Celebrate New Year's in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

New Year's Events on Alabama's Beaches

Noon Year's Eve family-friendly holiday event at LuLu's waterfront restaurant in Gulf Shores

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LuLu's Noon Year's Eve

Get a head start on the New Year festivities at Noon Year's Eve at LuLu's. Adults and kids alike will enjoy this fun-filled event packed with fun activities, including crafts, a sandcastle-building contest, and much more. The highlight of the event is the beach ball drop – just like Times Square’s, but with a coastal twist!

When the clock strikes noon, hundreds of colorful beach balls fall from above, bouncing across the sand as everyone cheers. It’s a Gulf Shores tradition that locals and visitors look forward to every year. If you’ve never been, it’s the perfect way to ring in the new year early and still catch the evening fireworks later.

Crowd listening to live music at Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar in Orange Beach

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Flora-Bamas New Year’s Eve Bash

Flora-Bama's New Year's Eve Bash is the place to be for a non-stop party counting down the new year. You can expect live music, an all-you-can-eat dinner buffet, party favors, and a champagne toast at midnight.

The atmosphere is electric, friends and strangers dance together under the lights while fireworks sparkle over the water. It’s the kind of night that captures the true spirit of the Gulf Coast. Get your tickets early to this event and rock the night away at Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar.

Reelin' in the New Year family-friendly event at The Wharf in Orange Beach

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Reelin' the New Year at The Wharf

Start the new year off at The Wharf's Reelin' in the New Year Event! The festivities kick off at 5 pm on Main Street and include live music, rock wall climbing, camel rides, and plenty of family fun. While you’re at The Wharf, check out the ice-skating rink for extra holiday fun.

We recommend grabbing dinner at one of The Wharf’s restaurants before the countdown. Be sure to stay until midnight to witness an incredible firework display, confetti drop, light show, and the one-of-a-kind Marlin drop.

Aerial view of crowd at the Flora-Bama Polar Bear Dip New Year's event in Orange Beach

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Flora-Bama’s Polar Bear Dip

Begin 2026 with a bang by taking a plunge into the Gulf at the Polar Bear Dip at the legendary Flora-Bama. At noon, thousands of people wearing swimsuits, wetsuits, and costumes run into the water to kick off their new year the beach way.

You'll even get free beer and lunch if you fully submerge! It’s one of those only-on-the-coast experiences that’s equal parts crazy and fun, and once you’ve done it, you’ll have a story to tell every New Year’s Day after.

friends dining at GTs on the Bay waterfront restaurant in Orange Beach

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New Year's Eve Dinner

If you prefer to ring in the new year over food, visit one of the area’s restaurants hosting a New Year’s Eve dinner. Many local spots offer special menus, premium plates, or buffets. You can reminisce over the past year over delicious dinners and glasses of champagne. It’s best to reserve a spot in advance as many places have a limited number of seats.

More Ways to Celebrate New Year’s on Alabama’s Beaches

couple sitting on the beach under an umbrella in Gulf Shores

You don’t need to attend these annual events to experience a memorable New Year’s Eve on Alabama’s Beaches. Cozy up on the beach and watch nearby fireworks or attend celebrations at your accommodations. And we can’t think of a better way to start the year than with a walk along the beach and a fresh meal from the Gulf. Plan a coastal New Year’s getaway in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan and ring in 2026 by the shore.

New Year's Eve Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I watch New Year’s Eve fireworks on Alabama’s Beaches?

Several accommodations and restaurants offer firework displays for patrons. The Wharf has a free firework show at midnight open to the public during Reelin’ in the New Year.

What’s the weather like on the Alabama Gulf Coast for New Year’s Eve?

Temperatures on Alabama’s Beaches average around 55.0° during December with highs in the low 60s and lows around high 40s.

What are some fun things to do the day before New Year’s Eve?

Alabama’s Beaches is packed with fun things to do in winter like indoor attractions, golf courses, shopping, and outdoor adventures. Holiday activities include ice skating, light displays, and, live local music.

Do restaurants require reservations for New Year’s Eve dinner?

Many restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach host New Year’s Eve dinners and buffets that require reservations or tickets purchased in advance.

Explore Rentals on Alabama's Beaches

Whatever your vacation style, Alabama’s Beaches have the perfect spot for you. Start planning by choosing your dates and group size, and explore the best vacation rentals in Gulf Shores, comfortable places to stay in Orange Beach, or the charming rentals of Fort Morgan. With verified listings, secure payments, and real support, there are plenty of reasons why you should book with us.

Book Your New Year's Trip

These blogs are written by the destination experts at Alabama's Beaches. From the best restaurants and hidden gems to tips and tricks for making the most of your stay, our knowledgable team has the lowdown on our area.