New Year SoWal Celebrations At The Beach

Ringing in the New Year is always fun at the beach with lots of celebrations with food, drink, music, parades, and fireworks! Below are some of the main events from our SoWal Partners & Friends. Keep your eye on the SoWal Events Calendar for the latest updates. Also the SoWal Forum - Dining, Music, & Nightlife Subs.

What: Alys Beach Noon Year's Eve Party
When: Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where: Alys Beach Amphitheatre

Ring in the New Year a little early at the Alys Beach Noon Year’s Eve Party. Join on Tuesday, December 31st, from 10AM to 12PM in the Amphitheatre for a festive celebration the whole family will enjoy. Dance along to live music from Big City Rhythm, get creative with fun crafts (available for purchase), enjoy face painting, and capture moments in the photo booth. At noon, welcome 2025 in style with an exciting T-shirt drop. This event is free and open to the public.  Alys Beach Amphitheatre is located on Scenic 30A just across from the Gulf of Mexico in South Walton's Alys Beach, Florida. The amphitheater is a beautiful green park where families will often gather for live music, outdoor movies, annual celebrations, children's activities and other fun events. Learn more at www.AlysBeach.com.

What: Seaside New Year's Eve Celebration
When: Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Time: 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Seaside's Central Square

Ring in 2025 with family and friends in Seaside, FL! Seaside's New Year's Eve Celebration in Central Square begins at 4PM on December 31. Activities include arts & crafts, face painting, a live performance by Monsters of Yacht and fireworks.

4-9PM: Arts & Crafts, Facepainting
5-9PM: Monsters of Yacht band on the Amphitheater Stage
9PM: Fireworks

What: The Red Bar New Year's Eve Bash
When: Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Time: 5:00 pm
Where: The Red Bar

The Red Bar is taking reservations for New Year's Eve! Ringing in the New Year at The Red Bar is a SoWal tradition for many locals and SoWal beach lovers. You just gotta do it at least once in your life! Enjoy live music early in the evening and then DJ dance music from the bar for hours on end. Party favors, noise makers, balloons, hats and tiaras provided at no charge. Reserved Seating available - Walk-Ins Welcome, For more info or to reserve now, call 850-231-1008.

What: AJ's Grayton Beach New Year's Eve Celebration
When: Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Time: 5:00 pm
Where: AJ's Grayton Beach

AJ's in saying Farewell 2024 and Hello 2025 in true Grayton Beach style - live music and a good time! Champagne toast and party hats at midnight. No Cover. Come early to indulge in their mouthwatering Prime Rib & Grilled Shrimp Dinner -- ready at 5PM.  

5PM | Pickled Pickers on the Main Stage
8PM | DJ Michael Disciple on the Main Stage
8PM | DJ Q in the Round Room
9PM | Scratch 2020 on the Main Stage
Midnight Complimentary Champagne Toast

What: JMT + Friends @ Stinky's Bait Shack NYE Pre-Party
When: Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Stinky's Bait Shack

Kick off your New Year's Eve festivities at Stinky's Bait Shack! JMT + Friends take the stage in the from 6-9 PM for a NYE pre-game performance. Say goodbye to 2024 surrounded by friends and family at this guaranteed good time!

What: Baytowne Countdown & Drone Spectacular
When: Tuesday, December 31, 2024
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. Dance the night away with LIVE music at 7pm until 1am, on the Events Plaza Stage! 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. This year, turn your eyes to the sky during the Baytowne Countdown celebration at 10pm and midnight for an eye-catching drone light show! Watch as 150 drones light up the night sky over the lagoon with swimming dolphins, shooting stars, and much more.

What: New Year's Eve at Fish Out of Water
When: Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Time: 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Where: Fish Out Of Water Restaurant On The Gulf At WaterColor

The countdown is on—2024 is coming to a close! Join Fish Out of Water as they bid farewell to an incredible year and welcome 2025 in style. Enjoy a memorable evening with the family, featuring a special multi-course dinner or selections from the regular All-Day menu, champagne toasts, and an evening full of celebration. Highlights include live music by local artist Christon Birge from 6 - 9 PM and a photo booth to capture the evening's festivities. No reservations needed, as all guests are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis.

