Delaware
Delaware New Year’s Eve parties: Many fun ways to ring in 2025
Klondike Kate’s Christmas makeover in Newark features The Grinch
Klondike Kate’s turns to an unlikely hero in its fifth season of holiday-themed transformations as The Grinch gets his spotlight at the Newark bar and restaurant for 2024’s Christmas festivities.
It’s not too early to start planning how you want to celebrate the last day of 2024 in Delaware.
Here are a variety of different ways you can ring in the New Year in the First State.
New Years Furry Ball, Newark
A unique subculture exists of people who enjoy wearing furry costumes, and they’re affectionately known as “furries.” The New Years Furry Ball is an annual experience that’s been dedicated to this costumed crowd since 2005. This two-day event will be held in a hotel and features a dealers den, dancing and more. The game room opens on New Year’s Eve
Early sign-ups are available until Saturday, Dec. 14. Standard admission to this year’s ball includes a buffet dinner. The ball starts Monday, Dec. 30 until Wednesday, Jan. 1.
Embassy Suites By Hilton Newark Wilmington South (654 S. College Ave., Newark) at 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30; and from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Standard admission starts at $50 (early registration) or $55 at the door. Minor registration for ages 13-17 is $45 (early registration) or $50 door. Free for ages 12 or younger (must be accompanied by parents/guardian). Visit newyearsfurryball.com.
Noon Year’s Eve, Wilmington
Brandywine Zoo’s Noon Year’s Eve has a reputation of being cooler than most celebrations. Due to popular demand, there will be two time slots available for this event: 10 a.m. to noon or noon to 2 p.m. The first ball drop is at 11 a.m. (guests can arrive at 10 a.m.) and the second is at 1 p.m. (guests can arrive at noon).
Please make sure your kids dress appropriately, because this cool event is held outdoors. Instead of champagne, sparkling apple cider will be served. Since this event might sell out, online registration is highly recommended.
Brandywine Zoo (1001 N. Park Drive, Wilmington) from 10 a.m. to noon or noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Tickets are $5 for non-members; free for members and children aged 2 or younger. Visit brandywinezoo.org or (302) 571-7747.
STOMPing into the New Year, Greenville
Kids will ring in the New Year with live birds. Seriously, the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science likes to keep its celebrations interesting. This party is for all ages and features a live bird presentation from Animal Behavior & Conservation Connections, plus a special science-themed ball drop that will leave your little ones “STOMPing into the New Year.”
Delaware Museum of Nature and Science (4840 Kennett Pike, Greenville) from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Dec. 31. Admission is $3 to $17. Visit delmns.org or call (302) 658-9111.
Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve party, Wilmington
Adult fans of “The Great Gatsby,” people who are 21 or older, will step into the New Year while dressed in their favorite threads from the Roaring Twenties, for a special party that’s also a fundraiser for Safe Haven Healing (SHH).
The party will include dance music, cigar roller, fireworks at 9 p.m. (weather permitting), surprise live entertainment, Whiskey treasure hunt (seek clues and find treasure), hors d’oeuvres and light snack stations, unlimited complimentary Gatsby-themed drinks, dessert station, ball drop Prosecco toast, open bar from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., and a prohibition pull to benefit Safe Haven Healing.
All net proceeds from this party will benefit Safe Haven Healing, an organization that’s a hub for survivors of trauma tied to sexual assault, rape, and domestic violence, according to SHH’s website.
Riverfront Events (760 Justison St., Wilmington) from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Early bird tickets (until midnight on Black Friday) are $149 per person. General tickets are $199 per person. Visit facebook.com/WilmingtonWhiskeyClub.
Rusty Rudder New Year’s Eve party, Dewey Beach
Life’s a beach and folks are going to ride this wave one final time this year in a NYE bash with musical acts on two stages. The lineup features Love Seed Mama Jump, Gab Cinque Band, Stealing Savanah, Triple Rail Turn, Hector, and Hugh.
There will be an open bar/cocktail hors d’oeuvres, plus fireworks.
Rusty Rudder (113 Dickinson Ave., Dewey Beach) from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Tickets are $115. Visit rustyrudder.com or call (302) 227-3888.
Bellefonte Cafe: New Years Eve Masquerade Ball, Wilmington
You can mask your identity and step into the New Year in style at Bellefonte Cafe’s inaugural Masquerade Ball. Enjoy the complimentary spread of hors d’oeuvres, drink specials and groove the night away on the dance floor. Guests will have a champagne toast at midnight to ring in the New Year. The upstairs dining room will be available for dining with reservations available at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Bellefonte Cafe (804 Brandywine Blvd., Wilmington) from 8 p.m. to midnight on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Tickets are $100. Visit facebook.com/thebellefontecafe or call (302) 761-9175.
