Best time to go to Fort Lauderdale, FL

New Year's Eve 2024-2025

Drop an anchor in Fort Lauderdale for a big celebration

Dates: December 31

Fort Lauderdale goes all out on New Year's Eve, marking the occasion with a massive street festival downtown. The festivities usually take place on Southwest Second Street & Southwest Fifth Avenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The program starts with family-friendly events lasting from 4:30 pm to 1 a.m. Adults can enjoy a live concert, food, beverages, and special entertainment.

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. In addition, the event hosts a special kids' countdown and various activities, such as bounce houses, face painting, games, contests, and a disco with a DJ.

In addition to the street festival, many restaurants, bars, and clubs host their own events. The most popular NYE parties take place at The Warf, Riverside Hotel Skyline Terrace, B Ocean, and others. Beach-front hotels and yacht cruises with music and champagne are also extremely popular on New Year's Eve in Fort Lauderdale. Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, hosts gourmet food stalls, starting from 8 pm.

Miami New Year's Eve

Just some 30 mi (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.

Find hotels and airbnbs near New Year's Eve (Map)

Last updated: by Olga Valchyshen