and from the breweries along with a knowledgeable beer tour guide.
Grand Rapids Beer Trolley Tours
Grand Rapids is Beer City after all so a beer tour can’t be missed! We have partnered with Grand Rapids Beer Trolley Tours to bring you an exclusive bucket list tour.
See Grand Rapids’ top sights at sunset and experience the city lights at night!
Highlights along the way include:
- Calder Plaza, East Town, West Side, Lookout Park, Reeds Lake, Heritage Hill Home District, and much more.
- You can BYOB (Bring your own booze) on the Trolley
- Small Bites will be provided
- 2-Hour experience
Raise a Glass Wine Tours
If you prefer sipping on various delicious wines instead of beers, do not fret. We have partnered with Raise a Glass Wine Tours to create a high-end, upscale experience for your New Years’ Eve. The public tours run for lunch and dinner times – both tickets cost $169.99 per person for a 4-hour tour including food, drinks, and other amenities. The private tours are also $169.99 except for the couples tour tickets, which cost $299.99 per person.
Tickets include:
- All wine tasting fees.
- 8 different wine tastings.
- Dinner small plates at each location.
- Comfortable and safe transportation in a luxury vehicle.
- A wine tour guide will escort you to and from each wine-tasting location.
- Premium wine education from a Wine Sommelier or a Chef.
- 10% off retail wine purchases.
- Gratuity for servers at each tour stop.
- Pick-up/drop-off at select Downtown Grand Rapids Hotels.
**Gratuity is not included and private tour add-ons can be added during checkout.
Family Friendly Fun & Adventure
Looking for family-friendly fun with an emphasis on the fun?! Continue reading for action-packed party options you could choose for your New Year’s Eve celebration (or any other time really). Take a look below and snag some tickets!
Fowling Warehouse
6797 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Do you like football? Do you like bowling? If so and you’re looking for a game special to Grand Rapids, definitely stop by The Fowling Warehouse Grand Rapids. It’s the home of the original football bowling pin game called Fowling! In order to win the game you must knock all of your pins down before your opponent knocks down theirs! This is a great activity for groups of friends, and family members or maybe a way to celebrate a special event. The indoor activity center makes it PERFECT for planning because the weather won’t affect your ability to play. Enjoy friendly competition, strategic thinking and just having a blast at this adventure-packed venue.
The 45,000 sq. ft building features two 45 foot-fully stocked bars, the $2 Mystery Beer Machine, and 30 lanes of Fowling fun and the Bonk Honk! This thrilling experience is a Must-Try as you see two of your favorite sports come together for a fun night out – Football and Bowling!
Axe Throwing + Laser Tag Experience
284 Dodge NE Comstock Park MI 49321
If you’ve heard of the popular Ax Throwing experience, but have yet to try it come on down to Battle GR Games in Grand Rapids! BattleGR is the #1 Best Gaming Venue with a one-of-kind facility that brings family and friends together while competing in fun games of AxeThrowing and Laser Tag. There are more than 6 different games to choose from including:
Tic Tac Toe, Connect 4, Zombie, Duck Hunting, Target, and a themed game. The professionally trained staff will teach you the correct way to throw an Axe to ensure it sticks in the target. This would be a great choice for a couples night out or a family-friendly night out.
Winter Wonderland: A Holiday Lights Spectacular
Where: Gilmore Car Museum 6865 Hickory Rd., Hickory Corners
Price: $9.50 to $20
Winter Wonderland: A Holiday Lights Spectacular is fun for the whole family! It’s a unique experience unlike any other holiday lights show you can imagine. Enjoy a driving tour through the lighted grounds, surrounded by festive music and decorations, then journey inside the museum to meet Santa Claus and explore the Gilmore’s Festival of Trees! You won’t be able to miss the amazing walk-thru of galleries filled with hundreds of classic cars.
In addition to the twinkling lights and delightful decorations, Winter Wonderland will be featuring a variety of exciting experiences this year:
- Gourmet hot chocolate, adult drinks, holiday-themed food and sweets, and holiday gift shopping
- A giant, one-of-a-kind maze of holiday inflatables
- A nostalgic 1960s fresh Christmas tree and wreath lot, complete with vintage Shasta camper trailer
- Dashing Through the Snow family rides through the lights in Ford Model T’s, a Checker Taxi Cab, a ‘63 Cadillac convertible, and several other vintage cars from their collection
- A stop inside Santa’s Garage, the big man’s hot rod workshop, located inside their 1930s Shell Station
- Classic cars from the museum’s collection dramatically displayed inside Gilmore Snow Globes
- Featured outdoor artwork exhibits from legendary automotive illustrators, including Art Fitzpatrick, Van Kaufman, and Jeff Norwell
Does this sound like fun? Purchase tickets here.
End-of-the-Year Dance Party
Where: Armentality Movement Arts Center, 233 Fulton Street East, Grand Rapids
Date and Time: December 31, 2022 at 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Price: $11 (Purchase tickets here)
Finish the year with family, fun, food, and laughter! Enjoy dancing and food with the Arts Center family. Now’s your time to make connections with others during this NYE family-friendly event. The arts center focuses on holistic movement practices like yoga, belly dancing, contemporary dance, restorative yoga, meditation, and more—don’t miss out!
Looking for a full list of activities and want to stay up-to-date on changes for events? Take a look at these sources.
Grand Rapids Griffins Game
Grab the family and get ready for some hockey! The Grand Rapids Griffins are taking on the Milwaukee Admirals at 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve at Van Andel Arena. Hockey has become a tradition for New Year’s Eve in Grand Rapids dating back to 1996. Make sure to stick around after the game to see fireworks right on the ice. If you feel like taking a turn on the ice yourself, you’re in luck! There will be an open skate after the game so don’t forget your skates. Book your tickets here and GO GRIFFINS!
