How to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Destin

Looking for things to do in Destin for New Year’s Eve? Our coastal community boasts a variety of ways to welcome 2025. From sparkling fireworks over the harbor to family-friendly events, romantic dinners, and lively parties, Destin has something for everyone. So gather your loved ones and get ready to ring in the new year in style on the Emerald Coast! Here’s your ultimate guide to celebrating New Year’s Eve in Destin:

Noon Year’s Eve

No need to worry about staying awake until midnight—there are several “Noon Year’s Eve” parties that allow your kids to ring in 2025 without compromising that precious bedtime routine. These events offer kid-friendly activities and culminate in a special celebration as the clock strikes 12.

• Lulu’s: This popular party starts at 10am and features a beach ball drop at noon, face painting, live music, and more on the sandy beach.
• HarborWalk Village: Visit from 11am to 2pm for fun activities, DJ dance party, creative crafts, and a special daytime smoke-show firework display over the Destin Harbor at noon. You can also enjoy a sample of a signature mocktail or cocktail from the sponsors by the main stage.
• Alys Beach: Head over to 30A for live music, face painting, a photo booth, special craft activities (available for purchase) and a kids’ T-shirt drop at noon. Find the fun at the Alys Beach Amphitheatre from 10am to noon.
• Fudpuckers: This event features face painting, a live DJ, food, alligators, and a prize filled balloon drop at noon! The fun starts at 10am.
• Silver Sands Premium Outlets: From 10am to noon, enjoy face painting, airbrush tattoos, a DJ, games, a magic show from 11am -11:30am, a photo op, and a prize wall. The event will conclude with a juice box toast and bubble blast when the clock strikes 12! The event will be held in the courtyard by Saks OFF 5TH.  

Fireworks Over Destin Harbor

HarborWalk Village hosts a New Year’s Eve celebration complete with two spectacular fireworks displays over the Destin Harbor, which take place at 8pm and Midnight. They are set off from a barge on the water in the East Pass, so you can see them from a variety of spots including other restaurants and docks along the harbor, a boat, or Norriego Point. The event at HarborWalk Village also features live music beginning at 7pm, a ball drop at midnight, and more festive activities.

Baytowne Countdown

The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin counts down to the new year with a fun family-friendly evening starting at 6pm, complete with face painting, kids activities, live music, and two fireworks displays (8pm and Midnight). Plus, turn your eyes to the sky at 7:30pm and 11:30pm for an eye-catching drone light show! Watch as 200 drones light up the night sky over the lagoon.

Dining at Destin Restaurants

If you prefer ringing in the new year with a delicious dinner, there are many restaurants in Destin that offer special prix fixe menus, live entertainment and other festive features. Many of these venues offer live music, themed parties, and midnight champagne toasts. Many restaurants will offer prix fixe menus for New Year’s Eve, so make sure to check the menu ahead of time and make reservations early to avoid disappointment.

• Bitterroot is offering a three-course meal and champagne toast for $90 with the option to add drink pairings for $50. Michelin restaurant-trained Chef Chadwick Donelson always serves up a memorable meal! Visit their website to make reservations.
• Primrose at Henderson will have a prix fixe menu for $129 per adult and $39 per child. Enjoy a delicious meal and the festive, upscale atmosphere from 5pm to 9pm.
• Beach Walk Café at Henderson Park Inn has a four-course prix fixe menu and holiday drink specials, plus a view of the Gulf.
• Skybar will be hosting a New Year’s Eve Bash with a live band from 5pm – 8pm, DJ from 9pm to 1am, photo booth, champagne specials, party favors (while supplies last) and the perfect spot to view the fireworks displays over the Harbor at 8pm and Midnight. Please note Skybar is adults-only (18 to enter, 21 to drink).

Seaside Celebration and Fireworks

Seaside offers a picturesque setting for celebrating the new year. Enjoy crafts and face painting from 4pm to 9pm; Monsters of Yacht band on the Amphitheater Stage from 5pm to 9pm; and fireworks from the Gulf at 9pm. It’s the best way to close out 2024 right on the beach!

Neon Lights New Year’ Eve Bash at Hotel Effie

Celebrate the new year in neon style at Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge! Dance to heart-pumping beats from a live DJ, enjoy live performances, and indulge in unique NYE drink specials and refreshed dining menu. Tickets are $65+ tax and gratuity. Cabanas and private seating are also available.

Dinner Cruise on the Solaris Yacht

If you’re looking for a more intimate experience, enjoy a delicious dinner and stunning views on the Solaris. Exclusively for guests 21 and older, this 4.5-hour cruise features a four-course plated dinner, live entertainment, party favors, a midnight champagne toast, and open-air deck with gorgeous views of the fireworks display. The 125′ yacht sets sail from the Baytowne Marina inside Sandestin at 8pm. Reservations are required and can be made online here.