Who cares about the ball drop in Times Square—did you know that partiers in Mobile, Alabama roll a 200-pound, 12-foot-tall MoonPie off a building every New Year’s Eve?
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I’ll never be swayed by a fancy disco ball again.
This glorious United States is chock-full of alternative NYE drops, and each one is better than the last.
Want to hear the shortlist of the coolest (and oddest) ball drops in the United States? From veggies to candy to shoes, here’s what Americans are dropping nationwide to ring in the New Year.
Best alternative NYE Drops in the US
Idaho Potato Drop, Boise ID
The spud might be the Item of the Hour at this New Year’s Eve party—but Boise’s annual celebration is way more high-production than you might think. Every year, thousands gather in downtown Boise for a day of family fun.
Though the winter chill is no joke in Idaho’s capital, it’s a great way to spend the evening – especially if you’ve had alternative NYE drops on your radar this year.
Along with the drop, you can enjoy events like the 2025 Urban Jam Snowboarding Competition, along with live music, food trucks, and local vendors selling their goods.
If you’ll be around, check out these resources:
Beach Ball Drop, Panama City FL
In case you didn’t know, the Florida Panhandle is one of the best places in the US for family-friendly vacations and events. That’s definitely the case with the Beach Ball Drop in downtown Panama City.
Not only is it geared toward families, but it’s also got a big-name sponsor this year: Coca-Cola. You can expect tons of great entertainment starting at 4 pm with live music. There are also DJ sets, laser shows, fireworks, and two separate ball drops.
The first is at 8 pm for kids, while the second midnight drop is a bit more adult.
If you’ll be around, check out these resources:
- Best hotels in Panama City
- Best rentals in Panama City
- Best things to do in Panama City aside from the beach ball drop
Peeps Chick Drop, Bethlehem PA
I roped you in at the start of this article with a one-liner about a 200-pound MoonPie—but that’s not the only van-sized treat that’s dropped on New Year’s in the United States. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania is the birthplace of the Peeps Chick, an Easter staple.
It’s also the home of the Peeps Chick Drop, aka Peepsfest—and it’s double the size of the MoonPie. (Oh no, have I buried the lead?) This multi-day festival includes fun for the whole family that culminates in the NYE drop.
At that time, a 400-pound, 4’9 bright yellow Peep is gently lowered toward the ground (very dignified) before a fireworks show blasts off.
I hate Peeps, but I love this event.
If you’ll be around, check out these resources:
- Best hotels in Bethlehem
- Best rentals in Bethlehem
- Best things to do around Bethlehem aside from the beach ball drop
MoonPie Over Mobile, Mobile AL
It’s a massive party in Mobile every New Year’s Eve—and the treat of the night is that 200-pound MoonPie I talked about at the start of the article.
This massive event includes two MoonPie drops—one for kids at noon and another at midnight for adults. That’s the twist here: It’s a day party for kids that turns into a more adult scene at night.
MoonPies aside, there are multiple stages with live performances, fireworks, and even a second line. Plus, unique events like an umbrella decoration contest and the ‘cutting of the MoonPie’.
If you’ll be around, check out these resources:
- Best hotels in Mobile
- Best rentals in Mobile
- Best things to do in Mobile aside from the beach ball drop
Whiskey Row Boot Drop, Prescott AZ
Prescott, Arizona is well-known for its cowboy roots and historic downtown area. Now, it’s also sliding onto the map with its popular Whiskey Row Boot Drop celebration.
People from around Northern Arizona come for the carnival rides, food trucks, vendors, and giveaways. Think of it like a block party that spans the abandoned cowboy village. Anyone who likes classic American fare won’t find any better alternative NYE drops out there.
At midnight, a neon-lit boot sign is lowered from The Palace (a famous hotel on Whiskey Row) to ring in the new year. Live music performances continue throughout the night.
If you’ll be around, check out these resources:
