Plymouth's Big Cheese Drop on New Year's Eve: Your family guide
Wisconsin's quirkiest New Year's Eve tradition awaits families in Plymouth, the "Cheese Capital of the World." On December 31st each year, thousands gather to watch a glittering cheese wedge descend from a fire truck ladder at 10:00 PM—intentionally early so families with children can join the countdown. The Annual Sartori Big Cheese Drop takes place December 31, and this free community celebration offers live music, complimentary cheese tastings, hot cocoa, a roaring bonfire, and a uniquely Wisconsin way to ring in the new year.
Important clarification: While Sargento is headquartered in Plymouth, the event is actually sponsored by Sartori, another award-winning cheese company based in town. Plymouth is home to four major cheese companies—Sartori, Sargento, Masters Gallery Foods, and Great Lakes Cheese—making its "Cheese Capital of the World" nickname well-deserved.
Related: New Year’s traditions around the state of Wisconsin
Everything you need to know
The Sartori Big Cheese Drop runs from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM at the Plymouth Arts Center, 520 East Mill Street, Plymouth, WI 53073. The venue sits in downtown Plymouth at the intersection of Eastern Avenue, Mill Street, and North Street—easily accessible from Highway 57 via I-43 and Highway 23.
Admission is completely free, making this an affordable New Year's celebration for families of any size. No tickets are required. The evening unfolds on a carefully planned schedule designed around families:
Time Activity 7:30 PM Festivities begin with live music in the Plymouth Arts Center's Greatroom 7:30–10:30 PM Sartori cheese tasting table and cash bar available throughout 8:30–10:00 PM Complimentary hot cocoa and outdoor bonfire 10:00 PM The Big Cheese Drop countdown After 10:00 PM Music and dancing continue until 10:30 PM
The 2024 entertainment features The String Along Band, performing classics from Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Elvis, and bluegrass favorites. Previous years have featured different bands including II Cool! (50s-60s tribute) and The Honeygoats. The first 250 families to arrive receive complimentary Sartori cheese gift bags—arrive early to snag one.
How the cheese drop tradition began
The tradition launched in 2007. The Plymouth Arts Center created the event to honor the town's remarkable cheese heritage—and that heritage runs deep. From 1918 to 1956, the National Cheese Exchange in downtown Plymouth set pricing and standards for cheese throughout the entire United States, earning the town the nickname "Cheeseville."
Today, over 15% of all cheese consumed in America moves through Plymouth. Congress has officially designated Plymouth the "Cheese Capital of the World." The drop itself mimics New York's Times Square ball drop, Wisconsin-style: the Plymouth Fire Department hoists a glittering metal cheese wedge designed to represent Sartori's award-winning BellaVitano® Gold Cheese high above the crowd using their ladder truck. As the countdown reaches zero at 10:00 PM, the illuminated wedge slowly descends while the crowd cheers.
The event has gained national recognition as "one of the country's quirkiest New Year's Eve traditions," featured on Discover Wisconsin and travel shows nationwide.
What families can expect
Kid-friendliness is built into the event's DNA. The 10:00 PM cheese drop timing exists specifically so families with young children can experience the magic without staying up until midnight. Children of all ages can enjoy:
Cheese tasting table featuring Sartori cheese varieties (complimentary)
Hot cocoa station served outdoors near the bonfire
Outdoor bonfire for warming up (8:30–10:00 PM)
Live music appropriate for all ages
Party atmosphere with encouraged noisemakers, party hats, and cheese hats
The celebration splits between indoor festivities in the Plymouth Arts Center's Greatroom and outdoor activities where the cheese drop occurs. A cash bar is available for adults. Food vendors vary by year, but the cheese tasting and hot cocoa are event staples.
Photography opportunities abound: the illuminated cheese wedge against the night sky, crowds gathered for the countdown, families huddled around the bonfire, and Plymouth's charming downtown setting all make memorable backdrops. Encourage kids to wear cheese hats or cheese-themed attire for especially festive photos.
Surviving Wisconsin winter weather at an outdoor event
Prepare for cold—serious cold. Late December in Plymouth typically brings temperatures between 17°F and 31°F for highs, with lows dropping to -7°F to 12°F. Wind chill can push perceived temperatures to -5°F to -20°F. Frostbite becomes a risk after 30 minutes of exposure in severe conditions.
Essential items to pack:
Heavy winter parka or insulated coat
Warm hat (cheese hats are encouraged and festive!)
