Flagstaff, Arizona (AZ Family) — It’s not New Year’s Eve without a ball drop or, in Flagstaff, a pine cone drop.
Thousands of people gather in downtown Flagstaff. giant pine cone drop Every year. This is not only a Flagstaff tradition, but one of the top 10 ball drops in the country.
The historic Weatherford Hotel has been dropping pine cones on New Year’s Eve since 1999.
The pine cone has now grown to 6 feet tall and weighs 70 pounds.
Ryan Randazzo with Discover Flagstaff said this is gaining national attention.
“To be recognized nationally by USA Today as one of the top 10 in this city,” Randazzo said. “It really shows that people in the state and across the country are paying attention to this event.”
Pine cones fall at noon, 10pm and midnight – marking the new year in different time zones
Randazzo said 10,000 to 15,000 people will flock to downtown during the three drops. It’s a big help for local businesses.
“We visited over 200 restaurants and bars and eight craft breweries here,” Randazzo said. “Winter can be a little slow in Flagstaff, so it’s nice to be able to get some attention during the slower winter months.”
Flagstaff resident Dylan Brown and his son Robbie said it has become a tradition for their family to gather at noon.
“We’re excited to go out and celebrate the new year and see the excitement during the day and then go to bed early,” Brown said.
Michael Barnett and his family came from Tucson to celebrate.
“The community has been very welcoming,” he said. “We have friends in the area we’re looking at. We come together here. Friendship, community and great weather.”
As the midday pine cones fell, families hugged, couples kissed, and people celebrated for 2025.
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