Wisconsin’s New Year's Eve and New Year's Day Traditions

Wisconsin transforms New Year's celebrations into distinctly Midwestern experiences—dropping cheese wedges and cherries instead of balls, toasting with brandy old fashioneds instead of champagne, and gathering at beloved supper clubs for prime rib. From Milwaukee's fireworks over Lambeau-adjacent Deer District to Door County's legendary polar plunge celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Badger State offers remarkable diversity in how families can ring in 2026.

This guide covers more than 100 events across Wisconsin's major cities, resort destinations, and small towns, with complete practical information to help families plan celebrations that match their style—whether that's a waterpark countdown in the Dells, a midnight cherry drop in Sister Bay, or a twilight First Day Hike through Devil's Lake's snow-covered trails.

Milwaukee shines as a NYE destination

Downtown Milwaukee's Deer District serves as the epicenter of the city's celebration, with free fireworks at 10:00 PM launched from The Trade Hotel following the Milwaukee Bucks game against Washington. The plaza adjacent to Fiserv Forum welcomes families to bring chairs and blankets for the We Energies Foundation-sponsored display visible throughout downtown.

For ticketed experiences, The Trade Hotel's "Gatsby MKE: The Midnight Circus" offers a 1920s Jazz Age immersion from 9:00 PM to 1:30 AM, featuring aerial dancers, fortune tellers, and a champagne walkway. Packages range from $90 to $2,000, with the option to add a four-course Italian dinner at Il Cervo beforehand. The Pfister Hotel's Blu lounge on the 23rd floor provides stunning skyline views with live jazz by Donna Woodall, Moët champagne, and party favors starting at $350 per couple.

Potawatomi Casino Hotel (1721 W. Canal St.) hosts Milwaukee's most comprehensive celebration, beginning with "Noon Year's Eve" prize drawings distributing $20,000 every half hour from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Evening festivities include DJs in three locations, a "Glow Bingo Party" at 9 PM with $50 buy-in, and bars open until 2:30 AM. Dream Dance Steakhouse, Rock & Brews, and RuYi offer special menus with reservations strongly encouraged. The casino floor is 21+, but family members can enjoy dining venues.

Milwaukee's best bets for families with young children

Betty Brinn Children's Museum (929 E. Wisconsin Ave.) hosts its beloved "New Year's Eve at Noon" celebration from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The highlight is a beach ball dance bash with DJ Shawna, face painting, DIY noisemakers, and a confetti-filled noon countdown. Members enjoy exclusive access from 9-11 AM. Tickets are $13-14 and must be purchased online in advance. Call 414-390-5437 for information.

Milwaukee County Zoo's "Zoo Year's Eve" during Wild Lights declares 9:00 PM as midnight, perfect for families wanting a festive evening without the late hour. The $60 Family Four Pack includes access to the one-mile path illuminated with hundreds of thousands of animal-themed lights, plus hot cocoa and music. Regular Wild Lights admission is $30 for the Date Night Package.

The New Fashioned at Bars & Rec (770 N. Jefferson St.) offers a $10-per-person Noon Year's Eve from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM featuring HyperBowling, deck curling, a craft station, and a bubble dance party with balloon drop. Parking is free in Highland Parking Garage if you arrive before noon.

Madison celebrates with Capitol Square charm

The Madison Concourse Hotel (1 W. Dayton St.) anchors the capital city's festivities with a grand celebration including live jazz, a four-course prix fixe dinner, comedy show, and party-hopping between disco, DJ dance, and classic country rooms. The Grand Package with accommodations runs $399-$769 for two; locals can purchase party-only admission from $20-$235 depending on access level. Reservations must be canceled by 4 PM on December 27 to avoid fees. The celebration includes New Year's Day ballroom brunch.

The Sylvee (25 S. Livingston St.) hosts "Now That's What I Call 2025" starting at 8 PM with DJ Creating a Movement and DJ Trini. Tickets range from $20-50, with complimentary champagne for early arrivals while supplies last. Note this is a cashless venue.

