Neon New Year 2025

Marion’s Brightest Way to Ring in the New Year!

Join us for Neon New Year, a high-energy, family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration filled with glowing fun, live entertainment, games, food, and unforgettable moments — all happening in the heart of downtown Marion.

📅 Wednesday, December 31
🕕 6:30–9:30 PM
📍 Downtown Marion — near City Hall & the Courthouse (14 S Main St area)

✨ What to Expect

Neon New Year is designed so families can come and go, explore at their own pace, and still catch the big moments of the night. Many activities run continuously, while special events happen at set times.

🎶 Ongoing Activities (6:30–8:30 PM)

The following attractions are available throughout the evening unless otherwise noted:

1. Barefoot Baby Foundation Glow Up Station (FREE)

Get ready to glow! Families can stop by tables with mirrors to:

• Pick up a free foam glow stick

• Apply glowing body paint

• Add colored hair chalk

• Decorate with glow-in-the-dark stickers

2. DJ + Neon Dance Vibes (FREE)

Dance the night away with music pumping and lights glowing.

3.🚂 Train Rides (FREE — Sponsored by Little & Lattimore)

A favorite for kids and families — hop aboard and ride the neon train.

4. 🫧 Magic Neon Bubbles + Laser Light Show (FREE)

A dazzling mix of glowing bubbles and lights that fill the night sky.

5. 🤹 Juggler (FREE)

Live juggling performances that keep kids entertained and amazed.

6. 📸 Light-Up Photo Booth (FREE)

Capture the night with glowing props and neon backdrops.

7. Carriage Rides (for purchase)

Enjoy a classic carriage ride through downtown Marion and take in the glowing sights of the celebration.

8. Light-Up Cars (FREE)

Local young drivers showcase cars covered in Christmas lights. These fan favorites will be parked around the event as glowing barriers and photo-worthy displays.

9. Vendor Giveaways (FREE)

Community vendors will be handing out fun goodies, including Country Davis Store (Old Fort) with their amazing neon marshmallows.

🍔 Food & Treat Vendors

Available throughout the event (items for purchase):

Rotary Club — pretzels & hotdogs

Queen of Cups — specialty coffee drinks & lattes

Ain’t That Sweet — cotton candy

South Mountain Kettle Pop — kettle corn

Kona Ice — snow cones, hot cocoa, blended smoothies 

⭐ Big Neon Moments You Won’t Want to Miss

🟡 8:00 PM — Gold Nugget Drop Celebration (FREE)

A kid-friendly New Year moment featuring:

Gold Nugget Drop

Apple juice toast

Glowing snow falling from above

Mr. Bob’s famous 4-foot donut (for kids)

🕵️♂️ After the Drop Fun

🔍 8:30 PM — Scavenger Hunt with Cash Prizes

Right after the Gold Nugget Drop, the scavenger hunt begins — fast-paced fun with real cash prizes.

🏃 9:00 PM — Neon New Year 5K

Runners take off under the lights for the New Year’s Eve 5K.

🥚 9:00 PM — YMCA NYE Egg Drop Challenge

Part of the Neon New Year Party, the YMCA hosts its first-ever Annual Egg Drop Challenge.

Egg Drop Schedule:

6:30–7:30 PM — Pick up kits at the YMCA booth

7:30–8:45 PM — Build containers (designated Construction Zone available)

8:45–9:00 PM — Report back to the YMCA booth

9:00 PM — Egg Drop Contest begins!

💡 Know Before You Go

Many activities are FREE and family-friendly

Food and carriage rides are available for purchase

Dress warm — and dress bright! Neon and glow gear encouraged

This event is designed for families, kids, and the whole community

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🚗 Where can I park?

Public parking is available throughout downtown Marion near City Hall, the Courthouse, and surrounding streets. Additional public lots are within easy walking distance of the event area. We encourage guests to arrive early to allow time for parking and exploring.

🏨 Where can I stay if I need overnight accommodations?

Marion offers several nearby hotel and lodging options just minutes from downtown. Local hotels, inns, and short-term rentals are available throughout Marion and nearby towns, making it easy to turn Neon New Year into a full overnight experience.

♿ Is Neon New Year wheelchair accessible?

Yes! The Neon New Year event area is wheelchair accessible, including activity areas and main walkways. We aim to make this celebration welcoming and accessible for everyone.

• This event is designed for families, kids, and the whole community

 

🎉 Start the New Year Glowing

Neon New Year is Marion’s chance to celebrate together — no late nights required. Come for the lights, stay for the fun, and ring in the New Year surrounded by community, creativity, and glow.

We can’t wait to see you downtown!