Ring in the new year along 30A with a week full of standout celebrations, live music, family friendly traditions, and coastal gatherings. From New Year’s Eve countdowns to New Year’s Day rituals, these are the can’t miss events lighting up the Emerald Coast this week.

1. Golden Hour on the Green

Unwind as the sun dips low with an evening designed for easy conversation, coastal vibes, and a laid-back atmosphere that feels like summer stretching just a little longer.

Noon Year’s Eve Party / Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 10 a.m. @ Alys Beach Amphitheatre

2. Midnight by the Marina

Celebrate New Year’s Eve waterfront at Marina Bar & Grill with festive décor, classic comfort fare, and harbor views on Choctawhatchee Bay. Enjoy $3 Jell O shots, a featured Midnight Kiss cocktail, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight as the restaurant stays open late to welcome 2026.

New Year’s Eve / Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 11 a.m. @ Marina Bar & Grill

3. New Year’s Eve by the Bay

Ring in 2026 at Marina Bar & Grill at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort with waterfront views, festive décor, and classic comfort fare on Choctawhatchee Bay. Enjoy a relaxed yet lively celebration featuring the Midnight Kiss cocktail, $3 Jell O shots, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight as the marina buzzes late into the night.

New Year’s Eve / Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 11 a.m. @ Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

4. Beach Ball Drop and Bowl Game Bash

Ring in 2026 at The Big Chill with a family-friendly New Year’s Eve featuring college football bowl games on the Jumbotron, an early countdown, and a festive beach ball drop. The celebration peaks during halftime of the 6:30 p.m. game with DJ Dan Davis on stage, making it a fun and easygoing way for all ages to welcome the new year.

NYE Celebration! College Football and Beach Ball Drop! / Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. @ The Big Chill

5. New Year’s Eve Party at AJ’s Grayton

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at AJ’s Grayton Beach with a Prime Rib and Shrimp special, live music by the Dion Jones Duo at 5 p.m., and DJs keeping the energy high throughout the night. Ring in the new year with party favors, nonstop dancing, and a champagne toast at midnight.

New Year’s Eve / Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 4 p.m. @ AJ’s Grayton Beach

6. Family New Year’s Eve in Seaside

Welcome the new year at Seaside Amphitheater with a family-friendly celebration featuring arts and crafts, face painting, live music by Monsters of Yacht, and fireworks in Central Square. This relaxed 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. evening invites guests to bring blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy a festive coastal countdown together.

NYE Celebration / Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. @ Seaside Amphitheater

7. Sunset Toasts Above the Coast

Welcome the final sunset of 2025 at Pescado Seafood Grill & Rooftop Bar with a rooftop New Year’s Eve soirée overlooking the Emerald Coast. This 21-plus ticketed event from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. includes two select beverages and passed appetizers, offering an elegant and unhurried way to toast what’s ahead.

Rooftop Soirée /Wednesday, December 31, 2025, from 4 pm – 6 p.m., @ Pescado Seafood Grill & Rooftop Bar

8. Southern Fish Fry New Year’s Eve

Ring in 2026 at Fish Out of Water with a family-friendly Southern fish fry from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy all you can eat fried fish or à la carte favorites, live music by Zack Mannino, chef features, a photo booth, and a complimentary black eyed peas appetizer at every table, with seating offered first-come, first-served.

New Year’s Eve Family Southern Fish Fry / Wednesday, December 31, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. @ Fish Out of Water

9. A Four-Course New Year’s Eve at George’s

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at George’s at Alys Beach with an elegant four-course dinner by Chef Camille Withall, featuring optional wine pairings and seatings from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This rare reservation-only evening offers a refined way to welcome the new year, with kids’ menus also available for younger guests.

New Year’s Eve / Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. @ George’s at Alys Beach

10. Baytowne Wharf New Year’s Eve Countdown

Ring in 2026 at The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort with a high-energy New Year’s Eve celebration from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Enjoy family-friendly activities, live music across multiple stages, fireworks at 8 p.m., and a spectacular midnight finale to welcome the new year along the Emerald Coast.

