Forget Times Square—Michigan’s Weirdest New Year’s Traditions

While most of the country celebrates New Year's Eve by watching a glittering ball drop in Times Square, Michigan thought, "That's nice, but hold my beer."

Across the state, cities drop objects that perfectly reflect their identity, and honestly, it's one of my favorite things about Michigan.

Michigan’s Weirdest New Year’s Traditions

Take Traverse City, for example. Cherry season is still a ways off, but that doesn't stop the Cherry Capital of the World from dropping a 600-pound illuminated cherry at the corner of Front and Cass.

The cherry drop is accompanied by fireworks, street parties, and local restaurants offering fancy prix fixe dinners, because if you're going to be cold, you might as well be eating well.

READ ALSO: Michigan’s Quirky New Year’s Tradition You Probably Didn’t Know

Further north, in Sault Ste. Marie, New Year's Eve includes an anchor drop, naturally. With the Soo Locks and a rich maritime history, this tradition makes perfect sense.

The anchor drops twice: once at 8 p.m. for families and again at midnight for the night owls. There's also hot chocolate, a beer tent, and a small-town community feel.

The Great Turtle Drop

Then there's Mackinac Island, home of the Great Turtle Drop, which somehow manages to be charming, meaningful, and a little surreal.

READ ALSO: What It’s Like to Live Car-Free on Mackinac Island Through Snowy Winters

The 70-pound illuminated turtle pays homage to the island's Native American roots, as "Michilimackinac" translates to "the Place of the Great Turtle." It's a quiet, beautiful event with a touch of Michigan magic.

And finally, Allegan said, "We'll drop a ball too, but let's make it huge." Their 10.5-foot LED ball drops from the Allegan Event Z!P tower, with bonfires, live music, and fireworks along the riverfront.

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So if you want to celebrate New Year's Eve Michigan-style, remember: we don't do ordinary drops here. We do memorable drops.