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Here's what's going on for New Year's Eve around Tampa Bay

 
First Night St. Petersburg St. Petersburg rings in the New Year with this family oriented celebration of the arts that includes music, art and entertainment at more than 25 venues. It’s free to wander around, but you need a button to participate in activities and enter venues. Organizers point out that the buttons help fund the annual event, which relies heavily on volunteers. Fireworks go off at 8 p.m. and midnight. $10, $5 ages 6-12, 5 and younger free (advance); $15, $10 ages 6-12, 5 and younger free (day of). Straub Park, at Beach Drive and Fifth Avenue NE, St. Petersburg. (727) 823-8906. 4 p.m.-midnight.
First Night St. Petersburg St. Petersburg rings in the New Year with this family oriented celebration of the arts that includes music, art and entertainment at more than 25 venues. It’s free to wander around, but you need a button to participate in activities and enter venues. Organizers point out that the buttons help fund the annual event, which relies heavily on volunteers. Fireworks go off at 8 p.m. and midnight. $10, $5 ages 6-12, 5 and younger free (advance); $15, $10 ages 6-12, 5 and younger free (day of). Straub Park, at Beach Drive and Fifth Avenue NE, St. Petersburg. (727) 823-8906. 4 p.m.-midnight.
Published Dec. 28, 2015

New Year's Eve Preview

New Year's Eve at the Magic Kingdom

This year, you've got two chances to see the New Year's Eve fireworks in the Magic Kingdom. Disney starts celebrating on Dec. 30. The entire park will be surrounded by the Fantasy in the Sky fireworks (11:50 p.m. both days). If you want to wait and see the show on Dec. 31, get there early and plan to stay for the entire day. The park annually fills to capacity and is closed by mid morning. The park opens at 7 a.m. for resort guests. General public admission begins at 8 a.m. Magic Bands will be scanned for early admission. $105, $99 ages 3-9, 2 and younger free. Walt Disney World, 1515 N Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista. (407) 934-7639. 11:50 p.m. Wednesday and Dec. 31.

New Year's Eve Events on Dec. 31

Channelside Lights Up the Bay

Channelside counts down to 2016 with this waterfront party featuring entertainment, food, drink specials and a giant fireworks display. Free. Channelside Bay Plaza, 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa. (813) 223-4250. 8 p.m.-1 a.m.

Light it Up Clearwater Beach

Fireworks will be shot off Sand Key in a midnight display that can be seen along all of Clearwater Beach. Free. Clearwater Beach, 1 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater. (727) 447-7600. Midnight.

Comedy New Year's Eve

The As Per Usual team present a night of long form improv comedy. Held in conjunction with First Night St. Pete. $10 or included with First Night button. Sunshine Center, 330 Fifth St. N, St. Petersburg. (727) 893-7101. 7, 8 and 9 p.m.

Diamonds Are Forever: Tampa New Year's Eve

Dress to kill for this 007/James Bond themed chic party with a red carpet entry, professional photographers, themed drinks, appetizers, DJ dancing, party favors and a liquor infused midnight snack. $55. Hilton Hotel Downtown Tampa, 211 N Tampa St., Tampa. (813) 447-8538. 10:07 p.m.

Black and White New Year's Eve

A formal red carpet New Year's Eve party includes a paparazzi entrance, party favors, champagne toast, midnight celebration with a live ball drop, balloon drop and dancing to music by DJ's Sutton and AV. Benefits Redefining Refuge. $20. The Hyde Out, 1809 W Platt St., Tampa. (813) 992-1940. 9 p.m.-3 a.m.

Fantasia

Hard Rock celebrates New Year's Eve with a 21 and older only party including aerial shows, showgirls, an LED Hula dance, music by multiple DJ's and admission to West Coast Toast after party. $65. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, 5223 N Orient Road, Tampa. (813) 627-7625. 9 p.m.

West Coast Toast New Year's Eve Party

Celebrate the new year a second time with California. West Coast Toast features Cirque style entertainment, Stilt walkers, Las Vegas style show girls, dance performers, a live broadcast by 93.3 FLZ and a DJ dance party. Travel to different time zones across the country and watch ball drops via satellite. $25 (online at rocktampa.com). Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, 5223 N Orient Road, Tampa. (813) 627-7625. 2-5 a.m.

GAYbor's New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball

Amy DeMilo hosts this year's gay masquerade themed countdown to midnight featuring music by DJ Ranny, ball drop countdown from Times Square, a champagne toast, $1,000 balloon drop, party favors, three floors of dancers and $1 drinks from 9 to 10 p.m. Free before 9:30 p.m., $5 after. The Honey Pot, 1507 E Seventh Ave., Tampa. (813) 247-4663. 9 p.m.-3 a.m.