Garver Feed Mill transforms into a disco wonderland with "Gimme Gimme Disco"—an ABBA-inspired dance party from 9:30 PM to 1:00 AM featuring Gloria Gaynor, Bee Gees hits, and more. Tickets are $30 advance, $40 at the door, and all ages are welcome, making this an unusual option for families with teens.

Madison's family-friendly celebrations

Madison Children's Museum (100 N. Hamilton St.) hosts two distinct celebrations. The Baby New Year Party for ages 0-3 runs 9:00-10:30 AM with toddler dancing led by Isthmus Dance Collective, photo opportunities, and countdowns at 9:30, 10:00, and 10:30 AM. The NYE Wonderground Dance Party from 1:30-3:00 PM features DJ GammaFam, T-Rex Ball Drop countdowns at 2 and 3 PM, hot cocoa, and party favors. Both events are included with museum admission ($13 advance, $14 at door).

KEVA Sports Center in Middleton (8312 Forsythia St.) hosts "My Family's New Year's Eve" from 2-8 PM—one of the region's most comprehensive family events. The $21 advance ($24 day-of) admission includes Central Midwest Ballet performances, martial arts demonstrations, magic shows, juggling performances, balloon artists, giant inflatables, and sports play. Children under 2 are free.

Green Bay puts Titletown front and center

Titletown New Year's Eve (1065 Lombardi Ave., adjacent to Lambeau Field) runs from 10 AM to 1 AM with free admission for the main celebration. Activities include ice skating and snow tubing on Ariens Hill (10 AM to 12:30 AM, fees apply), ice sculptures, fire pits, LED activities including swings, mini-golf, cornhole, and Lite Brite stations (6 PM to 1 AM), plus glow curling and a champagne walkway.

The celebration features two countdowns projected onto Lambeau Field—a family-friendly countdown at 9 PM and the traditional midnight countdown. Live music includes 7000Apart from 6-9 PM and The Third Wheels from 9:30 PM to 12:30 AM. A waiver is required for skating and tubing, available at waiver.smartwaiver.com. Contact 920-569-7500 or email titletown@packers.com.

Oneida Casino Hotel (2020 Airport Drive) offers free party favors and a live DJ from 7 PM to 1 AM at both Airport Drive Lounge and W. Mason locations. The casino floor is open 24 hours with over 2,000 slot machines; the gaming floor is 21+. Call 1-800-238-4263 for details.

Children's Museum of Green Bay (1230 Bay Beach Road) hosts "Kids Rockin' Eve" from 10 AM to 2 PM with countdowns on the hour at 11 AM, noon, and 1 PM, plus music, dancing, face painting, and confetti celebrations. The event is free with paid museum admission. Admit-one passes are not redeemable for this special event.

Door County: Wisconsin's iconic celebrations

The Sister Bay Cherry Drop

Door County's signature Sister Bay Cherry Drop features a 7-foot diameter, 300-pound illuminated cherry sphere hoisted 120 feet by crane above Husby's restaurant. Sponsored by FM 106.9 The Lodge, the free celebration begins with 8 PM fireworks at Sister Bay Sports Complex (2155 Autumn Court), followed by a street party at 10:30 PM with DJ Brawny spinning until 2 AM inside Husby's.

At midnight, the cherry descends as Bridge Up Brewing Company taps the first beer of 2026. A new "cherry cam" livestream is available at fm1069thelodge.com/cherry-drop. Highway 42 is closed between Husby's and Sister Bay Bowl from 10:30 PM to 12:30 AM.

Jacksonport Polar Bear Plunge

The Jacksonport Polar Bear Plunge marks its 40th anniversary on January 1, 2026, making it one of Wisconsin's oldest and most celebrated New Year's traditions. Registration opens at 10:30 AM at Lakeside Park on Highway 57 in Jacksonport, with the plunge at noon sharp.

