DETROIT – The countdown to 2026 is officially underway as Detroit comes alive with New Year’s Eve celebrations.
While the iconic ball drop in Times Square draws global attention, downtown Detroit is bustling with people enjoying the festivities.
Locals and visitors alike are hitting bars, gliding on the Campus Martius ice rink, and savoring good food to welcome the new year. People of all ages have gathered for one reason: to say goodbye to 2025 and welcome 2026 with hope and new resolutions.
“This is the first year that we’ve come down here to do it and I’m starting my 80th year of life, so what a way to do it,” said Pam Plouffe, a Genesee County resident.
Others, like Aarshia Soni from Troy, emphasized the importance of self-care.
“You can’t give your 100 percent to anything else if you don’t give it to yourself,” Soni said. “Always make sure that you’re like replenished and doing well yourself.”
For some, the night symbolizes closing a difficult chapter. Sheila Hardway from Detroit, who recently lost her home of 26 years, expressed cautious optimism.
“We lost our first house of 26 years on November the 28th in 2023, so we’re experiencing New Year’s Eve a little different,” Hardway said. “But we’ve been approved for a house.”
That hope is shared by many in Detroit on New Year’s Eve. Plouffe encouraged kindness, saying, “Love each other, take time to be kind to one another,” while Sue Lawrence from Genesee County declared, “We love Detroit!”
While celebrations are in full swing, Detroit police are reminding everyone to enjoy the night responsibly. Patrols have increased to keep the streets safe, with a focus on preventing impaired driving and celebratory gunfire.
Assistant Police Chief Franklin Hayes stressed, “While we want everyone to celebrate, we want them to do so responsibly and in a safe way when they’re operating vehicles, so they don’t put themselves or anyone else that may be on the roadway, whether it be in a vehicle, or pedestrian on foot, put them in danger by getting behind the wheel.”
Firing guns within city limits is a crime, and those caught face prosecution. Police are also vigilant against driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
For those who need a safe ride, AAA’s ‘Tow to Go’ program offers a free, confidential ride and tow for impaired drivers within 10 miles. The program is open to everyone, whether or not they are AAA members, making it a reliable last-resort option.
Detroit’s New Year’s Eve celebrations blend community spirit, hope for fresh starts, and a strong commitment to safety as the city welcomes 2026.