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From the celebrated Shrimp Drop to dazzling displays over the St. Johns River, a variety of local events are set to mark the arrival of 2026 in style.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As the new year approaches, Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia are gearing up to host a series of vibrant fireworks displays and traditional “ball” drops to welcome 2026 with enthusiasm.
First Coast News has curated a selection of the most spectacular fireworks shows and time-honored traditions that will help you kick off your resolutions with a bang.
The annual New Year’s Eve fireworks extravaganza hosted by the City of Jacksonville is the only one on this list that extends into the new year. As the clock strikes midnight, fireworks will light up the sky, launching from a barge on the St. Johns River.
City of Jacksonville
This stunning 12-minute display can be viewed from Brooklyn and parts of Riverside, although the best vantage points are found along the Northbank and the newly-expanded Southbank Riverwalk.
However, due to ongoing construction along the riverfront, certain viewing areas will be restricted, including the Shipyards near the stadium and the vicinity adjacent to the north end of the Acosta Bridge.
Due to ongoing construction along the river, the viewing area will be restricted in some areas. That includes the Shipyards near the stadium, as well as the areas directly beside the north end of the Acosta Bridge.
Boaters will not be allowed out on the river between the Acosta and Main Street Bridge during the fireworks.
Fireworks will launch from between the two bridges, as well as from Lot S at the Shipyards.
All lanes of the Main Street Bridge and the Acosta Bridge will be closed from 11:45 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. for the show.
Parts of Independent Street and Laura Street near Riverfront Plaza will also close at 10 p.m. and reopen at 12:30 p.m.
Drivers are advised to follow detour signage and law enforcement traffic direction.
Nassau County
Who needs a ball when you have shrimp? Amelia Island’s annual Shrimp Drop — where a giant shrimp covered in lights drops from the sky — is a very local way to ring in the new year.
It’s also nationally acclaimed — The event was named #9 in USA Today’s 2025 10Best New Year’s Eve drop list.
The event runs from 5 to 8 p.m. this year on Centre Street.
Glynn County
Nassau County isn’t the only one — Brunswick celebrates its own industry staple with a New Year’s Eve Shrimp Drop every year.
The event begins at 6 p.m. at Mary Ross Waterfront Park, featuring live musical performances, and continues until “Bob” drops from the sky at 8 p.m.
Several local vendors and food trucks plan to attend.
St. Johns County
The City of St. Augustine Beach’s annual New Year’s Eve fireworks show will be at the St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier beginning at 8:30 p.m.
For safety, the county will shut down the pier from Dec. 30 to Jan. 2., as well as the north side of the Pier Park parking lot.
The county plans to provide limited shuttle service from Anastasia Baptist Church to three beach locations: the Ocean Pier, 10th street and A Street.
The Vilano Beach Main Street fireworks display begins at 9:30 p.m. at the Vilano Fishing Pier. The public won’t be able to access the pier during the day as officials set up for the show.
Clay County
Keystone Heights will host what it says is the only official fireworks display in Clay County while also celebrating the city’s 100th birthday.
The free event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at Keystone Beach. Parking is free, and there will be food vendors and live music.
Fireworks begin at 8 p.m.