German American Club New Year's Eve Dance

Semi-formal to formal attire required for this dance with hors d'ouevres, live music by Manni Daum and a champagne toast at midnight. BYOB welcome. $28, $18 members (reservations required). Hernando County Shrine Club, 13400 Montour St., Brooksville. (352) 688-3744. 6 p.m.

Gulfport New Year's Eve Gala

The "Gulfport formal" New Year's Eve party includes dancing to live music by Otis Velt and the Old School Band, DJ music, cash bar, complimentary champagne toast, decorations, party favors, a "Gecko Ball" drop at midnight, tapas and a raffle. $35, $200 private party area. Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport. (727) 381-8548. 8 p.m.-1 a.m.

Happy Blue Year 2015

The Blue Martini's annual formal New Year's Eve dance party features select open bar, champagne toast, hand rolled sushi and appetizers until 10 p.m., party favors, live entertainment and DJ dancing. $40, $20 after midnight. Blue Martini, 2223 N West Shore Blvd., Tampa. (813) 873-2583. 8 p.m.-3 a.m.

Noon Year's Eve Largo

Can't stay up until midnight? Celebrate early at this party with dancing, entertainment, refreshments and a champagne toast at noon. $3. Largo Community Center, 400 Alt. Keene Road, Largo. (727) 518-3131. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Hernando Beach Yacht Club New Year's Eve Party

Members and guests enjoy hand passed appetizers, live music by Joe Pro, dancing, karaoke, cash bar, champagne toast and a safe ride home (in the Hernando Beach area only). $25. Hernando Beach Yacht Club, 4163 Shoal Line Blvd., Hernando Beach. (352) 596-5878. 9 p.m.

Motown Downtown

Celebrate New Year's Eve Motown style with live music by the Sounds of Soul, open bar, appetizers, exclusive canopy access and rooftop fireworks viewing. $176 advance, $185 day of. The Birchwood, 340 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg. (727) 896-1080. 8 p.m.-midnight.

New Year's Eve VIP Fireworks Cruise

The 21 and older celebration features an open, premium bar and gourmet, four-course seated meal, DJ music, party favors, a champagne toast at midnight and a great view of the fireworks at Channelside. Cocktail attire required. There are two cruises, one at 8:30 and 10 p.m. in rise ranging frm $97 to $199.95. Yacht StarShip, 603 Channelside Drive, Tampa. (813) 223-7999. 8:30 p.m.

German Style New Year's Eve

Here's a New Year's Eve party with a German twist. Enjoy dancing to live German style music by Sepp and Heinz, party favors, champagne toast and a full bar. $28, $25 members. German American Society of Pinellas County, 8098 66th St. N, Pinellas Park. (727) 535-7410. 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Shephard's New Year's Eve Party

Shephard's counts down to 2016 with live music by No Filter, balloon drop, DJ dancing, party favors, champagne toast and viewing the ball drop on a 16-foot video screen. 21 and older only. $25-$35. Shephard's Beach Resort, 619 S Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach. (727) 442-5107. 8 p.m.-2:30 a.m.

New Year's Eve Skate

Ring in the New Year with a family friendly skate including music, games and a balloon drop at midnight. Attend the party and return on New Year's Day for $1 skating. $10, parents free. Astro Skate Pinellas Park, 10001 66th St. N, Pinellas Park. (727) 546-0018. 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m.

New Year's Eve Takes Flight: Three Cities, One Night!

Bring in the New Year with a world wind tour of Rio de Janeiro, Monte Carlo and Tokyo at this celebration with an open bar, action stations, appetizers, desserts, black jack, roulette, craps, DJ dancing and live music by Blonde Ambition. $199. Loews Don CeSar Hotel , 3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. (727) 360-1881. 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Bradley's New Year's Eve

Bradley's celebrates New Year's Eve with a tribute to Las Vegas featuring dancing to music by DJ Steve Vaughn and VJ Charles Machado, live feed from Time Square, a drag queen tribute show, celebrity impersonations, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. No cover. Bradley's on 7th, 1510 E Seventh Ave., Tampa. (813) 241-2723. 10 p.m.

Celebration Station New Year's Eve

Rock around the clock at this all night party including unlimited go-karts, bumper boats, miniature golf, pizza buffet and video gaming. $30 advance, $35 at the door. Celebration Station, 24546 U.S. 19 N, Clearwater. (727) 791-1799. 11 p.m.-6 a.m.

New Year's Eve at MacDinton's

MacDinton's in Tampa celebrates New Year's Eve with a champagne toast, Three Olives Vodka bottle specials, party favors and live music inside and outside. 21 and older only. No cover. MacDinton's Irish Pub, 405 S Howard Ave., Tampa. (813) 251-8999. 8 p.m.

