December 12, 2025
With pristine beaches, breathtaking natural beauty, world-class resorts, eclectic dining options, shops galore, 99 holes of golf and so much more, Amelia Island is the perfect game day headquarters for fans of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. Even if your team isn’t playing, book a stay and make a New Year’s weekend out of it. The excitement of ringing in the new year at the beach AND watching a college game in person is second to none!
There’s nothing better than ending an old year and welcoming in a new one. Luckily, Amelia Island has no shortage of New Year’s Eve celebrations to choose from. Check out the highlights below and start planning!
New Year’s Eve Shrimp Drop — Light Up Amelia and The City of Fernandina Beach host 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.) Enjoy music, holiday food, drink and party favors all leading up to the dropping of the LED-lighted shrimp followed by fireworks! This event was recently ranked #9 on USA Today’s list of the Top 10 Best New Year’s Eve Drops in the U.S.! Marina Parking Lot B. 5pm – 8pm.
New Year’s Eve Black & White Gala — Ring in the New Year in style with the fifteenth annual Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island New Year’s Eve Gala. Dine on lavish food buffets, chef’s stations of seafood and sushi, and an array of scrumptious desserts. Dance the night away to live music while enjoying an open bar and a Champagne toast with midnight fireworks. Even better if you purchase an overnight room package and start the New Year off in there lap of luxury. Festivities begin at 9pm. The gala is $330 per guest. 21 and older only.
A Jazzy New Year’s Eve in Paris with The Les DeMerle Band — Swing into 2026 with the jazzy sounds of Les DeMerle and his band. Held at Story & Song Center For Arts & Culture, The Dynamic Les DeMerle Band featuring Bonnie Eisele will have your feet tappin’ and hands clappin’ as they put on a spectacular show to celebrate the new year! $75 ticket includes a champagne toast and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Cash bar available. 5pm – 7pm.
Sail into the New Year – Follow That Dream Sailing cordially invites you to a New Year’s Eve special 3-hour sunset cruise with complimentary food & drinks! Enjoy the annual New Year’s Eve Shrimp Drop and amazing Fireworks display from aboard this beautiful sailboat on the Amelia River. If you are interested, contact them soon – this event always sells out quickly! Wednesday, December 31, 2:30pm – 10:30pm. $175 per person.Â
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.
On Saturday, December 27 at 7:30pm, this gridiron classic begins when the Cavaliers of Virginia take on the Tigers of Mizzou. Held an easy 40-minute ride from Amelia Island, EverBank Stadium is a state-of-the-art venue boasting a seating capacity of over 67,000. Situated along the St. Johns River, the stadium offers stunning views, easy access, and tasty food & beverage selections.
GO TEAMS AND WELCOME 2026!
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