PHOENIX — If you've always wanted to watch a giant pinecone be lowered at midnight with fireworks rocketing through the background... Flagstaff is where you will want to be this New Year's Eve.
The traditional Giant Pinecone Drop at the Weatherford Hotel will bring thousands to downtown Flagstaff to count down to the new year. The tradition began in 1999 when the hotel dropped the pinecone to bring in the new millennium and also celebrate their 100-year anniversary. It was such a hit, they continued year after year.
This year, the pinecone will drop at noon, 10 p.m. and midnight.
"The noon drop is great for younger kids and there will be an event leading up to it in heritage square put on by the Downtown Business Alliance to celebrate 'Noon Year’s Eve'," organizers with Discover Flagstaff said.
Prescott New Year's Eve Whiskey Row Boot Drop
If you're less into nature and more into line dancing, the Prescott Whiskey Row Boot Drop calls itself the "biggest New Year's Eve party in Northern Arizona!" Instead of an illuminated pinecone, an illuminated 6-foot boot will drop at 10 p.m. and at midnight on Whiskey Row.
There will also be live music, food, and admission is entirely free.
Celebrating in Phoenix? Here's some celebrations across the Valley
Planning on celebrating in the Valley? Visit Phoenix has several events listed where you are sure to find your perfect New Year's Eve spot.
Don't forget: Molson Coors is partnering with Valley Metro to offer free rides to Phoenix-area residents on New Year's Eve.
The fare-free service will be offered to Phoenix-area residents. No cost transportation will begin at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31 and will last until the end of service on the bus, rail, and ADA Dial-a-Ride service to usher in the new year.
Valley Metro will operate on an adjusted holiday schedule on New Year's Eve.
Bus will operate on a Sunday schedule
Light rail and streetcar will operate on a Sunday schedule with extended service hours until 2 a.m.
Customer Service is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
For more information, get the Valley Metro app or go on the Valley Metro website.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.