This free event typically draws 500-800 swimmers and thousands of spectators—it has been featured in Subway commercials, the movie "Feed the Fish," and Guinness TV ads, drawing participants from dozens of states and multiple countries. Fifteen firefighters staff the event on shore and in the water for safety. A liability waiver is available online in advance at jacksonportpolarbearclub.com. Post-plunge warming spots include Mike's Port Pub and JJ's of Jacksonport. Contact 920-360-4643.

The Egg Harbor New Year's Day Parade

The 44th Annual Egg Harbor New Year's Day Parade on January 1, 2026, at 1 PM is delightfully low-key—anyone can participate simply by showing up. The parade lineup forms at Stella Maris Parish (7710 Highway 42), then proceeds north through the village from Harbor School Road to County Highway E. Bring your decorated car, pet, motorcycle, or construction equipment. Parking is available on Church Street, and food and warm drinks are served.

Wisconsin Dells waterpark resorts

Kalahari Resorts (1305 Kalahari Drive, Wisconsin Dells) hosts a New Year's Eve Grand Buffet from 5-9 PM in the Convention Center. Adult pricing is $58.99, children ages 3-10 are $18.99, and children under 2 are free. The buffet features cognac and black peppercorn crusted prime rib, stuffed pork crown sausage, and full dessert station. The menu accommodates allergies with a dedicated allergy-free section.

The complimentary Glow Party for resort guests and buffet ticket holders includes a family-friendly DJ dance party, festive bar, and midnight balloon drop. Kalahari's 202,000-square-foot indoor waterpark is included with overnight stays. Call 877-525-2427 for reservations.

Chula Vista Resort (2501 River Road) offers a dinner buffet from 5:30-10 PM and a Family NYE Jamboree with DJ dance parties and prize giveaways. Children must be accompanied by adults. The adults-only party (21+) runs 9 PM to 1 AM with free admission; unlimited drink wristbands are available for purchase. The resort includes 200,000 square feet of indoor waterparks. Call 877-722-2980.

Great Wolf Lodge (1400 Great Wolf Drive, Baraboo) includes Snowland Holiday Celebration activities with overnight stays through January 6, including a lodge-wide scavenger hunt, "Frosty Fest" dance party, seasonal games, and holiday crafts. The 76,000-square-foot indoor waterpark is maintained at 84°F year-round. Call 800-559-9653.

Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park Resort (1881 Wisconsin Dells Parkway) offers all-day waterpark and theme park access with an evening party featuring music, dancing, midnight countdown with balloon drop, and indoor theme park rides open late. Wristbands are required for access. Call 800-800-4997.

Only-in-Wisconsin traditions honor the state's heritage

Plymouth's Big Cheese Drop

Plymouth, the self-proclaimed "Cheese Capital of the World," has hosted the Big Cheese Drop since 2007. A metal replica of a Sartori BellaVitano cheese wedge descends at 10 PM (moved from midnight for family-friendliness) at Plymouth Arts Center. The free celebration includes live Blues and Bluegrass music by String Along Band, free Sartori cheese samples, complimentary hot cocoa and cider from 8:30-10 PM, bonfires, and cheese gift bags for the first 250 families. Plymouth is home to Sargento, Sartori, Great Lakes Cheese, and Master Gallery Foods—making this celebration authentically Wisconsin.

Prairie du Chien's Carp Drop

Running for 19+ years, Prairie du Chien's Carp Fest features "Lucky"—a real 20-40 pound frozen carp—lowered from a crane onto a ceremonial throne. The tradition holds that attendees who kiss Lucky receive good luck in the new year, drawing on Asian cultural symbolism of carp representing prosperity. Carp King and Queen are crowned, carp-themed treats including carp popcorn are served, and Lucky is ceremonially buried with a newly planted tree and commemorative plaque afterward.

Monroe's Limburger Cheese Drop

Monroe, home to the only Limburger cheese factory in the United States, hosts its cheese drop at 5 PM (midnight in Switzerland) on December 31. The celebration features Alphorn players, a Swiss cow, and plenty of cheese, root beer, and hot chocolate—reflecting Green County's deep Swiss heritage.