Jeff’s Tap Room, Bridgeville
The band Sticky Situation will play the final show of the year At Jeff’s Tap Room. The event also includes free party favors, free champagne toast, and free breakfast.
Jeff’s Tap Room (416 Market St., Bridgeville) at 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Visit jeffstaproomandgrill.com or call (302) 337-8602.
Bally’s Dover Casino Resort: New Year’s Party
The 21-and-over crowd will dance the night away with party band To The Max. This NYE celebration will heat up in the Fire & Ice Lounge. Tickets include party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. The dress code is upscale fashionable.
Bally’s Dover Casino Resort (1131 N. Dupont Highway, Dover) from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Tickets are $25-$35. Visit casinos.ballys.com/dover or call (800) 711-5882.
Gus’s Crab Shack, Port Penn
The band LeadFoot will mash the pedal toward a fun time as guests buckle up for 2025.
Gus’s Crab Shack (29 W. Market St., Port Penn) from 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Cover charge is $5. Visit gusgotcrabs.com, facebook.com/GusCrabs or to RSVP call (302) 598-2685.
Roll into 2025 at Mid County Lanes, Middletown
There are three major ways that bowling fans can celebrate the New Year at Mid County Lanes.
NYE Kickoff is $169.99 (per lane is up to six guests) and includes three hours of unlimited cosmic bowling (noon to 3 p.m.), bowling shoes, one large pizza and a pitcher of soda, and unlimited attractions: laser tag, Frog Hopper and bumper cars.
Family Fun Party is $199.99 (per lane up to six people) and includes three hours of unlimited cosmic bowling (4-7 p.m.), bowling shoes, pizza, salad, wings and fries buffet, and an arcade card.
Final Countdown Party is $299.99 (per lane – up to six people) and features four hours of unlimited cosmic bowling (9 p.m. to 1 a.m.), bowling shoes, full dinner and dessert buffet, unlimited fountain drinks, an arcade card, unlimited attractions: laser tag, frog hopper and bumper cars, New Year’s party favors, champagne toast, giveaways and countdown to midnight.
Mid County Lanes (875 N. Broad St., Middletown) on Tuesday, Dec. 31. NYE Kickoff is from noon to 3 p.m. and tickets are $169.99. Family Fun Party is from 4 to 7 p.m. and tickets are $199.99. Final Countdown Party is from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and tickets are $299.99. Visit midcountylanes.com or call (302) 378-0677.
Newark Senior Center: NYE Celebration
Come dressed to impress at this BYOB celebration that features entertainment by DJ “Bradly” Brad. There will be a toast to the New Year and the catered main course includes mushroom burgundy London broil and tri-colored Tortellini Alfredo. There will be a photo booth for guests, 50/50 and raffles. Visitors are encouraged to bring an appetizer or dessert to share.
Newark Senior Center (200 White Chapel Drive, Newark) from 6to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Tickets are $35. Visit newarkseniorcenter.com. For more info, email Maura at maura@newarkseniorcenter.com or call Maura at (302) 737-2336 ext. 101.
The Wheelhouse: NYE Party, Lewes
There’s a $30 all-you-can-eat buffet with your name on it at The Wheelhouse’s NYE party.
Live music will be performed by The Jimmies upstairs, and there will be no cover charge for that show. Folks will also enjoy a midnight champagne toast. Appetizers: salad, shrimp cocktail, charcuterie board and sticky meatballs. Accompaniments: mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and veggies. Main course: Mediterranean veggie pasta, chicken Marsala. Carving station: smoked salmon platter, steamship round and Porchetta. Homemade soup: seafood bisque. Endless desserts: assorted dessert bar and chocolate fountain.
The Wheelhouse (7 Anglers Road, Lewes) from 6 to 9 p.m. (in downstairs bar room) and 8 p.m. to midnight (in Harbor View Room) on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Visit facebook.com/wheelhousede or call (302) 291-2163.
White Panda New Year’s Eve bash, Dewey Beach
A forecast of heavy EDM vibes is set to rain down buckets of joy over Dewey Beach, thanks to the mashup master White Panda. This event, which is for ages 21 or older, is likely to sell out, so you might want to get tickets early.
White Panda is a mysteriously masked DJ who played Firefly Music Festival multiple times, and he’s known for delivering wild remixes. Knappy will open the show.
