New Year’s Eve 2020, Florida-style

Photo Credit: oneinchpunch/Shutterstock

The Sunshine State has no shortage of places to party and have a good time. For New Year’s Eve, this idea is taken to another level. Throughout the entire state of Florida, there are parties hosted for all to attend and enjoy. Here, we will provide you with the places to be if you plan on spending New Year’s Eve down here with us.

Let’s begin.

North Florida

The Florida Panhandle may not seem like the ideal place to go to if you want to party hard, but trust us, there’s plenty to see and do here for New Year’s. It might even give the South Florida area a run for its money if you give it a chance.

Photo Credit: www.bamboowillies.com

Pensacola Beach New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Come party the night away as you look up at the sky and see a display of fireworks. Stop by Bamboo Willie’s Beachside Bar. For more information, click here.

Photo Credit: www.florabama.com

Flora-Bama’s Annual New Year’s Eve Bash – This venue provides an all-you-can-eat dinner buffet from 6pm until 11pm, breakfast buffet from 12-2 am, fireworks and a free champagne split at midnight. Tickets include live music, party favors and delicious food. Event starts at 6 p.m. You may purchase tickets here 

Photo Credit: https://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/

New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop – Come to Panama City Beach on December 31st. The streets of Pier Park are closed off to traffic as thousands of locals and visitors alike enjoy free live music, fireworks and of course, the beach ball drop at midnight. For more information, click here.

Other fun New Year’s Eve events in North Florida: 

  • Countdown Downtown! New Year’s Eve at Cascades Park
  • HarborWalk Village New Year’s Eve
  • Beach Blast Off 
  • New Year’s Eve Shrimp Drop 
  • Countdown Seaside: A New Year’s Eve Celebration
  • Noon Year’s Eve at LuLu’s Destin
  • Ring in The New Year in Jacksonville

Central Florida

Central Florida has theme parks, so most of the fun happens at these venues. Here’s some that will be sure to make your New Year’s Eve here in Florida worthwhile.

Photo Credit: SeaWorld Orlando

New Year’s Eve at SeaWorld Orlando  – Experience SeaWorld’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks Celebration. A spectacular musical celebration and bold fireworks display that which celebrates the sea, sea life and our part in it. 

Photo Credit: Legoland Florida Instagram

Legoland Florida Kids New Year’s Party – From Dec. 26-31, come to Legoland. The Legoland Florida Resort in Winter Haven offers the kiddies to welcome the new year with dazzling fireworks displays, dance parties and special building activities. There’s even a brick drop at a kid-friendly hour on Dec. 31. Entry is free with park admission. You may purchase tickets on Legoland’s website.

Photo Credit: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/

Fantasy in the Sky  – We have to mention Walt Disney World in Orlando when we talk about Central Florida theme park fun. Enjoy fireworks at Fantasy in the Sky, an event held at Magic Kingdom. Enjoy the DJ dance parties and make sure to bring your family along. Fireworks light up the sky nightly staring at 11:50 p.m. from December 30- December 31. More information can be found here.

Other fun activities going on in Central Florida for New Year’s Eve:

  • Celebrations Around the World Showcase
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studio 
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park 
  • Universal Studios Florida 
  • EVE, Universal CityWalk
  • New Year’s Eve in Daytona Beach 
  • Light It Up Clearwater!

For information about more events in Central Florida, click to www.visittampabay.com.

South Florida

Last but certainly not least, the South Florida area is probably the most popular place to be this New Year’s Eve in the Sunshine State. From nightclubs on South Beach to bars and restaurants in Key West, South Florida always has you covered for NYE.

Photo Credit: www.clevelander.com

Clevelander South Beach NYE 2020 – 1020 Ocean Drive in Miami Beach is the location of this swanky hotel. A rooftop bar and high-energy music blasted by DJs make this place a must-do if you are in the Miami area of Florida this New Year’s Eve. The bar offers the best fireworks viewing party in South Beach. For more information, visit https://www.clevelander.com/.

Photo Credit: www.travelchannel.com

Sloppy Joe’s Annual Dropping of the Conch Shell  – Key West knows how to party. 

It will feel like Mardi Gras as colorful beads are thrown around crowded Duval Street. At about 10 p.m dancing will commence as Sloppy Joe’s rooftop host entertains the hundreds of spectators below. At midnight, the main event will occur as the Conch Shell will descend from the dark sky with confetti, streamers and lights. Visit https://sloppyjoes.com/events2/ for more information on this epic, fun event.

Photo Credit: http://www.barry4homes.net/naples-events/ny-at-the-pier/

New Year’s Fireworks in Naples – Free admission is granted to any and all visitors of this charming event. Let your feet enjoy the white sands as the beach provides a backdrop for the fabulous fireworks extravaganza over the Gulf of Mexico that will soon follow, blasting off from Naples Pier at Naples Pier, 137 12th Avenue South. It is even safe to be in the water as you gaze up at the firework show above (courtesy of most area boat sightseeing tours that offer this special experience). It is recommended you take advantage of ride-share services and taxis if you decide to stay on the shore for your viewing experience. Find out more here.

Other things to do in South Florida for New Year’s Eve:

  • New Year’s Eve at Fishermen’s Village
  • Fort Lauderdale Orange Bowl Downtown Countdown 
  • Fort Myers Beach New Year’s Eve and Town Birthday