Houghton New Year’s Eve Chook Drop

Houghton Counts Down to New Year’s Eve Chook Drop on Waterfront Pier

HOUGHTON, Michigan (Dec. 12, 2024) — The City of Houghton and Visit Keweenaw are counting down to New Year’s Eve – and everyone’s invited! Bundle up in Houghton to ring in 2025 with a Yooper-style Chook Drop on the Portage Canal. Feel the winter magic early or late – families with kids or those who don’t want to stay up can enjoy an early drop at 6:30-7p with appropriate music. Later, Mr. Cesar and the Lucha Tones will play a set from 11:30p-midnight on the pier to lead the night crowd into 2025. Bring your friends and loved ones out for the short celebrations and enjoy reflecting on 2024’s accomplishments.

Houghton first introduced a “Chook Drop” in 2023, gathering a crowd on the Houghton Pier under the glow of street lights and a raised electric chook. As the night drew closer to Midnight, the crowd joins to count down to the new year.

This year’s event will build on that energy, splitting the night for different crowds. Warm up with a hot drink from nearby vendors and enjoy music and laughter in Houghton. This year: the LoHo (Lower Houghton) Social District is open. You can get to-go adult beverages from The Ambassador, The Den and Keweenaw Brewing Company. Houghton’s downtown is full of great entertainment venues for NYE like the Bonfire and the Douglass Houghton Saloon. Shelden Avenue is also home to several hotels to choose from for folks looking to make the Chook Drop a NYE Destination. Stay tuned for any more announcements or specials around town for NYE in Houghton. The Chook Drop is organized by the City of Houghton and Visit Keweenaw.