New Year’s Eve Fireworks and Festivities in Northwest Florida

December 4, 2023

Ring in the New Year with a bang in Northwest Florida! If you’re looking for the best place to be when the clock strikes midnight, you’re in the right place. From watching a breathtaking fireworks show on the white sand beaches of Navarre to counting down to the annual beach ball drop at Panama City Beach, you’ll surely have a remarkable time bringing in 2024!

Discover the best spots for family-friendly firework shows, where the adults should head for a memorable countdown, and other fun-filled festivities that will make your New Year’s Eve unforgettable!

Navarre

As the countdown to the New Year begins, the sleepy town of Navarre comes alive. While known as “Florida’s most relaxing place,” that doesn’t mean they don’t know how to throw a party. Spend New Year’s Eve at Juana’s Pagodas, where you can jam to live music at 8:30 PM, followed by a champagne toast at midnight. Enjoy delicious food with family and friends at Dewey Destin’s or Windjammers on the Pier while watching the night sky light up! And while you’re in Navarre, don’t forget to participate in the annual Penguin Plunge on New Year’s Day!

Fort Walton Beach

Bid farewell to 2023 on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach, where you can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Gulf Coast as the backdrop for your celebration. Experience a spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks show on the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk at midnight. Whether dining at one of the beachfront restaurants on the boardwalk or relaxing by the beach or fishing pier, you’ll have a magical view of the open night sky to welcome the new year with a bang!

If you want to end the year in style, The Venue’s glamorous New Year’s Eve party is where you want to be! You’ll have a blast at this black-tie event with live music, dance floor lounges, and a premium open bar. G.I. Jade Tiki Bar and Bistro is another great place to have fun on New Year’s Eve, featuring live music, great food and drinks, and a fireworks show on the beach!

Destin

With a host of exciting New Year’s Eve events, Destin promises a memorable welcome to 2024 on Florida’s Emerald Coast!

Harborwalk Village

Harborwalk Village on the Destin harbor offers two fireworks displays, ensuring all ages can celebrate the New Year in style. Relax, dine, and dance away while listening to live music starting at 7:00 PM! The first burst of fireworks begins at 8:00 PM, perfect for families with young children and early sleepers. When the countdown to midnight begins, the ball drop commences, and the sky explodes with another breathtaking fireworks display!

Baytowne Wharf

The Village of Baytowne Wharf offers an extraordinary New Year’s Eve celebration you’ll remember for years to come! Enjoy family-friendly activities at 6:00 PM, where you can experience face painting and other kid’s activities, capped off by a fireworks display at 8:00 PM! Looking for an adults-only experience? Dance and sing along to live music starting at 7:00 PM, then catch an incredible New Year’s Eve fireworks show at midnight!

Go for a Fireworks Cruise

If you want something different, why not embark on a New Year’s Eve cruise? Adults will enjoy a four-and-a-half-hour cruise with Sunquest Cruise, complete with live entertainment, party favors, a four-course meal, and an incredible fireworks display at midnight! Meanwhile, Southern Star offers a shorter, one-hour version for the kiddos and promises the best views of the evening!

30A

As the sun sets on another year, the charming communities along Scenic Highway 30A gear up for a night of festivities!

Cuvee 30A

Have a romantic New Year’s Eve at Cuvee 30A. With award-winning cuisine, an exclusive wine list, and delectable desserts, you’ll surely have a fine evening to remember at Cuvee. Dine in the elegant dining hall or heated front deck, or reserve a private chef’s table in the wine cellar for a more intimate experience. Right outside, you’ll enjoy a fantastic view of fireworks sparkling above the Gulf of Mexico.

Fish Out of Water

Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, Fish Out of Water in WaterColor is an excellent place for a lively New Year’s Eve! Welcome the New Year with special Chef’s features, champagne, live music, and a photo booth to commemorate the evening.

Celebrate in Seaside

Celebrate with the Seaside community to experience a magical evening full of fun, family-friendly activities, and a fantastic New Year’s Eve fireworks show. Come to Central Square at 5:00 PM for arts and crafts, face painting, and live music for everyone to enjoy!

Panama City Beach

Come for the fireworks, stay for the New Year’s festivities at Panama City Beach!

Pier Park

Start the day with a 5K at Frank Brown Park then enjoy free live music and entertainment at Pier Park from 5:30 PM until midnight. Families can enjoy the first beach ball drop at 8:00 PM, with thousands of inflated beach balls descending into the crowd, bouncing and floating along festival goers while the first round of fireworks explodes in the sky! As the crowds gather deeper into the night and anticipate the countdown to 2024, the ball drop from the celebration tower will signal the thrilling start of the new year and spark another stunning fireworks display at midnight to cap off the night!

Book a Private Party

Make this night all about spending time with family and friends. Book a private New Year’s Eve party at Dave and Busters, featuring interactive entertainment and delicious eats, or Margaritaville, offering a laid-back atmosphere, tropical-inspired cuisine, and refreshing drinks. Either choice is a festive way to ring in the New Year!

After a long day of celebrating, you’ll want a comfortable place to retire for the night. Book a vacation home or condo with Scenic Stays for a relaxing stay after experiencing all the fun-filled New Year’s Eve events on the Emerald Coast. Cheers to the New Year!

Cozy Accommodations

After a fun-filled day packed with holiday festivals and outdoor adventures, there’s no better feeling than knowing you have cozy accommodations to head back to. Booking with Scenic Stays means you’ll have every comfort right at your fingertips!

Equipped with everything you need to relax, recharge, and feel right at home, our vacation homes are centrally located and designed to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Whether your ideal night includes ordering takeout from a local restaurant and enjoying the coastal breezes on your balcony or spending quality time with your family by whipping up a home-cooked meal in the kitchen, rest assured you’ll have just what you need.

While each season brings something new to discover, spending winter in Destin is a unique way to experience our little piece of paradise. Book your stay in Destin with Scenic Stays today!

New Year’s Eve Fireworks and Festivities in Northwest Florida

Navarre

Fort Walton Beach