Downtown Ludington ready for New Year’s Eve celebration

No ball drop this year but there may still be some New Year’s celebrating.

Downtown Ludington ready for New Year’s Eve celebration

LUDINGTON — This year’s Pure Ludington New Year’s Eve Ball Drop will have a slightly different layout than past years. The fireworks will now be launched from the former bank building, located on the northwest corner of James and Loomis streets, changing the best vantage points from the street.

“Some of the locations traditionally best for viewing the fireworks will be no longer,” said Brandy Miller, Pure Ludington CEO. “The best viewing for the fireworks this year will be east of Sportsman’s Restaurant, South James Street to the alley, and the half-blocks east and south.”

The ball drop is expected to draw crowds that will pack the main intersection of downtown at Ludington Avenue and James Street, which will be open to pedestrians only after 6 p.m. The crane and lighted ball will be located at that intersection. Pedestrians will be allowed to traverse the closed streets freely until 11:45 p.m.; after that, the main intersection of South James Street and Loomis Street will be restricted to provide a safety zone for the launch of fireworks.

The evening’s festivities kick off at 9 p.m. on Sunday, December 31 at Legacy Plaza where participants can enjoy music, outdoor beer garden, and the highlight of the evening, west Michigan’s largest New Year’s Eve ball drop. The lighted ball will be dropped at the stroke of midnight, followed by a fireworks display over the downtown district.

Parking available to the public closest to the event space includes:

• All lots north of Ludington Avenue
• South lot of the 100 East Ludington Avenue block (behind Blu Moon Bistro)
• West Shore Bank parking lot
• Lot to the West of the Ludington and Loomis Street Apartments

More information about downtown parking can be found online here. 

Safe Rides

To take advantage of the Safe Rides Program, which offers free rides and free tows on New Year’s Eve, participants may call Ludington Mass Transit Authority or participating local taxi services. Find this information and more about other New Year’s celebrations at downtownludington.org/nye.