Insulated, waterproof boots
Thick gloves or mittens
Multiple layers: thermal base layer, fleece mid-layer, wind-blocking outer layer
Scarf or neck gaiter
Hand and toe warmers (highly recommended)
Party noisemakers and hats for the countdown
The bonfire and indoor spaces at the Plymouth Arts Center provide warmth breaks, but the cheese drop itself happens outside. Dress children in more layers than you think they need—it's easier to remove layers than to warm up a chilled toddler.
Parking strategies and getting to downtown Plymouth
Parking is free throughout downtown Plymouth. The city provides public parking lots and curbside street parking—download the parking map at plymouthgov.com for specific locations. However, for this popular event, arrive early. Parking fills quickly as crowds gather.
Important winter parking rule: From December 1st through March 15th, no parking is allowed on Plymouth streets between 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM. Since the event ends at 10:30 PM, this shouldn't affect most families, but overnight visitors should be aware.
Pro tip: Have one adult drop the family near the Plymouth Arts Center entrance, then park. Downtown Plymouth is compact and walkable—your walk back won't be far.
Accessibility: Designated handicap parking spaces are available near downtown venues. The indoor portion of festivities takes place at the Plymouth Arts Center; the cheese drop occurs on the street outside. Contact the Plymouth Arts Center at (920) 892-8409 for specific accessibility questions.
Getting to Plymouth from Milwaukee
Plymouth sits 53 miles north of Milwaukee, approximately a 55-minute drive via I-43 North. Take I-43 North through Ozaukee County, exit onto WI-57 near Port Washington/Saukville, and continue north into Plymouth. Wisconsin has no toll roads, so the drive is completely toll-free.
Plymouth's location in the Kettle Moraine region of Sheboygan County makes it accessible from multiple directions:
From Green Bay: 57 miles south (~1 hour)
From Madison: 90 miles northeast (~1.5 hours)
From Chicago: 120 miles north (~2 hours)
Where to eat dinner before the cheese drop
Downtown Plymouth options within walking distance of the event:
DeO's Pizzeria & Pub at 417 E. Mill Street deserves top recommendation for families. This family-owned spot specifically welcomes "the smallest of pizza lovers," serves locally sourced ingredients from Sargento and Johnsonville, and offers pizzas in the $12–20 range. Their famous mozzarella sticks are kid-approved. Call (920) 892-8485 for reservations.
Antoinette's Casual Dining at 18 W. Mill Street sits downtown near the event site, famous for broasted chicken and "County Fair Famous" mac and cheese that kids love. Their casual family atmosphere fits the New Year's Eve vibe perfectly. Call (920) 892-2161.
The Cheese Counter and Dairy Heritage Center at 133 E. Mill Street offers specialty grilled cheese sandwiches, gourmet paninis, and Kelley's Country Creamery ice cream—a perfect thematic choice before a cheese-themed celebration. Call (920) 892-2012.
For quick family meals:
Culver's at 2318 Eastern Avenue provides Wisconsin's beloved ButterBurgers and cheese curds with reliable kid-friendly service, typically open until 10:00 PM. Roadside Bar & Grill at N5575 Highway 57 has a dedicated kids' menu and serves breakfast all day—closes at 8:00 PM, so eat early.
Critical note: Holiday hours vary significantly. Call ahead to confirm New Year's Eve hours for any restaurant, and make reservations at sit-down establishments.
Lodging options for families
Best value in Plymouth:
AmericInn by Wyndham Plymouth at 1708 Eastern Avenue offers heated indoor pool, hot tub, free homestyle breakfast (eggs, sausage, waffles), and microwaves/refrigerators in king rooms—ideal for families. Rates start around $105/night. Call (920) 449-1513.
Baymont by Wyndham Plymouth at 678 Walton Drive provides similar family amenities: indoor pool, hot tub, free continental breakfast, and easy highway access. Rates range $70–110/night. Call (920) 893-6781.
For a unique historic experience:
52 Stafford Hotel at 52 S. Stafford Street is Wisconsin's longest continuously-operated hotel (130+ years), a Queen Anne-style building on the National Register of Historic Places. The 19 rooms include free continental breakfast, an Irish pub, and live Irish music on Wednesday nights. Walking distance to downtown. Call (920) 893-0552.
For families wanting a water park:
Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan (12 miles from Plymouth) features a 54,000-square-foot indoor water park with seven slides, lazy river, surf simulator, and 1,000-gallon tipping bucket. Perfect for New Year's Day family fun after the cheese drop. Visit blueharborresort.com.