New Glarus Silvesterchlausen (January 10, 2026)

New Glarus is the only place in the United States where the ancient Swiss Silvesterchlausen tradition is celebrated. This celebration from the Appenzell region of Switzerland features costumed celebrants called "Chlaüse" wearing elaborate masks (requiring 6+ hours to create) and large bells, strolling through downtown while singing slow yodels. The celebration takes place on January 10, 2026, following the old Julian calendar. Evening Swiss musical entertainment continues at Tofflers Pub.

First Day Hikes connect families with Wisconsin's natural beauty

The Wisconsin DNR hosts over 90 guided First Day Hikes on January 1, 2026, at state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas statewide. All hikes are free (though a vehicle admission pass is required at most properties). Most range from 1-3 miles and include options for guided hikes, self-guided trails, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

Featured First Day Hike locations

Devil's Lake State Park (Sauk County)

• Time: 3:30-5:30 PM twilight hike through Steinke Basin

• Distance: Approximately 2 miles on uneven trail

• Meeting Point: Steinke Basin Parking Lot on Highway DL (coordinates: 43.430765, -89.709502)

• Details: Bring flashlight and warm clothing; snowshoes available to loan. Dogs not permitted. Weather-dependent.

• Contact: Sue Johansen-Mayoleth, 608-356-8301 Ext. 140, Susan.JohansenMayoleth@wisconsin.gov

Peninsula State Park (Door County)

• Time: 9:30-11:30 AM

• Meeting Point: White Cedar Nature Center, 9462 Shore Road, Fish Creek

• Distance: Approximately 1.25 miles to view Niagara Escarpment

• Details: Bonfire and refreshments afterward. Hosted by Friends of Peninsula State Park.

• Contact: info@peninsulastatepark.org, 920-868-6256

Whitefish Dunes State Park (Door County)

• Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

• Meeting Point: Picnic shelter, 3275 Clark Lake Road, Sturgeon Bay

• Details: Refreshments and warming fire provided

Newport State Park (Door County)

• Time: 1:00-4:00 PM

• Meeting Point: Lot 3, 475 County Road NP, Ellison Bay

• Distance: 1.25-mile or 2.5-mile options

• Details: Hot cocoa and cookies provided

Mirror Lake State Park (near Baraboo)

• Time: Brief program at 11:00 AM

• Route: 1.5-mile guided hike on Echo Rock and Cliffwood Coulee trails

• Accessibility: Echo Rock Trail is a 0.3-mile universally accessible paved path to scenic overlook

State park fees and access

• Daily Pass: $13 (Wisconsin residents), $16 (non-residents)

• Annual 12-Month Pass: $28 (residents), $38 (non-residents)

• Wisconsin Seniors (65+): $13 annual

• Free Option: Many Wisconsin public libraries participate in "Check Out Wisconsin State Parks," lending vehicle admission passes at no cost

Polar plunges across Wisconsin test winter fortitude

Beyond the legendary Jacksonport plunge, Wisconsin offers numerous opportunities to start 2026 with an icy splash:

Bradford Beach Polar Plunge (Milwaukee)

• Time: Noon on January 1

• Location: 2400 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr.

• Cost: Free, community-driven event (no formal registration)

• Safety: Milwaukee Fire Department Dive Rescue Team on duty

• Note: No enclosed changing facilities; bring towels and warm clothing

• Tradition: Running since the 1970s-80s, drawing hundreds of participants

Shorewood Plunge (Atwater Beach)

• Time: Noon

• Cost: Free

• Special Feature: Community chili cook-off at local restaurants competing for the "Golden Spoon" award

Kenosha Polar Bear Plunge (Simmons Island)

• Time: 11:00 AM

• Cost: Free (donations accepted)

• Organized by: Diver Dan's Scuba Center (tradition since 1965)

• Safety: Scout Leaders Rescue Squad

Geneva Lake Community Plunge (Williams Bay)

• Location: Williams Bay Beach

• Special Features: Lady of the Lake tour boat leads countdown; costumes encouraged; hot dogs and hot chocolate served

• Bonus: Free Polar Plunge Viewing Tour from Lake Geneva Cruise Line departing at 11:30 AM

Waterfront Mary's Plunge (Sturgeon Bay)

• Address: 3662 N. Duluth Ave.