Bottle & Cork (1807 Highway One, Dewey Beach) from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Tickets are $42. Visit bottleandcork.com or (302) 227-7272.
Flying Ivories: New Year’s Eve extravaganza, Milton
Back to close out Milton Theater for another straight year, The Flying Ivories will deliver three hours of New Years excitement. Flying Ivories features two dueling pianists that dish up an all-request, rock ‘n’ roll sing-along. The Flying Ivories’ songbook covers everything from Metallica to Arethra Franklin.
Milton Theatre (110 Union St., Milton) from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Tickets are $31.50 to $40. Visit miltontheatre.com or (302) 684-3038.
Docklands Riverfront New Year’s Eve party, Wilmington
It’s a one-stop shop to ring in 2025 at Docklands Riverfront. This event is for ages 21 or older. Ticket options include general admission, preferred dining room seating and VIP preferred lounge seating.
General Admission highlights include open bar, dinner buffet, valet, photo booth, Champagne toast, party favors, coat check and full access to both live bands. But GA doesn’t include guaranteed seating.
Preferred Dining Room includes all of the amenities of the GA package, while adding the opportunity to reserve your own space.
VIP Preferred Lounge Seating reserves you a space in a lounge under the tent. Lounges will have access to a private bar and buffet, plus seating for the duration of the night.
Docklands Riverfront (110 S. West St., Wilmington) from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31. Tickets are $125 to $175 (plus fee). Visit facebook.com/DocklandsRiverfront or docklandsriverfront.com or (302) 658-6626.
Irish Eyes NYE bash, Lewes
Ring in the New Year downstate with DJ Surf and shake off your stress from 2024, before starting anew.
Irish Eyes Pub & Restaurant (213 Anglers Road, Lewes) from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. No cover charge. Visit irisheyespub.com or (302) 645-6888).
Tonic Seafood & Steak: New Year’s Eve, Wilmington
You can move to the sounds of Bruce Anthony and Lyric Drive while enjoying a la carte dining. There will be a midnight champagne toast.
Tonic Seafood & Steak (111 W. 11th St., Wilmington) from 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. No cover charge. Visit tonicsns.com, facebook.com/tonicsns or call (302) 777-2040.
If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.
Pennrose and JPMorganChase help neighborhoods – and residents – thrive.
Finding an affordable place to live continues to be a challenge for many as widespread housing shortages persist across the U.S. Rising home prices and high interest rates have made homeownership inaccessible for a large portion of the population. Meanwhile, as rental demand increases, the number of renters facing affordability challenges is also on the rise.
The State of the Nation’s Housing 2025 by Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies reveals that cost burdens for renters reached another record high in 2023. Similarly, the JPMorganChase Institute reports that renter affordability is declining and forcing people to devote more of their take-home pay to housing costs. There is a growing need for affordable housing across the U.S., and that rings true here in Wilmington.
To close that gap, it’s essential that all Wilmington residents share in its growth with housing options that accommodate a range of needs and budgets. For the Pennrose real estate firm, this meant delivering a concrete solution to the local community, resulting in housing for individuals and families who otherwise might not have been able to live in the area.
Reinvesting in Wilmington’s Riverside
In Wilmington, the Riverside redevelopment initiative is focused on neighborhood stability at a scale that can be felt across generations – bringing housing, education and community resources together so families can remain rooted and move forward. Imani Village, developed by Pennrose in partnership with the Wilmington Housing Authority and nonprofit community organization REACH Riverside and constructed with support from JPMorganChase, is part of this broader effort, which is expected to create more than 600 high-quality, mixed-income homes while also enhancing and expanding EastSide Charter School and Kingswood Community Center to help establish a “cradle to college/career readiness education pipeline.”
By tying new housing to strengthened local institutions, the redevelopment aims to reduce the pressure that forces families to relocate and instead keep children closer to school, neighbors closer to one another and residents connected to the services that help them thrive. In practical terms, Imani Village represents not just additional homes, but a commitment to building a neighborhood where opportunity is easier to access and easier to keep.
“We’re proud of the far-reaching impact this project will have. It reflects Pennrose’s mission to uplift our communities and expand the supply of high-quality, affordable homes,” said Brett Macleod, Community Development Banking, J.P. Morgan. “Every additional housing unit matters – and increasing the number that are affordable is critical.”
