ORLANDO, Fla. – As the clock inches closer to midnight and the world prepares to embrace 2026, Orlando is gearing up for a vibrant night of festivities that promise to draw in enthusiastic crowds from all corners of the city.

One of the standout attractions this New Year’s Eve is taking place at ICON Park, where families are eagerly gathering for the venue’s inaugural Beach Ball Drop. At the stroke of midnight, a spectacular release of 5,000 inflatable beach balls will cascade throughout the park, offering a whimsical and memorable way to ring in the new year.

ICON Park’s General Manager, William “Bill” Hackett, shared his excitement about the event, stating, “It’s going to be a delightful chaos. These beach balls will be everywhere, and most kids will likely head home with at least two.”

In addition to the Beach Ball Drop, several popular attractions at ICON Park, including The Wheelhouse, Madame Tussauds, and SEA LIFE Aquarium, are extending their hours to keep the celebration going throughout the night. To ensure that the festivities proceed smoothly and safely, Hackett noted that extra security measures have been put in place.

The night promises to be lively, with DJs spinning tunes on the lawn and satellite bars strategically placed to accommodate the expected swell of several thousand revelers, Hackett added. This promises to be a night to remember as Orlando residents and visitors alike gather to celebrate the dawn of a new year.

While at Thornton Park, the iconic Orange Ball Drop will once again take place atop the Reindeer Room. This year, the venue looks a bit different after being converted into the Citrus Bowl Lodge to celebrate the upcoming game.

“The Florida Citrus Sports approached us and since we do a lot of pop ups in our bar, they wanted to do an event to celebrate 80 years of the Citrus Bowl,” said Wendy Connors, Reindeer Room Owner.

Coonors expects hundreds of football fans to pack Washington Street, where sections are gated off and multiple tents have been set up ahead of the midnight countdown.

“It’s like a miniature version of New York City,” she said. “We have the big orange, the countdown at midnight, and everyone gathers underneath it.”

For those looking for live music and nightlife, Wall Street Plaza is already buzzing, with crowds filling the downtown area as bands and DJs perform in the hours leading up to the New Year.

With events spread across the city, Orlando officials encourage attendees to plan ahead, arrive early, and celebrate responsibly as the city welcomes 2026.