As the clock ticks down to midnight, the South knows how to throw a New Year’s Eve countdown like no other. From a Beach Ball Drop taller than Times Square to orchestra performances on the shore, the region offers unforgettable ways to usher in the new year. Whether you choose to set sail on a riverboat cruise, watch a dazzling drone lights show, or dance the night away to live music, the South has a celebration for every kind of reveler.
New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop | Panama City Beach, FL
Dubbed the most kid-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration, families will love ringing in the new year at Panama City Beach’s annual New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop. New this year, families can enjoy two simultaneous 8 p.m. beach ball drops at Pier Park Drive and Aaron Bessant Park. Visit Panama City Beach promises fun for all ages, including free kids’ activities at Aaron Bessant Park.
The Kids FUN Zone kicks off at 4 p.m. with slides, obstacle courses, bungee trampolines, friendship bracelet stations, and video games. The stage at Aaron Bessant Park will showcase Taylor Shines — The Laser Spectacular, a mesmerizing performance of Taylor Swift hits with laser displays and light effects. The 8 p.m. ball drop will include fireworks and the release of 15,000 beach balls between the two parks.
After that, enjoy more live music, and finally, at midnight, the lowering of a giant LED-lit beach ball. Standing over 80 feet tall, the celebration tower is ten feet taller than the pole on One Times Square in Manhattan.
The Beach Ball Drop tower at Panama City Beach’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration stands over 80 feet tall — ten feet taller than the pole on One Times Square in Manhattan. Image: Visit Panama City Beach
Magic Kingdom’s Fantasy in the Sky | Orlando, FL
We can’t feature a list of the South’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations without mentioning Walt Disney World. The park will host a variety of celebrations, including Fantasy in the Sky, a special fireworks spectacular in Magic Kingdom that will take place on December 30th and December 31st at 6:30 p.m. and 11:50 p.m.
While there’s no competing with the Magic Kingdom’s extravagant fireworks display, there’s much fun to be had in other areas of the park, too. On New Year’s Eve, EPCOT will feature DJ dance parties around World Showcase, Luminous The Symphony of Us at 6:30 p.m., and Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration at 11:54 p.m. with a fireworks spectacular. Or, head over to Hollywood Studios for a high-energy DJ dance party and countdown in front of the Chinese Theater and Fantasmic! at 9:30 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash | Nashville, TN
If you’re in it for the music, there’s no better place to toast to the new year than Nashville. Keith Urban, Kane Brown, and Jelly Roll will headline Nashville’s Big Bash at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. Festivities include hours of live music, fireworks, and the signature midnight Music Note Drop.
For a VIP experience, join the Gold Circle Party at Nashville Farmers’ Market, where you can enjoy access to a dedicated Main Stage Viewing Area away from the big crowds, along with an elegant indoor cocktail pavilion and cozy outdoor courtyard with fire pits and seating. Gold Circle tickets also include party favors, small bites, late-night snacks, three drink tickets, a complimentary champagne toast, and DJ entertainment.
If you love live music, there’s no better place than Nashville’s Big Bash to ring in the new year! Image: Facebook
New Year’s Eve Celebration on Miami Beach | Miami Beach, FL
Make this New Year’s Eve a night to remember by soaking in the sound of Orchestra Miami and sinking your feet into the sand. Miami Beach’s New Year’s Eve Celebration is a free, family-friendly beachfront concert featuring the city’s premier professional orchestra, led by Artistic Director Elaine Rinaldi.
The evening’s performance blends Latin, jazz, and classical music, featuring special guests Negroni’s Trio, a three-time Latin GRAMMY®-nominated group, and Latin diva Marinel Cruz. The night kicks off with a string quartet at 8 p.m., followed by the full orchestra at 10 p.m. This spectacular evening ends with a grand finale of fireworks at midnight.
First Night Alexandria | Alexandria, VA
Back by popular demand, Alexandria will celebrate New Year’s Eve in style with its 30th Annual Festival of Music & More. The family-friendly festival is set against the backdrop of Historic Old Town Alexandria. It will feature a full afternoon and evening of live music and entertainment, including performances for children and an all-ages day party, which includes a Fun Hunt with prizes.
Young families don’t have to worry about missing out on the fireworks, as the first show will kick off at 6 p.m. over the waterfront before the countdown and fireworks finale at midnight. Crowds won’t be a concern either, with twelve stages scattered throughout Old Town inside museums, churches, retail spaces, and other unique venues. See the full lineup of musicians and comedians HERE.