A broader commitment to Wilmington’s future
While Imani Village is foundational, the vibrancy of a community depends on much more. In Delaware, the firm provides banking services to 215,000 customers and works across sectors to expand economic opportunity. Over the last five years, JPMorganChase has invested more than $25 million in local nonprofit organizations, supported 25,000 small business clients and delivered financial health education to thousands of residents to broaden access to banking, financial health resources, homeownership and other wealth-building tools.
“As we work with local stakeholders to expand housing options, JPMorganChase’s goal is to create inclusive economic opportunity for all,” said Don Mell, Location Management, Americas East Region Lead and member of the Delaware & Philadelphia Market Leadership Team at JPMorganChase. “When our communities thrive, we all thrive.”
Learn more about affordable housing and community development at jpmorgan.com/commercial-real-estate.
Read more from Spotlight Delaware
DNREC opened the new Delaware Environmental Laboratory near Smyrna today with a ceremonial ribbon cutting for a state-of-the-art facility that features scientific analysis of emerging contaminants such as PFAS, water quality testing and early detection in Delaware of human and animal diseases. DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson led the cutting. Celebrants, left to right, were: DNREC Deputy Secretary Dayna Cobb, former DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin, Sec. Patterson, Delaware Environmental Lab Director Ashley Kunder, former DNREC Secretary Christophe Tulou, former DNREC Secretary David Small, State Senator Stephanie Hansen, US EPA Region 3 Deputy Administrator Catherine Libertz, State Sen. Kyra Hoffner, Kate Rohrer representing US Senator Chris Coons, and John Gentile, representing Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester. /Delaware DNREC photo
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Delaware Environmental Laboratory has opened near Smyrna, providing a state-of-the-art facility to test water quality, chemical contaminants including per- and poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and conduct molecular and microbiology. DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson was joined today for a ceremonial ribbon cutting by representatives of the state’s congressional delegation, state legislators, former DNREC cabinet secretaries and organizations that depend on the environmental lab for scientific analysis.
The new lab replaces a facility that has operated since 1983 in a converted 19th-century cannery that serves as DNREC’s headquarters building in Dover. The spacious new lab building will house up to 24 scientific, technical and support staff. With its strategic location adjacent the state Department of Health and Social Services Public Health lab, the Delaware Environmental Laboratory will perform testing in support of environmental and public health programs focused on detection of human and animal diseases, as well as environmental emergency response, education and training. The new facility is the third environmental lab in the state’s history.
Construction of the Delaware Environmental Laboratory was supported by a combined $29.7 million from the American Rescue Plan Act – funded by President Joe Biden and Congress – and state funds.
“DNREC’s lab has done amazing work in the last 40 years but did so in spaces that looked like a middle school science classroom, so it definitely needed an upgrade,” DNREC Secretary Patterson said. “The new modern, environmental lab will provide optimum conditions for the skilled and dedicated staff DNREC depends on to help protect the health and safety of Delawareans and our environment, with greater capabilities for addressing environmental and public health challenges of today and into the future.”
Beyond the lab’s expanded capabilities for analytical testing and applying scientific expertise, the proximity between the new DNREC laboratory and the Division of Public Health lab will enable the state to benefit from support between technical experts, materials and supplies when critical situations arise, such as preventing disease outbreaks on coastal beaches or helping mitigate accidental industrial releases of toxic substances or the impacts of pollutants – with both labs focused on underserved or at-risk communities throughout the state.
DNREC expects the new facility to encourage continuing innovation from the various specialized sections of the lab in meeting global environmental and public health challenges of the times, with PFAS and other contaminants of emerging concern among the priorities. The new Delaware Environmental Laboratory continues to increase DNREC’s analytical testing capability. The lab has established new testing capabilities for PFAS, emerging contaminants and other specialized testing, such as environmental DNA. Beyond meeting DNREC’s analysis needs, the Delaware Environmental Lab also serves organizations such as the Center for the Inland Bays, the Delaware River Basin Commission, the U.S. Geological Survey, Delaware Geological Survey and the University of Delaware.
“The opening of our new environmental laboratory represents a significant investment by the state,” said Delaware Environmental Laboratory Director Ashley Kunder. “This strengthens our ability to provide high-quality scientific data that state agencies and policymakers rely upon to make informed decisions and protect our natural resources. Most importantly, this laboratory reflects our commitment to the citizens of Delaware. This new facility supports our talented group of scientists and technical professionals, thus strengthens our ability to deliver timely, accurate, and defensible data. We are excited to begin this new chapter and look forward to meeting our mission of protecting public health and the environment.”
About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Water manages and protects Delaware’s water resources. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
Media Contact: Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov
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