Start the Year Lucky by Spending New Year’s Eve in Destin, Florida

If you’re seeking the best place to celebrate New Year’s Eve, allow us to suggest starting your year off with a little luck in the World’s Luckiest Village – Destin, Florida! There are so many great options for ringing in the New Year in Destin, Fla. Renowned for its fishing fleet, sugar white sand beaches and emerald green waters, Destin is great choice for New Year’s celebrations.  

Whether you’re looking for an action packed night with a ball drop or a chill evening in a home away from home, Destin has the best of the best. Here are our favorite options to ring in 2024 on Florida's Emerald Coast.  

For Families: Noon Year’s Eve at LuLu’s Destin

The 4th Annual Noon Year’s Eve begins at 10 a.m. on Dec. 31. It will be non-stop, kid-friendly fun for the whole family. Noon Year's Eve kicks off with a sandcastle building contest followed by arts and crafts, face painting, and more on the sandy beach overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay. Live entertainment and a countdown to the beach ball drop at noon. After the ball drop, kids are invited to stomp on bubble wrap throughout the restaurant. Lulu’s closes at 3 pm and will be closed on New Year’s Day. 

For Revelers: New Year’s Eve Street Party at HarborWalk Village (Destin) 

Enjoy live music in restaurants throughout HarborWalk Village as well as the HarborWalk Village Main Stage.  Families will enjoy the early fireworks show at 8pm and adults will enjoy sticking around for the 9th Annual Ball Drop over the Destin Harbor and fireworks at midnight. 

For All: Baytowne Countdown (Sandestin) 

For those staying in Miramar Beach, the Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin hosts the Baytowne Countdown. Restaurants throughout the Village feature drink specials and live music and guests may also enjoy live entertainment at the Events Plaza until 1 am.  All ages welcome until 10 pm; and 21 and over after 10 pm (20 and under must be accompanied by a legal guardian after 10 pm). For more information, call (850) 267-8110. 

For Families on 30A: Countdown Seaside (Seaside/30A) 

For those staying along Scenic Hwy 30A, Countdown Seaside is a family-friendly end of year celebration held at the Seaside Amphitheater. Enjoy live music from 7:30pm to 12:30am. Entertainment includes kids activities, street performers and fireworks at midnight. 

For Families in Panama City Beach: Beach Ball Drop at Pier Park (Panama City Beach) 

The New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop offers two opportunities to welcome in the New Year. The streets of Pier Park are closed off for the New Year’s Eve celebration, which includes live music, entertainment, fireworks, and good cheer. For families, the first Beach Ball Drops at 8:00 p.m., followed by a second Beach Ball Drop at midnight with an incredible fireworks display.

For All: Private Celebration (Destin/South Walton) 

Looking for a more intimate celebration?  Stay in and celebrate within a comfortable South Walton or Destin vacation rental.  and ring in the New Year with family and friends.  From cozy South Walton and Destin condos to luxury rental homes in Miramar Beach and Destin, the options for hosting your own private celebration are plentiful. 

Start Planning

Haven’t made plans for yet for New Year Eve? View our available South Walton and Destin rentals online , including rentals at Hidden Dunes Resort, Beachside Inn, Jade East Condos, Silver Shells Resort, Mediterranea and Sanctuary at Redfish on 30A, among others. Or call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652 to help narrow your search.  Remember to always book direct with Newman-Dailey to avoid hidden fees and receive our best rate guarantee. 

See you @ the beach!

*UPDATED: 11/13/23
  

Published on Friday, December 14, 2018