By Ohio.org Staff

Posted On: Dec 13, 2022

Looking for something more than the traditional countdown to celebrate the start of the new decade? Step away from the TV and bring your party to one of Ohio's unique and unforgettable New Year's Eve bashes.

Nautica Queen Noon Year's Eve and New Year’s Eve Dinner Gala in Cleveland 

Take the open waves during a cruise with the Nautica Queen along Lake Erie. If you'd like the ring in the new year a bit early, then book your spot for the Noon Year's Eve Lunch Cruise. This cruise features a Noon countdown with music and dancing from 12-2PM. Or check out the New Year's Eve Dinner Gala from 8PM - 1AM, which features music and dancing in the cozy enclosed decks.

Photo courtesy of Shores & Islands Ohio

Walleye Madness at Midnight in Port Clinton

Forget watching the glittering ball drop in New York City and instead witness a 20-foot-long, 600-pound fiberglass fish drop from the sky at the stroke of midnight. Held along Ohio's Lake Erie shoreline in Port Clinton (known as the "Walleye Capital of the World) the Walleye Drop is truly a one-of-a-kind celebration that boasts live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and all things walleye.

The kids party, known as the "Minnow Drop," goes from 4-6PM. The main festivities along Madison St. go from 6PM - 12AM, and conclude with the new year countdown as Wylie Walleye descends and a fireworks show over the water. 

New Year's Eve Blast in Cincinnati

Fountain Square's New Year's Eve Blast takes place in the heart of Cincinnati's downtown from 6PM - 12:30AM. At this amazing event, you can dance or take a lap around the ice skating rink. For even more fun, grab a bite to eat at one of the many eateries just steps away. A double fireworks show caps off the celebration (Kids Countdown at 7:10PM and the Midnight Countdown starting at 12AM). 

Photo credit: Joe McCoy

Glass Town Countdown in Lancaster 

Head to downtown Lancaster and celebrate New Year's Eve in the city known for its history of glass making. The celebration runs from 10PM - 1AM and features all kinds of family-friendly fun. As the clock ticks closer to the new year, watch the rise of the glass globe at midnight. You can also get a small glass orb at the Ohio Glass Museum to be displayed in the glass globe that's lowered for the event. 

Hocking Valley Scenic Railway's New Year's Eve Train & Fireworks in Nelsonville

What's better than a scenic train ride to ring in the New Year? Passengers on Hocking Valley Scenic Railway's New Year's Eve Train can enjoy a two-hour train ride through southern Ohio. The train leaves from the Nelsonville Depot at 10:30PM and on the return trip, the train stops around midnight for an extraordinary fireworks display! 

Noon Year's Eve at Toledo Zoo & Aquarium

More NYE festivals and events to check out: 

• Fun Art Friday - Happy New Year (Dec. 30, 11AM - 12PM) and Happy New Year (10AM - 2PM) at AHA! A Hands-On Adventure, A Children's Museum in Lancaster 
• New Year's Eve Bowling Bash at Astro Lanes Bowling in Wapakoneta
• Zoo Year's Eve at Akron Zoo (10AM - 2PM) 
• NoonYear's Eve at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (11AM - 1PM) in Columbus 
• Noon Year's Eve at Toledo Zoo & Aquarium (11AM - 1PM) 
• Zoo Year's Eve Celebration at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (11AM - 1PM) 
• New Year's Eve Skate at RiverScape MetroPark in Dayton (11AM - 10PM) 
• New Year's Eve Black & White Ball at Armstrong Conference Center in Lebanon (6-10PM) with Warren County Historical Society 
• New Year's Eve: Voyage à Paris at Schuster Center in Dayton (7:30PM) with Dayton Performing Arts Alliance
• Happy Zoo Year at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (8PM) 
• New Year's Around the World with the Valley Gem Sternwheeler in Marietta (8PM)  
• New Year's Eve: Billie Holiday Songbook at Cincinnati Music Hall (8PM) with Cincinnati Pops Orchestra 
• New Year's Eve Celebration with the Music of James Bond at Severance Hall in Cleveland (9PM) with Cleveland Pops Orchestra 
• NYE's Celebration at the Boonshoft Museum in Dayton (9PM - 12:30AM)  
• New Year's Eve at the Georgian Museum in Lancaster (9:30PM - 12AM)  

If you're looking for some more active ways to celebrate, check out these ODNR hikes: 

• Ending on a Hike at Lake Hope State Park in McArthur (9:30AM - 12PM)
• New Year's Eve "End the Year Right Hike" at Pymatuning State Park in Andover (10AM - 12PM) 
• New Year's Eve Hike at Deer Creek State Park in Mt. Sterling (11AM - 12PM) 
• New Year's Eve Fireside Chat at Hocking Hills State Park in Logan (2-3PM) 
• New Year's Eve Hike at Marblehead Lighthouse State Park in Marblehead (2-3PM)
• New Year Hike at Alum Creek State Park in Galena (Jan. 1, 9-11AM)
• First Day Hike at Lake Hope in McArthur (Jan. 1, 9:30-11AM) 
• First Day Hike at Hocking Hills State Park in Logan (Jan. 1, 10-11AM)
• New Year's Day Hike at Marblehead Lighthouse State Park in Marblehead (Jan. 1, 10-11AM) 
• First Day Hike at Maumee Bay State Park in Oregon (Jan. 1, 10-11:30AM) 
• First Day Hike at Rocky Fork State Park in Hillsboro (Jan. 1, 10-11:30AM) 
• First Day Hike at Pew Island at Indian Lake State Park in Lakeview (Jan. 1, 1-2PM) 
• First Day Hike at Wingfoot Lake State Park in Mogadore (Jan. 1, 1-2PM)
• New Year's Day Hike at East Harbor State Park in Lakeside-Marblehead (Jan. 1, 1-2PM) 
• First Day Hike at Pymatuning State Park in Andover (Jan. 1, 1-3PM) 
• First Day Hike at Shawnee State Park Lodge in West Portsmouth (Jan. 1, 1-3PM)
• New Year's Day Hike at Salt Fork State Park in Lore City (Jan. 1, 1-3PM) 
• Winter Hike Series:1st Day Hike at Caesar Creek State Park in Waynesville (Jan. 1, 1-3PM) 
• First Day Hike at Paint Creek State Park in Bainbridge (Jan. 1, 2-3:30PM) 
• New Year Hike at A.W. Marion State Park in Circleville (Jan. 1, 2-4PM) 

For more festivals & events check out #OhioFindItHere at Ohio.org.