“Ring out the old, ring in the new, Ring, happy bells, across the snow: The year is going, let him go; Ring out the false, ring in the true.” – Alfred Lord Tennyson
“Ringing in the new year” refers to the old tradition of celebrating beginnings and endings with bells—à la Tennyson’s 1850 poem “Ring Out, Wild Bells.” Are you wishing a few more days could be added to this year or are you ready to kiss the old one goodbye? Either way, here’s a list of ways to celebrate! From staying at home to elegant rooftop soirees and skate parties, here are a few things to do on New Year’s Eve in West Michigan.
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Create a Vision Board
Vision boards are a collection of images or objects arranged in a way to help manifest your goals or vision. All you need is a poster board, magazines, printed pictures, artwork, glue sticks, paper, pens, and other art supplies. This is a great opportunity to sit down and reflect on the past year and revisit your goals for the new year. Simply follow your intuition, or you can also divide the board into different sections to represent different areas of your life. Jean Van’t Hul walks through this beautiful process here.
Organize a Game Night
Invite your fellow game lovers over for a night of laughter and competition. You can even make it tournament-style and give away prizes at the end. Choose what game you want to play and a few for backup then clear off the coffee table and prepare some easy finger-food snacks before playing some music and letting the games begin!
Celebrate Solo
Create a one-of-a-kind celebration just for you! After this year, you deserve to be celebrated! Enjoy the happy party vibes, minus the other people. You can decorate your space and dance the night away. Simply by dancing and moving the body, you can call in positive energy to bring in the new year. Put together a playlist of your favorite tunes, cook up or order your favorite food, and wear whatever your heart desires—it’s all about you!
Host Your Very Own Soiree
Give friends and family the excuse they’ve been waiting for to get all dressed up, without having to make any dinner reservations—host your very own fancy dinner party! This is the perfect opportunity to revisit those infamous Pinterest recipes and come up with a menu fit for the occasion. Don’t forget to create a beautiful tablescape with florals and place settings. Send out the invitations and celebrate the beginning of a brand new year with those you hold dearest.
Reflect and Meditate
Grab a snack, your favorite journal, and prepare to process what happened this year. Now is the time to sit with yourself and reflect. What was the best thing that happened to you this year? What’s the best way to describe the past year? What did you accomplish this year? Did your goals change during the year? What did you accomplish that you didn’t think was possible? It is crucial to take a moment and check in on your mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health.
Throw a Cinema Night
It’s time to get cozy! Ditch the repetitive New York ball drop and gather your friends to celebrate with a movie night instead! The themes to pick from are endless. You can choose between your favorite movie franchise, actor, or location (Los Angeles? Italy? New York?). The night wouldn’t be complete without some takeout, popcorn, and a bottle of bubbly. Kickback, relax, and watch some truly epic films. If you’re planning on watching a few tear-jerkers, don’t forget to bring the tissues.
Do Nothing
Is your energy low? Who says you have to celebrate traditionally? Listen to your body. If you want to rest, you should! It’s so easy to feel pressured to celebrate the new year with drinks, parties, and staying up all night. Sometimes though, the smartest choice is the better one. Falling asleep before midnight is okay. Ring in the new year while binge-watching your favorite show and eating pizza—no shame in that game! Give yourself permission to follow your heart and happiness. While some people are going all out with extravagant events, that doesn’t mean you have to. Get rest and relax.
New Year’s Eve is fast approaching, and Grand Rapids is the place to be for a culinary celebration like no other. With a vibrant food scene, there are numerous options for those looking to welcome the new year with a memorable and delicious meal. Whether you’re seeking a lavish feast or a cozy, intimate setting, Grand Rapids has something to offer everyone. In this guide, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through some of the best places to eat on New Year’s Eve, including a couple of hidden gems that will make your celebration truly special. Keep scrolling for a full list of our suggestions so you can even take a self-made tour if you like!
As always, thanks for choosing Wander West Michigan and make sure to share this with your friends or a date to plan out your evening!
