Lilshira
Door County adds Goat Drop and moves Cherry Drop for New Year 2027
Door County’s 2027 New Year’s Eve program now features an inaugural Goat Drop in Sister Bay and the relocation of the 10‑year Cherry Drop to Sturgeon Bay, both taking place on December 31 2026. The change affects visitors planning holiday trips to the Wisconsin peninsula.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Goat Drop debut in Sister Bay and Cherry Drop moved to Sturgeon Bay
- Timing
- Both events occur on December 31, 2026
- Who is affected
- Travelers attending New Year’s Eve celebrations in Door County
The details
- Takes effect
- December 31, 2026
- Previous rule
- The Cherry Drop had been held in Sister Bay for nine consecutive years.
- New rule
- The Cherry Drop will be staged in Sturgeon Bay for its 10th anniversary, while Sister Bay will host a new illuminated Goat Drop.
New Year's Eve Celebrations
Sturgeon Bay will host the 10th anniversary Cherry Drop on December 31, 2026 at Community Foundation Square. The six‑foot, 300‑pound illuminated cherry will descend at midnight after an 8 pm family‑friendly mini‑drop and fireworks.
Sister Bay’s Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik will debut the Goat Drop in a heated tent at the Stabbur Beer Garden. An illuminated goat will descend onto the restaurant’s grass‑covered roof at midnight, with live music, food and drinks available through January 2.
- Cherry Drop moves from Sister Bay to Sturgeon Bay after nine years
- Goat Drop is the first of its kind in Door County
Winter Festival Calendar
The New Year’s Day Parade in Egg Harbor and the Polar Bear Plunge in Jacksonport extend the holiday weekend, offering costume parades and cold‑water swimming on January 1, 2027.
February brings Fish Creek Winterfest (Feb 6‑7, 2027) with quirky competitions and the Stumpf Fiddle Contest, and Sturgeon Bay’s Fire & Ice Festival on Feb 13, 2027 showcasing ice sculptures and downtown activities.
- Egg Harbor parade requires no registration
- Polar Bear Plunge participants must follow safety instructions
State Park Winter Recreation
Peninsula State Park offers 16 mi of classic cross‑country ski trails, six mi of skate‑ski trails, snowshoeing routes and 17 mi of snowmobile trails. A Wisconsin state trail pass is required for skiers aged 16 and older.
Whitefish Dunes, Newport, and the Ridges Sanctuary provide winter hiking, stargazing and guided nature experiences, though visitors should verify trail conditions before departure.
- Snowmobile speed limit is 25 mph in Peninsula State Park
- Ice fishing needs a valid fishing licence
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers should book accommodation in Sturgeon Bay or Sister Bay early, as both venues expect high demand for December 31.
- Check event schedules and parking details before departure, especially if driving between communities in winter conditions.
Cost and documents
- No new fees are introduced for attending the Goat Drop or Cherry Drop.
- Visitors planning snowmobile use must have a Wisconsin state trail pass for designated ski trails.
What you need to do
- Reserve lodging in the chosen community before the end of November to secure availability.
- Verify the final programme for each event, as road closures and entertainment line‑ups may change.
Who this affects
-
New Year’s Eve visitors to Door County
The county has introduced a new Goat Drop and relocated the Cherry Drop for the Dec 31 celebrations.
What to do Choose which midnight event to attend and arrange accommodation accordingly.
-
Families planning multi‑day winter trips
Additional festivals in January and February extend the holiday season.
What to do Consider booking stays that allow travel between Egg Harbor, Jacksonport, Fish Creek and Sturgeon Bay.
-
Winter outdoor recreation enthusiasts
State parks offer expanded ski, snowmobile and snowshoe trails with specific access rules.
What to do Obtain a Wisconsin state trail pass if planning to ski on designated trails.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Cherry Drop happening in 2027?
The Cherry Drop will take place on December 31, 2026 at Community Foundation Square in Sturgeon Bay, marking its 10th anniversary.
What is the Goat Drop and where is it located?
The Goat Drop is an inaugural New Year’s Eve attraction in Sister Bay, where an illuminated goat descends onto Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik’s roof at midnight on December 31, 2026.
Do I need a ticket to watch the Egg Harbor New Year’s Day Parade?
No registration or ticket is required for the Egg Harbor parade; it is an open community costume parade on January 1, 2027.
What winter activities are available in Peninsula State Park?
Peninsula State Park provides cross‑country and skate‑ski trails, snowshoeing routes, snowmobile trails, and sledding areas, with a state trail pass required for skiers aged 16 and older.
Are there any new fees for attending the New Year’s Eve events?
The announcement does not introduce any additional admission fees for either the Cherry Drop or the Goat Drop.
