Where To Spend New Year’s Eve In Florida

Florida is a great place to celebrate the New Year; there are so many places to go. According to Priceline, Florida once took 15 of the top 50 spots (six in the top 20) for Americans celebrating New Year’s Eve. The areas around Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Disney were in the top 10.

Thousands flock to major theme parks like Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens and coastal resorts like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Key West, Tampa, Fort Myers, and Naples.

Most local communities and hotels hold First Night New Year’s Eve parties.

Planning Your New Year’s Eve in Florida

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year in Florida, so it is important to make sure you arrive at the parks early, as often they will close when they reach capacity. It also makes sense to make dinner reservations well in advance. If you are planning on going to Walt Disney World, do not think about park hopping; you need to plan on staying in the park all day.

Where to go for New Year’s Eve in Florida

Some New Year’s Eve celebrations are free or included in the standard ticket admission; others are by separate ticket (as described).

In Jacksonville, there is usually a big celebration downtown culminating in a fireworks display. During the day, there are pep rallies, the Winn-Dixie Hometown Parade, food, beverages, and live entertainment.

There have been performances and midnight fireworks displays in Miami in Downtown’s Bayfront Park.

St. Petersburg celebrates First Night St. Petersburg with fireworks, food, and games, an alcohol-free event for all the family.

In nearby Tampa, the Florida Aquarium and Channelside celebrate “Light Up Tampa Bay” with live entertainment, a midnight Fireworks Show, and a Ball Drop.

Not to be outdone, down in The Keys, they go one better with a wench drop at Schooner Wharf, a conch shell drop at the famous Sloppy Joe’s Bar, and a red high heel drop with drag queen Sushi at Bourbon Street Pub/New Orleans House.

The daily Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square in Key West will be extra special with a beautiful sunset and fireworks.