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 usually 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 New Year’s Eve Boardwalk Bash in Bethany Beach, Del. includes Beach Ball Drops at 8pm for early birds and then again at midnight. Scroll down here for info.
• The Riverfront Wilmington (Del.) organization has an early celebration planned–a 6pm drone light show. Info here.
• Would you rather enjoy a daylight celebration? Consider the New Year’s Eve Hop Drop at Dogfish Head in Milton, Del. Details.
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. Details.
MARYLAND
• Easton, Md. has a pair of Crab Drops planned on Harrison Street, one for early birds and another at midnight. Plus, a couple of musical events in town. Details.
• 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. Music, food, Smith Island Cake, more. Details.
• 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 happens in the historic downtown. Also: live music, trivia, a selfie station, and a “mobile rage room.” Details.
• 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. Free cowbells for the kids! Info here.
• Downtown Cambridge, Md. has a Crab Basket Drop at 9pm. Festivities with music before that. Info here.
• Before the midnight Rockfish Drop in Rock Hall, Md., you can enjoy music, cookies, and hot chocolate. Details.
• The Goat Drop in downtown Snow Hill happens at 6pm at the Old Firehouse, with hot chocolate, hot dogs, and kids games before that. Details.
Have fun! Stay safe! And may you all have a blessed new year.
–compiled by Jim Duffy for Whimbrel Creations LLC/Secrets of the Eastern Shore in December 2025
