HOLYOKE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - The Holyoke Children’s Museum gave families a daytime New Year’s Eve celebration earlier on Wednesday, so that even the little ones get their own ball drop. The Holyoke Children’s Museum pared up with the Holyoke Merry Go Round, and the visitor center at Heritage State Park to make sure each child gets their New Years Eve experience.

Theresa Riccitelli, the Director of Operations at the Holyoke Children’s Museum said they sold about 180 pre-sale tickets on top of those coming in to buy tickets at the door, “it’s a really nice family event for the new year, which a lot of kids don’t get to be a part of because of the time.”

Families enjoyed a nice cup of hot chocolate as they made their way over to the reptile show and finished the day off with a merry go round ride. To really get the full New Year’s Eve experience like any of us adults would, the event even had a ball drop.

“It’s really exciting because we might see people in evening gowns and little tucks and things like that. And so, it’s really fun to share those. This is a milestone event for everyone across the world,” Riccitelli said, all while making it an educational experience, “This is their environment. This is where they like to have fun. And we brought some of that outside holiday vibe in here, and it’s really cool to see all the kids light up and be a part of our big day.”

Riccitelli also said they’re also ringing in the new year with some new programs in the future, including a nutrition class.

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