5 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Detroit This Year

Few New Year’s Eve celebrations have been looked forward to as much as the upcoming 2020-2021 transition. Of course, this year NYE in Detroit is going to look a little bit different.

Unfortunately, many of Detroit’s classic New Year’s Eve parties, like the Resolution Ball and Rock the Boat, are canceled this year, for obvious reasons.

The packed events, bars, dance parties, and more of past years aren’t going to work in 2020, but there are still plenty of ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Detroit while remaining safe. Check out these suggestions for alternative NYE celebrations in Detroit.

1. Take a Staycation

You’re not going to be partying in a packed bar until dawn, so why not make this the one New Year’s Eve that you get an amazing night’s rest? Detroit is bursting with boutique hotels that are perfect for a NYE staycation. Cozy up in a cushy hotel bed, order room service, and watch the ball drop on TV (with some champagne, of course).

The Siren Hotel

There are plenty of places to stay in Detroit, but some boutique staycation favorites include Trumbull & Porter in Corktown, the gorgeous Art Deco Siren Hotel, and the luxurious Shinola Hotel.

2. Make a night of it with carryout

If your plan is to stay safe at home this New Year’s Eve, indulge (and support some local businesses) by ordering a carryout feast. With indoor dining currently shut down, many Detroit restaurants have transitioned to focusing 100% on takeout orders.

Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Detroit-style pizza, a loaded coney dog, delicious Thai takeout, or countless other cuisines, there is a Detroit restaurant to meet your carryout needs.

3. Grab a cocktail to go

Speaking of carryout, many Detroit restaurants and bars are now offering cocktails to go – which is one of the good things that came out of 2020! You might not be able to cheers with your friends at midnight at Detroit’s best bars this year, but you can still experience what they have to offer at home.

Sugar House cocktail

Some places to check out include PizzaPlex, where you can pick up a to-go margarita in a pouch, as well as plenty of other cocktails such as the “Horse’s Neck” (bourbon, ginger beer, and lime), or the “Paper Airplane” (whiskey, lemon, Amaro Montenegro, and Aperol). The famous Sugar House also offers over a dozen different cocktails to go, with creations such as the “Banana Bread Hot Toddy,” “Painkiller,” and “Skeleton Queen.”

4. Go for a NYE Fun Run

The 51st Belle Isle New Year’s Eve fun run wasn’t going to be stopped by 2020. This year, the race organizers made some changes in order to keep everyone safe and ensure social distancing. While the 5k and 1-mile racecourses typically spread across Belle Isle, this year it’s a virtual run – meaning you can participate wherever is convenient for you.

All race participants will still receive their personalized bib, a quarter zip pullover, a champagne finisher’s medal, and a finisher’s certificate. That’s a lot of swag for a fun run! Only 115 medals are left so be sure to register soon.

Entrance to Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo

5. Take part in an outdoor NYE celebration

If you’re looking to connect with others and join in an organized holiday event (especially one that’s kid friendly) then the safest option this year is to head outdoors.

Some popular outdoor events, that are sure to cater to your entire family, are Detroit Zoo’s annual Wild Lights, and Greenfield Village’s annual Holiday Nights.