• Time: Doors 10 AM, plunge at noon

• Features: Loaded Bloody Marys and hot cocoa; benefits Nasewaupee Fire and Rescue

Special dining experiences elevate the evening

Milwaukee fine dining

Bacchus - A Bartolotta Restaurant (925 E. Wells St.) offers a 6-course dinner with wine pairings for $325+ per person at 7:00 PM (sold out), with 7:15 and 7:30 PM seatings available. An à la carte 3-course option starts at $130. Live jazz and dancing continue until midnight. Reserve at exploretock.com/bacchus or call 414-765-1166.

Lupi & Iris (777 N. Van Buren St.) serves lunch prix fixe at $50+ (3 courses) and dinner at $155+ (4 courses) with optional caviar and champagne additions. Live jazz by Anthony Deutsch Trio runs 8 PM to 1 AM. Reserve at lupiandiris.com.

Mason Street Grill at The Pfister (425 E. Mason St.) offers a $125 three-course prix fixe featuring lobster bisque, twin South African lobster tails, New Zealand red stag strip, and strawberry buttermilk panna cotta. Dinner runs 5-10 PM; bar until 1 AM. Call 414-298-3131.

Madison prix fixe experiences

The Harvey House (644 W. Washington Ave.) serves a spectacular five-course prime rib dinner party for $175 per person (deposit required). The menu includes truffled sunchoke soup, egg yolk raviolo, sole Véronique, prime rib with hasselback potatoes, double creamed spinach, popovers, and choice of madeleines, pot de crème, or croquembouche. Reservations from 5-9:30 PM include a sparkling toast.

Cento on Capitol Square (122 W. Mifflin St.) offers five-course Italian dining for $150 per person (paid at reservation), with optional $65 wine pairing. The menu features tuna tartare, lobster Caesar salad, shrimp orecchiette, seared scallops, lamb osso bucco, and dessert choices. Open 4-10 PM.

The Deliciouser (931 E. Main St.) presents "New Year's Eve Around the World"—a $150 seven-course dinner of small plates inspired by global luck traditions. One seating only: 7:15-9:15 PM.

Traditional Wisconsin supper club experience

For an authentically Wisconsin celebration, consider supper clubs offering the iconic combination of prime rib dinners, brandy old fashioneds, and relish trays:

• The Packing House (900 E. Layton Ave., Milwaukee) is open NYE 4-10 PM and NYD 4-8 PM with live music and family-friendly options

• The Duck Inn Supper Club (Delavan) features Lobster DeJoghne, King Prime Rib, and Slow Roasted Goose for the holiday

• Heritage Tavern (131 E. Mifflin St., Madison) serves a five-course "supper club style" dinner for $125 featuring Rush Creek risotto, lobster-stuffed salmon, and grilled ribeye with champagne toast at midnight

New Year's Day brunch fuels post-celebration recovery

Milwaukee options:

• Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel (139 E. Kilbourn Ave.) offers "Bubbles & Brunch" from 8 AM to 1 PM with mimosa flights and curated entrées. Reserve on OpenTable with $10 hold. Call 414-270-4422.

• Potawatomi's Dream Dance Steakhouse serves 3-course brunch for $50 per person including complimentary Veuve champagne (7 AM - 2 PM), or try Canal Street Cafe's all-you-can-eat buffet featuring prime rib, salmon, and shrimp for $28

• DanDan in the Third Ward offers dim sum brunch from 11 AM - 2 PM with short rib & foie gras potstickers and Old Fashioneds

Madison options:

• Madison Concourse Hotel New Year's Day Brunch ($55 per person) features carving station with prime rib and pineapple glazed ham, lox with bagels, Belgian waffles, and full hot breakfast selection

The Cool Fool Kite Festival starts the year outdoors

Milwaukee's 39th Annual Cool Fool Kite & Snow Carving Festival on January 1, 2026, from 11 AM to 5 PM at Veterans Park (1010-1300 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr.) is entirely free and perfect for all ages. The celebration features giant kites—some over 100 feet—flown by "Jake, the Kite Guy," with a grand launch of 500 kites at noon.