Visiting Alexandria’s Historic Old Town is like stepping into a Hallmark Movie. And there’s no better time to visit than during the 30th annual music festival and New Year’s Eve celebration! Image: First Night Alexandria
The Market Common New Year’s Eve | Myrtle Beach, SC
On New Year’s Eve in Myrtle Beach, you’ll find something other than fireworks. The Market Common is partnering with Elements Drone Shows to put on a memorable night of entertainment, including a drone lights show and aerial performances.
Fun fact: Elements Drone Shows holds the Guinness World Record for the most drones in the sky for a show. This Southern Times Square New Year’s Eve Celebration will also feature live music, beverages, food vendors, kids’ activities, and a ball drop. Kids’ activities include face painting, inflatable games, and a bounce house.
In celebration of New Year’s Eve, many Market Common stores will stay open late. See a complete list of stores with special holiday hours HERE.
Head to Myrtle Beach for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve, where you can catch a drone light show and aerial performance! Image: Facebook
Charleston Wonderland New Year’s Eve | Charleston, SC
An all-inclusive evening in Downtown Charleston, Wonderland is back for its 11th year. The tickets include live music, performances, variety acts, a champagne bar, photo booths, a silent disco, a balloon drop, a red carpet experience, and an open bar, giving every guest the ultimate VIP experience.
This is a New Year’s Eve party like no other, but what makes it even more special is that each ticket purchase benefits the non-profit organization Perfect Paths. Perfect Paths supports students and teachers by furnishing classrooms, funding field trips, and providing sponsored travel opportunities.
If you want a VIP experience on New Year’s Eve, Charleston’s Wonderland is an all-inclusive experience with live music and performances, a champagne bar and open bar, a silent disco, and more. Image: Facebook
Steamboat Natchez New Year’s Eve | New Orleans, LA
Sing your New Year’s Eve countdown aboard the Steamboat Natchez and enjoy a spectacular viewing of the fireworks display from your choice of three spacious decks overlooking the Mississippi River. Celebrate with a late-night menu, including hors d’oeuvres, buffet stations, and an open bar. Live entertainment will keep you energized all the way through until midnight. All onboard decks and bars will be open during the cruise, which boards at 10 p.m. and ends at 12:30 a.m.
Moonpie Over Mobile | Mobile, AL
In Mobile, New Year’s Eve is jam-packed with activities for the whole family from 11 a.m. to midnight. For the 17th year of Moonpie Over Mobile, the festival will start off with a Kids’ Zone featuring bounce houses, a mini-resolution wall, New Year’s Eve crafts, a second-line march to see the MoonPie Drop at noon, and MoonPie treats, of course!
Live music will play throughout the evening, with a DJ playing between sets to keep the party going. With the festivities in Mardi Gras Park, it seems only fitting to have a best-decorated Mardi Gras umbrella contest.
At 7:45 p.m., partake in the cutting of the world’s largest MoonPie — and enjoy a piece, too! Then, march in the second-line parade with your Mardi Gras umbrella to get a prime spot for viewing more live music and the MoonPie Drop.
March in a New Year’s Eve parade with a decorated Mardi Gras umbrella at Mobile’s MoonPie countdown to New Year’s Eve. Image: Facebook
New Year’s Eve Party Cruise | Savannah, GA
Toast to the new year in style on a Savannah Riverboat Cruise. For a one-of-a-kind party, enjoy a three-hour cruise with hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, party favors, and a cash bar. Boarding begins at 8:30 p.m., and the cruise takes off at 9:30 p.m., returning at 12:30 a.m. In addition to the party cruise, Savannah Riverboat will also host a more formal New Year’s Eve Gala Cruise with a plated surf and turf dinner from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Hop onboard the Georgia Queen to begin the new year in a magical way!
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style aboard the Georgia Queen on the Savannah River. Image: Facebook
New Year’s Eve Party at The Peabody | Memphis, TN
Celebrate a glamorous New Year’s Eve at the “South’s Grand Hotel.” The iconic Peabody in Memphis will host a lively music lineup, including a DJ and jazz duo. VIP tickets give guests access to an exclusive lounge with party favors, an appetizer buffet, and champagne. The large balloon drop is the perfect way to celebrate when the clock strikes midnight.
The Peabody Memphis knows how to throw a party! Get VIP tickets for access to an exclusive lounge, party favors, champagne, and an appetizer buffet. Image: Facebook
Raise a glass and start your New Year’s Eve countdown!
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