Delaware

Delaware New Year’s Eve parties: Many fun ways to ring in 2025

Published

1 year ago

December 4, 2024

Press Room

Delaware New Year’s Eve parties: Many fun ways to ring in 2025

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.

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Delaware

AIG Unit Sued Over Coverage for Delaware Plant Mercury Cases

Published

7 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Press Room

AIG Unit Sued Over Coverage for Delaware Plant Mercury Cases

An American International Group Inc. unit was hit with a lawsuit seeking coverage for litigation alleging people were exposed to mercury from a former chlorine manufacturing facility in Delaware run by Occidental Chemical Corp.

Environmental Resource Holdings LLC, the successor to Occidental through a merger, should be covered under liability policies that AIG’s National Union Fire Insurance Co. of Pittsburgh, PA, issued to a contractor that worked at the facility, according to the lawsuit filed Wednesday in the US District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana.

The lawsuit centers on agreements from 1989 and 1991 that required the contractor, …

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Delaware

Delaware holds off Louisiana for 68 Ventures Bowl win in first season of FBS play

Published

19 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Press Room

Delaware holds off Louisiana for 68 Ventures Bowl win in first season of FBS play

MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — Jo Silver ran for 116 yards, including a 61-yard touchdown, and Delaware wrapped up its first year in the FBS with a 20-13 victory over Louisiana in the 68 Ventures Bowl on Wednesday night.

The Fightin’ Blue Hens, who went 6-6 in their first year of FBS play, were granted a waiver to play in a bowl game after there were not enough six-win teams to fill all 42 of the FBS bowl games. In general, first-year FBS teams are not chosen for bowl games during their transition period. Wednesday’s victory makes Delaware 7-6 overall.

The Blue Hens had to defend two passes into their own end zone in the final seconds to preserve the win. The Ragin’ Cajuns had the ball on their own 7-yard line with 1:41 remaining. Lunch Winfield led a drive that included a 32-yard completion to Charles Robertson and a pass interference penalty on Delaware.

After Louisiana (6-7) reached the 8-yard line, Winfield ran for 1 yard on first down and threw incomplete on second down. On third down with two seconds left, Blake Matthews broke up a pass in the end zone.

Silver’s long touchdown gave Delaware a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter and the Blue Hens went on to lead 10-3 at halftime. Nick Minicucci’s 35-yard touchdown pass to Sean Wilson made it 17-3 early in the third quarter and a field goal made it 20-3 midway through the third quarter.

Louisiana kicked a field goal to make it 20-6 heading to the fourth and Winfield added an 8-yard touchdown pass to Shelton Sampson Jr. to make it 20-13 with eight minutes left.

Minicucci passed for 176 yards and Winfield had 231 yards.

___

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Delaware replaces Trump’s U.S. attorney without legal drama seen in Jersey, Virginia

Published

1 day ago

December 17, 2025

Press Room

Delaware replaces Trump’s U.S. attorney without legal drama seen in Jersey, Virginia

Sens. Coons, Blunt Rochester deemed Murray unqualified

Murray also acknowledged that she could not have obtained the post by the process outlined in the U.S. Constitution, in which a president makes a formal nomination and U.S. Senate confirmation is required.

That’s because part of that process is a longstanding tradition that requires the nominee to receive so-called “blue slip” endorsements by their state’s two U.S. senators.

Delaware’s two U.S. senators, Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester, are Democrats who interviewed Murray for the post. Coons said the duo decided Murray, who has done criminal defense work, didn’t have the prosecutorial experience to qualify as the state’s chief federal law enforcement official.

U.S Sen. Chris Coons says he’s pleased Delaware avoided the legal and political drama that has transpired elsewhere. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

Although Murray accused the senators of playing politics with her unconventional appointment, Coons and Blunt Rochester disagreed.

“Any suggestion of political partiality throughout this process is misleading and blatantly false, said Taj Magruder, a spokesman for Blunt Rochester.

Coons, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee that considers nominees before they are considered by the full Senate, told WHYY News last month that Murray’s acting status was “probably illegal.”

After Colm Connolly, Delaware’s chief federal judge, issued the order naming Wallace, Coons said he’s pleased the judges exercised their lawful “power to appoint a U.S. attorney in the absence of a presidential nomination.”

Colm Connolly, Delaware's chief federal judge, issued the orders rejecting Murray and putting Wallace in the post. — Colm Connolly, Delaware’s chief federal judge, issued the orders rejecting Murray and putting Wallace in the post. (U.S. District Court, Delaware)

Coons said he’s also relieved that the transition occurred without the rancor seen in New Jersey and the Eastern District of Virginia.

In Virginia, former Trump insurance lawyer Lindsay Halligan was ruled ineligible by a federal judge in her district because Bondi named her interim boss after the 120-day period to do so under federal law had expired.

Perhaps more importantly, the indictments Halligan obtained days after taking office against former FBI director James Comey and New York Attorney General Latisha James were dismissed. Bondi has pledged to appeal but has not yet done so.

Though Habba resigned after the adverse ruling in New Jersey, Halligan remains in her post in Virginia.

Other end-around maneuvers by Trump and Bondi have been deemed unlawful in Nevada, New Mexico and California, but those three remain under appeal.

“I’m just glad that we’ve avoided that level of drama here and that in Ben Wallace, we’ve got a court-appointed U.S. attorney who can keep the office moving forward in a constructive way,” Coons said.

Besides handling major crimes, “the district of Delaware handles some of our country’s most important patent litigation, corporate litigation, bankruptcy litigation,” Coons said.

“So it’s important for Delawareans and our constituents that we have a well-managed, disciplined, appropriate respect for the rule of law in how the federal courts here are handled and how the U.S. attorney’s office is led. And I’m relieved that we seem to have a path forward here that is appropriate.”

Law prof says Judge Connolly ‘navigated it as best he could’

Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond who tracks appointments of U.S. attorneys and federal judges, praised Connolly, a Republican and former U.S. attorney for Delaware, for his deft handling of the potentially volatile situation.

“He navigated it as best he could. He didn’t provoke a confrontation,” Tobias said of Connolly, who Trump appointed as a judge during his first presidential term, with the Senate’s approval. “And he deserves a lot of credit for keeping the courts moving.”

Prior to Friday’s order, Connolly had publicly sought applications for the post, writing that “the court would only appoint a person the court deems qualified for the position.”

That clearly wasn’t Murray. In his previous order in November, Connolly wrote that judges had decided not to name anyone to the post after Murray’s interim status expired Nov. 12.

That prompted Bondi to name her “acting” U.S. attorney and led U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, himself a former Trump personal attorney, to publicly rebuke Connolly on social media.

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