Ring in the New Year Beach-Style with the Panama City Beach Beach Ball Drop

by Janet Pattison
Photo by Visit Panama City Beach Photo by Visit Panama City Beach

PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL - Looking for an unforgettable way to celebrate the New Year? Look no further than the annual New Year's Eve Beach Ball Drop presented by Coca-Cola in Panama City Beach, Florida. This highly anticipated event attracts thousands of visitors and residents of all ages to the Gulf Coast for a night of Real. Fun. Beach. style festivities. Get ready for live music, entertainment, beach ball drops, and spectacular fireworks displays that will light up the streets of Pier Park.

A Family-Friendly Celebration

The New Year's Eve Beach Ball Drop is a beloved tradition that brings together the community of Panama City Beach for a night of family-friendly fun. According to Visit Panama City Beach President and CEO Dan Rowe, this event is a highlight of the year and promises to be the most exciting and unique countdown to 2024 on the Gulf Coast.

The Countdown Begins

The celebration kicks off with free live music on the concert stage in front of the iconic Celebration Tower. As the streets of Pier Park are closed off to traffic, revelers can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere of free entertainment, fireworks, and good cheer. Families with young children can enjoy the first countdown of the evening at 8 p.m., complete with a dazzling fireworks display and the release of 10,000 inflatable beach balls from nets stretched over the crowds at Pier Park.

A Night of Entertainment

As the night progresses, bands take the stage, building the anticipation for the countdown to 2024. All eyes will be on the giant LED-lit beach ball perched atop the Celebration Tower in the center of Pier Park. Standing over 80 feet tall, this tower is a towering symbol of celebration, dwarfing the pole on One Times Square in Manhattan. Its presence can be admired from Russell-Fields Pier, where the second round of fireworks will be launched over the Gulf of Mexico and the "World's Most Beautiful Beaches."

Food, Games, and Music

Throughout the night, visitors can indulge in delicious offerings from food vendors, participate in games and activities, and groove to the beats of live musical performances. The lineup includes popular bands like Saved by the 90's, Will Thompson Band, and The Life Atlantic. With something for everyone, this event guarantees a night of non-stop entertainment.

Schedule of Events

Make sure to mark your calendar for Sunday, December 31, and plan your evening accordingly. Here's a breakdown of the schedule:

Family Fun Activities begin and Saved by the 90's performs at 5:35 p.m.

Kids' Beach Ball Drop at 8 p.m.

Will Thompson Band performs at 8:20 p.m.

The Life Atlantic performs at 10 p.m.

Fireworks and Beach Ball Drop from Celebration Tower at Midnight

Plan Your Visit

To make the most of your New Year's Eve experience in Panama City Beach, be sure to check out the official website of Visit Panama City Beach for more information. You'll find details on accommodations, dining options, and other attractions that will enhance your visit to this beautiful coastal destination.