Story

New Year's Eve and First Day Happenings In SoWal

December 26, 2023 by SoWal Staff

What: NYE in The Courtyard at Pescado: Pop Fizz Clink

When: Sunday, December 31, 2023

Time: 8:00 pm

Where: The Courtyard at Pescado

Ring in 2024 at The Courtyard at Pescado. Celebrate your New Year's Eve in The Courtyard on the ground floor of the Orleans Building in Rosemary Beach at the Pop Clink Party. DJ Angel kicks things off at 8PM followed by cheese & charcuterie, seafood, and dessert stations from 8 - 10PM. Capture your memories in the 360 Photo Booth while you wait for the sparkling toast at midnight!

Ticket Link - https://rooftop30a.com/happenings/thecourtyardnye

This event is for the ground floor only, ticket holders will NOT have entry to the Pescado Rooftop. *For guests 18 years and older only.

The Courtyard at Pescado, a garden courtyard and lounge, offers small bites, craft cocktails and an extensive wine list. Located underneath the widely popular Pescado Seafood Grill & Rooftop Bar in Rosemary Beach, The Courtyard welcomes guests 18 and older. Learn more: rooftop30a.com/the-courtyard

What: Bud & Alleys New Year's Eve Celebration

When: Sunday, December 31, 2023

Time: 5:00 pm

Where: Bud & Alleys

Celebrate New Year's Eve at Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant in Seaside. Dinner seating at 5, 7, & 9PM. The party begins at 8PM with live music featuring Musical Fantasy. As the clock winds down, grab that special someone for a champagne toast and ball drop at midnight. Welcome in the new year at one of South Walton's most beloved establishments!

Make your NYE dinner reservations, budandalleys.com.

From sunrise to sunset, Bud and Alley's Waterfront Restaurant makes dining on the Gulf special. Bud & Alley’s is located on Scenic Hwy. 30A overlooking the Gulf in Seaside. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner.

What: Seagar's NYE: An Evening of Celebration

When: Sunday, December 31, 2023

Time: 5:00 pm

Where: Seagar's Prime Steaks & Seafood

Join Seagar's Prime Steaks & Seafood this New Years Eve as they toast to twenty five years of Seagar’s! With an exquisite menu handcrafted by Executive Chef Fleetwood Covington, a live performance by the Heather Hayes Band and a champagne lounge experience - this is a celebration you don’t want to miss!!

1st Seating | 5:30PM | $275
2nd Seating | 8:00PM | $325

Space is limited, make your reservations today!

Contact: (850) 622-1500
Website: http://www.seagars.com/

What: Baytowne Countdown

When: Sunday, December 31, 2023

Time: 6:00 pm

Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf

Ring in the New Year at the Village of Baytowne Wharf, Dec. 31 from 6pm til after midnight! Dance the night away and enjoy a live band in the Events Plaza and breathtaking fireworks as they light up the sky over the lagoon at midnight. Admission is free and open to the public - 21 & over after 10pm. 20 & Under must be accompanied by a legal guardian after 10pm.

Enjoy their family friendly evening from 6 - 8PM with face painting, kids activities, and LIVE music on the Baytowne LIVE stage. Finish off the family friendly evening with our first fireworks display at 8PM.

Live Entertainment:
6 - 8PM @ Baytowne LIVE Stage || DJ Q$
7PM - 1AM @ Baytowne Events Plaza Stage || Bay Kings Band

The Village of Baytowne Wharf is the heart and soul of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and the gathering place for many locals and visitors along the Emerald Coast. Learn more about shopping, dining, nightlife and events at www.baytownewharf.com. Check out all Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort has to offer at www.Sandestin.com.

What: North Beach Social NYE Party & Fireworks

When: Sunday, December 31, 2023

Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Where: North Beach Social

Start your NYE off early on the bayside! DJ Spinzy on deck at North Beach Social from 6-9pm. Enjoy music, drinks, dinner and dancing as you await the firework show over the bay.

North Beach Social hosts live music in the spacious outside deck six days a week! Spend the afternoon or evening with friends and family on the bayside with cold drinks, delicious eats and live entertainment.

North Beach Social is a beach restaurant and bar located at the foot of the 331 bridge in Santa Rosa Beach on the Choctawhatchee Bay. A popular South Walton gathering spot for everyone with a delicious menu of eats and cold drinks, all day drink specials, breakfast on weekends, Wednesday night paella, and lots of live entertainment. Learn more:
https://northbeach.social/

What: Pescado NYE Celebration Dinner

When: Sunday, December 31, 2023

Time: 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Where: Pescado Seafood Grill & Rooftop Bar

Begin your new year celebrations at Pescado Seafood Grill and Rooftop Bar. The New Year's Eve Celebration Dinner features a four course dinner with amuse bouche, live music by The Barry Fish Band, complimentary entry to The Courtyard at Pescado's Pop Clink Party located on the ground floor, plus party favors and more!

RESERVATIONS: Staggered seating from 6 - 10PM. $269 per person, plus 7% tax & 23% service fee. Call (850) 213-4600 for reservations. To learn more visit rooftop30a.com

Pescado Seafood Grill and Rooftop Bar in Rosemary Beach overlooks the Gulf of Mexico and provides extraordinary service and cuisine. Read more and see photos at SoWal Dining Guide | Pescado.

What: Poppin' New Year's Eve at Hotel Effie

When: Sunday, December 31, 2023

Time: 7:00 pm

Where: Hotel Effie

Hotel Effi, located at The Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, invites you to ring in 2024 at their Ara Rooftop Pool and Lounge. Jam out to live music, sip on hand-crafted cocktails and enjoy the stunning panoramic view of the Baytowne Wharf fireworks shows. General admission and VIP seating are available. 21 and over after 9 PM. Cocktail attire encouraged. Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../poppin-new-years-eve-at...

On Sunday, December 31, access to Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge will be for ticket holders only. Event will be held rain or shine. No refunds due to weather.

Want the full NYE Exprience? Skip the drive and take the elevator home to one of our beautifully modern rooms or suites. Check out our dinner and room packages:
- Hotel Packages: https://www.hoteleffie.com/offers-deals
- Dinner: https://www.hoteleffie.com/dining/ovide

Defining coastal luxury like never before, Hotel Effie is located in the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort. Check out all Hotel Effie has to offer at hoteleffie.com.

What: AJ's Grayton New Year Party

When: Sunday, December 31, 2023

Time: 8:00 pm

Where: AJ's Grayton Beach

Get ready to bring in the New Year at the biggest party on 30A! Ring in 2024 at AJ's Grayton Beach with party favors, no cover, and champagne toast at midnight!! The NYE dinner special is Prime Rib & Snowcrab. Come for the food, stay for the music!

8pm: LIVE MUSIC - DJ Michael Disciple
9pm: LIVE MUSIC - Jarred McConnell & High Aces

AJ's Grayton Beach is a restaurant and bar with indoor/outdoor seating and parking onsite in the heart of Grayton Beach, Florida. With live music and an eclectic atmosphere, this South Walton hot spot is a favorite spot for families, music lovers, locals and visitors. AJ's Grayton Beach is family friendly with a fun atmosphere and extensive menu including Gulf Coast seafood and steak, oyster bar, sushi bar as well as sandwiches and burgers. Sunday Funday brunch and live music every week. See menu: ajsgrayton.com

What: New Year's Eve Celebration at Old Florida Fish House

When: Sunday, December 31, 2023

Time: 8:30 pm

Where: Old Florida Fish House

Countdown to 2024 at Old Florida Fish House! Ring in the new year with an extravagant New Year's Eve celebration. Choose the Party Only package featuring live music by True Soul, a photo booth, champagne toast with a commemorative flute and a midnight balloon drop or the Dinner and Party Package where you can indulge in a delicious three-course dinner prepared by their talented chefs before the party begins.

Purchase tickets in advance: 2024 Old Florida Fish House New Year's Eve Celebration.

Dinner and Party Package | 8:30PM - 12:30AM | $149 in advance, $169 at door
Party Only | 9PM - 12:30AM | $59 in advance, $75 at door

Boasting incredible views of Eastern Lake, Old Florida Fish House is focused on providing a memorable dining experience. Open lunch & dinner, Fish House serves up traditional Old Florida fresh seafood and a sushi experience like no other. Read more, see stories and photos: OFFH in the SoWal Dining Guide

Learn more:
oldfloridafishhouse.com

What: Farm & Fire New Year’s Eve Bootleggers Ball

When: Sunday, December 31, 2023

Time: 9:00 pm

Where: Farm & Fire

Farm & Fire invites you to ring in your New Year's Eve like it’s the extravagant 1920s at the Bootleggers Ball! Beginning at 9pm, guests are encouraged to join in their best prohibition-era finery. The celebratory evening features a five-course prix fixe meal paired with a selection of champagne, whiskey, and moonshine cocktail specials, along with their normal drink menu. After dinner, partygoers will enjoy a night of dancing that will end with fireworks and a champagne toast.

Limited Tickets - $70 per guest. PURCHASE TICKETS!
Please Note: Guests who wish to dine together should purchase together, or contact the management team with your request.

DOORS | 9 PM
DINNER SERVED | 9:20 PM
CHAMPAGNE TOAST & FIREWORKS | 12 AM

The prix fixe menu includes a delightful assortment of small charcuterie, a refreshing salad, a tantalizing appetizer, a delectable entree, a mouthwatering dessert, and a celebratory Santa Elvira toast at the stroke of midnight.

“Too much of anything is bad, but too much Champagne is just right.” - F. Scott Fitzgerald

Farm & Fire is located at the North Beach on the bay above North Beach Social in South Walton. Inspired by the unique meeting places found in every culture, Farm & Fire is a waterfront dining restaurant that offers a diverse menu and dining experience that is high quality but approachable. Learn More: farmandfiresouthwalton.com

What: Stinky's Fish Camp New Year's Day Pajama Brunch Party

When: Monday, January 1, 2024

Time: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

Where: Stinky's Fish Camp

Head to Stinky's Fish Camp for the annual New Year's Day Pajama Brunch Party on Monday, January 1st from 11AM - 3PM featuring delicious food and drinks. Join for brunch in your PJ's and enjoy a free mimosa because you showed up in your jammies! It's a great way to start the New Year!

Flourishing a bit of Louisiana spirit, Stinky’s Fish Camp offers a wide-ranging menu with friendly service in a prime location. Stinky’s sits on a Coastal Dune Lake in Dune Allen, just across from the beach. Cool and comfortable, the restaurant is open daily for lunch, dinner and drinks with a great bar that you just won’t want to leave. Learn More: stinkysfishcamp.com

What: First Day Hike at Grayton Beach State Park

When: Monday, January 1, 2024

Time: 10:00 am

Where: Grayton Beach State Park

Grayton Beach State Park invites you to start the new year out at their First Day Hike, Jan. 1st at 10AM. It will be a comfortable two mile trek on the Flatwoods Trail. Speed of the Hike will be slow to moderate. Group will be encouraged to stay together.

Grayton Beach State Park is one of the most popular state parks in Florida, with massive dunes, winding trails, abundant wildlife, and shimmering 100-acre Western Lake, one of many coastal dune lakes gracing Scenic Highway 30A along Scenic 30A in South Walton (SoWal).

Read more about Grayton Beach State Park and see photo gallery at SoWal Parks | Grayton Beach State Park.

What: Camp Helen State Park Ranger-Guided First Day Hike

When: Monday, January 1, 2024

Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 am

Where: Camp Helen State Park

Start the New Year by joining Camp Helen State Park for a First Day Hike on January 1, 2024 from 10:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. Come and enjoy the park on a Ranger guided nature hike and history tour to learn about the park and its wildlife.

Participants will take a hike along the parks Oak Canopy Trail and arrive at the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. The trail is moderate level but relatively flat with roots, rock, dirt and beach dunes. To make sure your experience is even more enjoyable wear weather appropriate attire and closed toed shoes. Bring water, sunscreen and hat. Please check in at the Ranger Station for starting location.

Camp Helen State Park is bordered on three sides by the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Powell, one of the largest coastal dune lakes in Florida. Activities include swimming, beachcombing, nature study, hiking, and both freshwater and saltwater fishing.

What: SWFD Polar Bear Plunge at Ed Walline Beach Access

When: Monday, January 1, 2024

Time: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm

Where: Ed Walline Beach Access

Make a splash on New Year's Day! The South Walton Fire District in conjunction with Shunk Gulley will host the annual Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day at Ed Walline Beach Access.

Participants are encouraged to register online and sign the safety waiver before the day of the event. In order to register online, visit the SWFD Polar Bear Plunge on Eventbrite: tinyurl.com/SWFDPBP24

In-person registration starts at 11am at Shunk Gulley. $20 to register. Children 12 years old and under are FREE! Every participant gets an event towel with their entry fee. Funds collected at the event will benefit SWFD Community Education Programs.

SWFD Annual Polar Bear Plunge
11AM @ Shunk Gulley || In-person sign-up
12PM @ Shunk Gulley || Costume Contest
1PM @ Ed Walline Beach Access || Plunge

After the plunge is over, join back at Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar to celebrate the start of the New Year.