Ring in New Year's Eve in Orlando

By Kate Cohen
Dec 1, 2024 (Updated June 12, 2025)

 

Orlando loves a good celebration, especially our New Year’s Eve parties.  

Every year, Central Florida is home to a variety of NYE events worthy of ringing in a brand-new year with endless potential.  

 

A close up of four people in formalwear toasting with full Champagne flutes.

 

From grand firework displays to gourmet multi-course dinners, there’s always a special way to usher in a new year in Orlando.  

Here’s a peek at what you can look forward to as we prepare to welcome 2026.  

 

Please note that these summaries are based off 2024 events. Stay tuned for more updates and details as we get closer to December 31, 2025.  

 

Key Takeaways

 

Crayola Experience  

 

A mom, dad, and two kids walk through the colorful Crayola Experience carrying merchandise.

 

If you’re spending New Year’s Eve with small children and are worried about staying up until midnight, The Crayola Experience has your back.  

Their afternoon party is fun, festive, and finished by 4 p.m.  

In addition to their year-round hands-on art exhibits, their New Year’s Eve celebration typically includes special crafts and activities that mark the start of the new year.  

In 2024, a live DJ was onsite for vibrant party vibes from noon until 4 p.m. There were also two countdowns, one at 1 p.m. and the other at 3 p.m. to allow guests of all ages to join in the fun well before midnight.  

 

Orlando Science Center 

 

A large t-rex skeleton surrounded by a wood and rope barrier at an indoor exhibit.

 

Afternoon Year’s Eve at the Orlando Science Center is another kid-friendly celebration held earlier in the day to allow families to count down to the new year together.  

Downtown Orlando’s beautiful science center is the perfect destination for a day of exploration and immersive play.  

On December 31, guests are invited to gather for a dance party in the DinoDigs room for a big celebration surrounded by dinosaur friends.  

Everyone will still countdown to 12 o’clock - but noon, rather than midnight.  

This experience is included in general admission to the Orlando Science Center.  

 

SAK Comedy Lab 

 

A black and white image of six performers onstage facing an audience leaping into the air with the SAK Comedy Lab logo in the center.

 

Ring in the New Year with a night of laughter at SAK Comedy Lab in Downton Orlando.  

While you can catch a riotously funny improv show any time of year, the New Year’s Eve show is an annual tradition.  

Their December 31 lineup usually includes multiple performances, including family-friendly shows and a late-night adults-only show that ends in an after party with a Champagne toast. 

 

Pointe Orlando  

 

An awning with a sign reading THE POINTE stands in front of palm trees and blue sky.

 

NYE Live! at Pointe Orlando is one of the city’s biggest NYE celebrations.   

Held at multiple venues throughout Pointe Orlando, tickets include all-inclusive food and drink packages, party favors, confetti cannons, and a Time Square ball drop.  

Multiple packages are available so you can choose your VIP level of choice.  

The event is exclusively for guests 21 and older and features multiple DJs for true party vibes. If you’re looking for an exciting, fashionable spot to ring in the new year, Pointe Orlando is the place to be.  

 

A Special New Year’s Eve Dinner 

 

A man's hand and a woman's hand hold a martini glass in front of a dim table set with elegant out-of-focus dishes.

 

If you’re the type of person who likes celebrating with a delicious meal, we have the perfect spots for you to ring in the new year.  

Enjoy a special New Year’s Eve menu at Jack’s Place, a beautiful steakhouse with plenty of character. In 2024, the menu included dishes like Maine lobster bisque, 45-day dry-aged NY strop steak, and strawberry Champagne crème brûlée.  

At the magnificent Rosen Shingle Creek, you’ll find exclusive celebratory menus at two signature restaurants, Cala Bella and A Land Remembered.  

Rosen Shingle Creek is also known for its extravagant holiday buffets, and New Year’s Eve is no exception.  

Just down the road in the heart of the I-Drive entertainment district, Harry’s Poolside Bar & Grill and Everglades Restaurant offer decadent multi-course menus well worth celebrating. 

This year, raise a glass – and a fork – to ring in 2026 with an unforgettable meal. 

 

Fireworks Displays  

 

A display of red and pink fireworks against a black night sky.

 

Nothing says “Happy New Year” quite like a show of fireworks lighting the night sky with color.  

You can find several fireworks displays throughout Orlando perfect for ushering the new year with a literal bang.  

A short drive from the I-Drive district, you’ll find Old Town Kissimmee throwing quite the New Year’s Eve party.  

Their event typically includes live music and entertainment, a car show, and a free fireworks finale as the clock strikes midnight.  

Smaller neighborhoods throughout Orlando including Mount Dora and Avalon Park also have free midnight fireworks for a late night display.  

We’ll keep you posted on other Orlando New Year’s Eve fireworks and events as the holiday draws closer.  

 

Your New Year’s Resolution: Stay at a Rosen Inn 

 

A burnt umber hotel building sits beside grassy banks, mature trees, and a large pond with a beautiful fountain. Stay at Rosen Inn to experience New Year's Eve in Orlando.

 

At Rosen Inns, we love celebrating, welcoming guests as family, and the city of Orlando – almost as much as we love providing incredible value.  

At our four Rosen Inn hotels, you’ll find amenities like complimentary theme park shuttles, onsite dining, sparkling seasonally heated swimming pools, and so much more.  

You’ll never pay a resort fee at a Rosen Inn, and we’ll do everything we can to make sure you’re comfortable in your spacious and clean accommodations.  

We look forward to hosting you, whether it’s this year or in the new year.