Beyond the Ball Drop: Florida’s Quirkiest New Year’s Traditions

When people think of New Year’s Eve, they usually picture the glittering crystal ball in Times Square and people shivering in parkas. But down here in the Sunshine State, we do things a little differently. We don’t really do "winter," and we certainly don't do "standard."

If it can be lit with neon, stuffed with glitter, or hoisted up a flagpole, Florida will find a way to drop it at midnight. From the Panhandle to the Southernmost Point, our New Year’s traditions are as colorful and eccentric as the state itself.

If you’re looking to trade the traditional for the tropical, here are the most unique ways to ring in the New Year in Florida.

1. The Key West "Drop" Trifecta

Key West is the undisputed heavyweight champion of quirky New Year’s Eve traditions. Because one drop isn't enough for this island, there are three major spectacles happening simultaneously.

• The Red High Heel Drop: At the Bourbon St. Pub, a world-famous drag queen (traditionally the legendary Sushi) sits inside a giant, glittering red high-heel shoe. As the countdown begins, the shoe is lowered from a second-story balcony into a sea of cheering fans.

• The Giant Conch Shell: If you want a taste of "Old Key West," head to Sloppy Joe’s Bar. A massive, glowing man-made conch shell is lowered to the roof of the historic bar as the clock strikes midnight.

• The Pirate Wench Drop: At the Schooner Wharf Bar, they lean into the island's maritime history. A "pirate wench" is lowered from the mast of a tall ship to the sound of booming cannons.

2. The Giant Shrimp Drop (Fernandina Beach)

In Northeast Florida, the town of Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island celebrates its history as the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry. Naturally, they ring in the New Year by dropping a giant, LED-lit shrimp. It’s a beautifully bizarre sight that draws thousands to the historic downtown waterfront for fireworks and live music.

3. The "Big Orange" Ascent (Miami)

Miami likes to be different. Instead of dropping something down, they send their icon up. "The Big Orange"—a 35-foot neon sign wearing sunglasses—climbs the side of the InterContinental Miami hotel. It’s the centerpiece of a massive free party in Bayfront Park, featuring world-class DJs and a fireworks show over Biscayne Bay.

4. The Beach Ball Drop (Panama City Beach)

This is the ultimate choice for families. Panama City Beach hosts a "double" celebration. At 8:00 PM, they release 10,000 inflatable beach balls from overhead nets for the kids. Then, for the midnight countdown, an 800-pound LED-lit beach ball is lowered from a 10-story tower, signaling the official start of the New Year.

5. The Bologna Drop (Lebanon... Florida Edition?)

Correction/Note: While the famous Bologna Drop happens in Lebanon, PA, Florida has its own localized food drops, like the Bologna Drop in Perry, Florida. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a giant piece of local bologna (luckily, usually a replica!) is lowered to celebrate the town's local industries and sense of humor.

Pro-Tips for a Florida NYE

• Book Your Ride Early: Ride-share apps will have massive surge pricing. If you aren't staying within walking distance, try to pre-book a car or look for local shuttles.

• Dress for the Humidity: Even if it’s "winter," Florida crowds are hot and humid. Wear layers—you might start the night in a light jacket and end it in a T-shirt.

• Stake Your Spot: These quirky events are huge draws. For the Key West High Heel or the Miami Big Orange, you’ll want to be in position at least two to three hours before the countdown.

Whether you’re watching a drag queen in a shoe or a giant shrimp in the sky, there’s no better place to say goodbye to 2025 than the Sunshine State.