Disclaimer: Affiliate links are used which means if you purchase via my link I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you! I only recommend products I use and love!
Start your evening at Reserve Wine & Food, an elegant dining destination known for its extensive wine list. Their expert connoisseur can help you find the perfect wine to complement your meal. The menu features seasonal ingredients prepared with precision, creating a delightful culinary experience. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a sophisticated dining experience, Reserve Wine & Food offers a perfect blend of exceptional cuisine and fine wine.
For an upscale New Year’s Eve experience, head to The Chop House. This classic steakhouse offers a refined atmosphere and a menu that showcases the finest cuts of meat. You’ll enjoy impeccable service and a wide selection of wines to pair with your meal. The Chop House is a place for those seeking a luxurious evening and the best in steakhouse cuisine.
If you’re in the mood for something casual yet innovative, The Electric Cheetah is the place to be. Known for its creative mac ‘n’ cheese variations and craft sodas, it’s a fun spot to enjoy comfort food in a quirky, retro-inspired setting. The Electric Cheetah is perfect for those who want a laid-back and delicious dining experience.
San Chez Bistro offers a unique culinary adventure with its tapas-style dining. Share an array of small plates with your party to sample various flavors and dishes inspired by Spanish cuisine. The vibrant and lively ambiance sets the stage for a festive evening. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy a social dining experience with a variety of flavors.
Transport yourself to Italy at Amore Trattoria Italiana, a cozy and charming restaurant. Their traditional Italian dishes, made with love, ensure you’ll enjoy a warm and inviting New Year’s Eve dinner. If you’re looking for a romantic and intimate Italian dining experience, Amore Trattoria is the place to be.
At Maru Sushi & Grill, you can indulge in the art of sushi and Japanese cuisine. Their expert chefs create stunning sushi presentations that are as visually pleasing as they are delicious. Whether you’re a sushi aficionado or new to Japanese cuisine, Maru has something to delight your taste buds. It’s a must-visit for sushi lovers and those looking for an exquisite Japanese dining experience.
Palio features authentic Tuscan Italian cuisine, including pizza from a gas-fired stone pizza oven. You will enjoy re-invented Italian dishes made with herbs cut from their in-house herb garden. Palio is named after the famous Palio di Siena horse race, and they have incorporated the energy and boldness of the races into everything they do at Palio, making it a great place if you are looking for a fun Italian experience on a date night in Grand Rapids.
Leo’s is a seafood lover’s dream come true. Known for its fresh seafood and famous clam chowder, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a coastal dining experience in the heart of Grand Rapids. Whether you’re a fan of seafood or simply craving a taste of the ocean in the Midwest, Leo’s is the place to be.
The Green Well Gastro Pub combines a cozy, pub-like atmosphere with a commitment to sustainability. With an ever-changing menu that emphasizes local and organic ingredients, it’s a delightful place for those who appreciate quality and environmental consciousness in their dining experience. This gastro pub is perfect for those seeking a unique blend of comfort food and environmentally responsible dining.
Wolfgang’s Restaurant provides a taste of Old World Europe right in Grand Rapids. Specializing in German cuisine, it’s a cozy and welcoming spot to enjoy dishes like sausages, schnitzel, and traditional German beer. This hidden gem will transport you to the heart of Europe for a memorable New Year’s Eve celebration, offering a unique culinary experience in the Midwest.
MDRD is a culinary gem that transcends traditional dining experiences. This avant-garde restaurant, pronounced “Madrid,” pays homage to the vibrant and diverse flavors of Spanish cuisine, infusing them with a modern twist. Boasting an upscale yet inviting atmosphere, MDRD welcomes guests into a sophisticated space adorned with contemporary decor. The menu at MDRD reflects the innovative spirit of the chefs, presenting a fusion of traditional Spanish dishes with cutting-edge culinary techniques. Diners can savor a variety of tapas, paellas, and indulgent desserts, all crafted with precision and creativity.
