Correction: This story has been updated to correct the time of the big Dropping of the Crab Pot in Cape Charles.
While the Times Square Ball Drop in New York attracts thousands each year, you do not need to travel to the crush in the Big Apple to ring in the new year.
Right here on the Delmarva Peninsula, we have our own New Year’s Eve drops from the more traditional balls in Salisbury and Berlin to the more exotic muskrat in Princess Anne and a horseshoe in Chincoteague.
Also ringing in the new year — but with fireworks instead — is Ocean City at midnight at Northside Park.
So head out to an Eastern Shore town and ring in 2023 at family-friendly celebrations featuring music, food and fun.
Salisbury
The New Year’s Eve Ball Drop is back in downtown Salisbury. The ninth annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, presented by Gillis Gilkerson, will feature live music, a giant New Year’s Eve ball and confetti at midnight.
Rev up those noisemakers and get ready for a night filled with live music from AMP Studios, Wavvy Gravy, DJ B-Side and Marlee on Saturday, Dec. 31, from 9 p.m. to just after midnight. It’s a free, all-ages, family-friendly event.
This year’s New Year’s Eve Ball Drop will be located near the intersection of Main and North Division streets, complete with a full stage and a 4.5-foot-wide ball lit with thousands of LED lights.
The outdoor stage will feature two jumbotron countdown screens, plus confetti and the ball drop at midnight, lowered by the Salisbury Fire Department tower truck. Beer and wine will be available for purchase outside. Warm drinks and snacks will also be available from local retailers and food trucks. Free parking will be available in the parking garage.
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The ball drop is produced by the Salisbury Arts & Entertainment District on behalf of the city of Salisbury.
For more information and updates, visit NYESBY.com or check out their Facebook Page.
Berlin
Bring in 2023 with two celebrations and two ball drops for the little kids and the big kids in Berlin.
For the little kids, there will be a laser show at 5:15 p.m. and the ball drop at 6 p.m.
Big kids — and adults — can get into the swing with live music and then Ocean98 DJs Big Al Reno and Schwab will help you dance 2022 away while a laser show brings the ball down at midnight.
Live music will be from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Beer and wine, along with food, will be available starting at 10 p.m.
Snow Hill
This kid-friendly celebration to count down to the New Year will feature, yes, a stuffed goat drop, plus a free hot dog dinner and games starting at 5 p.m. at the Old Fire House (212 W. Green St.)
At 6 p.m., the countdown begins with the stuffed Snow Hill icon lowered every second of the way.
Princess Anne
A stuffed muskrat will drop down a zip line at midnight on New Year’s Eve to ring in 2023 in downtown Princess Anne in one of the more exotic Eastern Shore traditions.
Before that, there will be family-friendly festivities, music, and food and beverages starting at 9 p.m.
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Chincoteague Island
Join Christmas by the Sea for its New Year’s Eve Pony Island Horseshoe Drop & Costume Promenade at 11 p.m. in Robert Reed Downtown Park in Chincoteague.
The Pony Island Horseshoe Drop is an end-of-year celebration that culminates in a promenade of crazy costumes just before the countdown to the stroke of midnight. That’s when the lighted horseshoe drops in time to ring in the New Year.
Wear your favorite costume or just be a spectator. Prizes will be awarded in various categories.
Bring your camera to capture the spectacle. Dress warm, and wear a hat and gloves, and comfortable shoes so you can shimmy and dance to the beat.
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Cape Charles
The ninth annual Dropping of the Crab Pot takes place at 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve on Mason Avenue in Cape Charles.
Festivities begin at 9:30 p.m.
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