Looking for New Year’s Eve Fireworks in the Destin area? You’re in luck because because there are plenty of great options in Destin, Miramar Beach, Okaloosa Island and Seaside.
New Year’s Eve fireworks are a beloved and dazzling tradition celebrated around the world as the clock strikes midnight, marking the transition from the old year to the new.
These colorful and explosive displays have become synonymous with the festive spirit of the holiday, igniting a sense of joy, wonder, and hope in the hearts of people everywhere. New Year’s Eve fireworks and countdown are a symbol of new beginnings and a chance to leave behind the troubles and challenges of the past year.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Shows in Destin, Miramar Beach, Okaloosa Island, and Seaside
Destin and its neighboring towns of Okaloosa Island, Miramar Beach and Seaside are home to some of the most breathtaking fireworks shows in Florida throughout the year and some are even better on New Year’s Eve.
This article will give you all the options in our area to help you choose the perfect fireworks show this New Year’s Eve.
Village of Baytowne Wharf New Year’s Eve Fireworks
The Baytowne Wharf Fireworks are set off from a platform on the walkways between the Village and the Baytowne Marina. There are many great spots to watch them from from all over the Village.
Fireworks Times: 8pm & Midnight
The 8pm fireworks show at Baytowne Wharf is the regular summer length of about 5-6 minutes but the midnight show is an even bigger and better one. The midnight show is extended to 12 minutes and it has an extra launch spot.
The Baytowne Wharf midnight fireworks show is my personal favorite and ususally where you will find me on New Year’s Eve. The combination of fireworks from multiple launch spots, synched to the top music hits of the year, exploding over the Village lagoon is a spectacular sight.
Baytowne Wharf added a lighted drone show last year to ring in 2023. Over 100 drones lit up the night sky over the lagoon with a swimming dolphin, dancing music notes, and much more. The crown really enjoyed it!
This year there will be 2 drone shows to ring in 2024. The first one is at 10pm and the 2nd one is at mignight just before the fireworks.
Baytowne Wharf has free parking on New Year’s Eve, but it fills up early in the evening so get there well before 8 if you want a spot in the garage.
When the Baytowne parking garage fills up they will have an overflow lot near the Sandestin welcome center with a free shuttle into the Village but just make sure to allow extra time for that.
In my opinion the midnight Baytowne fireworks are worth whatever ordeal you have to endure. Also there are plenty of fun things to do at Baytowne if you get there early including ice skating, live music, dining options, zip lining, dueling pianos, an arcade and kids activities.
That being said, you never know what fireworks visibility will be like. Last year I told so many people go to Baytowne and we had such high humidity and fog that you couldn’t even see any fireworks. Some years are just like that. The weather plays a huge role.
The weather looks more crisp and chilly this year, so hopefully fireworks visibility will be good. The wind direction also plays a huge role so you can never be sure.
If you want ideas about different viewing spots for the Baytowne Wharf Fireworks, read this post: Best Places to Watch the Baytowne Wharf Fireworks and the upcoming schedule of shows
Other Activities on New Year’s Eve at Baytowne Wharf:
- ★ Family friendly activities from 6-8pm with face painting and kids activities
- ★ Live DJ music on the Events Plaza Stage from 7pm to 1am
More information is here: Baytowne Wharf Website
You can also watch the Baytowne Wharf events plaza live stream here if you can’t be there in person: Baytowne Wharf Live Stream
Hotel Effie in Baytowne Wharf is also having a big New Year’s Eve party where you can jam out to live music, sip on hand-crafted cocktails, and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the Baytowne firework and drone shows. Tickets are here: Hotel Effie New Year’s Eve Party
Harborwalk Village/Destin Harbor New Year’s Eve Fireworks
The Destin Harbor Fireworks are set off from a barge on the water in the East Pass between Harborwalk Village and the West Jetties beach on the Okaloosa Island side of the Destin bridge. This allows for many different places to watch them.
Fireworks Times: 8pm & Midnight
Both of the Destin Harbor Fireworks shows are the summer length of about 8-10 minutes each. It’s always a great show! Harborwalk Village usually has free parking on New Year’s Eve, unlike in the summer when it’s a $20 charge.
Harborwalk is always fun on New Years Eve. There will be plenty of celebrations at the restaurants, many of which have a nice fireworks view.
The other great thing about the Harborwalk Village New Year’s Eve fireworks is that there are so many great spots to watch them from if you want to avoid crowds.
Norriego Point will have one of the best views and you are guaranteed to have plenty of space on the beach there and usually parking is no problem.
If you want ideas about where to watch the Destin Harbor Fireworks, read this post: Best Places to Watch the Destin Harbor Fireworks and the upcoming schedule of shows
Other Activities on New Year’s Eve at Harborwalk Village:
- ★ Live Music on the Main Stage starting at 7pm
- ★ Ball Drop at Midnight. The Ball will drop across Harborwalk Village from the zip line tower towards Ajs
More Info Harborwalk Village Website
Okaloosa Island Boardwalk New Year’s Eve Fireworks
The Boardwalk Fireworks are set off at the end of the fishing pier. They can be seen from anywhere in the Boardwalk areas including the pier, beach and the beach-facing restaurants and bars.
Fireworks Time: 8pm
The Okaloosa Island Boardwalk New Year’s Eve Fireworks are the regular summer length show of about 6 minutes. The great thing about this show is that there is plenty of room to spread out on the beach and enjoy them or you can watch from the pier to get a bit closer.
Parking at the Boardwalk is always free but get there early because there aren’t a lot of overflow options like there are at Harborwalk and Baytowne Wharf. You can also watch the fireworks from nearby public beach accesses if you want to avoid crowds.
If you want ideas about different viewing spots for the Okaloosa Island Fireworks, read this post: Best Places to Watch the Okaloosa Island Fireworks and the Upcoming Schedule of Shows
Other Activities on New Year’s Eve at the Boardwalk:
★ Live music and bands at various Boardwalk Restaurants
More Info: Okaloosa Island Boardwalk Website
Seaside Beach New Year’s Eve Fireworks
The Seaside Fireworks will be set off from a barge in the Gulf of Mexico. You can see them from the beach or from the amphitheater lawn where they will explode behind and over the stage. The Seaside fireworks will be about 12 minutes long and feature the biggest bursts in town.
Fireworks Time: 9:00pm
The Seaside Fireworks are best viewed from the main beach area in Seaside, anywhere in the area in front of the main pavilion. You should be able to look out into the water and see the barge pretty easily to know where they will go off.
Parking is always a challenge in Seaside but there are various lots around and street parking, although they are no longer free. Get there with plenty of time to spare for finding parking and be prepared to walk a bit.
There’s always a chance the Seaside fireworks could get canceled since it’s the only show in town shot from a barge in the Gulf of Mexico which adds some complications, but so far they are scheduled to go on.
Other Activities on New Year’s Eve in Seaside:
★ Live music on the amphitheater stage from 5-9pm
★ Arts & Crafts/Face Painting in Central Square from 4-9pm
I hope this post helps you find the perfect place to watch the fireworks and activities this New Year’s Eve as you ring in 2024!
Be sure to comment below if you have any questions or feedback. I love hearing from you and prefer to answer questions on here so my answers can help others as well. Don’t forget to subscribe to my email list so you don’t miss any posts!
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