Copyright M Live Michigan
LUDINGTON, MI – Can this small town in Northern Michigan claim the best New Year’s Eve ball drop title twice in a row? That’s up to USA Today readers. Ludington has been nominated for USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for the 2025 “Best News Year’s Eve Ball Drop.” Voting is open. Ludington is the only nominee in Michigan. Vote for Ludington here. See all 20 nominees here. Voting is open through 11:59 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 1. “Ludington’s New Year’s Eve Ball Drop continues to rank high on people’s lists for the best place to ring in the new year,” said Brandy Miller, executive director of the Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “People travel here from around the state and beyond as one of the biggest ball drops in West Michigan.” The event, which has been running for over 15 years, attracts around 10,000 people. The ball drops at midnight at the intersection of Ludington Avenue and James Street, and is followed by fireworks. The main event begins at 9 p.m. on Dec. 31 at the adjacent Legacy Plaza with a beer tent and live entertainment. Ludington took home the 10Best honor in 2024 against nominations across the country, including the famous Times Square Ball Drop in New York City and offbeat drops such as the Idaho Potato Drop, Beach Ball Drop in Panama City Beach, Fla., and Pickle Drop in Mount Olive, N.C. Ludington’s 10Best accolades include being named winner of “Best Historic Small Town” and “Best New Years Eve Ball Drop” in 2024. It also came in second place for "Best Beach in Michigan" in 2024.
