While the world’s attention is fixated on New York’s Times Square and its iconic ball drop, other cities across the United States boast unique and sometimes quirky New Year’s Eve traditions. Although Times Square steals the spotlight with its colossal ball drop, various cities celebrate the arrival of the new year in their distinctive ways.
Times Square, the “crossroads of the world,” draws crowds from near and far to witness the descent of the nearly 6-ton sphere at One Times Square. The 32,000 LED modules adorning this year’s ball can generate over 16 million colors, making it a dazzling centerpiece for multiple New Year’s Eve TV broadcasts.
Despite the dominance of the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball, other cities showcase their beloved and peculiar traditions.
Florida’s Big Orange Returns to Miami Miami ushers in the new year with the return of Big Orange, a 2,000-pound neon sign featuring a smiling, sunglass-wearing orange. Confirming its first appearance in four years, the iconic sign has been a staple of Miami’s Bayfront Park celebrations for decades. COVID and last year’s flu epidemic led to Big Orange’s hiatus, with a digital version projected on the Intercontinental Hotel in 2022. This year, the 35-foot LED sign will once again ascend to the top of the hotel at midnight, according to CBS News.
Pennsylvania: Bethlehem’s SteelStacks and PEEPS In Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, New Year’s Eve is celebrated with a unique touch at the SteelStacks entertainment complex. This year, the highlight is the PEEPS Chick Drop, where a giant, illuminated PEEPS chick descends to mark the stroke of midnight. Bethlehem, known for its rich industrial history, combines tradition with whimsy in this festive event.
Maryland: Easton’s Crab Drop On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the town of Easton hosts its annual New Year’s Eve Crab Drop. A colossal crustacean descends, capturing the essence of the region’s seafood culture. This quirky celebration has become a beloved tradition, attracting locals and visitors alike to witness the giant crab’s descent as the clock strikes twelve.
Kentucky: Bowling Green’s 2023 Corvette Stingray Drop Car enthusiasts in Bowling Green, Kentucky, have a unique New Year’s Eve tradition – the Corvette Stingray Drop. Home to the Corvette assembly plant, Bowling Green celebrates the iconic sports car by lowering a massive replica of the 2023 Corvette Stingray as the town welcomes the new year.
These distinctive New Year’s Eve celebrations beyond Times Square showcase the diversity and creativity of communities across the United States. While the ball drop in New York remains an iconic symbol of the new year, these local traditions add a touch of charm and individuality to the nationwide festivities.