New Year's Eve was celebrated worldwide with vibrant events ranging from intimate local gatherings to extravagant televised specials, each offering unique experiences for revelers excited to welcome 2025.
For the first time, Alpena, Michigan, hosted its Sunrise Side New Year's Eve Celebration, drawing crowds eager to count down to the new year. Local businesses buzzed with energy as visitors filled the downtown area. The highlight of the evening was the ceremonial ascent of a large lighted ball, symbolically marking the entrance of 2025 at midnight. Rather than the traditional ball drop, Alpena participants experienced something distinctly representative of their locale, which is celebrated as the Sunrise Side of Michigan.
Residents and tourists alike embraced the festive atmosphere. "We're having a blast, and downtown is really nice with a lot of cool places to have dinner and have a few drinks," April Jansen, who traveled from Oscoda, shared with enthusiasm. Local businesses took advantage of the influx of visitors, with many staying open later than usual, contributing to the lively scene. The new social district allowed attendees to roam freely with drinks from various establishments, enhancing the communal feel of the night.
The celebration was the culmination of months of planning orchestrated by the Alpena Downtown Development Authority and local partners. Efforts to create festive activities for residents paid off, and if the enthusiasm from this year is any indication, next year's event is already anticipated. "I think the area needs more events like this,” Joleen Buchler chimed, reflecting the positive sentiment shared by many during the celebrations.
Alongside local celebrations, those preferring to ring in the New Year from the comfort of home had plenty of options to choose from, with major television networks rolling out star-studded specials. ABC kicked off its famous annual event, Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve, featuring beloved musicians like Lenny Kravitz and Carrie Underwood. Streaming online, viewers enjoyed performances without having to brave the cold outside Times Square.
Taking things up another notch, CNN's New Year's Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen returned with plenty of laughs and surprises. The entertainment-centered program featured special guests, including Shania Twain and 50 Cent, promising fans engaging commentary as they toasted to the new year. Cohen's lighthearted promise of consuming tequila shots every hour showcased the celebratory nature of the evening.
Country music fans found their haven on CBS with “New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash,” which entertained audiences with performances from notable artists like Miranda Lambert and Post Malone. The event offered glimpses of the fervor characteristic of Music City, bridging the excitement of traditional New Year's festivities with contemporary artistry.
Throughout the evening, PBS provided a more subdued option with Sarah Bareilles performing alongside the National Symphony Orchestra, attracting those who preferred live music and serene performances over the raucous celebration of Times Square.
Tuning back to network television, NBC aired "A Toast to 2024!" featuring highlights and nostalgia shared by its hosts, reflecting on significant moments of the past year as they engaged viewers with behind-the-scenes fun and laughter.
Others opted for lighter entertainment, such as TCM's selection of classic films featuring New Year's Eve themes, creating perfect background ambiance for those who sought warmth and nostalgia over the chaos. From films like The Apartment to Trading Places, viewers could toast to the new year with cinematic favorites. The variety of entertainment options catered to different tastes, ensuring no one felt left out of the celebrations.
All across the globe, New Year’s Eve represented varied traditions and cultures, with celebrations including everything from fireworks to heartfelt moments of reflection, all centered around hope and new beginnings. Alpena's local gathering was emblematic of smaller-scale communal events where individuals could connect deeply, whilst major televised specials showcased the vibrant pulse of lively urban celebrations.
This New Year’s Eve, regardless of location, felt infused with excitement and energy—a collective anticipation for what 2025 may bring. While it was the first year for Alpena's celebration, many attendees shared their eagerness for future events. The harmony between local and global festivities underlines how the New Year connects us all, prompting communities and individuals alike to celebrate together, whether beneath the glittering ball of Times Square or on the streets of small-town America.