It doesn’t matter how the ball drops in Times Square: Did you know that revelers in Mobile, Alabama, roll a 200-pound, 12-foot-tall MoonPie off a building every New Year’s Eve?

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I will never again be swayed by a fancy disco ball.

These glorious United States are full of alternative New Year’s drops, and each one is better than the last.

Want to hear the list of the coolest (and weirdest) balls in America? From vegetables to candy to shoes, here’s what Americans are offering across the country to celebrate New Year.

Best NYE Drops Alternative in USA

Idaho Potato Drop, Boise ID

Spud might be the hot item right now New Year’s Eve party— but Boise’s annual celebration is a lot more productive than you think. Every year, thousands of people gather in downtown Boise for a day of family fun.

While winter cold is no joke in Idaho’s capital, it’s a great way to spend the evening, especially if you’ve had alternative New Year’s drops on your radar this year.

Along with this tour, you can enjoy events such as the Urban Jam 2025 snowboard competition, as well as live music, food trucks, and local vendors selling their wares.

If you’re in the area, check out these resources:

Beach Ball Drop, Panama City FL

In case you didn’t know, the Florida Panhandle is one of the best places in the United States for family vacations and events. This is certainly the case for Falling beach ball in downtown Panama City.

Not only is it aimed at families, but this year it also benefits from a renowned sponsor: Coca-Cola. You can expect tons of entertainment starting at 4 p.m. with live music. There are also DJ sets, laser shows, fireworks and two separate balls.

The first is at 8 p.m. for children, while the second at midnight is a little more adult.

If you’re in the area, check out these resources:

Peeps Chick Drop, Bethlehem PA

I threw a little soundbite at the beginning of this article about a 200-pound MoonPie, but that’s not the only van-sized treat that’s released at New Year’s in the United States. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania is the birthplace of Peeps Chick, an Easter staple.

It is also the home of Falling Peeps Chicksaka Peepsfest, and it’s double the size of the MoonPie. (Oh no, did I bury the lead?) This multi-day festival includes fun for the whole family that culminates with the New Year’s Eve outing.

At that moment, a 400-pound, 4’9 bright yellow Peep is gently lowered to the ground (very dignified) before a fireworks display takes off.

I hate Peeps, but I love this event.

If you’re in the area, check out these resources:

MoonPie on mobile, mobile AL

It’s a big party in Mobile every New Year’s Eve, and the treat of the evening is that 200-pound MoonPie I mentioned at the beginning of the article.

This massive event includes two MoonPie Drops—one for children at noon and another at midnight for adults. That’s the problem here: it’s a daytime party for kids that turns into a more adult scene at night.

Aside from MoonPies, there are several stages with live performances, fireworks, and even a second line. Plus, unique events like an umbrella decorating contest and “MoonPie cutting.”

If you’re in the area, check out these resources:

Whiskey Row Boot Drop, Prescott AZ

Prescott, Arizona is well known for its cowboy roots and historic downtown. Now he is also sliding on the map with his popular Whiskey Row Boot Drop celebration.

People from Northern Arizona come for the carnival rides, food trucks, vendors and giveaways. Think of it as a block party running through the abandoned cowboy village. Anyone who loves classic American cuisine won’t find a better alternative to NYE outings.

At midnight, a neon-lit startup sign came down from The Palace (a famous hotel on Whiskey Row) to ring in the new year. Live music performances continue all night.

If you’re in the area, check out these resources: