group of people watching new year's eve fireworks in destin, florida

The Best New Year’s Eve Fireworks and Festivities in Northwest Florida

December 3, 2025

From beachfront fireworks and live music to family-friendly celebrations and elegant coastal dinners, we’re rounding up some of our favorite ways to ring in the New Year, from Navarre to Panama City Beach!

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While known as “Florida’s most relaxing place,” we know Navarre can throw an unforgettable party! We love celebrating at  Windjammer’s on the Pier, where live music, a Turtle Drop at midnight, and fireworks over Navarrre Beach make for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve!

Fort Walton Beach

Bid farewell to 2025 at the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk in Fort Walton Beach. Browse through the shops, take a stroll on the beach, then pick a restaurant (four to choose from), and enjoy a delicious meal while watching an incredible fireworks display over the water!

Destin

Harborwalk Village

This New Year’s Eve event is close to our hearts because it’s at Harborwalk Village. The kids really enjoy ‘Noon Year’s Eve,” complete with a fun dance party, stilt walkers, a scavenger hunt, and more! Later that night, we get together with good friends to ring in 2026 at the annual ‘New Year’s Eve Grand Celebration.’ It’s really a fun night, dancing to live music, watching the fireworks show, then counting down the final moments to the New Year as the ball drops over the harbor!

Baytowne Wharf

We also love celebrating New Year’s Eve at The Village of Baytowne Wharf because it offers a mix of festivities so everyone can join in the fun! The kids enjoy the fun activities held earlier in the evening, followed by a fireworks show. Later, the adults dance to live music, and then watch a spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks show at midnight!

Hotel Effie

Nothing like a rooftop New Year’s Eve bash, particularly when it includes two fireworks shows, a live DJ, specialty cocktails, and gourmet bites! (There’s a reason they call Fire and Ice the hottest rooftop party on the Gulf Coast!)

Fireworks Cruises

Sunquest Cruises rings in the New Year with a four-and-a-half-hour cruise with party favors, a four-course meal, live entertainment, and an incredible fireworks display at midnight! If you’ve got little in tow, they’ll really enjoy the shorter, one-hour version at Southern Star!

30A

Cuvee 30A

Cuvee 30A promises an evening to remember with incredible cuisine, an exclusive wine list, and delectable desserts. Reserve a spot in the elegant dining hall or reserve a private table in the wine cellar for a more intimate experience. 

Fish Out of Water

It’s an all-you-can-eat fried fish celebration at Fish Out of Water in WaterColor this New Year’s Eve. Bring your family and friends, enjoy as much of this Southern staple as you can muster, then chill to the live music as the sun sets over the Gulf. Can’t make it? No worries! Swing by on New Year’s Day for a delicious brunch with a complimentary bottle of Prosecco. Cheers!

Seaside

Experience a special evening at Seaside as the community joins in the celebration, complete with family-friendly activities, arts and crafts, face painting, live music, and a fantastic New Year’s Eve fireworks show!

Panama City Beach

Pier Park

Start New Year’s Eve with a little exercise at the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop 5K Run/Walk starting at Frank Brown Park. It’s a day full of festivities, with music, food, a fireworks show, and a beach ball drop with over 10,000 balls at Pier Park.

Book a Private Party

We’re also proponents of booking a private New Year’s Eve party at Dave and Busters or Margaritaville. Either choice is a festive way to ring in the New Year!

Where to Stay in Northwest Florida this New Year’s Eve

After all the Northwest Florida New Year’s Eve celebrations, you’ll want a cozy place to stay, and Scenic Stays delivers. Take your pick from beachfront resorts to quiet retreats with room for a crowd in  Navarre, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, 30A, and Panama City Beach!

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