For years, Orlando’s New Year’s Eve celebration was centered in the heart of downtown, drawing thousands into the bar district for the Orange Ball Drop. Now, the orange ball is staged in Thornton Park, where it will drop for the second year in a row — roughly a mile from where the celebration was once held.

New Year’s Eve celebrations are renowned for their unique and vibrant drops. In Florida, each drop reflects the local culture and spirit of its city. Here’s a glimpse into some of these festive traditions.

Downtown Orlando’s traditional Orange Ball Drop on New Year’s Eve will happen in the Thornton Park neighborhood district.

A Florida-themed New Year’s Eve tradition in Orlando, reminiscent of the Times Square Ball Drop in New York City, will not happen as revelers ring in 2025.