13 Totally Surprising New Year's Eve Ball Drop Alternatives to Times Square

There's just something about a giant spud getting lowered from the sky to usher in the New Year that's totally hilarious. But they know how to do their drop (it like a hot potato) right at the Idaho State Capitol, with sporting events, food vendors, fireworks, live music, a beer garden, games galore, some 40,000 spectators, and national (and international) media attention all a part of this really big show.

Dubbed the official "Cheese Capital of the World," Plymouth, Wisconsin will lower a giant illuminated wedge of Parmesan cheese at 10 p.m. to greet 2026. The Big Cheese Drop, which was founded 18 years ago, will include live music, a cheese tasting station, a cash bar, and free hot cocoa and cider.

Music City hosts one of the biggest, brightest New Year's Eve celebrations in the country, and it's free! This year's entertainment lineup includes Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean, and CeCe Winans, culminating in the Midnight Music Note Drop. As the clock strikes 12, a 16-foot, 400-pound glowing red music note will descend from a 138-foot tower, as fireworks light up the sky above it.

Whether you have kids or you just can't quite make it 'til midnight, you'll appreciate the flexibility of Flagstaff's celebrated Pinecone Drop. On December 31, the 6-foot-tall, 70-pound, metallic pinecone will descend from the historic Weatherford Hotel at noon, 10 p.m., and midnight. The tradition, which kicked off in 1999, draws thousands to the streets surrounding the hotel.

Other Arizona ball drops: Prescott Boot Drop; the inaugural Williams Route 66 Car Drop; Show Low Deuce of Clubs Drop; Tucson's Taco Bell New Year’s Eve Downtown Bowl Bash Taco Drop.

Las Cruces, New Mexico serves up a spicy New Year's Eve every year with the city's famed Chile Drop. The pepper in question, which is 19 feet tall and glows brightly thanks to 2,400 LED lights, can be either green or red (just like the state's signature spice). Founded in 2014, the event also features loads of live music and delish local fare.

Marking its 10th year, Whiting Indiana's Pierogi Drop returns in 2025 with a party at the Knights of Columbus Hall featuring live music and food, all commemorating the area's Polish roots. At midnight, it's time for the big event: the 10-foot illuminated pierogi's descent 50 feet into a "boiling" cauldron. It'll be accompanied by fireworks and appearances from both Father Time and Baby New Year.

Other Indiana ball drops: Tell City Apple Drop.

Mobile's unofficial emblem, this yummy marshmallow sammie was first feted on New Year's Eve in 2008. That's when the 12-foot-tall, lighted mechanical MoonPie took its initial trip 34 stories down the side of the city's RSA Trustmark building. The free festival that grew up around it also includes the cutting and consuming of the world's largest MoonPie and live performances by national bands (This year, Morris Day & The Time will take the stage.)

Other Alabama ball drops: Gulf Shores LuLu's Noon Year's Eve Beach Ball Drop; Orange Beach Reelin’ in the New Year Marlin Drop.

This year's Pickle Drop will be a special one for the Mount Olive community and the pickle, pepper and relish company community that bears the town's name. Because 2026 marks the Mount Olive Pickle Company's centennial, there's a new pickle in the works that will be lowered from the 50-foot ladder truck. The pickle, which will be significantly bigger than the old three-foot one, will still descend at 7 p.m., with a fireworks display following. The event, first held in 1999, includes live music, food trucks, and pickles for all.

Other North Carolina drops: Morehead City Crabpot Drop; Burgaw Blueberry Drop; Hendersonville Apple Rise; Frankin Ruby Drop; Raleigh Acorn Drop; Sheriff's Badge Raising in Mt. Airy; Beach Ball Drop in Kure Beach.

Timed to coincide with midnight on the East Coast, the Temecula Grape Drop pays homage to Southern Californian wine production while maintaining a wholesome atmosphere. A large, illuminated grape bunch will decorate the Temecula City Hall bell tower, but the actual drop will be in the form of a drone show in the sky over Main Street at 9 p.m. Families can also look forward to live music, food vendors, and activities for the kiddos.

Other California ball drops: Redlands Orange Drop; South Lake Tahoe Gondola Drop.

This super sweet First Night festival features not one, but two Crab Drops (the first is set for 9 p.m., the second follows at midnight) on December 31. The event promises other fun for all ages, like food and gift vendors, choral performances, games, crafts, a DJ, and more. Easton, which is located on the Eastern Shore, has been honoring Maryland's favorite crustacean by dropping a 6-foot-wide crab 25 feet for nearly two decades.

Other Maryland drops: Havre de Grace Duck Drop; Krumpe's Donut Drop in Hagerstown; Frederick Key Drop.

There are a lot of quirky ball drops in Florida, but perhaps none surpasses the flamboyant splendor of the legendary Red Shoe Drop. It not only draws thousands to Key West, but is beamed live to viewers around the world, who delight in watching a local drag performer get lowered to Duval Street in a giant, glittering, high-heeled, ruby-hued shoe.

Other Florida ball drops: Amelia Island Shrimp Drop; Brooksville Tangerine Drop; Sarasota Pineapple Drop; Miami Big Orange Drop; Dropping of the Conch Shell, at Sloppy Joe's in Key West; Beach Ball Drop in Panama City; Orange Ball Drop in Orlando; Strawberry Drop in Plant City.