By Christopher Manson
As the countdown to 2026 begins, the Emerald Coast is buzzing with celebrations for every age, every family and every kind of New Year’s Eve.
Here’s a few of our area faves:
Wednesday, December 31
Baytowne New Year’s Eve Countdown
The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Miramar Beach, 6 p.m.-1 a.m.
An evening to remember, with fireworks at 8 p.m. and midnight. Plus, kids’ activities, face painting, DJ music on the Baytowne Live stage from 6 to 8 p.m., and live music from the Heather Hayes Experience on the Events Plaza stage from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., drone light shows, and more. Attendees under 21 years old must be accompanied by a legal guardian after 10 p.m.
New Year’s Eve at HarborWalk Village
HarborWalk Village, Destin, 7 p.m.-1 a.m.
It’s a “Grande” celebration on the Destin Harbor, with fireworks (8 p.m. and midnight), live music from the Aces (7 p.m.) and New Royals (9:30 p.m.), and more festive fun.
New Year’s Eve Dinner
Beach Walk Café, 2700 Scenic Hwy. 98, Destin,
Henderson Park Inn, Times Vary Each Day
Ring in the new year with a chef-inspired dinner, waterfront views, and a sparkling start to 2026 by the shore. Guests must be 13 or older.
New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise Aboard the Solaris
Sunquest Cruises, 8330 Mike Hayes Boulevard, Miramar Beach. 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m., Check-in at 7 p.m.
Enjoy a four-course dinner and dancing under the moonlight aboard the 125-foot Solaris yacht in Sandestin. Special parking available. The New Year’s Eve cruise is exclusively for guests age 21 and up, and includes chef-inspired cuisine, a stunning view of the Village of Baytowne Wharf’s midnight fireworks show, party favors, and a champagne toast to get 2026 off to an awesome start. Cost is $200 per person; make reservations (required) online or call 850.650.2519. A 72-hour cancellation policy applies to this event.
Okaloosa Island Boardwalk New Year’s Eve Fireworks
The Boardwalk, Okaloosa Island, 8 p.m.
Ring in the New Year beachside as fireworks launch from the end of the fishing pier, visible from anywhere along The Boardwalk—restaurants, bars, pier or shoreline. Make it a dinner-and-a-show with a front-row view from one of The Boardwalk’s beach-facing restaurants, or grab a treat and spread out along the sand to watch the fireworks light up the night.
LuLu’s Annual Noon Year’s Eve Celebration
LuLu’s Destin, Destin, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
A festive, kid-friendly New Year’s celebration featuring face painting, live music and entertainment from Capt. Davy and his Pirates, plus family fun on the sandy beach. Kids enjoy their own countdown to Noon with a giant beach ball drop. Perfect for families looking to celebrate early. LuLu’s closes at 3 p.m. on December 31.
Noon Kids’ Eve Beach Ball Drop
The Island Resort, 1500 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
New Year’s fun for the little ones, with festive crafts and activities, and a countdown to an early beach ball drop to ring in 2026. Public welcome; free for resort guests. Purchase a day pass at resortpass.com.
Noon Year’s Eve
HarborWalk Village, Destin, 11 a.m.-Noon
A family-friendly celebration with fun activities, DJ dance party on the lawn, crafts, and an early “smokeshow” fireworks display.
Noon Year’s Eve Balloon Bash with Bluey and Bingo
Fort SK8 Family Fun Center, 202 Racetrack Road NW, Fort Walton Beach, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Join kids’ favorites Bluey and Bingo for skating, playground, arcade, games, “themed” snacks, and a balloon drop. Reserve online and save $5 on tickets, or call 850.863.1223.
January 1, 2026
Juana’s Penguin Plunge ‘n Paddle
Juana’s Pagodas and Sailors’ Grill, Navarre Beach, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
The theme of the 2026 Plunge ‘n Paddle, benefiting Gulf Coast Kiln Walk Society, is “Freezin’ for a Reason.” Jump into the Santa Rosa Sound for a fresh start to the new year. There will be a number of tempting raffle items, so get your tickets for $20 (five tickets in advance, four tickets day of event).
The Gulf Coast Kiln Walk Society’s mission is “to promote awareness of the ceramic arts and build a sense of community through clay-related activities, bringing individuals of all ages together to celebrate our heritage and pass it on to future generations.” Learn more at gulfcoastkilnwalk.org.
