New Year's Eve on the Emerald Coast

Grande New Year’s Eve Celebration

Watch the Fourth Annual Ball Drop over the Destin harbor and a fireworks display at midnight at a free HarborWalk Village Street Party. Live performances on the Village Stage feature Jim Beam’s emerging artist, The Andy Velo Band, and free entertainment in many of the bars and restaurants.

A Luxe Vegas Party in the HarborView Room at the Emerald Grande includes Vegas style gaming, live music, dancing and a front row seat for the fireworks.

A Viva Vegas Dinner Show in the Ballroom of the Emerald Grande in Destin includes a revue starring Ron Adams as Elvis with The Yat Rat Pack Tribute Band. Call 877-483-0824.

Countdown Seaside

Celebrate New Year's Eve along 30A with free fun for the entire family from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Dec. 31 in Seaside at the third annual Countdown Seaside.

The family-friendly party features live entertainment, kid’s art projects, street performers and a fireworks display over the Gulf of Mexico. Performing in the Amphitheater will be Kyle Lamonica at 7 p.m., The David Mayfield Parade at 8:15 p.m. and headliners Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers at 10 p.m.

New Year’s Eve Gala

The 27th Annual Hilton Sandestin Beach New Year’s Eve Gala begins at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception. The dinner buffet will open at 8 p.m. Nashville’s renowned party band, Ten Most Wanted, will provide the ideal live sounds for dancing the night away, accompanied by a glass of champagne and a festive display. Tickets to the gala, including party favors, are $329 per couple and may be purchased at 267-9500, ext. 3009.

The Hilton Sandestin Beach’s Seagar’s Prime Steaks and Seafood will also present a fine dining experience, with piano entertainment from 5-9 p.m., a popular live trio band to perform big band favorites, including Sinatra and Motown, and countdown to a champagne toast at midnight. Reservations are available from 5-10:30 p.m. at 622-1500.

Baytowne Countdown

The Village of Baytowne Wharf's end-of-year party begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 31. Come dance the night away and enjoy live bands and breathtaking fireworks as they light up the sky over the lagoon at midnight.

The Benjy Davis Project featuring Hightide Blues kicks off the night at 7:30 p.m. New, up and coming artist, Matthew Mayfield begins at 10 p.m and will help us ring in the New Year.

Kids Night Out

Children of vacation rental guests, inn guests and homeowners will enjoy a pajama party with dinner, crafts, balloon drop and movie at New Year’s Eve Kids Night Out from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Dec. 31 at Camp WaterColor. Call 534-5975 for prices and reservations.

New Year’s Eve dinner

Fish Out of Water at WaterColor Inn and Resort will serve dinner complete with entertainment and a champagne toast from 5:30-10 p.m. Dec. 31. Call 534-5050 for prices and reservations.

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra

Guest artist Ryan Anthony on trumpet will perform with the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra at “Celebrate the New Year” at 7 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Saenger Theatre. Tickets range from $20-$79 and may be ordered at 435-2533 or www.pensacolasymphony.com.

Holiday Lights in Concert

The Holiday Lights in Concert spectacular is back at Silver Sands from 5-9 p.m. through Jan. 1. This visual presentation features a display of colorful lights synchronized to all-time favorite Christmas songs.

Polar Bear Plunge

Take a Polar Bear Plunge beginning at 8 a.m. Jan. 1 on the beach in front of Beach Club at WaterColor Inn and Resort. Open to the public.

Polar Bear Plunge Destin

Take the plunge at 11 a.m. Jan. 1 at The Crab Trap Lees Park in Destin to help raise funds for the Destin Junior Lifeguards. Donation requested of $20. First 100 receive a T-shirt. Call 685-0408.