To kick off your new year, get your “Glitter and Glam” on with Diamond Dan at LJ Schooners’ New Year’s Eve party! Dinner specials will run from 5-10 p.m.
The Village of Baytowne Wharf will host Baytowne Countdown, Saturday, Dec. 31, 6 p.m.-1 a.m., with two breathtaking fireworks displays at 8 p.m. and midnight. Enjoy a family-friendly evening from 6-8 p.m. Dance the night away with live music from Bay Kings Band 7 p.m-1 a.m. End the night with a spectacular midnight fireworks show.
Ring in 2023 at Hotel Effie’s Rocking New Year’s Eve Spectacular! Enjoy an evening full of dining, dancing and entertainment with family and friends at any one of Hotel Effie’s renowned venues: Ovide, Ara and The Lobby Bar. Ovide’s Dinner and Entertainment Package includes Ovide’s exclusive four-course dinner menu, access to all entertainment throughout the evening, complimentary valet parking, champagne upon arrival, and NYE party accessories. Two seating times: 5-7 p.m. $250 per person and 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $350 per person. Rooftop Access is $100 per person. Book at www.hoteleffie.com/new-years-evedinner-ovide.
Noon Year’s Eve is just for kids at LuLu’s Destin. It’s the 7th annual Noon Year’s Eve celebration Tuesday, Dec. 31, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with non-stop, free kid-friendly fun. There will be arts and crafts, inflatables, face painting, live music and more. Kids can have their fun by counting down to Noon with kid-safe “fireworks” and a huge Beach Ball Drop. Visit Lulus- FunFoodMusic.com/destin or call (850) 710-5858.
Ring in the New Year from 5 p.m through midnight at Harborwalk Village with free live entertainment happening on the main stage beginning at 7 p.m. with Shenanigans followed by The New Royals at 9:30 p.m. Then turn your eyes to the skies for a dazzling fireworks display over the Harbor and shout along as we countdown the Ball Drop, welcoming a New Year! 8 p.m. fireworks; Midnight fireworks and Ball Drop!
Join Seaside’s New Year’s Eve celebration in Central Square including arts and crafts, face painting, a live performance by Monsters of Yacht and fireworks! Enjoy arts and crafts/face painting in Central Square From 4-9 p.m. Monsters of Yacht at the Amphitheater Stage from 5-9 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m. at the Seaside Amphitheater.
Old Florida Fish House will host a New Year’s Eve Celebration. Choose between an early dinner followed by live music or its epic New Year’s Eve Extravaganza.
Still Standing: A Tribute to Elton John, 5-7:30 p.m. Dec. 31. Some of Elton John’s most popular songs will be performed by Ben Fry and band. Ticket includes the show and reservation for dinner but does not include food or drinks. Visit www.oldfloridafishhouse.com for details.
New Year’s Eve Extravaganza | 8 – 1 a.m. Enjoy live entertainment, including a live band, midnight toast, delectable food and drink options, and more! Ticket does not include the cost of food and drinks. Visit www.oldfloridafishhouse.com for details.
The New Year’s Eve Bash at Rick’s on Okaloosa Island will be held from 4 p.m. – 1 a.m. Join the Rick’s family for an afternoon and evening of fun! There will be activities, food and beverages for all ages including live music. A bouncy house and the arcade kicks off the afternoon, pizza by the slice, drink and food specials (TBA) and an amazing lineup of music. A champagne toast at midnight and fellowship into the New Year will wrap up 2022.
Freezin’ for a Reason New Year’s Day: Plunge into the Gulf at The Boardwalk’s 7th Annual Pelican Plunge! Saturday, Jan. 1, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Warm-up with hot cocoa and coffee, secure raffle tickets for a chance to win amazing prizes, partake in the costume contest and enjoy live music before taking an exhilarating dip into the Gulf. At 11:30 a.m., participants line up near the water for the official countdown to dash into the Gulf of Mexico. Plunge ticket $23 at Eventbrite. com. 100 percent of proceeds directly support the children of The Emerald Coast Foundation. The Board- walk, Okaloosa Island; 1450 Miracle Strip Parkway SE; Fort Walton Beach.
Baytowne on Ice continues as a favorite holiday tradition! The Ice rink is open through Feb. 5. Hours vary daily. $13 for 90-minute skate; $3 skate rentals. Rent the rink for private functions. Call (850) 428- 2736 or visit baytownewharf.com.
Rosemary Beach’s The Courtyard at Pescado (downstairs) will hold a New Year’s Eve Times Square Party from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Tickets are $15 plus 7 percent tax and 22 percent gratuity and includes live music by Cam Ray and Marlene Johnson from 8 p.m. until late, 360 photo booth, cash bar, small bites menu and much more. For 18 years and older only. Ticket Link: http://sevn.ly/xPKVq0XN
Nick’s Seafood Restaurant will kick off 2023 with its 14th Annual Community Bonfire Friday, Jan. 13, from 6-11:55 p.m. DJ Viper will be kicking off the entertainment followed by The Velcro Pygmies! Free to the public, you and your whole family are invited to attend and enjoy a fun night together on the Choctawhatchee Bay. There will be food service inside the restaurant, an ATM, and a cash bar located on premises. Additional parking will be located west of the restaurant.
