Christmas is over and now South Florida is preparing to ring in 2025 with free events for the whole family.

Of course, you could also opt for a ticketed event on New Year’s Eve. If you prefer open-air public events, check out these four events in the Miami, Miami Beach, and Fort Lauderdale areas so you can countdown to midnight and get the New Year in full swing.

On December 31st, enjoy a beach concert, fireworks, food and more and ring in the New Year by remembering why you are grateful to live in South Florida.

The festivities begin at 8:00 p.m. when the Orchestra Miami String Quartet provides a festive atmosphere until the entire orchestra arrives at 10:00 p.m. to thrill guests. The event will take place on the beach between 21st and 22nd streets.

“The celebration culminates in a spectacular fireworks display at midnight,” according to the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Ocean Drive on South Beach will also be closed to traffic and pedestrians will be able to walk up and down freely. For premium seating and an open wine bar, consider VIP tickets.

Crews were hard at work Saturday setting the stage for the New Year’s Eve party at Bayfront Park. More than 100,000 people are expected for what is being called the largest Hispanic New Year celebration in the United States, starting Dec. 31 at 8 p.m.

For the first time in at least 16 years, the iconic fountain will be lit up again on New Year’s Eve and ready for the big party.

History was made last night when the fountain was illuminated for the first time in 16 years. FROM WORDS TO ACTION. pic.twitter.com/FvhKyJSRsp

– Bayfront Park Miami (@BayfrontParkMIA) December 27, 2024

And let’s not forget The Big Orange, Miami’s answer to New York’s ball drop. When the clock strikes midnight, the state citrus will be on site, descending from the InterContinental Hotel.

For a more exclusive experience, you can purchase VIP tickets here.

Not your thing looking at a big orange blob? How about a lighted anchor?

If that sounds more like your style, ring in the New Year at a street party on SW 2nd Street and SW 5th Avenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale starting at 4:30 p.m

The children can enjoy bouncy castles, bouncy castles, face painting, games, competitions, dancing with the DJ and a special children’s countdown. The city of Fort Lauderdale says, “When night falls, the adult party begins with live music!” And the highlight, of course, is the illuminated anchor drop at midnight.

Little ones can also enjoy New Year’s Eve in South Florida (at a possibly more convenient time) at the Young At Art Museum in the Broward Mall.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the museum wants you to join in the fun and “wear your fanciest, funkiest, or punkiest rock ‘n’ roll costume, act out your silliness, make party hats, and countdown to noon with a balloon!”