New Year's Eve at Safety Harbor Resort and Spa

Sip on complimentary cocktails before dancing the night away to live music by 3's Company and the 8 Man Dance Band. Includes champagne toast at midnight, party favors, buffet dinner and a televised ball drop from New York City. $149. Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, 105 N Bayshore Drive, Safety Harbor. (727) 726-1161. 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

New Year's Eve at the Dallas Bull

Make sure to eat a big meal before this party. New Year's Eve at the Bull includes country dancing and all-you-can-drink all night long. $40 advance, $50 at the door. The Dallas Bull, 3322 U.S. 301, Tampa. (813) 987-2855. 7 p.m.

New Year's Eve in Dunedin

Two venues join for one big New Year's Eve party with dancing to live music by the Black Honkeys, champagne toast, party favors and a balloon drop at midnight. $20. Blur, 325 Main St., Dunedin. (727) 736-0218. 8 p.m.

New Year's Eve: London Times

Party like an Englishman at this dinner/dance set in Greenwich Mean Time. Includes appetizers, English style dinner, champagne toast, auctions, cash bar, dancing and a balloon drop at 7 p.m. (London midnight). $75, $135 two. Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Largo. (727) 586-7398. 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Noon Year's Eve

Count down to noon and celebrate the New Year with the entire family. Activities include games, arts and crafts, live entertainment and educational displays. Kids get to blow noisemakers, wear hats and toast in the Noon Year with juice. Included with admission: $29.95, $27.95 seniors, $22.95 ages 3-11, 2 and younger free. Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa. (813) 935-8552. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Noon Year's Eve at Great Explorations

Kids can join in a dance party or parade around the museum before counting down to the noon balloon drop. Included with regular admission: $10, $9 seniors, one and younger free. Great Explorations Children's Museum, 1925 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. (727) 821-8992. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Noon Year's Eve at the Museum

Starting at noon, the top of every hour features a kid-friendly New Year's Eve celebration with balloon drops, party hats and noisemakers. Included with admission: $15, $12.50 military/seniors, $9.50 children, under 1 free. Glazer Children's Museum, 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. (813) 443-3861. Noon-5 p.m.

Rooftop Eve

The annual upscale party takes place 10 stories up and takes on a Midnight in the Garden theme with complimentary top shelf spirits, champagne, live entertainment, desserts and a view of the Channelside fireworks. Benefits the Debartolo Family Foundation. $150-$200 advance, $225 at the door. Fort Brooke Garage, 107 N Franklin St., Tampa. (813) 870-2255. 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

Swingin' the New Year

Dress to impress for this all-ages dance with music by Mitch Woods and His Rocket 88's Band, a countdown to midnight and balloon drop, party favors, noisemakers, chocolates, prize giveaways, cash bar and New Year's decor. There's also a vintage fashion photo shoot and contest. New Year's or vintage attire encouraged. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with a swing dance lesson from 8 to 9 p.m. $30. Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N, St. Petersburg. (727) 669-7830. 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Toast by the Coast

The TradeWinds Island Grand invites revelers to don their best duds for an evening of food, dancing to live music by Motel Funk, an open bar, champagne toast, balloon drop, food and desserts. $99. Tradewinds Island Grand Resort, 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. (727) 363-2258. 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Theme Park Parties

Busch Gardens New Year's Eve

Busch Gardens brings in the New Year with rides all night, pumping live music, fireworks at midnight and extended hours. Included with daily admission: $97, $92 for ages 3-9. Busch Gardens, 3605 Bougainvillea Ave., Tampa. Toll-free 1-888-800-5447. 9 a.m.-1 a.m.

Legoland Kid's New Year's Eve

Kids ages 2 to 12 can countdown with a DJ dance party, giant LEGO brick drop and fireworks. Included with admission: $75, $65 seniors and ages 3-12. Legoland Florida, 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven. Toll-free 1-877-350-5346. 7 p.m.

New Year's Eve at Disney's Hollywood Studios

The park's center stage is set for the "Lights, Camera, Happy New Year" fireworks display. Before the fireworks, check out the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights when they come alive at dusk. Disney has decided this is the last year for the lights. Included with daily admission: $97, $91 ages 3-9, 2 and younger free. Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World, 1515 N Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista. (407) 939-6244. 8 a.m.-midnight (general), 8 a.m.-2 a.m. (resort guests).

New Year's Eve at Epcot

Each year Epcot's World Showcase turns into a super party zone. The overly explosive, special ending to IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth fireworks and laser show is so popular, they've double up and offer two shows at 6 and 11:40 p.m. DJ dance parties take place throughout the park all day long. Included with daily admission: $97, $91 ages 3-9, 2 and younger free. Epcot at Walt Disney World, 1515 N Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista. (407) 934-7639. 8 a.m.-1 a.m.

Eve: Universal Citywalk

Universal invites you to "Pick Your Poison" with admission to up to six party venues, unlimited gourmet food, a giant dance floor, fireworks, music by DJ M-Squared, confetti bursts and a champagne toast at midnight. Theme park admission not included. 21 and older only. $134.99, $121.49 passholders. Universal Citywalk, 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando. (407) 363-8000. 8 p.m.-2 a.m.