The New Year is almost here! Tampa Bay has many ways to ring in the new year, starting as early as Noon on New Years eve. All of these events are family-friendly and includes lots of fun, fireworks, and, celebration.
1. Outback Bowl and New Year’s Eve Band Blast
This free family event includes the Outback Bow New Year’s Eve Parade. The parade will be help in the historic Ybor City with floats, marching bands, including two college bands.
The Pep Rally features a battle of the bands and cheerleaders from Florida universities. The parade starts at 5:30 p.m. Come early to catch a great viewing spot for your family.
Cost: Free
When: Wednesday, December 31st at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Along 7th Avenue in Ybor City
(813) 874-2695
2. Light Up Clearwater Beach 2015
Catch a fantastic fireworks celebration with the family at Clearwater Beach. This New Year’s Eve event is free for all to attend.
The fireworks can be seen along Clearwater Beach so bring a blanket and lawn chairs and arrive early to stake your spot.
Pier 60 will also have evening activities and family-friendly entertainment.
Cost: Free
When: Fireworks start at Midnight
Where: Clearwater Beach
3. The Sail Pavilion New Year’s Eve Block Party
Family-friendly event hosted by the Tampa Convention Center with family activities, food trucks, fireworks, street entertainment, and more.
Cost: Free
When: Wednesday, December 31st, 6 p.m.-2 a.m.
8-11 p.m., Live music by The Dead Frets
11 p.m.-2 a.m.,Beats by Dj Bash
Where:åÊThe Sail, 333 S Franklin St,Tampa, Florida
4. Noon Year’s Eve at Lowry Park Zoo
Tampa’s Lowry Park Xoo will begin it’s day time celebration with MIX 100.7 The festivities begin at 9 :30 a.m. with games, arts and crafts, educational displays, and live entertainment.
Families can ring in the New Year early with hats, noisemakers, and a juice toast as they countdown to 12 Noon. For a special treat, there will be character appearance by Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob and Patrick.
Cost: Included in regular admission to the Zoo.
Free for Annual Zoo Pass members.
When: Wednesday, December 31st, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Lowry Park Zoo
1101 West Sligh Avenue, Tampa, FL 33604
5. Noon Year’s Eve at Glazer Children’s Muesum
Glazer Children’s Museum wants toåÊring in the new year all dayåÊlong! Starting at noon, celebrate the New Year at the top of every hour with balloon drops, party hats and noisemakers.
Cost: Included in the price of regular admission
When: Wednesday, December 31st, Noon-5 p.m.
Where: Glazer Children’s Museum
110 West Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602
6. Noon Year’s Eve at Great Exploration
Ring in the new year starting with a dance party, a parade around the museum and a balloon drop at noon. åÊJust before noon the parade and a countdown will begin for a balloon drop to ring in Noon Year’s Eve.
There will be festive activities throughout the day to help celebrate the New Year.
Cost: Included in regular price of admission
When: Wednesday, December 31st, 10 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Where: The Great Exploration Children’s Museum
1925 4th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33704
7. New Year’s Eve at Busch Gardens
Celebrate the New Year with Busch Gardens. Live music from Dj’s throughout the park, and many of the thrill rides will be open throughout the evening. Join other families as the whole park countdown to the New Year with a fantastic fireworks presentation at midnight.
Cost: Included in price of admission (Fun pass, annual pass…etc)
When: Wednesday, December 31st from 9 a.m.-1 a.m.
Where: Busch Gardens
10165 North Malcolm McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612
8. First Night in St. Petersburg
Join St. Pete as they kick-off the New Year with family and kids activities at the First United Methodist Church from 4 to 7 p.m.åÊBands and musical groups from Jazz to Opera, puppet shows, history tours, ice skating, dance performances, and more from 6 p.m. to midnight.
The first splash of fireworks åÊwill take off at 8 p.m. The big Firework Finale will fire off at midnight.
Cost:åÊ Price includes all activities.åÊThe cost for each button if you buy them early is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages six through twelve.On December 31st Adult buttons are $15 and $10 Children ages six through twelve.Buttons can be purchased in advance on theåÊFirst Night Web site.åÊ
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