Lots of Delmarva towns will be going all out to drop some fun on New Year’s Eve. There will be a crab drop, a muskrat drop, an anchor drop, a crab-pot drop, a goat drop, and a horseshoe drop in addition to the more traditional ball drops and fireworks shows.
You will find info on those civic celebrations below. Here’s hoping it helps get your next year off to a fun-loving start. Stay safe, everyone!
DELAWARE
• In Dewey Beach, Del. the New Years Ball Drop happens at New Orleans Street and Route 1. The town’s famous bar scene will be hopping as well. Info here.
• The Anchor Drop in Lewes, Del. happens at the historic Lightship Overfalls. Info here.
• The Riverfront Wilmington (Del.) organization has an early celebration planned–a 6pm drone light show. Info here.
• On the kid-friendly front, the Delaware Children’s Museum has several midday “Confetti Countdowns.” In past years there has been crafts and music involved. Info here.
VIRGINIA
• In Cape Charles, Va. the Crab Pot Drop happens two hours early to encourage family participation. As the folks down there like to point out, “Hey, it’s midnight in Greenland.” Info here.
• In Chincoteague, Va., the traditional New Year’s festivities are two-fold affair–the big Horseshoe Drop and a Costume Promenade. Scroll to the date here for info.
MARYLAND
• The First Night Talbot festivities in Easton, Md. feature alcohol-free performances and fun events in various downtown locations between 6pm and midnight, culminating in a big Crab Drop. Info here.
• Midnight fireworks are the big attraction in Ocean City, Md., with two shows–one down by the Inlet near Dorchester Street and the other up in Northside Park. Info here.
This muskrat will be the New Year’s center of attention in Princess Anne.
• In downtown Princess Anne, Md., the festivities culminate in a magnificently weird Midnight Muskrat Dive. In the hours leading up there will be music, dancing, carriage rides, and more. They are encouraging folks to set up tailgate style this year. Info here.
• The Somerset County library branches in Princess Anne, Md. and Crisfield, Md. are both throwing kids-oriented “Noon” Year’s Eve parties. Info here.
• In Salisbury, Md., the Ball Drop, live music, and related festivities happen in the historic downtown. Info here.
• Why is the ball drop in downtown Berlin, Md., at 6pm? Because that’s when it’s midnight in Berlin, Germany. Family-friendly fun and music. You can hang in Berlin’s bars and restaurants the rest of the night. Info here.
• Downtown Cambridge, Md. will be the site of two Crab Basket Drops, at 9pm and midnight. Festivities with DJ and more kick off at 7:30pm. Info here.
• I haven’t been find any info about the Oyster Drop that has happened a couple of times recently in Crisfield, Md. If it’s a go and you know about, let me and everyone else know in the comments with a link to details so I can update this.
• Same story with the Rockfish Drop in Rock Hall, Md. Here is a web page saying it’s happening, but it had no details last I looked. If it’s happening, let me and everyone else know in the comments with a link to details and I’ll update this. (Alternatively, you could call the town at 410-639-7611.)
• The Goat Drop in downtown Snow Hill usually happens at 6pm at the Old Firehouse. Scant info here.
Have fun! Stay safe! And may you all have a blessed 2025.
–compiled by Jim Duffy for Whimbrel Creations LLC/Secrets of the Eastern Shore on Dec. 18, 2024 and updated on Dec. 23, 2024.
