Ring in the New Year in Cortland County
Don't drop the ball this New Year's Eve! Cortland County is ringing in the new year in style; torch runs and fireworks, to parties for the littles, this is the place to be when the clock strikes midnight!
Driftwood New Years Eve-ish
Center for the Arts of Homer at 72 S. Main Street, Homer NY
Dec. 27, 8:00pm
Driftwood returns to Center for the Art for their annual New Year's Eve show a few days early. Talk about having your cake and eating it too! Enjoy a night filled with all the festive feels to usher in the New Year with Central New York's favorite folk band. Then, celebrate the New Year all over again the next evening at the destination of your choice. It's a New Year's Eve-sih show and we're here for it! For tickets click here.
Noon Years Eve
Main Street (between Central Ave & Groton Ave), Cortland NY
Dec. 31, 11:00am-1:00pm
The countdown to fun starts a early for the littles in your life. Downtown Cortland is kicking off the new year with a family-friendly Main Street Countdown! From a Beak & Skiff apple cider toast at noon to a kids’ countdown and balloon drop that’s sure to delight, there’s plenty to keep the celebration buzzing. Local vendors will line the street with treats and activities, while X101 – WXHC 101.5 FM brings the festive vibes with a live broadcast.
Families, friends, and anyone eager to welcome 2026 are invited to bundle up and join the midday fun on Main Street. For more info click here.
New Year’s Eve Celebration at the Acropolis
Dec. 31, 6:00pm
The Maple Leaf Drop
The Village Green in Downtown Marathon, NY
Dec. 31, 11pm-12:30am
We've all watched a glittering ball drop, welcoming the new year, but have you seen a maple leaf drop?! In honor of Marathon's signature agricultural boon, locals and visitors count the moments until the glowing maple leaf falls at midnight on the town greens. Beginning at 11pm the Historical Society opens the Old Town Hall for hot chocolate, games, and merriment. Just before midnight, everyone parades to the village green for the big countdown. Cookies are crunched, chorus sung, folks wish each other a sweet new year and go home to maple sugar dreams.
Midnight on Main
120 Main St, Cortland NY
Dec. 31, 11:30pm
Bundle up for the big ball drop! Historic downtown Cortland will be hosting its annual ball drop from the clock tower, followed by a fantastic fireworks display. There will be dancing in the streets to a live DJ and food trucks to keep you fueled through the festivities.
Keeping Cozy at Home
Want to create a cozy New Years' Eve? We'll help you set the scene in three easy steps.
Step one: Stop into Area 51 & Crowe's Nest and pick out a new game. Nothing says family fun like a rousing game of Exploding Kittens or Hogwarts Monopoly if that's more your style.
Step two: Grab a growler or bottle of local distilled craft beverages for when the kids inevitably nod off. We recommend Cortland Beer Co.'s Gingerbread Brown or grab a bottle of Dragonfyre Distillory's Moon Shine for an Apple Moon Cocktail. Made with 5oz of Hollenbeck's fresh apple cider, 2 oz of Dragon Moon Shine, and a few dashes of bitters, this cocktail is perfect for toasting the new year.
Step three: Place a to-go order from an incredible selection of Cortland County eateries, and enjoy a delicious meal without all the fuss. Yori House is open on New Year's Eve and is serving their delightful take on Korean tacos. We can't get enough of the salmon poke and beef bulgogi tacos.
Step four: Check out the Cortland Curiosities website to plan some unusual adventures for the new year. It's the cure for cabin fever and is bound to provide you with tales to share around the fire.
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