Don't miss your last chance to experience the vibrant artistry of Leu Gardens' Dazzling Nights this weekend. Photo by the author
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Visitors can actually ride the exhibits at the Florida Railroad Museum, which hosts a variety of experiences throughout the year. Photo courtesy of the museum
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Sleepover with the dinosaurs at the Orlando Science Center. Photo by Charlotte B
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Visit Gatorland's play area during a visit to this beloved Florida roadside attraction. Photo Charlotte B
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Tour the Florida Everglades aboard the coolest mode of transportation--airboat! Kids will LOVE getting close to nature on a Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures tour. Photo courtesy Visit Orlando
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Gideon's Handmade Cookies, at East End Market, are MASSIVE, like this drool-worthy pistachio toffee chocolate chip cookie. Photo courtesy Gideon's & East End Market
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Obstacle courses are part of the water play at Island H2O Water Park.
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Enjoy the self-guided trail where you can
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Swim and paddle with adorable manatees during your stay at the aptly-named Manatee Cove Apartment. Photo courtesy of VRBO
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New Year's Eve Weekend 2024 in Orlando: Fireworks, Noon Year's Eve, & Balloon Drops

Start 2025 off with epic New Year's fireworks at the Magic Kingdom. Photo courtesy of Disney
Start 2025 off with epic New Year's fireworks at the Magic Kingdom. Photo courtesy of Disney
12/25/24 - By Charlotte B

Looking for the best things to do in Orlando this New Year's Eve weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your holiday weekend list!

This New Year's Eve weekend in Orlando features a host of thrilling activities for the whole family. Ring in 2025 with early New Year's Eve celebrations at Brevard Zoo, Millie Moo's, Monkey Joe's, and more. Older kids can enjoy New Year's Eve fireworks at Sunset Walk, Mount Dora, and Avalon Park. And start the New Year enjoying the beautiful outdoors at a First Day Hike in one of Florida's amazing state parks. Whatever you choose, have a happy New Year and know Mommy Poppins will be with you in Orlando all through 2025!

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Take the family on a hike to celebrate the new year; several state parks host an annual First Day Hike on January 1. Photo by the author
Take the family on a hike to celebrate the new year; several state parks host an annual First Day Hike on January 1. Photo by the author

Things To Do New Year's Eve Weekend in Orlando

New Year's Eve Fireworks at Legoland Florida

Winter Haven
December 26-31, 2024
Celebrate the New Year at a kid-friendly hour at Legoland. Activities include lights, music, fireworks and a "brick drop" to welcome in 2025! READ MORE

Crescent Cinema Holiday Movie Night

Orlando - FREE
Friday, December 27, 2024
Bring the family to Crescent Park for a movie night under the stars featuring The Muppet Christmas Carol. READ MORE

Ten Days of Christmas at Southern Hill Farms

Clermont
December 27-29, 2024
At Southern Hill Farm's Ten Days of Christmas events, enjoy festive fun for the whole family, including snow showers, holiday movies, seasonal treats, Christmas shopping in the Southern Hill Farms Merry Market, and more. READ MORE

Central Florida Soap Box Derby’s Holiday Rally

Sanford - FREE
December 28 & 29, 2024
Bring the kids to Derby Park to watch the soap box derby. Races are free to watch and kids can enjoy the playground at the park afterward. READ MORE

Jewish Heritage Night with the Orlando Magic

Orlando
Sunday, December 29, 2024
Jewish Heritage Night gives the city of Orlando the opportunity to celebrate and share the fun spirit of the Chanukah season together with the Orlando Magic by promoting unity and positivity, allowing everyone to tap into this incredible holiday. READ MORE

Peanut Butter Matinee Family Film

Maitland
Sunday, December 29, 2024
Bring the family to Enzian for its Peanut Butter Matinee Family Film series. A special kids' menu is available. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve at the Winter Park Library

Winter Park - FREE
Monday, December 30, 2024
Countdown to noon to celebrate the coming year at the Winter Park Library. Families can play games, make hats and noise makers, take pics in a photo booth, and enjoy a treat.  READ MORE

Holidays in Space at Kennedy Space Center

Merritt Island
Through December 30, 2024
Visit the Kennedy Space Center as its transformed into a winter wonderland with holidays light displays, street performances, and more. This event features a projection mapping show called Starflake's Holiday Voyage, as well as a 50-ft tree illuminating the Rocket Garden, astronaut nutcrackers, and more. READ MORE

Avalon Park New Year's Eve Celebration

Orlando - FREE
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Watch fireworks at midnight over Avalon Lake. Local restaurants have festive music and entertainment beginning at 6pm. READ MORE

Cheez-It Citrus Bowl

Orlando
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
The annual Citrus Bowl hosts college football teams from the Big Ten and SEC. This year's matchup is South Carolina vs. Illinois. READ MORE

Citrus Bowl FanFest

Orlando - FREE
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
This pre-game tailgate party includes games, inflatables, face painters, and more. Food and drinks are available for purchase. READ MORE

