Ringing out the old and welcoming the new is more fun when the confetti is falling near the coast. In part, that’s because there are a variety of options available. But don’t wait to make your reservations. Here’s a roundup of celebrations to consider.
In Lewes, The Buttery on Second Street is taking reservations between 4 and 10 p.m. for a special a la carte menu. Entrees will include osso buco, filet mignon, twin lobster tails and The Buttery’s popular crab cakes.
Crooked Hammock Brewery is hosting the Clifford Keith Band and a DJ. There will be heavy appetizer stations and a keg drop at midnight with the release of the new Celebration brew. Purchase the $50 tickets online.
Winter Wonderfest at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry and Cape Henlopen State Park is open on New Year’s, and families are invited to watch the beach ball drop in the festival’s Christmas Village at 7 p.m.
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Lefty’s Alley & Eats is also taking the family-friendly approach with five hours of bowling, gaming and laser tag. As midnight approaches, watch the ball drop in Time Square on 21 large screen TVs. A DJ will spin kid-approved bands. Tickets are $79 for adults and $59 for kids 5 and up. There’s no fee for children under 5.
Big Chill Surf Cantina on Route 1 between Lewes and Rehoboth will hold its Mad Hatter Black Light Party, featuring a DJ, special cocktails, light fare, a Champagne toast at midnight and plenty of black lights. Dress to glow. Tickets are $20.
Fork + Flask at Nage is offering a four-course dinner for $75 per person before Dueling Pianos tickles the ivories from 9:30 to 1 a.m. Reservations are suggested.
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In downtown Rehoboth Beach, Shorebreak Lodge will feature a four-course meal with two choices for each course. Selections include wild mushroom and Hudson Valley duck bisque and a 12-ounce bone-in Black Angus ribeye and Hudson Valley foie gras butter. The cost is $65 each and includes a Champagne toast. A la carte is not available on this night.
Chanteuse Pamala Stanley will lead the party at The Blue Moon, which will offer a four-course menu. The fee for entertainment and the meal—held in the atrium—is $130 for the 6:30 p.m. seating and $160 for the 9:30 p.m. seating. Seating in the main dining room begins at 4 p.m. and the fee is $115 per person. Alcohol and gratuity are not included in the price.
Lower Case Blues is performing at Dogfish Head Brewings + Eats beginning at 10 p.m. There’s no cover and no reservation is needed. At midnight, the brewpub will hand out complimentary glasses of Noblesque for a New Year’s toast.
Dogfish Head’s sister restaurant, Chesapeake & Maine, is holding a lobster party from 4 to 11 p.m. For $70, guests get a 1.25-pound lobster with hot butter for just $10. Select bottles of wine are half off.
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The New Year’s Eve celebration at Conch Island Key West Bar and Grill includes Tim Weldon, performing from 7 to 9 p.m., and Matt Avery, performing from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The $99 fee includes a buffet and open bar.
In Dewey Beach, gather between New Orleans Street and Route 1 to watch the Dewey Ball drop. The festivities start at 11:30 p.m.
The Starboard will showcase DJ Smoky along with a plethora of party favors, Champagne and noshes from land and sea. Tickets are $35 each.
The Rusty Rudder will feature Love Seed Mama Jump, JJ Rupp, DJ Hugh, DJ Scooter and DJ Red Foxx. There will also be an open bar, photo booth, buffet and even a fortune teller. Tickets are $110.
Down in Bethany Beach, 99 Sea Level, which has enviable water views, is celebrating in style with the Van Williamson Jazz Trio and Marcella Peter’s Band. There will be an open bar and food stations, including one for a seafood tower and one for a chocolate fountain. The fire pit outside will be open. Tickets are $150 per person.
