There’s more to celebrating a new year than watching a ball drop on television or fighting the crowds at your local watering hole to buy an overpriced drink. New Year’s Eve is a time to let go of past disappointments and welcome a new season of hope with old friends and new ones.
If you’re looking for a fresh and exciting place to sing Auld Lang Syne this year, consider spending this New Year’s Eve in Maine. From a quiet evening with your loved one to traditional all-out New Year parties, you’ll find it all and more in the Pine Tree State.
7 Ways to Celebrate the New Year in Maine
- Wild Blueberry Drop in Kennebunk
- Bowl in the New Year
- Annual Atlantic Plunge
- State Theatre Concert
- Visit the Southworth Planetarium
- Family Fun in Gorham
- Ocean-Front Dining in York Harbor
There’s never a bad season to visit Maine, but the beauty in the winter is unsurpassed. Imagine quaint seaside villages lit with glowing holiday lights and the sparkle of fresh snow. Booking your New Year’s Eve in Maine could result in the most magical and memorable start to a fresh year you’ve ever experienced.
Wild Blueberry Drop in Kennebunk
Head to Kennebunk, ME, for a less crowded but still festive version of the Times Square Ball Drop — the Kennebunk Wild Blueberry Drop! The berry drops twice on New Year’s Eve, once for the early-to-bed folks and again at midnight. Head to the Kennebunk Library lawn for the best viewing.
If you really want to get wild, stop at the Waterhouse Center for some evening ice skating and ring in the New Year with locals.
Bowl in the New Year
You read that right — go bowling on New Year’s Eve. Bayside Bowl in Portland, Maine, features live music on New Year’s Eve. Their bar is popular for craft cocktails and award-winning food. Check out the sweeping rooftop views and dance the night away.
Annual Atlantic Plunge
The truly adventurous might consider a polar plunge to welcome the new year. The annual Atlantic “Freezin’ for a Reason” event is held at Gooch’s Beach in Kennebunk. Registration and a fee of $25 are required for plungers, but no registration is needed for those who prefer to cheer on the madness from dry land.
State Theatre Concert
Those who prefer to spend the last night of the year engaged in something more cultured might enjoy a theatrical performance at the State Theatre in Portland. The venue will be hosting a memorable event for New Year’s Eve. Make sure to make plans early before tickets are sold out.
Visit the Southworth Planetarium
Spending a night under the stars may not be practical in Maine on December 31, but a visit to the Southworth Planetarium in Portland is the next best thing. The University of Southern Maine is home to Southworth Planetarium, which has become a popular New Year’s Eve destination.
Not only does the venue feature all its most popular shows on New Year’s Eve, but they do it for the price of a single ticket. In addition, the planetarium shows the Times Square ball drop on the dome projector at midnight. Happy New Year!
Family Fun in Gorham
The small town of Gorham, ME, hosts an annual New Year’s Eve celebration for the whole family. Festivities begin at 2 p.m. and last until just after midnight. There are indoor venues to visit, dancing and singing for the kids at Belfast Free Library, and live jazz at the Boathouse. Gather at the Waterfront Pier to catch the countdown to midnight.
Ocean-Front Dining in York Harbor
If you want to celebrate in style while staying far from the maddening crowds, enjoy a memorable four-course dinner at the Stage Neck Inn in York. The prix fixe meal includes appetizers, soup or salad, main course, and dessert. Previous options have included beef Wellington, lobster rangoon, seafood salad, and Hennessey and chocolate budino.
Reservations are required and open to all, but the New Year’s Day breakfast is limited to Stage Neck Inn guests only. For a complete getaway, book your stay at Stage Neck Inn and walk just a few steps to your gourmet New Year’s Eve dinner.
Stay Safe This New Year’s Eve in Maine
Whatever you do this New Year’s Eve, remember to keep your well-being in mind. With such a variety of fun and unique events available, you can ring in the New Year with style and safety.
Stage Neck Inn is an iconic destination where families and friends share delightful experiences that evolve into lifetime memories. Offering spacious accommodations with modern amenities and classic décor, breathtaking ocean and harbor views and the ocean’s relaxing sounds make for the perfect stay at our oceanfront resort in York Harbor, ME. Book your stay online now.