Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island and Panama City Beach, December 17, 2025
Amelia Island’s Shrimp Drop and Panama City Beach’s Beach Ball Drop have been highlighted in USA TODAY’s 10Best list, showcasing Florida’s unique New Year’s Eve traditions. The Shrimp Drop in Fernandina Beach features a giant illuminated shrimp, while the Beach Ball Drop at Pier Park includes a family-friendly countdown and the release of thousands of beach balls. Both events offer diverse celebrations that reflect the region’s culture and creativity.
Amelia Island and Panama City Beach’s New Year’s Eve Drops Recognized Among USA TODAY’s 10Best
Amelia Island’s Shrimp Drop and Panama City Beach’s Beach Ball Drop have been honored in USA TODAY’s 10Best list of the nation’s top New Year’s Eve celebrations. These unique events showcase Florida’s distinctive approach to ringing in the New Year.
Amelia Island’s Shrimp Drop
Held annually in Fernandina Beach, the Shrimp Drop is a family-friendly event that pays homage to the island’s rich shrimping heritage. Attendees gather along the waterfront to enjoy live music, food vendors, and fireworks. At 7 p.m., a giant illuminated shrimp descends, marking the arrival of the New Year. This tradition has been recognized as one of the top New Year’s Eve drops in the U.S. by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
Panama City Beach’s Beach Ball Drop
Taking place at Pier Park, the Beach Ball Drop features a family-friendly countdown at 8 p.m., followed by fireworks, live music, and the release of 10,000 beach balls over the crowd. As midnight approaches, a glowing beach ball descends from the Celebration Tower, signaling the start of the New Year and initiating a second round of fireworks. This event has also been recognized among the nation’s best New Year’s Eve drops by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
Background on New Year’s Eve Drops
New Year’s Eve drops are a unique American tradition where various objects, often symbolic of the local culture, are lowered or dropped to mark the arrival of the New Year. These events have become a staple in many communities, offering festive and family-friendly celebrations. The Times Square Ball Drop in New York City is perhaps the most famous example, but numerous cities across the country have adopted their own versions, each adding a local flair to the tradition.
Other Notable New Year’s Eve Drops in Florida
- Cocoa Beach’s Shark Drop: A hammerhead shark descends over the Tropics outdoor main stage at midnight, accompanied by live entertainment and a champagne toast.
- Destin’s HarborWalk Village Ball Drop: Features live entertainment, a ball drop, and a fireworks display to celebrate the New Year.
These events highlight Florida’s diverse and creative ways to celebrate the New Year, offering residents and visitors memorable experiences that reflect the state’s unique culture and traditions.
FAQ
What is the Shrimp Drop in Amelia Island?
The Shrimp Drop is an annual New Year’s Eve event in Fernandina Beach, Florida, where a giant illuminated shrimp descends at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks, celebrating the island’s shrimping heritage.
When does the Beach Ball Drop in Panama City Beach occur?
The Beach Ball Drop takes place on December 31st at Pier Park, with a family-friendly countdown at 8 p.m., followed by fireworks, live music, and the release of 10,000 beach balls.
What is the Times Square Ball Drop?
The Times Square Ball Drop is a New Year’s Eve tradition in New York City, where a large illuminated ball descends at midnight to signal the start of the New Year.
Are there other unique New Year’s Eve drops in Florida?
Yes, other notable events include Cocoa Beach’s Shark Drop, featuring a hammerhead shark descending over the Tropics outdoor main stage at midnight, and Destin’s HarborWalk Village Ball Drop, which includes live entertainment and a fireworks display.
Key Features of Florida’s New Year’s Eve Drops
| Event | Location | Unique Feature | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrimp Drop | Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island | Giant illuminated shrimp descends at 7 p.m. | December 31, 7 p.m. |
| Beach Ball Drop | Panama City Beach | Release of 10,000 beach balls at 8 p.m., glowing beach ball descends at midnight | December 31, 8 p.m. and midnight |
| Shark Drop | Cocoa Beach | Hammerhead shark descends over Tropics outdoor main stage at midnight | December 31, midnight |
| HarborWalk Village Ball Drop | Destin | Live entertainment and fireworks display | December 31, time varies |
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