Family New Year's Eve at Boxi Park

Lake Nona
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Ring in 2025 a little early at Boxi Park with an all-ages party, a countdown, and a ball drop. READ MORE

Jazzberry Jammin' New Year's Eve at Crayola Experience Orlando

Orlando
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Ring in the New Year with mid-day countdowns and a streamer launch at 1pm & 3pm, a DJ dance party throughout the afternoon, character appearances, themed crafts, and more at Crayola Experience Orlando. READ MORE

Moo Years Eve at Millie Moo's

Orlando
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Millie Moo's is hosting its annual "Moo" Years Eve party. Enjoy "snow," fubbles, and dancing. Balloon drops take place at 11am & 1pm. READ MORE

Mount Dora New Year's Eve Celebration

Mount Dora - FREE
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Visit Sunset Park in Mount Dora for a New Year's Eve celebration. Event takes place from 9pm-12:00am, with fireworks at midnight. READ MORE

New Year's Eve at Astro Skate

Orlando
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
This family-friendly skating event includes New Year's Eve fun. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve at Brevard Zoo

Melbourne
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Your whole family can celebrate the new year without staying up past anyone’s bedtime! Noon Year’s Eve features a ball drop at noon and a complimentary sparkling juice toast. Enjoy crafts, games, and music as well. READ MORE

New Year's Eve Celebration at Old Town

Kissimmee - FREE
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
End 2024 with a bang at a New Year’s Eve Celebration presented by Old Town and Fun Spot. Bring the family for live music & entertainment and fireworks at midnight. READ MORE

New Year’s Eve Kids Balloon Party

Winter Garden
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Visit Uno's Pizzeria in Winter Garden for the New Year’s Eve Kids Party. Dine in with your little ones and ring in the new year at a kid-friendly time with a ginger ale toast, party favors, and a balloon drop. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve at Monkey Joe's

Orlando & Winter Park
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Enjoy a countdown to noon and ring in 2025 early with the kiddos at Monkey Joe's. There will also be prizes and giveaways throughout the day. READ MORE

New Year's Eve at SeaWorld Orlando

Orlando
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Countdown to the New Year in SeaWorld style, with sea life, music, entertainment, and a fireworks display. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve Party at Semoran Skateway

Casselberry
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Ring in the New Year early at Semoran Skateway, featuring a countdown and balloon drop. READ MORE

New Year's Eve at Walt Disney World

Lake Buena Vista
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Three Walt Disney World theme parks will be staying open until (or past) midnight - including Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios. Highlights include epic New Year's Eve fireworks displays. READ MORE

Rocking New Year Street Party at Sunset Walk

Kissimmee
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
“Rocking New Year” is a non-stop street party, featuring Scotty B & Project: DJ Slam, live entertainment, laser light show, confetti storm, midnight fireworks, complimentary party favors, and more.  READ MORE

Celebration's Now Snowing

Celebration - FREE
Through December 31, 2024
Celebration's annual Now Snowing event features snowfall nightly, as well as ice skating, strolling Carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, train rides, and photos with Santa. READ MORE

Florida Citrus Tower Holiday Light Show

Clermont - FREE
Through December 31, 2024
Enjoy a light show on the Citrus Tower nightly from 7-8pm & 8-9pm. Citrus Coffee and the Citrus Tower are open for purchases. Hot cocoa and sugar cookies available for the little ones. READ MORE

First Day Hike at Florida State Parks

Multiple locations
Monday, January 1, 2025
Take the family on a hike to celebrate the New Year. Several Florida State Parks host an annual First Day Hike on January 1. See website link below for participating parks. READ MORE

Christmas at Gaylord Palms

Kissimmee
Through January 4, 2025
If you haven't experienced Christmas at Gaylord Palms, add it to your calendar this season. Enjoy holiday activities and things to do, including the return of the iconic ICE! experience with two million pounds of colorful ice, a Cirque Spirit of Christmas show, snow tubing, photos with Santa, snow factory, Shine Light Show with thousands of dancing lights, a Christmas Tree Trail, and much more. READ MORE

Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo

Sanford
Select days through January 19, 2025
Experience the Zoo like you’ve never seen it before! See dozens of all-new, hand-constructed lantern displays illuminated by thousands of LED lights around the Zoo on a 3/4 mile path. Celebrate the art, beauty and wonder of traditional Asian lantern festivals. READ MORE
Celebrate New Year's Eve at Epcot Center. Photo courtesy of Disney
Celebrate New Year's Eve at Epcot Center. Photo courtesy of Disney

More Fun Things to Do in Orlando

Christmas Vacation in Orlando: 20 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do With Kids

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20 Kid-Friendly Hikes near Orlando and Central Florida

Explore the outdoors together on one of these great family-friendly hikes. READ MORE

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Don't head north: Enjoy Florida fun in the snow just 90 minutes away! READ MORE

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Orlando

Give the gift of light this holiday season at Orlando Christmas light shows! READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Millie Moo's Indoor Play Cafe
Celebration Town Center
Florida Citrus Tower
Florida State Parks
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake