5 New Year's Eve Plans in Orlando for 2026
On New Year's Eve, Thursday, Dec 31, 2026, the Orlando area has fireworks at SeaWorld, a street party with a mirror ball drop at Sunset Walk in Kissimmee, and early family countdowns at the Central Florida Zoo. Dr. Phillips Center also lists a family friendly party at its free Frontyard Holiday Festival.
This list is short on purpose. It only includes plans that are confirmed for Dec 31, 2026 on the organizer's own page, and it leaves out anything that has not been announced yet.
1.SeaWorld Orlando
Midnight fireworks, DJ dance parties and a Count von Count countdown for New Year's Eve.
SeaWorld's New Year's Eve celebration ends with a midnight fireworks display viewable from multiple areas of the park. DJs play from 8:30 to 12:30 in four zones, and Sesame Street Land hosts a New Year's Eve Countdown with Count von Count and friends, with that zone ending at 11 PM.
- Know before you go
- Park admission is required. A VIP Happy Hour from 10:30 PM to midnight is a separate purchase, and Winter Wonderland on Ice offers optional reserved seating with a finale timed to the midnight fireworks.
- Best time
- Thursday, Dec 31, 2026, into 2027. DJ dance parties 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM; midnight fireworks.
- Local tip
- Download the fireworks viewing map from the event page to choose a spot around the park.
2.Promenade at Sunset Walk
Rocking New Year 2027 is a Kissimmee street party with a mirror ball drop and fireworks.
Rocking New Year 2027 is a concert and street party with DJ Scotty B and Project DJ Slam, plus guest DJ K1X. The night includes a midnight mirror ball drop, a fireworks display, street performers, confetti, laser shows, fire effects and party favors.
- Know before you go
- Tickets are required through Eventbrite, and only Eventbrite tickets or RSVPs are honored. It is an all ages, rain or shine event, with a VIP option for ages 21 and over.
- Best time
- Thursday, Dec 31, 2026, 7 PM to 2 AM.
- Local tip
- Pets, blankets, chairs, umbrellas and outside food or drinks are not allowed.
3.Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
A Family Friendly New Year's Eve Countdown at 7, 8 and 9 PM during the lantern festival.
On Dec 31, the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild adds a Family Friendly New Year's Eve Countdown at 7, 8 and 9 PM. The festival is a three quarter mile lantern path with more than 30 illuminated displays, plus food, drink and live music.
- Know before you go
- Tickets must be bought online in advance for a set entry time, and walk up tickets are not sold. The zoo warns that dates can sell out.
- Best time
- Thursday, Dec 31, 2026. Countdowns at 7, 8 and 9 PM; festival hours 6 to 10 PM.
- Local tip
- Several countdown times mean you can pick an early hour for younger kids.
4.Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
The free Frontyard Holiday Festival runs through Dec 31 and lists a family friendly New Year's Eve party.
The Frontyard Holiday Festival at Dr. Phillips Center runs Nov 27 to Dec 31 with snowfall, firepits, live entertainment and a holiday market. The festival's page lists a New Year's Eve Party on Dec 31 and describes it as family friendly.
- Know before you go
- The festival is free, though indoor holiday shows are ticketed. Dates, times and programming are subject to change.
- Best time
- Thursday, Dec 31, 2026. Dec 16 to 31 hours are Monday to Friday 5 to 10 PM.
- Local tip
- Details of the Dec 31 party were not listed beyond the date, so check the festival page for programming before you go.
5.LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Kids' New Year's Eve ends with an early countdown and a brick bursting fireworks show.
LEGOLAND Florida hosts Kids' New Year's Eve on Dec 31, 2026 with rides, LEGO activities and live music and entertainment leading to an early countdown held before bedtime. The finale is a brick bursting fireworks show.
- Know before you go
- LEGOLAND Florida is in Winter Haven, outside the Orlando area. A specific countdown time was not listed.
- Best time
- Thursday, Dec 31, 2026.
- Local tip
- The park says to check its official event page for the latest schedule and countdown timing.
Plan your New Year's week on Wayfind: https://www.gowayfind.com. More lineups are likely to be announced closer to the date, so recheck the organizer pages.
Frequently asked questions
What is open on New Year's Eve 2026 in Orlando?
SeaWorld Orlando lists a New Year's Eve fireworks celebration, Sunset Walk in Kissimmee has Rocking New Year 2027 from 7 PM to 2 AM, and the Central Florida Zoo has family friendly countdowns at 7, 8 and 9 PM.
Where can I find a family friendly New Year's Eve countdown?
The Central Florida Zoo's lantern festival has countdowns at 7, 8 and 9 PM, and Dr. Phillips Center lists a family friendly New Year's Eve party at its free Frontyard Holiday Festival.
Are there midnight fireworks in the Orlando area?
SeaWorld Orlando lists a midnight fireworks display and Sunset Walk lists a fireworks display at its Rocking New Year 2027 street party.
Do I need tickets for New Year's Eve in Orlando?
SeaWorld requires park admission, Sunset Walk's Rocking New Year 2027 uses Eventbrite tickets, and the zoo's lantern festival requires advance timed tickets. The Frontyard Holiday Festival is free.
Why are Disney and Universal not listed?
Disney and Universal had not posted official Dec 31, 2026 lineups on their own pages at the time of writing, so this guide leaves them out.
