Wondering where to ring in 2026 with the kids? Looking for places to go for New Year’s Eve in Florida with your family?
Whether you celebrate at noon or midnight, we’ve rounded up the best family-friendly New Year’s Eve events in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and across Central Florida.
From Noon Year’s Eve parties to fireworks displays along the coast, you’ll find fun ways to say goodbye to 2025 and welcome the new year together.
Not ready to stay up until midnight? Don’t worry — several local spots host early countdowns so little ones can still join the celebration.
Note: There are no fireworks in Lakeland on New Year’s Eve. The closest shows are at LEGOLAND in Winter Haven and along the Tampa Bay beaches.
Please check directly with event organizers for specific dates, discounts, current ticket prices, advance registration, and any last-minute changes. While we do our best to provide accurate information, we include an outside link so you can verify the details for all events and activities.
2025 Lakeland New Year’s Eve Family Events
Keep checking back as more events are announced closer to New Year’s Eve!
Things to do with Kids for New Year’s Eve
Looking for daytime fun on December 31 or January 1? Try these ideas from our other guides:
Tampa New Year’s Events for Kids
Downtown Countdown at Glazer Children’s Museum
December 31 | 10am – 3pm | Glazer Children’s Museum
Countdowns, crafts, and family fun — celebrate early so everyone still makes bedtime! Included with museum admission.
New Year’s Eve Celebration at Busch Gardens
December 31 | All Day
Thrilling rides, fireworks, and Christmas Town festivities included with park admission at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. {TIP: Sign up for Free Busch Gardens Tickets from Kane’s after the Bucs have 10+ first downs in a game and use it over the holidays}
Noon Year’s Eve Celebration for Kids at Armature Works Tampa
December 31 | 11am – 3pm | Armature Works Tampa
Free family celebration on the West Lawn with bounce houses, face painting, crafts, DJs, and a countdown to noon.
Noon Year’s Eve at Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park
December 31 | 10am – 4pm | ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Countdown every hour from 10am-4pm plus festive food, music, and giveaways — included with zoo admission.
ReliaQuest Bowl New Year’s Eve Parade
December 30 | 5:30pm | Ybor City
The ReliaQuest Bowl New Year’s Eve Parade features floats and marching bands the day before the big game.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Near You: Tampa Bay Area + Beach Fireworks Displays
Note: There are no New Year’s Eve fireworks in Lakeland — but these nearby options are an easy drive!
NYE Fireworks at Armature Works
December 31 | 8pm-2am | Armature Works
Spectacular waterfront fireworks at midnight and a paid 21+ event. Family viewing areas available outside the 21+ party zone.
Tampa New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Pirate Water Taxi Cruise
December 31 | 11:30pm-12:30am | Pirate Water Taxi
Enjoy front-row seats for the fireworks from the water! Book early; sells out fast.
NYE on the St. Pete Pier + St. Pete Fireworks New Year’s Eve
December 31 | 8pm-12:30am | NYE on the St. Pete Pier
Family-friendly celebration with DJs, food trucks, and fireworks over the waterfront.
(The main activities and programming are located on Spa Beach Park, but the City of St Petersburg’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are visible from all areas of the Pier and Downtown Waterfront.)
Light it Up Clearwater Beach Fireworks on New Year’s Eve
December 31 | Midnight | Light It Up Clearwater
Relax on the beach and watch fireworks light up the night sky from Sand Key — visible all along Clearwater Beach. Parking and paid events info on website (boat cruise, 21+ parties, etc).
Orlando New Year’s Events for Kids
Spending New Year’s Eve in Orlando with family? These local favorites are all kid-friendly New Year’s Eve events.
New Year’s Eve at SeaWorld Orlando
December 31
Enjoy fireworks, DJs, and festive entertainment all day and night at SeaWorld Orlando.
Jazzberry Jammin’ New Year’s Eve at Crayola Experience Orlando
December 31 | 12pm – 4pm
Colorful crafts, dance parties, and countdowns throughout the afternoon — included with admission at Crayola Experience Orlando.
Staying Home for New Year’s Eve
I’ll be the first to admit that our New Year’s Eve celebrations changed a bit once we had kids! And I’ll also admit that I’m now perfectly content to stay home on New Year’s with my family, champagne and party poppers in my own living room.
If you’re staying home on NYE, you can still enjoy New Year’s Eve celebrations in Times Square and around the world.
Here are the TV Specials for December 31:
- Dick Clark’s Primetime New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest – 8pm – 2am on ABC
- New Year’s Eve Live, hosted by Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen – 8pm – 12:30am on CNN
- NBC New Year’s Eve Special – 9pm on NBC
- CBS New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash – 8pm on CBS
2024 NYE Events – Check Back for Updates
Editor’s Note: Past events are listed below and will be updated as 2025–2026 event details are confirmed.
HAPPY NEW YEAR and CHEERS to 2026!!
Christmas Events + Holiday Activities
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Christmas Events + Holiday Activities to find more things to do including Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays, FREE Christmas Events, Santa Photos, Christmas Parades, and more.
