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New Year's Eve Weekend in Orlando with Kids: Count Down to 2026!

Start 2026 off with an epic New Year's fireworks display at the Magic Kingdom. Photo courtesy of Disney
Start 2026 off with an epic New Year's fireworks display at the Magic Kingdom. Photo courtesy of Disney
12/30/25 - 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 2026 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 for all your family adventures!

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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

Holidays in Space at Kennedy Space Center

Merritt Island
Through December 30, 2025
This December, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosts Holidays in Space, a festive celebration blending holiday spirit with the excitement of space exploration. The event features an all-new drone show that highlights NASA’s greatest achievements, as well as the return of Kennedy Under the Stars for two themed nights. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve at the Winter Park Library

Winter Park - FREE
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Ready to ring in the new year before bedtime? Countdown to 12:00 Noon and celebrate the coming year along with your friends at the Library’s Noon Year's Eve Party! Hear stories, do crafts, dance, and make some noise as you say goodbye to 2025. READ MORE

Celebration's Now Snowing

Celebration - FREE
Through December 31, 2025
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

Avalon Park New Year's Eve Celebration

Orlando - FREE
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Watch fireworks at midnight over Avalon Lake. Local restaurants have festive music and entertainment beginning at 6pm. READ MORE

Cheez-It Citrus Bowl

Orlando
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
The annual Citrus Bowl hosts college football teams from the Big Ten and SEC. This year's matchup is Michigan vs. Texas. READ MORE

Citrus Bowl FanFest

Orlando - FREE
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
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
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Ring in 2026 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
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
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

Family NYE Party at Astro Skate

Orlando
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
This family-friendly skating event includes New Year's Eve fun and free pizza for the first hour. Event take place from 6:30pm-12:30am. READ MORE

Moo Years Eve at Millie Moo's

Orlando
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Millie Moo's is hosting its annual "Moo" Years Eve party. Enjoy "snow," fubbles, and dancing. Balloon drop takes place at noon. READ MORE

Mount Dora New Year's Eve Celebration

Mount Dora - FREE
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Visit Sunset Park in Mount Dora for a New Year's Eve celebration. Event takes place from 9pm-12:30am, with fireworks at midnight. READ MORE

New Year's Eve Fireworks at Legoland Florida

Winter Haven
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
End the year with a bricktastic bang at Kids' New Year's Eve! "Midnight" comes early for families at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, celebrating the New Year together with brick-bursting fireworks and awesome entertainment, all without missing their bedtimes. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve at Brevard Zoo

Melbourne
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
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
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
End 2025 with a bang at a New Year’s Eve Celebration presented by Old Town and Fun Spot. Bring the family for live music & entertainment starting at 6pm and fireworks at midnight. READ MORE

New Year’s Eve Kids Balloon Party

Winter Garden
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
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 balloon drops at 3pm & 6pm. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve at Monkey Joe's

Orlando & Winter Park
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Enjoy a countdown to noon and ring in 2026 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
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
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
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
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
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
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
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
“Rocking New Year” is a non-stop street party, featuring Pandora’s Box: The Tribute to Aerosmith and Project: DJ Slam! Hosted by Scotty B and featuring very special guest DJ Flatline. Laser light show, confetti storm, midnight fireworks, complimentary party favors, and more.  READ MORE

Deleon Dunk Pool Plunge

Deleon Springs
Thursday, January 1, 2026
What a great way to celebrate the New Year! Take a dip in the spring pool, which is 72 degrees all year long.  If it is a cold day, the water will feel warm & inviting. If it is a warm day, the water will feel cool & refreshing - it's a win-win! Everyone will jump in at the same time and make a big splash! READ MORE

First Day Hike at Florida State Parks

Multiple locations
Thursday, January 1, 2026
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

Classical Arts Entertainment Presents The Sleeping Beauty

Orlando
Friday, January 2, 2026
Believe in magic again. Experience The Sleeping Beauty, a timeless fairytale told through breathtaking choreography, Tchaikovsky’s memorable score, and a magical stage design. This family-friendly ballet is suitable for all ages and will be presented in two acts with one intermission. READ MORE

Eustis First Friday

Eustis - FREE
Friday, January 2, 2026
Visit the streets of downtown Eustis for a First Friday festival, with a different theme each month. This event features food, vendors, music, and more. READ MORE

Maitland's Getdown Downtown Block Party

Maitland - FREE
Friday, January 2, 2026
This monthly first Friday block party includes a fun zone for the kids, live entertainment, food, drinks, vendors, and more. READ MORE

Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens

Orlando
Through January 4, 2026
Year 6 brings more lights and a longer path for the biggest Dazzling Nights yet! Live music all night long and more live entertainment offerings. READ MORE

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort

Orlando
Through January 4, 2026
During the holidays at Universal, families can enjoy the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's, and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. READ MORE

Christmas at Gaylord Palms

Kissimmee
Through January 7, 2026
Experience so much Christmas with dazzling displays, tempting treats, holiday shows, and festive activities. ICE! features beloved scenes from "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" brought to life through colorful, colossal ice sculptures. READ MORE

Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo

Sanford
Through January 18, 2026
This holiday season, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will glow once again as it hosts the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild. Wander the three-quarter-mile pathway filled with all-new, handcrafted lantern scenes, each glowing with thousands of LED lights. Ocean-inspired landscapes meet mythical creatures, from graceful ice dragons and unicorns to a new twist on our beloved showcase dragon. READ MORE

Illuminate Lantern Festival at Aquatica Orlando

Orlando
Through January 31, 2026
Step into a nighttime festival that transforms Aquatica into a luminous world of wonder. Guests will journey through five radiant realms, each fully immersive with brilliant lantern displays, dynamic sounds, captivating scents, and themed food & beverage that bring each realm to life. From shimmering seascapes to playful candy-inspired creations, every step reveals something new to explore, taste, and share. READ MORE
There's no shortage of New Year's Eve celebrations happening throughout the Orlando area. Photo courtesy of Disney
There's no shortage of New Year's Eve celebrations happening throughout the Orlando area. Photo courtesy of Disney

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Places featured in this article:

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Celebration Town Center
Millie Moo's Indoor Play Cafe
Florida State Parks
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake
Bivona Christmas Light Show

About the Author

Charlotte Blanton
Charlotte Blanton, a Central Florida native and mom of three, holds a business degree from the University of Florida (Go Gators!). After a career in corporate finance, she pivoted to stay home with her kids and found her passion for writing through Mommy Poppins. She loves exploring local theme parks and discovering fun activities for families in Central Florida.
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