What: North Beach Social New Year's Eve Pre-Celebration
When: Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: North Beach Social On The Bay

Kick off NYE at North Beach Social! Join NB Social for a pre-midnight celebration on December 31 from 6–9 PM. DJ Grateful Dan will be spinning the perfect mix while the photo booth captures all the fun moments. Say goodbye to 2024 with friends and family on the bayside with cold drinks, delicious eats and live entertainment.

What: Neon Nights NYE Bash at Hotel Effie Rooftop
When: Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Time: 7:00 pm
Where: Hotel Effie at Sandestin

Celebrate the new year in neon style at Hotel Effie Sandestin's Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge! The Neon Nights NYE Bash is set to be the brightest event to welcome 2025. Dance to heart-pumping beats spun by a live DJ, enjoy breathtaking live performances and indulge in unique NYE drink specials. Whether you're sipping cocktails under the stars or dining from our refreshed Ara menu, make this New Year’s Eve unforgettable.

Tickets:  Features: Live DJ and Entertainment, NYE Drink Specials, Refreshed Dining Menu, Cabanas and Private Seating Available.

NYE at Ovide (At Hotel Effie) - Join us at Ovide for an exclusive dining experience this New Year's Eve. Choose from two special seating times to suit your celebration plans: Early NYE Dinner (5:00 PM - 6:30 PM): Savor a delightful three-course menu for $75++ per person, complete with a welcome glass of champagne. Interested in an extra course? Upgrade to a four-course menu during the early seating by request. NYE Dinner (7:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Indulge in a luxurious four-course dinner for $120++ per person, starting your evening with a welcome glass of champagne. Each dining experience promises to make your New Year's celebration truly memorable. Reserve your table early to secure your spot at Ovide and toast to the new year in style!

What: Pescado and The Courtyard at Pescado New Years Eve Celebrations
When: Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Time: From 4PM Until
Where: Pescado Rooftop and The Courtyard at Pescado

First, the Rooftop Sunset Soiree from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. It is almost impossible to watch the sunset and not dream of what is to come. There is no better way than to embrace the last moments of 2024 than to revel in the stunning sunset canvas over the Emerald Coast. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.sevn.ly/xKSZHuld.

Second, an 80's Music Themed New Year's Eve Dinner with staggered seating from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. featuring a three course dinner and amuse bouche. Guests will receive a glass of Cava on arrival! The dinner is $239 per person (exclusive of tax and service fee) and is offered by reservation only. Call (850) 213-4600 for reservations. Reservations are not open until December 1 at 9:00 a.m. www.sevenrooms.com/events/pescado/offers-dir

The Courtyard at Pescado (downstairs), located on the ground floor of the Orleans Building in Rosemary Beach, is ringing in 2025 with an 80's Disco from 8:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. DJ South Beach will be spinning tunes while guests enjoy a cheese and charcuterie station (from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.). Tickets are $119 each (exclusive of tax and service fee) and can be purchased by visiting www.sevn.ly/xtStVex5. *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.

What: Old Florida Fish House NYE Celebration
When: Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Time: 8:00 pm
Where: Old Florida Fish House

Old Florida Fish House will host a New Year's Eve Celebration you and your crew do not want to miss! OFFH is offering four options for your NYE dinner and celebration (see below). Ring in 2025 in style! Enjoy excellent food, a live band featuring local favorite Alex Napier, a champagne toast, and a balloon drop at midnight. If you purchase dinner and party tickets, arrive for dinner between 8PM and 9PM before the party starts. Throughout the dinner and party you may choose from a menu that includes delectable entrees, appetizers and desserts. If you are only attending the party, you may start arriving at 9:00 PM. The band will begin playing at 9:45PM and continue until 12:30 AM. To elevate your NYE celebration pre-order allocated bottles of wine or champagne. In addition to celebrating in style, pre-ordering includes a significant discount. Whichever option you choose you are sure to enjoy celebrating the New Year at the Old Florida Fish House!

What: Camp Helen State Park First Day Hike
When: Wednesday, January 1, 2025
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 Wednesday, January 1, 2025 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.

What: Polar Bear Plunge at Ed Walline Access

When: Wednesday, January 1, 2025

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: REGISTER HERE.

Participants are invited to Shunk Gulley starting at 11 a.m. to pick up their event towel after the completion of the online registration process. The annual costume contest will begin at 12 p.m. at the restaurant, followed by the plunge itself at 1 p.m. at Ed Walline Beach Access. Funds collected at the event will benefit SWFD Community Education Programs.