Niantic (Dec. 19, 2022) – After two years of being hosted virtually, the Niantic Children’s Museum’s and East Lyme Parks & Recreation's family-friendly New Year's Eve event, Countdown to Noon, is returning to the East Lyme Community Center on Saturday, December 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event is sponsored by Hamilton Point Investments; Dominion Energy; Boats Inc.; Chelsea Groton Bank; Connecticut Computer Service, Inc.; Charter Oak Federal Credit Union; and Century 21 Shutters and Sails.

Countdown to Noon deviates from the traditional New Year's ball drop and replaces it with a massive 300 balloon drop at the strike of noon.

In addition to much loved balloon drop, this year the event will include animal shows by Wildlife Encounters of New Hampshire at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Children will squeal with excitement as they meet animals such as a serval cat, porcupine, and arctic fox, along with interactive animals such as a mini pig, pygmy goat, and giant rabbit.

The celebration will also include hands-on crafts and activities with community organizations, including the Connecticut Audubon Society, Submarine Force Museum, Niantic Rotary, Regional Multicultural Magnet School and more. Special guests Captain America and Black Panther will make appearances from 10 a.m to 1 p.m. The Rolling Tomato will be on hand with pizza to purchase, and you can savor the event for years to come with a photo from the photo booth.

To register for Countdown to Noon, visit niantickids.org. Tickets are $10 for Niantic Children's Museum members and $12 for nonmembers. Pre-registration is required to attend. Tickets will not be sold the day of the event.

INFO:

WHAT: Countdown to Noon

WHEN: Saturday, December 31 at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Balloon drop at 12 p.m.

WHERE: East Lyme Community Center, 41 Society Road, Niantic, CT

DESCRIPTION: The Niantic Children's Museum and East Lyme Parks & Recreation invite you to southeastern Connecticut's premier New Year's event for children and families, featuring a massive balloon drop at noon, children's activities and more.

PRICE: Tickets are $10 for Museum members and $12 for nonmembers. Pre-registration required to attend.

REGISTRATION: NianticKids.org

About the Niantic Children's Museum

The Niantic Children's Museum is an interactive, hands-on, educational place for children ages 9 months to 9 years to try on new roles, let their imaginations soar and feel safe while exploring the world around them. Located in Niantic, Conn., the museum is comprised of 5,000 square feet - all on one floor - and an outdoor playspace. For more information about the Museum, visit NinaticKids.org.