New Year's Eve 2024-2025 in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Fort Lauderdale goes all out on New Year's Eve, marking the occasion with a massive street festival downtown. Thousands of people gather in the heart of the city to witness a signature anchor drop, dancing, live performances, and a spectacular festive atmosphere. Attendees can enjoy a live concert, food, beverages, and special entertainment, while children have plenty of bounce houses, games, and contests to occupy themselves with.

Orange Bowl Downtown Countdown

Spanning from 4:30 pm to 1 am, the festival invites everyone to enjoy a unique community atmosphere and welcome New Year's with open arms. The event features plenty of entertainment for all ages, including numerous live performances by local musicians, great cocktails and food, plenty of games and contests. In addition, the event hosts a special kids' countdown and various activities, such as bounce houses, face painting, and a disco with a DJ.

Fort Lauderdale Anchor Drop

The main highlights of the celebration, which usually attracts about 100,000 people, are the countdown and a 100 ft (30 m) anchor drop. The larger-than-life illuminated anchor is the main symbol of local festivities: it is 20 ft (6 m) tall and embellished with thousands of LED lights. It's truly a sight to behold and what draws in the crowds to this NYE celebration.

Schedule

The events usually span from 4:30 pm until 1 am. Family-friendly activities take place from 4:30 to 8:30 pm, with the children's countdown at 7 pm. Bands perform from 5:30 to 1 am. The countdown and anchor drop traditionally takes place at midnight.

Location

The festivities usually take place on Southwest Second Street & Southwest Fifth Avenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale near Esplanade Park, which is a picturesque space situated on New River.

Other NYE Events in Fort Lauderdale

In addition to the street festival, many restaurants, bars, and clubs host their own events. The most popular NYE parties take place at The Wharf, Riverside Hotel Skyline Terrace, B Ocean, and others. Tickets to New Year's Eve 2025 Countdown Extravaganza at Riverside Hotel cost $140, while B Ocean Resort offers an exciting experience at the Havana Nights New Year's Celebration for $200 per person with fireworks on the beach. Beach-front hotels and yacht cruises with music and champagne are also extremely popular on New Year's Eve in Fort Lauderdale.

Miami New Year's Eve

Just some 30 milies (50 km) south of Fort Lauderdale lies the famed resort city of Miami, which is also a great destination for your New Year's Eve. The main party with a fantastic fireworks show takes place at Bayfront Park and is labeled the largest NYE bash across South Florida. Besides pyrotechnics, the program features concerts, dance party, and cruises.