Downtown Salisbury rings in the New Year with music, and Community events

SALISBURY, Md. – Downtown Salisbury is welcoming the new year with a trio of community-focused events, beginning with a New Year’s Eve celebration happening tonight only, followed by health- and family-oriented gatherings in the days ahead.

Residents are invited to ring in 2025 at the Downtown Salisbury Ball Drop tonight from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. in the heart of the city. The event features live music from A.M.P. Studio, daybloom, and The Boh Daddies, along with interactive attractions including a mechanical bull, selfie station, games, and crowd trivia.

Attendees are encouraged to dress in their brightest outfits for the Shining Star Contest, where the audience will vote for a winner. The selected participant will join organizers on stage for the midnight ball drop as the city welcomes the new year.

Looking ahead to 2026, Salisbury will kick off New Year’s Day with the Almost-Famous New Year’s Day Hot Chocolate 5K Run, a family-friendly event benefiting the Minds in Motion Children’s Museum. The race takes place on the scenic trails surrounding Salisbury City Park and the Zoo, near the river.

The mostly flat course features crushed gravel trails, with a water and snack aid station around mile 1.5. Runners will be greeted at the finish line with water and hot chocolate from Dunkin’ Donuts, complete with toppings. Participants registered by December 1 are guaranteed a chocolate-scented T-shirt, and overall and age-group winners will receive oversized mugs.

Organizers say the event offers something for everyone, whether running for a personal record, cheering on loved ones, or simply enjoying a warm drink while supporting the creation of an innovative, play-based learning space for children in Salisbury.

The city’s focus on wellness continues on the first Saturday of the month with Walk with a Doc, taking place at 10 a.m. in Unity Square. The free, family-friendly walking program is led by local medical providers and aims to promote healthy habits, education, and community connection through guided walks and informal health discussions.

Together, the events reflect Salisbury’s emphasis on celebration, fitness, and bringing neighbors together as the new year begins.