7 Unique Georgia New Year's Eve Events
Ring in the New Year at these Georgia events with real hometown atmosphere.
For years, Georgians have been ringing in the New Year by counting down to midnight at festive events in cities big and small. From Atlanta to Helen, cities and towns around the state have put their own spin on the popular New Year’s Eve tradition, creating some unique holiday celebrations that speak to the character of the community.
Balloon Drop and Fireworks at The Battery Atlanta
Ring in the New Year at the home of the Atlanta Braves when you bring the family to The Battery Atlanta's double celebration that includes an early-evening balloon drop and a midnight fireworks show. The "Early Innings" celebration begins at 6 p.m. and features live music with the balloon drop at 8 p.m. Beginning at 9 p.m., the "Late Innings" party features live music and a fireworks display at midnight over Truist Park. All entertainment in the plaza is free and family-friendly.
New Year's Eve Fireworks in Savannah and Tybee Island
Hotels and restaurants throughout Savannah host New Year's Eve celebrations so you can wine and dine your way into the new year. For a grand finale, head to Savannah's Waterfront or the Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion for spectacular fireworks that start as the clock strikes midnight!
Perry New Year's Eve Buzzard Drop
Bob the Buzzard was somewhere north of the Mason-Dixon Line freezing his "feathers" off, when he suddenly decided there had to be a better life. He settled in Perry, Georgia, and now Bob and his friends are as much a part of the landscape in Perry as the Clock Tower at the Fairgrounds. In honor of the buzzard's return, Perry residents gather on New Year's Eve to celebrate their brave trek with a New Year's Eve celebration and Perry Buzzard Drop.
The Possum Drop in Tallapoosa
About 45 minutes west of Atlanta on I-20, you’ll find the town of Tallapoosa, formally known as Possum Snout. Tallapoosa rings in the New Year by dropping a stuffed possum named Spencer. Enjoy a Kids Zone, live bands, concessions, and even a Possum King and Queen at The Possum Drop!
New Year's Eve Forsythia Ball Drop in Forsyth
Celebrate the New Year in the City of Forsyth with dancing and a free, family-friendly celebration on the courthouse square at the Forsythia Ball Drop. Enjoy live music, food, and drink starting at 9 p.m., and countdown to midnight as a large yellow ball of forsythia flowers drops steadily from a tower.
New Year's Eve Geranium Drop in McDonough
Celebrate the New Year in McDonough with dancing and a free, family-friendly celebration on the historic downtown McDonough Square at the New Year's Eve Geranium Drop. Enjoy live music and food and drink specials from downtown restaurants.
Dropping of the Edelweiss in Helen
Folks in the Alpine Village of Helen are happy to greet the New Year with music, food, dancing, party hats, and the Dropping of the Edelweiss. The mountain flower typically grows in southern Europe and is a symbol of alpinism.
More to explore
In addition to those celebrations, you can find many more ways to ring in the New Year in Georgia – including the New Year's Eve Shrimp Drop in Brunswick, a disco-themed New Year's Eve Gala at Brasstown Valley Resort in Blairsville, Fireworks at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee, and a Kids' Early New Year's Eve Celebration at Stone Mountain Park – on the Explore Georgia Calendar of Events.
