Panama City Beach Rings in the New Year with Festivities

Thousands of locals and visitors are flocking to Pier Park in Panama City Beach for its signature celebration: the annual New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop.

The streets of the coastal shopping and entertainment district are alive with energy as the city rings in the new year with a spectacle that can only be found on the Emerald Coast. From live music to a literal "snowfall" of beach balls, the atmosphere is electric as the countdown begins.

The festivities are split into two major events, ensuring that revelers of all ages can join the fun.

The evening kicks off with the 8:00 p.m. Family Beach Ball Drop. Designed for those with early bedtimes, this event features the release of 10,000 inflatable beach balls from nets suspended over the Pier Park boardwalk. As the clock strikes eight, the sky fills with vibrant colors, and children scramble to catch the falling souvenirs.

“It’s the perfect way for families to celebrate together without having to stay up until midnight,” says one event organizer. “Seeing the kids' faces when those 10,000 balls hit the ground is what the night is all about.”

As the night progresses, the crowd continues to swell in anticipation of the main event. At the center of it all is the 800-pound LED Beach Ball.

Suspended high above the crowd on a massive tower, the glowing beach ball serves as the centerpiece for the midnight countdown. When the final seconds of the year tick away, the ball descends, signaling the start of a massive fireworks display over the Gulf of Mexico.

The pyrotechnics light up the night sky, reflecting off the water and providing a breathtaking backdrop for those celebrating on the sand and the streets.

It isn't just about the drops. Throughout the evening, the main stage at Pier Park features a lineup of live bands, keeping the crowd moving with everything from classic rock to modern hits. Local vendors are out in full force, offering festive food, drinks, and New Year’s swag.

Safety remains a top priority for the Panama City Beach Police Department. Officers are stationed throughout the area to ensure a family-friendly environment, managing traffic and helping the thousands of visitors navigate the busy boardwalk safely.

As the music plays and the crowds gather, there is a sense of renewal in the air. For many, Pier Park isn't just a place to watch a clock; it’s a place to make memories.

Whether you are here for the 10,000 beach balls at 8:00 p.m. or the towering LED spectacle at midnight, Panama City Beach is once again proving that there is no better place to welcome a new year than right here by the water.

The party continues late into the night, with Pier Park’s shops and restaurants remaining open to help everyone start their year on a high note. Stay tuned to WJHG for live updates and a look at the best moments from tonight’s celebration.