2025 has certainly been a big year for the state of Maine and all of New England. As we finally say farewell to another year of lobster, sandy beaches, and pine tree photos, you might be wondering where to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
The Maine Menu (@themainemenu.co) put together a quick list of the events, celebrations, dining, and unique parties you’ll only find in Maine. Plus, we’ve added in some extras in Portsmouth, NH, and Boston, MA, if you’re going for the “whole tour” before the countdown.
As always, be sure to follow our Instagram for more details. The Maine Menu loves to shine the spotlight on local diamonds in the rough that you will not find anywhere else in the world. From all of us here, we hope your 2025 was memorable, and 2026 will be the year you’ve always dreamed of having. Happy New Year!!!
Maine New Year’s Eve Celebrations for 2025 to 2026
Sunday River New Year’s Eve – Newry, ME:
Visit Eddy & Betty while you enjoy Extended Twilight Skiing on the South Ridge and North Peak of Sunday River. Fireworks launch at 8:30 pm with a 21+ New Year’s Eve Party to follow in the Foggy Goggle.
Last Night Belfast 2025 – Belfast, ME:
A family-friendly and traditional New England event running from 3 pm to the crack of midnight. Kids can enjoy face painting and food trucks, with the occasional mime or juggler. At the same time, parents find a spot for endless local music acts, leading up to a midnight bonfire with drum and rabble.
Maple Leaf & Great Sardine Drop – Eastport, ME:
In Eastport, Maine, you can watch the fully lit Maple Leaf drop outside the Tides Institute & Museum of Art. Both O Canada and the U.S. National Anthem are sung, followed by Auld Lang Syne. The entire day features special meals, public art displays, and a wealth of activities that bridge the gap between Canada and the Northern U.S. border.
Sugarloaf – Carrabassett Valley, ME:
Begin your New Year’s celebration at one of the most popular ski mountains in Maine. Sugarloaf hosts free family après followed by fireworks on the beach. After the celebration, those 21+ can keep the party going with live music by Gina and the Red Eye Flight Crew at the Widowmaker.
The Traditional Sunrise – Cadillac Mountain, ME:
One of the most traditional ways to ring in the New Year is finding a spot on Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. There, you can see the sunrise on the first day of the new year, but you’ll need to get tickets early, as they book up extremely quickly.
New Year Gorham – Gorham, ME:
Julia Haven is headlining the annual Gorham, ME, New Year’s party, but there are plenty of other activities in the city to keep families going. Start with a free open skate, move to a bounce house and glow room dance party, then enjoy the grand finale fireworks at 9:05 pm. That will leave you plenty of time for private house celebrations or hitting reservations in nearby Portland for the ball drop.
Aura New Year’s Eve Dance – Portland, ME:
Hit Portland’s biggest dance party with lasers and a disco ball drop at midnight. Aura features go-go dancers, legendary VJ Foo, and drinks that run until 2 am. This is a 21+ event, and you’ll need tickets for the 8 pm door time and 9 pm start of show.
Blueberry Drop – Kennebunkport, ME:
Kennebunk doesn’t care about NYC’s ball drop. Here, we drop blueberries! The 7th Annual Wild Maine Blueberry drops twice on New Year’s Eve from the steeple of the First Parish UU Church. Once at 9 pm for the early birds and again at midnight for the partygoers. Expect a lot of vendors and locals, so arrive early.
NYE Disco Ball Drop – Biddeford, ME:
Over in Biddeford at the Lincoln Hotel, you can dance the night away with groovy vibes and glamorous music set to a Disco Ball Drop. Doors open at 9 pm and run until 12:30 am. Sips and Bites will be available from the famous Lobby Bar.
Cliff House Fireworks – Ogunquit, ME:
In Ogunquit, ring in the New Year at the Cliff House with an Oyster Roast, a Cabaret performance, and watching the fireworks off of Bald Head Cliff.
Go Back to Prom – York, ME:
At the York Harbor Inn, you can relive Prom night memories for this year’s New Year’s. Cocktails, fun dresses, and a gala celebration, followed by a champagne toast, all with the sounds of a live band, will make your night one to remember.
Bar Harbor New Year’s Eve Package – Bar Harbor, ME:
Includes 2-night stay at several top destinations in the town, champagne & charcuterie delivered to your room, a delicious dinner at The Pathmaker Hotel, two tickets to Side Street Café’s party, and an extended checkout at 1 pm on New Year’s Day.
The Largest Beach Ball Drop – Bangor, ME:
In Bangor, follow the crowds to the Downtown Countdown full of lights, music, food, and nearby restaurants, and cap the evening off with a giant beach ball covered in lights and tossed from a roof into the crowd.
Blind Tiger Guesthouse – Portland, ME:
The Blind Tiger Hotel in Portland celebrates at the Mansion with a fireside party, some live music, a champagne toast, and custom meals. Details to follow: Purchase tickets here.
Maine Places to Dine for NYE 2025
If you need a quick bite before the New Year’s celebrations, here is a quick list of the top dining spots around the state that are more than worth the effort. Be sure to reserve well in advance, as places are limited!
- ALTO Terrace Bar + Kitchen in Portland
- The Knotted Apron in Portland
- Magissa in Portland
- Regards Tasting Menu in Portland
- Thames Landing Outdoor Igloos in Portland
- David’s KPT in Kennebunk
- Banded Horn Brewing Company in Biddeford
- Gather Live Jazz in York
Chez Rosa, Kennebunkport, ME:
One dining experience we want to point out is Chez Rosa. Here you can enjoy a decadent three course tasting menu with specialty drinks and a warm atmosphere. The menu shifts a little bit before reservations are set in stone, so be sure to check out the website for updates until around 2 weeks before the event. Trust us, its delicious!
2025 NYE in Portsmouth, NH
Masquerade Ball at Rooftop at the Envio:
As you ring in the New Year, head to the Rooftop at the Envio for a masquerade ball you’ll never forget. Drinks, live music, DJ dancing, and an iced seafood raw bar greet you as you kick back and relax under the stars and welcome in 2026.
First Night Portsmouth:
First Night in Portsmouth has something for everyone in the family, from incredible food to outdoor dancing to a fireworks display. You’ll want to get an official “button” once you arrive to get into every event and park as early as possible, as some streets will close down for the festivities.
Getting Your New Year’s On in Boston
Euphoria 2026:
At The Liberty Hotel, you can dance your night away in an immersive, neon-drenched celebration full of sound across multiple floors. Base tickets will get you in, but Elite Table Access ensures plenty of drinks and snacks as you glow to the new year.
First Night Boston:
The best way to enjoy all Boston has to offer is to book a hotel early and then head out on the town for First Night 2026. Here you’ll find endless music performances, plenty of dining, and people watching that could fill a library of stories. There’s a colorful parade, a fleet of ice sculptures, and a fireworks show that is broadcast around the globe.
When the Party is Over, Be Sure to Start 2026 the Maine Way
23rd Annual Atlantic Plunge – York, ME:
Get your 2026 off to a great start with the Annual Atlantic Plunge. This polar bear dip is at Gooch’s Beach in Kennebunk at 10:30 am and will wake you up, shock out any late-night leftover drinks, and contribute to a fantastic local Maine cause.
2025 NYE in Maine Roundup
For any other insights about parties, dining, and special New Year’s events around Maine, be sure to follow us @themainemenu.co. Together, we can make 2026 a year to remember! Here’s to you and all yours as we celebrate living in the great state of Maine.