Ready to party like it’s 2026? Here’s where to go on New Year’s Eve in Miami
See ya, 2025. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
Whether you’ve had a rough past 12 months, or a great run, a new chapter is always a cause for celebration. While most South Florida restaurants and bars throw parties with special dinners, many of which include champagne toasts and streamers, some places go that extra mile.
And we found them.
Here’s a roundup of some of the hottest picks in town, including a new extravaganza for all:
Public gatherings in South Florida
The Countdown: One of the most buzzed about events making its debut on Dec. 31 is at our version of Times Square: Bayfront Park. Called “The Countdown,” the free, family friendly night out features live entertainment, a fireworks show, multiple food/drink stations — and serious star power. Expected to belt out their greatest hits are a mix of artists from rapper Flo Rida and EDM king Marshmello to reggaetoneros Nicky Jam and Gente De Zona. The Miami Heat’s in-house DJ/TikTok influencer M-Dot plays host. Organizers say they’re hoping this event will become a new tradition at the 32-acre destination, which has long been home to many a New Year’s Eve party (locals may recall Pitbull channeled Dick Clark there for several years).
A geographical plus: Walk to the southern end of the park to get up close to the beloved Big Orange ascend to the top of the InterContinental Miami Hotel as 2025 fades into obscurity.
“Bayfront Park has been home to some of the most memorable celebrations in Miami’s history, and this year we’re raising the bar,” said Commissioner Miguel Gabela, chairman of the Bayfront Park Management Trust, which is organizing the shindig. More than 100,000 people are expected to attend.
Info: Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Doors open at 5 p.m. Free. www.bayfrontparkmiami.com.
Hotels, clubs, restaurants and more
Block party: Prefer to start your year off in a more hipster, artsy environment? The open-air Wynwood Marketplace is hosting a massive block party with a stacked lineup of some of the planet’s top electro house DJs. Be sure to wear your dancing shoes: Among the talented folks presiding over the decks are JoeSki, who hails from Brooklyn; Australia’s Massi; and Decimal, all the way from Uganda. Guests must be 21 to enter. Info: Wynwood Marketplace, 2250 NW Second Ave., Miami. Doors open at 9 p.m. Tickets from $24.25. www.unation.com.
Bar crawl: If you’re feeling the FOMO itch, here’s something for you: At the Miami NYE All Access Bar Crawl, revelers can hit multiple places in Wynwood until the clock strikes midnight and beyond. Pick up your welcome kit — which includes an all-access lanyard, map and discount coupons — at 1-800-Lucky, then keep it moving to such hot spots as Moxy, Bar Tulio’s, Mama’s Frozen Margaritas and, of course, Gramps (the beloved dive closes forever on Jan. 4). Info: Check in at 1-800-Lucky, 143 NW 23rd St., Miami, from 8 to 10 p.m. General admission tickets start at $19 at EventBrite.
Hotel blowout: Speaking of cool DJs, Grammy winning superstar David Guetta will be spinning his heart out at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel, which is bringing back its annual end of year blowout. Festivities (by the pool deck area) include a virtual ball drop, open bars galore, champagne toast, and specially curated eats from on-site restaurants Prime 54, Mirabella and Hakkasan. Info: The Fontainebleau, 4400 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Doors open at 9 p.m. Packages begin at $250. www.fontainebleau.com/NYE
Rooftop celebration: All the way up! Rosa Sky in Brickell is inviting folks to rise to the occasion, on their 22nd floor rooftop. The chic, lounge-y eatery calls the Under the Cosmos soiree “a night filled with stars, sparkle and panoramic views.” Think a stellar, all-night lineup of DJs; “chef driven” dishes; creative adult beverages — and endless Instagrammable opportunities of the skyline, obvio. Info: Rosa Sky Rooftop, 115 SW Eighth St., 22nd Floor of the AC Hotel, Miami. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets begin at $125. https://rosaskyrooftop.com
50 Cent performance: 50 Cent has been making headlines for a hot minute, just not for his numerous hits. The “Candy Shop” singer recently produced a Netflix doc about his arch nemesis, disgraced rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs called “The Reckoning.” On NY Eve, Fiddy fans will be pleased to know he’s going back to his roots, rapping and chewing scenery at E11EVEN. It’s unclear what time the famed hip hopper will take the stage, but assume late, very late. That’s because the famed “ultraclub” is open 24 hours a day. Info: E11EVEN Miami, 29 NE 11th St., Miami. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets begin at $272.30. www.11miami.com.