Professional ice carving by The Quiet Snow & Ice Carvers (nationally recognized) provides artistic entertainment. Free hot chocolate, coffee, and snacks are available while supplies last, plus hot food and soda for purchase. Gift of Wings offers 20-30% off kites. Parking is free.

Practical planning information

Transportation

• Milwaukee County Transit System typically offers free bus rides on New Year's Eve—check MCTS for details

• Plan transportation in advance; rideshare prices surge around midnight

Reservations

• Book immediately for popular restaurants—venues like Bacchus are already selling out premium seatings

• Waterpark resorts in Wisconsin Dells book quickly for NYE—reserve early for the best rates

Booking platforms by region

• OpenTable: 133+ Milwaukee restaurants accepting NYE reservations

• Tock: Lupi & Iris, Lakefront Brewery, Il Cervo, Shanghai, At Random

• Resy: Odd Duck, Mader's

• Eventbrite: Many ticketed parties and bar crawls

Weather preparation

• Temperatures expected in the 20s-30s°F for outdoor events

• For outdoor activities, dress in layers: polyester or wool base layer, fleece mid-layer, wind/water-resistant shell

• Never wear cotton outdoors in winter—it loses insulation when damp

• Bring ice cleats or traction devices for icy trails

State park essentials

• State parks open 6 AM - 11 PM year-round

• Trail conditions: dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/recreation/skiing

• DNR Events Calendar: dnr.wisconsin.gov/taxonomy/term/9611

• DNR Phone: 1-888-936-7463 (7 AM - 10 PM)

Noon Year's Eve guide for families with young children

These events let families celebrate early and get home before late bedtimes:

Location Venue Time Cost Milwaukee Betty Brinn Children's Museum 9 AM - 2 PM $13-14 Milwaukee Milwaukee County Zoo (Wild Lights) 5:30-9 PM (9 PM = midnight) $30-60 Milwaukee The New Fashioned 11 AM - 2 PM $10/person Middleton KEVA Sports Center 2-8 PM $21-24 Madison Madison Children's Museum 9 AM - 3 PM $13-14 Green Bay Children's Museum of Green Bay 10 AM - 2 PM Museum admission Appleton Building for Kids 9 AM - 4 PM Museum admission La Crosse Children's Museum of La Crosse 9 AM - noon Museum admission Eau Claire L.E. Phillips Library 10:30 AM - noon Free Stevens Point Central WI Children's Museum 10 AM - 2 PM Museum admission

Wisconsin's unique heritage makes every celebration special

Wisconsin's New Year's traditions reflect the state's remarkably diverse immigrant heritage. German communities brought pork and sauerkraut traditions (the pig roots forward, symbolizing progress; long sauerkraut shreds represent blessings), Swiss settlers established Silvesterchlausen in New Glarus, Polish families celebrate "Sylwester" with richly decorated tables, and Norwegian communities in Stoughton maintain Scandinavian customs passed down for generations.

The brandy old fashioned—made with Korbel brandy, sugar, Angostura bitters, and muddled orange and cherry—was designated Wisconsin's official state cocktail in 2023 and remains essential to any proper celebration. Ask for "sweet" (Sprite), "sour" (Squirt), or "press" (half and half) to complete your order like a local.

The Milwaukee area's Hmong New Year celebration, typically held in early December at Wisconsin State Fair Park, draws 20,000-25,000 attendees and represents Wisconsin's thriving Hmong community of over 60,000 residents—the third-largest in the nation.

Whether you're kissing a frozen carp in Prairie du Chien, watching cheese descend in Plymouth, or plunging into icy Lake Michigan at Bradford Beach, Wisconsin offers New Year's experiences found nowhere else in America. These traditions emphasize community gathering, family togetherness, good food, and hopes for prosperity—themes that unite all Wisconsinites as they welcome 2026.