For lakeside luxury:
The Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake (6 miles from Plymouth) is a AAA Four Diamond property with 500 feet of sand beach, indoor/outdoor pools, arcade, and Aspira Spa. Rates start around $226/night. Call (800) 693-8593.
Making a weekend trip
In Plymouth:
The Cheese Counter and Dairy Heritage Center at 133 E. Mill Street showcases Plymouth's cheese history with interactive exhibits—a must-visit for families. The Walldogs Murals feature 24+ gorgeous murals throughout downtown depicting the city's heritage, perfect for a self-guided walking tour.
"Big Cow" Antoinette, a fiberglass Holstein on Plymouth's west side since 1977, makes an excellent family photo stop. Stayer Jr Park features a farm-themed ADA-inclusive playground with unique farm equipment structures.
Plymouth Ski and Sledding Recreation Area opens winter 2025 at 750 W. Main Street with six tubing lanes and three ski/board runs—check if it's operational for your visit.
Nearby attractions within 15 miles:
Road America in Elkhart Lake (4.5 miles) is one of the world's finest 4-mile road courses, drawing 800,000+ visitors annually. The 640-acre grounds offer karting, nature trails, and 18-hole disc golf even outside race season.
Above and Beyond Children's Museum at 902 N 8th Street in Sheboygan (12 miles) provides three floors of interactive exhibits including a pirate ship, crawl-through tunnels, and the famous "Whompamaphone." Excellent rainy-day option.
Bookworm Gardens in Sheboygan is a whimsical storybook garden featuring 60+ children's classics brought to life—magical for younger children.
The Kohler Design Center (15 miles) offers a free 36,000-square-foot museum showcasing Kohler product design history, while the Waelderhaus provides tours of an Austrian-style chalet with gingerbread houses displayed at Christmas.
Essential contact information and practical services
Plymouth Arts Center (Event Organizer)
Phone: (920) 892-8409
Website: plymoutharts.org
Address: 520 East Mill Street, Plymouth, WI 53073
Hours: Tuesday–Friday 10am–4pm; Saturday–Sunday Noon–3pm
Plymouth Chamber of Commerce
Phone: (920) 893-0079 or toll-free (888) 693-8263
Email: chamber@plymouthwisconsin.com
Website: plymouthwisconsin.com
Address: 647 Walton Drive, Plymouth, WI 53073
City of Plymouth
Phone: (920) 893-1271
Website: plymouthgov.com
Practical services:
24-hour gas: Kwik Trip at 2480 Eastern Avenue
Groceries: Walmart Supercenter at 428 Walton Drive (6am–11pm)
Urgent care: Aurora Urgent Care at 2600 Kiley Way—open until 8pm weekdays, 4pm weekends. Phone: (920) 449-7000
ATMs: Available at Kwik Trip, Walmart, UMB Bank (2511 Eastern Avenue)
Tips for making your family's visit unforgettable
Arrival strategy: Plan to arrive by 6:30–7:00 PM to secure parking, get settled, and claim your Sartori gift bag (first 250 families). Eat dinner earlier—between 4:00 and 6:00 PM—at a downtown restaurant, then walk to the event.
Packing checklist beyond winter gear:
Camera with charged battery (cold drains batteries fast)
Backup phone battery pack
Snacks for kids
Small folding chairs if you want seating outside
Blankets for extra warmth
Change of clothes in the car for little ones
Managing expectations with young children: The 10:00 PM timing works well for elementary-aged kids but may be late for toddlers. Consider naps earlier in the day. The event runs 2.5 hours total—plenty of time to warm up inside between outdoor activities.
For future years: The event occurs every December 31st. The 2025 event (19th Annual) is already listed on Travel Wisconsin. Entertainment and specific activities vary annually, but the core experience—cheese drop at 10:00 PM, live music, cheese tasting, bonfire, and free admission—remains consistent.
Conclusion
Plymouth's Big Cheese Drop transforms Wisconsin's dairy heritage into a family celebration unlike anything else in America. The event's intentional family-friendly design—free admission, 10:00 PM countdown, complimentary treats, and warm-up options—makes it accessible for children of all ages. Combined with Plymouth's walkable downtown, affordable lodging, and proximity to attractions like Road America and Sheboygan's children's museum, the Cheese Drop can anchor a memorable New Year's weekend.
The practical reality of Wisconsin winter requires serious preparation, but families who layer up and arrive early will experience something genuinely special: watching a glittering cheese wedge descend while surrounded by thousands of cheering neighbors, hot cocoa in hand, in a town that truly earned its title as the Cheese Capital of the World.
