Erie region says goodbye to 2023, hello to 2024 with music, dancing, hockey, yoga, more

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New Year's Eve is drawing near and if you're looking for someplace to celebrate the end of 2023, we've found several entertaining ways for you to welcome 2024 in the Erie region.

If you know of others, send the details to dmassing@timesnews.com and we'll add them to our list.

Before we get to New Year's Eve: Where to find holiday entertainment around Erie through Christmas

Noon Year's Eve

This kid-friendly event is an option for parents who don't want the little ones staying up until midnight. The celebration runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Experience Children's Museum, 420 French St. Activities include a balloon drop at the stroke of noon, sparkling juice box toast, S.T.E.A.M. activities and play throughout the museum.

The cost is $15 per person with a 20% discount for museum members. Pre-registration is encouraged and walk-ins will only be welcomed if capacity allows. For registration or more information, visit www.eriechildrensmuseum.org/noonyearseve or call 814-453-3743.

Erie Otters hockey game

With a 4 p.m. puck drop, this game won't get you to midnight on Dec. 31 but it's still a fun way to mark the last day of the year. The Otters will take on the Brantford Bulldogs and game promotions include a photo booth on the concourse and an Otters player calendar for the first 1,500 fans through the doors.

Tickets range from $15 to $19 and are available at www.erieevents.com/events/event/12/31/2023/erie-otters-vs-brantford; at the Erie Insurance Arena box office, 809 French St.; or by calling 814-452-4857.

New Year's Eve Concert

Nearly 100 Erie Playhouse performers and the Playhouse orchestra will perform on stage to ring in the new year and mark the theater's 40 years at 13 W. 10th St. in an event beginning at 7:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided.

Tickets are $42.40 and can be purchased at www.erieplayhouse.org/events/new-years-eve-celebration. Call 814-454-2852 for more information.

New Year's Eve Candlelight Yoga

Celebrate the new year and mindfully release the events of 2023 with a gentle and restorative yoga practice by candlelight from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Yoga Spot Meadville, 252 Chestnut St., Meadville. Space is limited for this event and preregistration is recommended.

The cost is $20 per person in advance or $25 at the door. For more information or to sign up, visit www.yogaspotmeadville.com/workshops-events. Call 814-589-3133 to learn more.

New Year's Eve Dinner Dance

If you're looking for a sober party, AA Erie has you covered with this event starting at 8:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 837 Bartlett Road, Harborcreek Township. The event will feature a traditional pork and sauerkraut dinner, with hot dogs also available, at 9:30 p.m. and music by a DJ from 10:30 to midnight.

Advance admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids younger than 12; add $2 for tickets purchased at the door. For information, visit https://aaeriepa.org/event/new-years-eve-dinner-dance.

Boogie on the Bay

This annual Erie New Year's Eve party takes place Dec. 31 starting at 9 p.m. and continues into the new year, ending at 1 a.m. on Jan. 1. The festivities take place at the Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier, and include music by The Chozen Few Band, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and a champagne toast.

Tickets are $80 per person and can be purchased at www.erieevents.com/events/event/12/31/2023/boogie-on-the-bay-new-years-eve-party-2; at the Erie Insurance Arena box office, 809 French St.; or by calling 814-452-4857.

Other events on New Year's Eve:

The last night for Winter Wonderland at Asbury Woods, 4105 Asbury Road, is Dec. 31. The one-third mile boardwalk will be lit up with holiday lights in the woods and wetlands for the community to enjoy a peaceful evening stroll from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. While walking is free, donations will be accepted. Call 814-835-5356 or visit www.asburywoods.org/events/winter-wonderland to learn more.

Dec. 31 is also the last night for Presque Isle Lights at Presque Isle State Park. Because of the holiday, most but not all of the lights will be lit on the route of the self-guided evening driving tour of seasonal displays. Lights go on at 6 p.m. and visitors must be through the park's front gates by 9 p.m. The donation area will be closed due to the holiday but donations can be made online and more information is available at www.discoverpi.com/events/presque-isle-lights.

Dana Massing can be reached at dmassing@timesnews.com.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie PA New Year's Eve: Find 2023 celebrations for adults, kids