Tampa Bay is one of the primary vacation destinations in Florida at any time of the year. On New Year's Eve, it offers plenty of fun things to do both indoors and outdoors: massive parties, concerts, fireworks cruises, and family-friendly themed events to ring in the new beginning. Scroll down to read about top places to usher in the New Year in Tampa.
New Year's Eve at Busch Gardens
One of the most massive New Year's Eve celebrations takes place in the famous Busch Gardens. The park offers kid-friendly activities within Busch Gardens Christmas Town: holiday lights, thrill rides, festive performances, and specialty dining. The night program will suprise you with a bold fireworks show.
First Night St. Petersburg
First Night St. Petersburg is a community New Year's Eve celebration in the Tampa Bay area. The family-friendly Celebration of the arts takes place in North Straub Park from 4 pm to 8 pm. Festivities usually feature live music, dance, art, interactive displays, a tiny theatre for improv, a Literary village, and fireworks. This celebration puts an emphasis on art and creative fun for all ages. The climax of the festival is a fireworks display at 8 pm.
NYE at Amature Works
Amature Works in Tampa hosts one of the largest parties in the area. A kid-friendly event takes place from 11 am through 1 pm, with a special countdown and fireworks display at noon. Live DJ plays at Amature Works from noon through 4 pm. Normally, Amature Works also has The Gala for adults scheduled for 9 pm through 1 am. The usual program includes an outdoor riverfront concert, food and drinks, as well as the countdown and a fireworks display.
ReliaQuest Bowl New Year's Eve Parade
Another annual December 31st tradition is celebrated by Eclectic Ybor City, hosting the ReliaQest Bowl New Year’s Eve Parade and a pep rally, formerly known as Outback Bowl. The parade commences at 5:30 pm and makes its way along 7th Avenue through eight blocks to 12th St, which is about a 20-minute walk. Expect to behold numerous floats and marching bands, including the two college bands. The Pep Rally focuses on a battle of the bands and cheerleaders from both universities.
Apollo Beach & Clearwater Beach NYE fireworks
Other excellent locations to see fireworks in Tampa Bay include Apollo Beach and Clearwater Beach. In Clearwater Beach, fireworks are usually launched from Sand Key Park. The best locations to see the midnight display is the south side of the beach.