Baytowne New Year’s Eve Countdown / Wednesday, December 31, 2025, from 6 p.m. @ Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

11. Live New Year’s Eve with Will Thompson Band

Spend New Year’s Eve evening at Local Catch Bar & Grill with live music by the Will Thompson Band from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy a relaxed coastal atmosphere, great food, and an easygoing way to celebrate the night.

Will Thompson Band / Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. @ Local Catch Bar & Grill

12. Wickedly Glam New Year’s Eve at Pescado

Step into a bold New Year’s Eve at Pescado Seafood Grill & Rooftop Bar with a Wicked-themed evening of sparkle, style, and indulgence from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The ticketed celebration includes a three-course dinner with amuse, entry to the Studio 54 courtyard party, and rooftop DJ sets late into the night for a truly elevated countdown.

NYE ‘Wicked’ly Celebration / Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. @ Pescado Seafood Grill & Rooftop Bar

13. Baytowne Wharf New Year’s Eve Fireworks

Celebrate the arrival of 2026 at The Village of Baytowne Wharf with live music, family friendly activities, and fireworks lighting up the sky at 8 p.m. and midnight. Enjoy early evening fun with kids’ activities and face painting, then dance into the new year with live music on the Events Plaza Stage until 1 a.m.

Baytowne NYE Countdown / Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 8 p.m. @ The Village of Baytowne Wharf

14. Dance Into 2026 at Shades

Ring in the new year at Shades Bar & Grill with a high-energy New Year’s Eve party starting at 9 p.m. Hit the dance floor with DJ 30A and capture the night at the photo booth as you count down to 2026.

New Year’s Eve Party / Wednesday, December 31, 2025, from 9 p.m. @ Shades Bar & Grill

15. Midnight Balloon Drop at Old Florida Fish House

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Old Florida Fish House starting at 9:30 p.m. with live music, handcrafted cocktails, party favors, and a festive balloon drop at midnight. VIP tickets include a three course dinner and reserved seating for the night, while party tickets offer a lively countdown with a commemorative flute.

New Year’s Eve Party / Wednesday, December 31, 205, 9:30 p.m. @ Old Florida Fish House

16. Polar Bear Plunge New Year’s Day Tradition

Rinse off the old and welcome the new at the 12th Annual Polar Bear Plunge hosted by South Walton Fire District on New Year’s Day. The day begins at Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar with towel pickup and a lively costume contest, followed by the official plunge into the Gulf at Ed Walline Beach Access, all in support of community education and safety programs.

South Walton Polar Bear Plunge / Thursday, January 1, 2025, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. @ Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar

17. First Day Hike at Grayton Beach State Park

Start the new year with a ranger-guided walk at Grayton Beach State Park along the Flatwoods Trail beginning at 10:00 a.m. This leisurely First Day Hike with Park Services Specialist Christopher Dixon marks his final hike before retirement and invites participants to enjoy nature with comfortable shoes, weather-ready clothing, and water.

First Day Hike / Thursday, January 1, 2025, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. @ Grayton Beach

18. New Year’s Eve Prix Fixe at The Pearl

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at The Pearl on Rosemary Beach with a special three course prix fixe dinner, live entertainment throughout the evening, and a welcome glass of sparkling wine. Party favors and a lively bar until midnight set the tone for an elegant countdown, with reservations strongly recommended.

New Year’s Eve Prix Fixe Dinner / Thursday, January 1, 2025, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. @ The Pearl on Rosemary Beach

19. Seaside New Year’s Eve in Central Square

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Central Square at Seaside Central Square with arts and crafts, face painting, live music by Monsters of Yacht, and fireworks. This family friendly evening brings the community together for a festive coastal countdown.

New Years’ Eve Celebration / Thursday, January 1, 2025, 6 p.m. @ Seaside

20. Hello Sugar Pops Back at Grand Boulevard

Sweeten your day when Hello Sugar returns to Grand Boulevard with its colorful Airstream cotton candy pop up. Browse more than 25 freshly spun flavors and novelty candies during select dates in November, December, and March, perfect for kids and the young at heart.

Returns to Grand Boulevard / Saturday, January 3, 2025, 10 a.m. @ Hello Sugar

To keep up-to-date with daily 30A events and other fun things happening here at the beach, bookmark the 30A Events page, and download the free 30A iPhone and 30A Android apps.