LANCASTER, Ohio — Residents and visitors are invited to ring in the New Year in historic downtown Lancaster during the annual Glass Town Countdown, a free, family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration centered around the city’s rich glassmaking heritage.
The event takes place at Zane Square, where streets will come alive with a festive atmosphere featuring local food and drinks, live entertainment, and activities for all ages. Guests can explore downtown shops and restaurants, enjoy hot chocolate, or carry a beverage within the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) while taking photos with the event’s signature glass globe.
The highlight of the evening comes at midnight, when the giant glass globe rises high above Zane Square, welcoming the new year, followed by a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the downtown sky.
Glass Town Countdown celebrates Lancaster’s historical role as the Pressed Glass Capital of Ohio and its legacy as the former world headquarters of the Anchor Hocking Glass Company. Throughout the year, community members contribute to the creation of a unique glass art piece that becomes the centerpiece of the New Year’s Eve celebration.
The event is a privately funded partnership between Lancaster Parks and Recreation, Destination Downtown Lancaster, Visit Fairfield County, and the Ohio Glass Museum. Glass Town Countdown debuted on New Year’s Eve in 2019 and has since become a beloved local tradition.
The Glass Town Countdown globe measures four feet in diameter, is forged of aluminum, and was designed and built by Lancaster Parks and Recreation staff. It holds approximately 750 hand-crafted glass ornaments made by community members and weighs more than 500 pounds when fully assembled. Nearly 200 feet of LED lighting illuminates the globe. A smaller, two-foot version of the globe was created in 2021 for display in community spaces.
Organizers encourage families, friends, and neighbors to gather downtown and celebrate the arrival of the new year while honoring Lancaster’s unique glassmaking history.