South Beach: If you’ve been a WFH couch potato all year, perhaps you’re pining to be in the thick of the action. May we suggest you put down your phone and appear IRL at The Clevelander? The Ocean Drive mainstay is basically ground zero for South Beach “Animal House” style insanity, and we mean that in the best way. The notorious annual NYE rager is always quite the memorable experience (or not, which is probably the point). Think beyond-potent drinks, deafeningly thumping tunes and wall-to-wall humanity. Bonus: You’ll have an excellent vantage point to witness the midnight fireworks display at Lummus Park, a few blocks away. OK, yank your phone back out for that one. Info: The Clevelander, 1020 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets from $28.29 at www.tixr.com.
Holiday cheer: If you’re still in a Santa state of mind, head to Christmas Wonderland, which will transport you to the North Pole, 305 style. The popular attraction is hosting New Year’s at Nine, with a full on fireworks show at 9 p.m. so your mini-me’s won’t stay up past their bedtime. The festivities, which include a dance party, free noisemakers and glow sticks, plus endless photo ops, is included in the price of admission. Info: Christmas Wonderland, Tropical Park, 7900 SW 40th St., Miami-Dade. Doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets from $39 for adults; $29 for kids (3-12); under 2 free. https://miamiwonderland.com
See the lights: Haven’t been to NightGarden at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden yet? Because there’s no time like the present. Every year during the holidays, the 23-acre landmark is all aglow with life-size, lit up displays in all shapes, sizes and colors. For New Year’s Eve, after strolling the illuminated trails, visitors can check out even more eye candy: a dazzling fireworks showcase at 9 p.m. Info: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Rd., Coral Gables. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. Tickets from $38 for adults and $33 for kids at thenightgarden.com
Party at a veritable institution: Little Haiti’s historic Churchill’s Pub, which finally reopened in September after a five-year hiatus, is back in a big way. The legendary dive bar, aka the “CBGB of the South,” will be home base for a two-day live music festival starting Wednesday. Expecting a glass of bubbly? Sorry, in this place you’ll make do with $5 beer specials. Plus, your ears will be treated to 50-plus performances from myriad acts from all across the country. Bonus: The joint just got a mini-makeover, which we hear included a cleanup of the infamously grody bathrooms. Info: Churchill’s Pub, 5501 NE Second Ave., Miami. Doors open Dec. 31 and Jan 1 at 3 p.m. Free. https://churchillspub.com
Broward County
For you 954ers, don’t feel left out. There are plenty of places beside Hard Rock to ring in 2026 in Broward. Here’s one of the big ones:
Anchor drop: One of the hottest tickets is Fort Lauderdale’s Downtown Countdown. The epic street fest is ideal for families with littles, thanks to a bunch of activities (bounce houses, face painting, contests, etc.) to tire them out while it’s still light out. If you can keep them awake (or sshh, let them sleep in the stroller), the 7 p.m. “anchor drop” is always a spectacle to behold. The 20-foot-high, 700 pound plus mega-ornament — aglow with thousands of color-changing LED lights — descends from 100 feet in the air as the final seconds of 2025 tick down. Info: The street fest is in downtown Fort Lauderdale along SW Second Street between Second and Fifth avenues. 4:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. www.parks.fortlauderdale.gov
This story was originally published December 26, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
