Ringing in the New Year in Destin - New Year’s Eve Celebrations along Florida’s Emerald Coast

Noon Year's Eve at LuLu’s (Destin)

This loved local annual tradition at Lulu's starts early for families. The Annual Noon Year's Eve begins at 10 a.m. on New Year's Eve day, December 31 with a beach ball drop at noon. It will be non-stop, free, kid-friendly fun for the whole family. Noon Year's Eve kicks off with a sandcastle building contest followed by arts and crafts, face painting, and more on the sandy beach overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay. The family-friendly beach ball drop counts down to noon and hundreds of beach balls are released on the beach. Then kids get to stomp on bubble wrap throughout the restaurant. Lulu’s closes at 3 p.m. and will be closed on New Year’s Day.

New Year’s Eve Street Party at HarborWalk Village (Destin)

Enjoy live music in restaurants throughout HarborWalk Village as well as the HarborWalk Village Main Stage.  Families will enjoy the early fireworks show at 8 pm and adults will enjoy sticking around for the Annual Ball Drop over the Destin Harbor and more fireworks at midnight.

Baytowne Countdown (Sandestin)

If you’re staying in Miramar Beach, the Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin hosts the Baytowne Countdown. The family and friends evening will end at 6-8 PM. Restaurants throughout the Village will feature drink specials and live music, and guests may also enjoy live entertainment at the Events Plaza until 1 am.  All ages welcome until 10 pm; and 21 and over after 10 pm (20 and under must be accompanied by a legal guardian after 10 pm). For more information, call (850) 267-8110.

Hotel Effie NYE Bash (Sandestin) 

Step into 2026 in style at Ara Rooftop’s Fire & Ice celebration on Wednesday, December 31, from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Guests will enjoy an unforgettable night under the stars with signature cocktails, gourmet bites from Ara’s newly crafted menu, and high-energy sets from a live DJ. The evening features two dazzling fireworks displays—an early show at 8 p.m. and a midnight finale to welcome the New Year. General admission is $65 plus tax and gratuity, with limited tickets available through Eventbrite.

Countdown Seaside (Seaside/30A)

The Monsters of Yacht return for their third year, filling the Amphitheater with smooth yacht rock vibes and festive energy. From 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Seaside transforms into the ultimate end-of-year destination. Families can kick off the fun at the Seaside Post Office, where arts & crafts, face painting, and balloon creations set the stage for memorable photos. Activities begin at 4 PM, followed by live music from Monsters of Yacht starting at 5:30 PM. The evening concludes at 9:00 PM with a breathtaking fireworks display over the Gulf, the largest along the coast, sending everyone into the New Year with a dazzling celebration.

Beach Ball Drop at Pier Park (Panama City Beach)

Panama City Beach lights up the coast with its annual New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop, named one of the nation’s best by USA TODAY 10Best. The celebration kicks off at 4 p.m. with live music and entertainment across Pier Park and Aaron Bessant Park. Families can enjoy the kids’ ball drop and fireworks at 8 p.m., while the night builds toward the midnight Beach Ball Drop and grand fireworks finale over the Gulf. It’s a high-energy, family-friendly way to head into 2026.

SOLARIS New Year's Dinner Cruise 

SOLARIS is a 125-foot luxury vessel sets the stage for an evening of fine dining, dancing, and celebration. Guests 21+ will enjoy a four-course chef-inspired dinner, live DJ entertainment, party favors, and a midnight champagne toast, all while cruising under the stars. The 4.5-hour voyage runs from 8 PM to 12:30 AM, with check-in at 7 PM at Baytowne Marina in the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Special parking is available, and the night culminates with spectacular fireworks over the Gulf, making this New Year’s Eve dinner cruise one of the Emerald Coast’s most memorable experiences. Tickets begin at $200 per person. Book online before it's gone.

Private Celebration (Destin/South Walton)

Looking for a more intimate celebration?  Stay within your comfortable South Walton or Destin vacation rental and ring in the New Year with family and friends.  From cozy South Walton and Destin condos to luxury rental homes in Miramar Beach and Destin, the options for hosting your own private celebration are plentiful.

Ready to book your New Year's Beach Getaway?

View Newman-Dailey's collection of vacation rental homes and condominiums in Destin and South Walton, Florida. Let our friendly, local team of vacation specialists narrow your search by calling (850) 837-6241. Remember to always book direct with Newman-Dailey for our best rate guarantee.

See you @ the beach to toast the New Year!

Updated: 12/11/25