Celebrate 2026 in style

Many local establishments are planning celebrations for the last day of 2025 to begin the first day of 2026 on a positive note. Some events actually occur just before noon at local libraries. Others more traditionally happen in the lead-up to midnight. And a few even feature parties themed to certain food items. Take note: • All events at least start on Wednesday, coinciding with New Year's Eve. Some events spill over into Thursday, New Year's Day. • The following are free community events unless otherwise noted. Here's a brief listing of the publicized events with help, in part, provided by Shores & Islands Ohio: Sandusky • New Year's at Noon — From 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., the Sandusky Library, 114 W. Adams St., will host a new year's celebration at a kid-friendly time. There will be music, snacks, crafts and a countdown in the children's department. Visit sanduskylib.org for more information. • New Year's Eve Fireworks Celebration at Hotel Kilbourne — At 6 p.m. and then again at midnight, people can celebrate New Year's Eve in downtown Sandusky with two free fireworks shows: a family-friendly exhibition earlier on and an even bigger show planned to begin 2026. Fireworks will be set off from Jackson Street Pier. Visit facebook.com/hotelkilbourne for more information. • First Night Sandusky's New Year's Eve Celebration: From 4 p.m. to midnight, Jackson Street Pier, 233 W. Shoreline Drive, and Schade-Mylander Plaza, 108 W. Shoreline Drive, will host a celebration. There will be live music, local bands, DJs and kids activities. Food vendors will also be on site. At midnight, there will be a countdown and a fireworks display. Visit firstnightsandusky.com for more information. Passes are available, which offer discounts at local businesses. • Kalahari New Year's Eve Celebration — From 5 p.m. until midnight and in addition to a special buffet, at a cost, guests can receive access to a family-friendly celebration. • New Year's Eve Party at Adventure Play — From 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., at a cost, there will be a live DJ set, deals and discounts for playtime. It's being marketed as the "best family-friendly New Year's Eve party in the local area. Perfect for kids, teens and adults alike." Catawba Island • Club Gideon New Year's Eve Dance Party — From 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., at a cost, ring in 2026 in style. Head to the ballroom for a high-energy night with a DJ spinning hits from every era. Celebrate the countdown with great music, dancing and a lively crowd. All attendees must be 21 to attend. Visit gideonowenwine.com/calendar for more information. Fremont • Noon Year's Eve Celebration — Beginning at 11 a.m., children and families can ring in the new year with a storytime, craft stations, games and a countdown at noon with a balloon drop. Registration is required. Visit birchard.lib.oh.us for more information. Elmore • New Year's Eve Sausage Drop — From 4-6 p.m. at the Elmore Historical Society, 354 Ottawa St., it's marketed as a "fun, alcohol-free family event for everyone from 1 to 100" with bingo, a scavenger hunt, live music, prizes, games, a sausage-eating contest, food and fun. The event ends with a sausage drop and fireworks at 6 p.m. Visit Facebook and search for "The Elmore Historical Society" for more information. Lakeside Chautauqua • Lakeside's New Year's Eve Donut Drop — Beginning at 11 p.m. at Lakeside Chautaqua, 100 Maple Ave., come check out an inflatable doughnut as it drops from a pavilion to ring in 2026. Beyond receiving complimentary doughnuts and hot chocolate, people can also enjoy festive music and a blessing to start the new year. Visit lakesideohio.com for more information. Norwalk • Family First Night — From 8 p.m. to midnight, people can ring in the new year at the recreation center, 100 Republic St. There will be swimming, bounce houses, games and activities for the whole family. It's $5 per person. There will also be a food truck on site. Visit norwalkrec.com for more information. Port Clinton • New Year's Eve Walleye Drop — From 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Madison and Perry streets in the downtown area, stop by the Walleye Capital of the World for a one-of-a-kind celebration featuring Wylie Walleye, the kids' minnow drop celebration, a touch-a-truck event, a fireworks display and more activities all before a massive illuminated replica walleye drops to welcome in 2026. Visit wyliewalleyefoundation.com for more information.