Offbeat and fun: 10 New Year's Eve bashes in Delaware and Ocean City to ring in 2022

If ringing in the New Year over dinner and wine has gotten a little too monotonous for you – would you be interested in walking over hot coals instead?

You might be laughing, but that’s a real option for Delawareans who want to step into 2022 like a boss. 

Those who prefer ice over fire can enjoy a cool concert featuring an EDM artist who’s a favorite at Firefly. There's also an event dedicated to furry cosplayers and some posh events for kids, including an apple-cider toast during the day.  

Here are 10 fun ways to ring in the New Year in Delaware, including a sweet event in Ocean City.

Zoo-Year’s Eve at Brandywine 

Instead of popping bottles of bubbly at midnight, your little ones can toast with sparkling cider at noon, surrounded by a bunch of animals and new friends. Youngsters also will enjoy crafts.

Since the event takes place in the zoo, remember to come dressed for the weather. Members must register for this event.

Brandywine Zoo (1001 N. Park Drive, Wilmington) from 11 a.m., Dec. 31. Tickets are $5 non-members and free for members. Visit brandywinezoo.org or (302) 571-7788.

New Years Furry Ball in Newark

Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite furry costumes and play tabletop games as they roll into the New Year (with dice) in this celebration with a unique twist. The event, presented by The Furst State Foundation, is a love letter to the furry community (cosplayers who wear furry costumes) and features a dealers den, a buffet dinner (including Bourbon street pork and vegetarian tri-color Tortellini al Fresco) and more.

Guests are required to provide a vaccination card or a negative COVID 19 test within 72 hours prior to the start of the event start if you are allergic to the vaccine.  

Embassy Suites By Hilton Newark Wilmington South (654 S. College Ave., Newark) from 4 p.m., Dec. 31 to 1 p.m. Tickets for pre-registration is $40-$100 (until Dec. 24) or $45-$105 (door). Admission for pre-registration for children ages 8-17 is $35 or $40 (door). Visit newyearsfurryball.com or 368-8000.  

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New Years at The Grand in Wilmington

A big concert is going down with Delaware Symphony Orchestra and guests from OperaDelaware and Tony Award-winner Brian Stokes Mitchell. The night will feature two acts and include Viennese waltzes and polkas, a celebration of Broadway music and New Year’s concert tunes. There also will be a Champagne toast. Guests are required to wear masks and provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-1 test within 72 hours of the event.

The Grand (818 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 31. Tickets are $155. Visit thegrandwilmington.org or (800) 37-GRAND.

White Panda on New Year’s Eve in Dewey Beach

What’s black, white and red all over? It’s called pandemonium. Favorite Firefly DJ White Panda will paint Dewey Beach red with good vibes when he returns for another New Year’s Eve celebration. Panda dropped his new “Nightclub” album this year featuring an eclectic roster of artists across 30 tracks including “Power Of Pac” (2Pac and Huey Lewis and the News), “1nce Again Friends” (A Tribe Called Quest and Madeon), “Take What Is Toxic” (Post Malone, Ozzy Osbourne and Britney Spears) and “Walkin' On Jackie Chan” (Smash Mouth, Tiësto and Dzeko).

Bottle & Cork (1807 DE-1, Dewey Beach) at 9 p.m., Dec. 31. Tickets are $42. Visit bottleandcork.com or (302) 227-7272.

The Sands on New Year’s Eve in Rehoboth Beach

Wave goodbye to 2021 in a tropical, tiki-inspired night on the beach. The celebration will include a buffet dinner, appetizers, gourmet dessert station, coffee bar, an open bar and Champagne toast. Providing the night’s soundtrack will be Sons of Pirates. Reservations are required.

The Atlantic Sands Hotel & Conference Center (1 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach) at 8 p.m., Dec. 31. Tickets are $439 per couple (includes two tickets to the party, hotel and breakfast for two) and $165 per person (one ticket to the party only). Visit atlanticsandshotel.com or on Facebook or (302) 227-2511.

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Painting with a Twist on New Year’s Eve in Newark

Not everyone is a night owl. And Painting with a Twist knows this. Grown-ups will have an opportunity to ring in the New Year early while connecting with friends over a glass of wine, and munching on their favorite snacks. Seriously, patrons are allowed to bring food/snacks and small plates. But this isn’t a BYOB event, since complimentary beverages (including) wine will be provided. No creative painting skill is needed either, but be sure to bring it if you got it.

Painting with a Twist (400 Suburban Drive, Newark) from 4-6:30 p.m., Dec. 31. paintingwithatwist.com/studio/newark

Seacrets on New Year’s Eve in Ocean City, Maryland

Premier Ocean City nightclub Seacrets aims to keep you dancing later than most New Year’s Eve events. This year they’ll keep you grooving until 4 a.m. The celebration includes a Champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight, followed by four more hours of live entertainment. The entire night will feature five bands and three DJs. Guests can also enjoy a three-course dinner for an extra cost.

Seacrets (117 49th St., Ocean City, Maryland) at 4 p.m., Dec. 31 until 4 a.m., Jan. 1. Cover charge is $40. Visit Seacrets.com, Seacrets on Facebook or (410) 524-4900.

Firewalk on New Year’s Eve in Middletown

People with a burning desire to kick off 2022 can do so while standing on hot coals. “Ignition the Firewalk: New Years Eve Gala” is for brave souls interested in walking barefoot across 1,200 degrees of scorching rocks.

This event is a test for anyone that wants to shatter their limiting beliefs. At the same time, folks should consult with a doctor if they’re unsure whether they’re healthy enough to complete this challenge. After all, it wouldn’t be cute spending New Year’s Day in the hospital.

108 Patriot Drive, Suite A, Middletown; 6:30 p.m., Dec. 31. Admission is $99-$149. Visit 'Ignition the Firewalk: New Years Eve Gala' on Facebook.

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Rusty Rudder on New Year’s Eve in Dewey Beach

Dance, eat and be merry during the final party of this year. The night features performances by Love Seed Mama Jump, Laura Lea & Tripp Fabulous, JJ Rupp and Kono Nation. There will be food and an open bar.

Rusty Rudder (113 Dickinson Ave., Dewey Beach) at 9 p.m., Dec. 31. Tickets are $110. Visit rustyrudder.com or (302) 227-3888.

Confetti Countdown on New Year's Eve in Wilmington

Mom won’t let you stay up late to see the ball drop? No problem, kids can work around that by enjoying a countdown from 10 that ends with a blast of confetti cannons. Since once countdown isn’t enough, there will be four countdowns; and families can choose a time that works best for them. Additionally, there will be a musical performance by We Kids Rock.

Masks are required for all guests, ages 2 or older.

Delaware Children’s Museum (550 Justison St., Wilmington) at 11 a.m., noon, 1 and 2 p.m., Dec. 31. Admission is $12 general admission and free for kids 12 months or younger. Visit delawarechildrensmuseum.org or Delaware Children's Museum on Facebook (302) 654-2340.

Andre Lamar is the features/lifestyle reporter. If you have an interesting story idea, email Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com.