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As 2026 approaches, communities across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia are gearing up for spectacular festivities, ranging from the renowned Shrimp Drop to dazzling fireworks lighting up the St. Johns River.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As we prepare to welcome 2026, several locations in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia are set to host vibrant firework displays and unique “ball” drops, ensuring an unforgettable start to the new year.
First Coast News has curated a list of the most electrifying events and cherished traditions to help you usher in the new year while you ponder your resolutions.
The City of Jacksonville is bringing back its annual New Year’s Eve fireworks spectacle, standing out as the sole event on our list that extends into the new year itself. At the stroke of midnight, the sky will burst into color as fireworks are launched from a barge on the St. Johns River.
City of Jacksonville
This approximately 12-minute show promises a visual treat visible from Brooklyn and parts of Riverside. However, the best vantage points remain the Northbank and the newly-expanded Southbank Riverwalk, offering a front-row seat to this dazzling display.
The approximately 12-minute display will be visible from Brooklyn and parts of Riverside, but the closest spots to watch will be on the Northbank and the newly-extended Southbank Riverwalk.
Due to ongoing construction along the river, the viewing area will be restricted in some areas. That includes the Shipyards near the stadium, as well as the areas directly beside the north end of the Acosta Bridge.
Boaters will not be allowed out on the river between the Acosta and Main Street Bridge during the fireworks.
Fireworks will launch from between the two bridges, as well as from Lot S at the Shipyards.
All lanes of the Main Street Bridge and the Acosta Bridge will be closed from 11:45 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. for the show.
Parts of Independent Street and Laura Street near Riverfront Plaza will also close at 10 p.m. and reopen at 12:30 p.m.
Drivers are advised to follow detour signage and law enforcement traffic direction.
Nassau County
Who needs a ball when you have shrimp? Amelia Island’s annual Shrimp Drop — where a giant shrimp covered in lights drops from the sky — is a very local way to ring in the new year.
It’s also nationally acclaimed — The event was named #9 in USA Today’s 2025 10Best New Year’s Eve drop list.
The event runs from 5 to 8 p.m. this year on Centre Street.
Glynn County
Nassau County isn’t the only one — Brunswick celebrates its own industry staple with a New Year’s Eve Shrimp Drop every year.
The event begins at 6 p.m. at Mary Ross Waterfront Park, featuring live musical performances, and continues until “Bob” drops from the sky at 8 p.m.
Several local vendors and food trucks plan to attend.
St. Johns County
The City of St. Augustine Beach’s annual New Year’s Eve fireworks show will be at the St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier beginning at 8:30 p.m.
For safety, the county will shut down the pier from Dec. 30 to Jan. 2., as well as the north side of the Pier Park parking lot.
The county plans to provide limited shuttle service from Anastasia Baptist Church to three beach locations: the Ocean Pier, 10th street and A Street.
The Vilano Beach Main Street fireworks display begins at 9:30 p.m. at the Vilano Fishing Pier. The public won’t be able to access the pier during the day as officials set up for the show.
Clay County
Keystone Heights will host what it says is the only official fireworks display in Clay County while also celebrating the city’s 100th birthday.
The free event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at Keystone Beach. Parking is free, and there will be food vendors and live music.
Fireworks begin at 8 p.m.