Forty Pearl is one of the best places to find wine and spirits that are made right here in Michigan. Enjoy some of the finest Michigan wines and spirits paired with delicious food made from locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Whether you are just visiting, or a life-long Michigander, Forty Pearl is a must-try for date night in Grand Rapids.
Head to Butchers Union in downtown Grand Rapids for a diverse selection of fantastic food – which they strive to source locally, the biggest selection of whiskey around, and some unforgettable craft cocktails. Butchers Union is a cozy and inviting restaurant complete with tufted leather booths, making it a must-try intimate choice for date night in West Michigan.
House of Wine is a wine bar and a full-service bar with a neighborhood feel in Grand Rapids. Enjoy your wine with a menu of lighter fare. House of Wine specializes in charcuterie, but there are many small plates, salads, and paninis to choose from as well.
Margaux is located inside of the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids and gives you the feel and cuisine of a classic French bistro with a sophisticated modern feel. Take a seat inside and have a romantic meal while looking out to the Grand River or step out onto the J-Deck and be right on the river. The J-Deck is available year-round with igloos in the winter. One of the best places for a date night in West Michigan!
With this list, you’re well-prepared to embark on a culinary adventure in Grand Rapids to welcome the new year. Each of these establishments offers a unique and delectable experience, ensuring that your New Year’s Eve celebration will be both delicious and unforgettable.
Are you looking for New Year’s getaway hotels and destinations in West Michigan? This article will give you all the best options for your holiday getaway. From more modern-day hotels with a classic feel, to quaint bed and breakfast destinations—we’ll have all the options you need to choose from! Thanks for reading, now or later, and don’t forget to send it to a friend who needs help planning a trip!
Disclaimer: Affiliate links are used which means if you purchase via my link I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you! I only recommend products I use and love!
Grand Rapids’ most lavish New Year’s Eve (NYE) parties are right around the corner! One of the best choices to splurge is the elegant Amway Grand. With over 650 luxurious rooms to choose from and amazing amenities, Amway is a perfect selection for your New Years festivities.
There are many different packages you can get for a stay here, like the Celebration package, the Santa Suite, the Wolfgang Puck Package, and much more. Many of these packages cover food so you don’t ever have to leave the hotel if you don’t want to—can you say win-win? I highly recommend looking at the NYE package specifically. This package includes access to the NYE Ballroom Bash at the Amway Grand location. The Amway Grand Plaza features a classic style with two beautiful towers offering over 650 rooms from modest to luxury! Some of the rooms have skyline views of the Grand River below and others have magnificent city views.
The hotel is conveniently located downtown, so if you’d like to forego the Ballroom Bash or hop to different activities, no problem! Amway is no more than a short distance away from amazing food, friends, and music—especially alive on NYE!
Read below for details on the ballroom bashes as well as the room features and packages.
Wristbands to the Ballroom Bashes (Must Be At Least 21 Years Old) *King Rooms Receive Two Wristbands, Two Queen Rooms Receive Four Wristbands
Late Checkout At 2 p.m.
All individuals must be present with valid ID at check-in to have wristbands affixed to wrists. You cannot pick up a wristband for someone who is not present. If wristband is removed or appears to have been tampered with, once affixed, you will need to purchase another online, if available.
Please Note: This package is only available on December 31, 2022.
The Ballroom Bashes Feature:
Amway Grand Plaza Ambassador Ballroom – Starlight City DJ Rich
If you’re looking for a different option that still offers a party in a ballroom, this is another great New Years option for you. Amway and JW work together for ballroom bashes and this one will be just as elegant and epic as the former. The JW features upscale amenities, breathtaking views of the Grand River, and is within walking distance of many local tourist attractions, bars, and food places. This hotel also features lots of modern amenities like phone charging stations, three in-house coffee/food locations, and a pool and hot tub room.
If you’re looking for something a bit more rustic and calming for the New Year, The Boyden House is a lovely option for you. Built in 1872, the inn was renovated in 1987 and has been a successful Grand Haven bed and breakfast ever since. This beautiful and historic Grand Haven bed and breakfast is a short walk from downtown and offers eight charming rooms and suites with air-conditioning and flat-screen TVs, a guest library, and a free, homemade breakfast.
The Cabaret Room boasts of a shared main level deck, private double Jacuzzi, leather love seat, and electric parlor stove. The Honeymoon Suite features a cozy fireplace, access to a covered porch, and also a Jacuzzi tub for two. The spacious Executive Suite is furnished with a gas hearth, a large soaking tub, and original hardwood floors. Take a look below to see all their featured room rates and make sure to visit their website here to learn more.
The Boyden House Bed and Breakfast is only half a mile from the Grand Haven Musical Fountain and one mile from Grand Haven State Park. It’s a short walk from the artisan pizzas and Mexican food of Rustic Roots restaurant and the coffee and pastries at Jumpin’ Java. You can also get Starbucks inside the hotel! This would be a lovely, romantic or very calm getaway for anyone’s new years celebration!
Inn Features:
Flat-Screen TVs
Fireplaces
Jacuzzi Tubs
Air Conditioning
Guest Kitchen
Guest Library
Homemade breakfast
The City Flats Hotel
Looking for a way to start 2023 on a greener note? This eco-friendly hotel is just the spot. They’ve got an in-house bistro (Citysen, bar and 24 hour coffee shop called CityBru). You’ll also only be a few hundred feet away from the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Plus, the Public Museum of Grand Rapids is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is five miles away. You’ll have many choices for beautiful scenery if you choose this establishment for your stay. The inside is decorated with a mixture of modern and traditional decor with all the charm of city life and cool city views.
Pro Tip: Add a fun package to your stay! City Flats offers a variety of options, including their Beer Package, Romance Package, the Parlour Package, and more. See them by clicking here!
Hotel Features:
Parking
Wi-Fi
Fitness Center
Meeting Space
Dine On-Site at the CitySen Lounge and CityBru Coffee Bar
Is it your dream to stay in an art inpired space that feels like a mini art museum? This could be the winning choice for your New Years Eve celebrations! This hotel boasts of features like a rooftop bar, artisanal breakfasts (delivered per request), and cozy dining and lounge areas. Knopps rooftop bar has crafted cocktails, breathtaking views, and delicious appetizers. Located in downtown Grand Rapids, this area is one of the best for bar hopping and local food grabs, too! The hotel also features temporary art galleries that you can tour.
If you’re looking for the best of all worlds, plus a huge splash of artistic color to start your new year, you will not be disappointed with Canopy by Hilton!
Hotel Features:
Pets Allowed With Supplies (Sleeping Basket and Bowl)
Lounge Area
Restaurants On-Site are Knoop Rooftop Beer Garden and Portico
Another perfect hotel choice in Grand Rapids is Hyatt Place. It features so many amazing things including: a restaurant, fitness center, bar, and free wi-fi. All of this is within walking distance of the main Grand Rapids attractions. This hotel has several room options with great views of the downtown area. If you have time and need a place to eat some delicious southern-inspired dishes, Tupelo Honey is located right inside the hotel! This great southern-style restaurant features unique, made from scratch, food items and the tastiest craft cocktails.
The Residence Inn by Marriott is a great option for extended stays and is the perfect place to stay and play. Located adjacent to the Van Andel Arena, The Bob, and so much more—there is always something to do near this hotel. This is what makes it such a great location for New Years Eve—most parties are within a short distance—making anything possible for a memorable evening and start to the year 2023.
The Residence Inn offers a variety of room types including studios, one suite, and corner suites. They also offer complimentary grocery delivery to fill your refrigerator. As could be expected at such a fine hotel, they also include a free breakfast and pride themselves on being pet-friendly!
Just minutes from everything in downtown Grand Rapids, AC Hotel by Marriott is the perfect spot to not only stay, but to celebrate your brand new year. There are so many local activities nearby, you will not struggle to find activities for the day or night! Located near the hotel within walking distance are the Van Andel Arena, 20 Monroe Live, Rosa Parks Circle, The Grand Rapids Art Museum, John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids Public Museum, UICA, Children’s Museum, and Gerald R. Ford Museum.
Find out other top things to do in Grand Rapids by clicking here!
The building of the hotel has a 19th-century style decor. On the inside, visitors will find modern European-inspired decor that offers a comforting, at-home-but-not-home feeling. AC Hotel by Marriott also features an in-house library, lounge area, and tapas bar called AC Kitchen and Lounge. This is a modern-tropical-themed dining venue which offers Spanish and Latin American-inspired bites and cocktails.
Located on the banks of the Grand River, Courtyard by Marriott offers guests stunning views of the river and easy access to the city center, where all the action will be on New Years Eve! The hotel features a number of comfortable room types, a fitness center, a swimming pool area featuring a hot tub, and so much more.
The Bistro is the Courtyard by Marriott’s onsite restaurant. Here, visitors can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner, and even a cup of the famous Starbucks Coffee.
Located right in downtown Grand Rapids is this great location, Homewood Suite by Hilton. This hotel is close to all of the fun bars and restaurants plus, it’s just a few steps away from Calder Plaza where many major events are held throughout the year. The hotel features stylish extended-stay suites with a variety of options, including one-bedroom and studio suites. Make sure to visit the rooftop terrace during your stay to enjoy great views of the city!
What excites me most about this location are the amazing outdoor spaces! The rooftop terrace features a fireplace, which might be a great place to view say… New Years Eve fireworks? Entertaining people on the streets below? The stars? The options are endless!
Only 35 minutes from Grand Rapids and a short 5-minute drive from Grand Haven State Park and the beach, this Grand Haven Baymont Inn and Suites is a major contender! Not only does it have an indoor pool and hot tub for you to relax in and get away from it all, but it’s close to downtown Grand Haven. being downtown means that there are many different dining options—a perfect choice for a hotel on New Years Eve! Local bands, restaurants, and businesses always deliver something special for the new year.
The luxurious rooms offer free Wi-Fi, a refrigerator, microwave, and flat-screen television. Also, a free continental breakfast is served in the morning—win-win!
The family-friendly Baymont by Wyndham Grand Haven is a 5-minute drive from downtown Grand Haven’s shops and restaurants. You won’t lack entertainment for NYE in Grand Haven, that’s for certain!
Hotel Features:
Free Breakfast
Free Wi-Fi
Indoor Pool
Indoor Hot Tub
Microwave and Refrigerator
Free Coffee
Business Services
Vending Machines
The Washington Street Inn
Situated just outside of the restaurants and attractions of downtown Grand Haven, the Washington Street Inn is a registered historic landmark with bright rooms that feature queen size beds and beautiful hardwood flooring.
The five bedrooms at the Grand Haven Washington Street Inn have air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The Dornbos, Mary, and Gertrude rooms include private baths while the Sophia and Bettina rooms share one—which makes them a great option for a family! Why? Booking them both and simply treat them as a suite!
Each stay includes a three-course homemade breakfast on china plates and genuine silverware, with complimentary snacks, tea, and coffee offered in the dining room. The common rooms have that unique classic bed and breakfast charm, making them the perfect places to get to know other guests or enjoy a book before turning in at the end of your day full of celebrating.
Morning Star Cafe and Great Lakes Coffee are just around the corner from the Washington Street Inn. A 15-minute walk through downtown brings you to the Grand Haven Musical Fountain and other riverside attractions.
Inn Features:
Free Wi-Fi
Air Conditioning
Flat-Screen TVs
Historic Architecture
Private Bathrooms
Homemade Breakfast
Snakes, Coffee and Tea
Common Areas
Find out all the fun things happening in Grand Rapids for New year’s Eve- here!
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