Best time to go to Tampa, FL

New Year's Eve in Tampa Bay 2023-2024

A big celebration on Florida's Gulf Coast

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.

One of the most massive New Year's Eve celebrations takes place in the famous Busch Gardens. The park offers kid-friendly activities starting from 9 am on December 31: thrill rides, holiday lights, Christmas Town surprises, and animals' encounters. The kids' program ends at 5 pm, as the park gets ready for the adult celebration which lasts from 6 pm to 1 am. The night program includes a special "Christmas on Ice" show followed by spectacular 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.

Amature Works in Tampa hosts one of the largest parties in the area. A kid-friendly event takes place at noon with a special countdown and fireworks display. The Gala for adults lasts from 9 pm to 1 am. It features an outdoor riverfront concert, food and drinks as well as the countdown and a fireworks display.

First Night St. Petersburg is a community New Year's Eve celebration in the Tampa Bay (virtual in 2020) area. The family-friendly event in South Straub Park usually features live music, dance, fire, bubble stompin’, puppets, a scavenger hunt, aerial arts, and fireworks. This celebration puts an emphasis on art and creative fun for all ages. There is a fireworks display for children at 8 pm, and the countdown at midnight that ends with more fireworks.

Last updated: by Olga Valchyshen