New Year's Eve and the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl

With pristine beaches, breathtaking natural beauty, world-class resorts, eclectic dining options, shops galore, 99 holes of golf and much more, Amelia Island is the perfect game day headquarters for players and fans of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. 
Each year in early December, the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl announces two of the best teams in college football for an epic match-up in the Sunshine State. Traditionally, one team books a hotel on Amelia Island while the rival team stays in Jacksonville. This makes it a great opportunity for folks staying on the island to get up close to all the gridiron action and energy of the game. Located an easy 40 minutes from the stadium with an 11:00am kickoff, you can pair up game day excitement with great north Florida weather and still be back to the island in time for an amazing sunset and fabulous meal. 

Make your plans to ring in the New Year and enjoy championship-level football at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville. It's a win win. Heck, even if your team isn't playing, book a stay and make a weekend out of it. The excitement of watching a college game in person is second to none and is a great day out for everyone. 

Here are a few highlights of New Year's Eve celebrations around the island. The rest can be found here. 

New Year's Eve Black & White Gala - The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island welcomes in the new year with luxurious food buffets including a seafood and sushi station, living salad station, antipasti and appetizers. Dance all night with live music, open bar and fireworks with a champagne toast at midnight. $295 per adult. (includes service charge). 

New Year's Eve Shrimp Drop - A unique, family-friendly New Year's celebration at the Downtown Waterfront. Ring in the new year in conjunction with the Greenwich Mean Time stroke of midnight (7PM.) Holiday food, drink and party favors all leading up to the dropping of the LED-lighted shrimp followed by fireworks. 5:00pm - 8:00pm.

Port 'Dina Prime Rib New Year's Eve Dinner - Enjoy this special combination feature of prime rib, fried Fernandina shrimp, salt roasted potatoes and roasted root vegetables at Oceanside Restaurant at Omni Amelia Island Resort.  45 per person. 4:00pm - 11:00 p.m. Bar open until 12:30 a.m. Make your reservations online at OPENTABLE

Three Course Meal and Champagne - The Courtyard by Marriott Amelia Island will celebrate New Year's Eve with an exceptional prefix menu for $75 per person. Meal also includes a glass of sparkling champagne. Reservations can be made by calling the front desk at 904-261-1919.