Ring in the New Year, Delaware style!

It’s been a fast and furious 2021, so why not end it with a get-away celebration at one of Delaware’s top New Year’s Eve events? From the Southern Delaware Beaches to Northern Delaware’s top hotels, revelers will marking the year’s end in style – ranging from a black-tie formal affair to an afternoon with the “other” animals at the Brandywine Zoo.

Make your reservations now, before time runs out!

Lefty's Bowling alley balls and alley shot

Atlantic Sands Hotel Party (Rehoboth Beach): :

This year brings a breezy South Seas-inspired celebration to this charming beach hotel, where you'll find a live band, appetizers, a buffet dinner and a gourmet dessert station. Cocktails and champagne are also on tap at this “Tiki Time at the Sands” celebration. Cost ranges from $439 per couple (2 tickets to party, hotel room, breakfast and late check out at 2 p.m.) to $165 per person (one ticket to party only). Call 302-227-2511 to reserve your spot.

Brandywine Zoo "Noon Year’s Eve” celebration (Wilmington): :

Here’s one for you early birds. Instead of waiting until midnight, zoo guests get to ring in the “New Year” with a sparkling cider toast at noon on Dec. 31. Tickets are $5, and can be purchased here.

Dewey Beach Ball Drop (Dewey Beach): :

Consider a little outdoor adventure this year – first, gather at Gary’s Dewey Beach Grill beginning at 11:30 p.m. to see the annual “ball drop,” then snuggle in for the night to await Dewey's must-see event for New Year’s Day: The Dewey Dunk, which takes place at noon on Dagsworthy Avenue oceanside.

Docklands Riverfront New Year’s Eve (Wilmington): :

Celebrate indoors or outdoors (your choice) at this Riverfront Wilmington venue, where there will be two DJs and two bands (Cherry Crush & The Red Hotts), along with an open bar and a dinner buffet. Tickets are $89-$145, available here.

Hilton Wilmington/Christiana Ultimate New Year's Party: :

Starting with a cocktail reception with hors d’oeuvres at 7 p.m., the festivities don’t let up at this popular venue. There’s a four-hour open bar, a five-course dinner with wine and beer service, dancing after dinner with a DJ, and (of course) a midnight champagfne celebration and balloon drop. Still ready to go? Head for the Late Night Snack and Dessert Buffet. $499 per couple includes overnight accommodations, breakfast for two on New Year's morning and a late checkout at 1 p.m. Get tickets here.

Le Cavalier New Year’s Eve Dinner (Wilmington): :

The stately Hotel Du Pont’s new fine-dining destination is sure bet for upscale tastes, and cozy beds are just steps away. The main event is at Le Cavalier, which is offering a New Year’s Eve dine-in menu, as well as New Year’s takeout packages. $65-$75 per person. For more information, or to make reservations, visit the event page.

Lefty’s Alley & Eats Family-Friendly Party (Lewes): :

There’s “unlimited food and fun” at this all-ages celebration at Lefty’s in Lewes, an entertainment center stuffed with activities, from bowling to laser tag to axe throwing. $79 per person. More info is available here.

Rehoboth Ale House On the Mile New Year Celebration (Rehoboth Beach): :

What’s New Year’s Eve without at least one black-tie event? Well, this is it: Two live bands will provide the beats for the well-dressed revelers at this popular Southern Delaware brewery and gastropub. Tickets are $65, and include 2 drink tickets, buffet, hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast. Get yours here.

Rusty Rudder New Year’s Eve (Dewey Beach): :

That gorgeous view of the bay will serve as backdrop for the festivities, along with legendary beach band Love Seed Mama Jump. Other acts include Laura Lea, JJ Rupp and Kono Nation. $110 gets you open bar and food. (There’s also a New Year’s Day brunch from 1 p.m.-6 p.m.) Check it out here.

The Starboard New Year’s Eve (Dewey Beach): :

This 60-plus-year-old classic beach bar gets going at 7 p.m. with DJ Smoky, BBQ & seafood stations, and “party favors galore,” leading up to complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Tickets available here.

Tonic Seafood & Steak New Year’s Eve party (Wilmington): :

You are cordially invited to “kiss 2021 goodbye in style” at Tonic, where you’ll find an open bar, valet parking, photo booth, red carpet experience, and late-night munchies. DJ Andrew Hugh will be spinning in the lounge, and a 5-piece band will be playing in the event venue, Juniper by Tonic. Tickets ($90-$150) are available here.

Touch of Italy Feast (Rehoboth Beach): :

Prefer a little Italian food with your New Year’s Eve? You’ll find that and more at this gourmet’s favorite, where the celebration includes a four-course traditional Italian feast (from antipasti to Sunday red sauce and pasta). Get your groove on with DJ Tre, and get ready to welcome the New Year with a Prosecco toast. $85 per person (plus 20% gratuity), cash bar. Call 302-212-0170.