Move Over, Times Square: America’s Best NYE Ball Drop is in Michigan

Some may find this hard to believe, but there’s a spot in Northern Michigan that’s been named the best place to ring in the new year. Yes, it's even better than watching the ball drop in New York City.

Most of us associate Times Square with being the most iconic spot to watch the ball drop on New Year's Eve. Well, it's time to rethink that, because a small town in Northern Michigan just topped the list as the best place to ring in the new year.

According to USA TODAY, an annual event that attracts roughly 10,000 visitors was recently named the “Best New Year’s Eve Ball Drop,” beating out even Times Square for the top spot.

Complete with an outdoor beer garden, music, fireworks, and a massive ball drop featuring 6,000 LED lights, it’s no surprise that the best spot to be on New Year’s Eve is Ludington, Michigan.

It’s pretty impressive that an event like this in a small Michigan town can outshine some of the biggest celebrations in the country, including the iconic Times Square ball drop, the Idaho Potato Drop, the PEEPS Chick Drop in Bethlehem, PA, and the New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop in Panama City Beach, FL.

The ball drops at midnight at the intersection of Ludington Avenue and James Street, followed by a killer fireworks display. The festivities kick off at 9 p.m. at Legacy Plaza, featuring a beer tent and live entertainment.

So there you go! If you haven’t made any plans to watch the ball drop yet, it sounds like a trip to Ludington to ring in the new year would be well worth the drive.