New Years Early Eve
Where: Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, 11 Sheldon Ave NE,Grand Rapids
Date and Time: December 30, 2022 at 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Price: $20
This is a major family and kid friendly event with extra sparkly fun starting at 1 p.m. and a confetti ball drop at 3:30 p.m. All activities are included with regular admission. At 4 p.m., the museum will reopen with extra sparkly fun and a confetti ball drop at 5:30pm. General admission to the Children’s Museum is $20 without any membership discounts. The museum also has some other fun activities running during the same hours on December 5 and 16.
Tickets include:
- Dance Party With a Live DJ
- 5:30 p.m. Confetti Ball Drop
- Live Strolling Performers
- Noisemakers, Party Hats, Confetti, and Fun
Glow Stick Night
Where: Ada Village
Date and Time: December 31, 2022 at 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Celebrate the new year in a glowing way. The small businesses of Ada Village were challenged to make Christmas decorations with glow sticks—and they’re ready to show their minds’ creations! Come participate in a scavenger hunt while enjoying the inventive renditions of local businesses and more! Find glow sticks lighting the way through a scavenger hunt, glowing tunnel, photo booth, and more. Discover how the Ada Village businesses get creative with their glow sticks.
Grand Rapids New Year’s Eve Dinners
If you are looking for a cozier version of NYE with good food, drinks and relaxation then check out the following for the best New Years Eve dinner reservation selections. Satisfy your inner foodie with one of the delicious multi-course meals below. From classic traditional to industrial and modern, we’ve got great choices for your NYE celebratory dining experience!
7 Monks Taproom
This year, 7 Monks Taproom invites you to book a private event space for your NYE and any other of your other holiday celebrations. If you are looking for a more intimate and controlled environment for your evening, this is definitely a great selection for you. The 7 Monks Taproom features a grand selection of ciders & meads, mixed drinks, wines, beers and liquors. This month we highly recommend trying their holiday themed Mistletoe Mule!
For food, the taproom features top notch bar food that will make your mouth water. Enjoy a juicy burger, order a pizza for the group or try an appetizer or salad if you’d prefer to keep it lite.
Get details and pricing on private bookings here.
Unique Events
Deep Dark and Dangerous NYE (**18+)
Where: The Intersection, 133 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW, Grand Rapids
Date and Time: December 31, 2022 at 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Price: $30
The Intersection has been providing live music entertainment to West Michigan for over 50 years! This year, they’ll be introducing this new event just in time for the New Year! If you’re looking for something adventurous and full of unique musical experiences, then this is the party for you! This fun time takes place at The Intersection and will feature artists like:
- TRUTH
- Khiva
- Distinct Motive
- Hypho
- Support by Dissonance
With a lineup like this, you won’t have a single moment without entertainment! Pre-sale tickets are available now at this link.
New Years’ Eve Goth Circus
Where: Betty Van Andel Opera Center – 1320 East Fulton, Grand Rapids
Date and Time: December 31, 2022 at 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Price: $100
Looking for a darker and deeper vibe for your New Years Celebration? Look no further than the Goth Circus! Each ticket price includes an open bar, entrancing burlesque performances and vaudevillian inspired sounds from Detroit’s Theatre Bizarre Orchestra.
- About the Band (click for more info): “Rooted in Detroit’s burlesque, rock and roll, jazz, and vaudeville culture, the TBO is a band of musicians invoking the spirit of dark carnivals, demented circuses, and ribald debauchery.”
Saturday Night Fever
Where: Sandy Point Beach House – 822 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids
Date and Time: Saturday, December 31, 2022 at 9 p.m. to Midnight
Price: $11
If you’re looking for a more chill, low-key NYE evening then this Saturday Night Fever might, ironically, be the cure! DJs Glen Danles and Todd Ernst reunite for the first time in over a decade to bring you a groovy, boogie fest for New Year’s Eve. Experience a blast from the past and some 70s vibes to ring in the new year. Find out more about the event and how to register by going to this link.
Grand Rapids NYE Online Meditation Event (Zoom)
Hosted By: Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi of Sahaja Yoga
Date and Time: December 30, 2022 at 9:45 p.m. EST
Price: Free
Have you had a hectic year? Perhaps you’re just looking for a peaceful evening or way to save some money this holiday? This might be a great option for you! This free meditation event is being held by Sahaja Yoga. You can find more information about the founder and their free, guided, weekly meditations in the Grand Rapids area by clicking here. You can register for the NYE event here.
Horse Drawn Scenic Tours of Grand Rapids
Where: Common Gentry Carriage Co., 3665 15 Mile Road, Kent City
Date and Time: Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Price: $60 per half hour tour from January to April and $40 per half hour tour from May to December
Take a carriage ride of downtown Grand Rapids on Friday and Saturday evenings from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Located in front of Kilwins Chocolate’s or Bigby Coffee, be sure to stop by to make your night on the town even more special! Carriage rides downtown include an optional narrated tour of the highlights of Grand Rapids’ history. **
Available Carriage Packages Include:
- Romantic Carriage Ride and Wedding Carriages
- Traditional French Romantic Carriage and Wedding Carriage
- Horse Drawn Hearse and Nostalgic Town Coach
- Old Fashioned Sleigh Rides
- Princess Party
- Western Themed Events
- Horse Drawn Nostalgic Town Coach
Walk-ups are welcome or call to make a reservation.
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