New Year’s Eve in coastal Delaware offers a wide range of ways to welcome 2026, whether you’re looking for a lively party, a relaxed dinner, or a low-key local celebration. 

From Rehoboth Beach to Lewes and beyond, restaurants, bars, and venues across the coast host special events, themed nights, and late-night gatherings to close out the year. 

Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best New Year’s Eve events happening around coastal Delaware to help you plan the perfect way to ring in the new year!

The Overfalls Anchor Drop

Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2026 aboard the Lightship Overfalls with the traditional Overfalls Anchor Drop, part of the Lewes250 festivities. 

Guests will gather to count down the final seconds of 2025 as the lighted anchor drops down the ship’s mast with precise timing, led by Lewes Mayor Amy Marasco and Overfalls President Dave Shook. 

Attendees are encouraged to join in singing Auld Lang Syne to bid farewell to the year, while enjoying refreshments provided on-site. 

This event offers a unique and historic way to welcome 2026, combining Lewes tradition with a festive, community-focused celebration.

• Hours: Starts at 11pm 
• Address: 219 Pilottown Road, Lewes 

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New Year's Eve Pub-A-Palooza!

Ring in 2026 at Brewings & Eats with Pub-A-Palooza, an all-day New Year’s Eve celebration packed with live music, drink specials, and late-night fun. 

The event features a full lineup of performances, starting with Cecilia Grace from 12 to 2pm, Rocky Allen from 3 to 5pm, Emily Moses McNatt from 6 to 8pm, and Live Band Karaoke from 9pm to 1am, ensuring the energy stays high until after the ball drops. 

Guests can enjoy off-centered ales and a wide selection of spirits, along with special $2-off draft pours of Rehoboth-exclusive beers throughout the day. 

• Hours: Starts at 12pm
• Address: 320 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach

Blue Moon New Year’s Eve

Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2026 at Blue Moon with a choice of a three-course dinner and show or a dinner-only experience. 

The NYE Dinner & Show offers an unforgettable evening of fine dining paired with dazzling live performances from an all-star cast in the Atrium Showroom. 

The cost includes both the meal and the show, with alcohol and gratuity not included.

For those who prefer just the dinner experience, Blue Moon still delivers an elegant and memorable way to welcome the new year with high-quality cuisine and a festive atmosphere.

• Hours: 5pm (dinner only); 6:30pm or 9:30pm (dinner + show)
• Address: 35 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach
• Cost: $135-$175

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Cantina's NYE Fiesta

Kick off 2026 with a bang at Cantina’s NYE Fiesta, a Baja-Mexico-inspired celebration hosted by DJ Gregg and Soul Chase. 

Guests can enjoy live jams on the patio with Soul Chase, while DJ Gregg spins the freshest beats inside, keeping the energy high all night long. 

Tickets include one free drink voucher, with Shore Island Food Truck on-site serving delicious bites to fuel the fun. 

This lively party promises a high-energy atmosphere, music for every vibe, and a festive setting perfect for ringing in 2026 at the beach.

• Hours: Starts at 8pm 
• Address: 19406 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach
• Cost: $28.52

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The Starboard’s New Year’s Eve Party

Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2026 at The Starboard with a festive evening featuring food stations, complimentary champagne, a convenient coat check, and live music provided by DJ Woody B. 

Guests can enjoy a lively and stylish party atmosphere while mingling, dancing, and toasting to the new year with friends, making it one of Dewey Beach’s premier NYE destinations.

• Hours: Starts at 7pm
• Address: 2009 DE-1, Dewey Beach
• Cost: $50.98

New Year's Eve Boardwalk Bash

Ring in 2026 at Bethany Beach Ocean Suites with the lively Boardwalk Bash, a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration featuring music from local DJs and interactive activities for all ages. 

The evening includes the Kids’ Beach Ball Drop at 8:00pm, followed by the Midnight Beach Ball Drop to welcome the new year. 

Guests can warm up with a complimentary hot chocolate station under a heated boardwalk tent, and enjoy a meal or drinks at Ocean99 to complement the festivities. 

• Hours: Starts at 8pm 
• Address: 99 Hollywood Street, Bethany Beach

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New Year’s Eve Jingle Ball

Ring in 2026 at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center with the New Year’s Eve Jingle Ball, hosted by Bay Women of Rehoboth and Sussex Pride. 

The evening begins with a live performance by Girlsroom, followed by a night of dancing with DJ Riddick until the countdown to midnight. 

Doors open at 5:30pm, and tickets include a champagne toast at midnight. 

• Hours: Starts at 6pm 
• Address: 229 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Avenue
• Cost: $50

Crooked Hammock Brewery NYE Dinner

Start your New Year’s Eve 2026 celebration at Crooked Hammock Brewery with a special dinner before heading out for the midnight festivities. 

Guests can enjoy a Prime Rib special and Surf & Turf Alfredo, crafted to make the evening deliciously memorable. 

Reservations are strongly recommended, and specials are available while supplies last, offering a perfect pre-party dining experience for those looking to enjoy quality food in a festive atmosphere before ringing in 2026.

• Hours: Various
• Address: 36707 Crooked Hammock Way, Lewes

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CRUSH: 2026 New Year’s Eve Dance Party!

Celebrate 2026 in high-energy style at CRUSH, the New Year’s Eve dance party at the Milton Theatre. 

The space is cleared for a full dance floor, encouraging guests to bring their dancing shoes and move all night long. 

Party favors, including hats, noisemakers, and festive gear, are provided to keep the energy high, while a live countdown at midnight ensures everyone rings in the new year together. 

This sensational party promises a lively, communal celebration, combining music, dancing, and a festive atmosphere for an unforgettable start to 2026.

• Hours: Starts at 9:30pm
• Address: 110 Union Street, Milton
• Cost: $40-$50

For more guides, event roundups, and everything you need to know about celebrating, living, and exploring coastal Delaware year-round, keep following the blog and check back often for new updates!