The Best Spots for New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Tampa
As the end of 2024 approaches, Tampa lights up with spectacular fireworks displays and New Year’s Eve celebrations, making it one of the best cities to welcome in the New Year!
Whether new to the city or a longtime resident, this guide will give you the best spots for New Year’s Eve fireworks in Tampa and a few pointers on ambiance so you can pick your poison to ring in 2025.
Where Can I Watch New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Tampa?
The Tampa area has some standout locations for New Year’s Eve, and this year, several beloved fireworks displays are back in action. So grab your friends, family, and loved ones, and prepare for an unforgettable night to toast your resolutions in a midnight champagne toast!
1. New Year’s Eve Fireworks in St. Pete
When: Festivities from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., fireworks at midnight
Where: St. Pete Pier (Find information about parking near the pier here)
From Bay to Beach, St. Pete-Clearwater has several fireworks celebrations for you to check out. And before you enjoy the NYE’s festivities, take a stroll down Central Avenue to check out the indie shops, restaurants, and other businesses. It’s St. Pete’s coolest street.
Best Fireworks Views at St. Pete
You can see the fireworks from the St. Pete Pier or anywhere else along the downtown St. Pete waterfront. Note that the fireworks will be launched from Vinoy Park (just north of the Pier). If you’re feeling sparkly, adults 21+ can celebrate and watch the fireworks from the rooftop of Pier Teaki. They’re having a New Year’s Eve Luau!
Party on NYE St. Pete Pier Style
If that’s not enough sparkle for you, head over to the live DJ at the St. Pete Pier with the area’s biggest fireworks show sponsored by the City of St. Petersburg. They’ll be all decked out with an LED wall, lights, and a giant disco ball that will light up the night! There will also be food vendors, games, and, obviously—a full bar plus a champagne bar for the midnight toasts. Plus, it’s totally free. The event starts at 8 pm and ends at 12:30 am.
2. New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Clearwater
When: Midnight
Where: Clearwater Beach (Here’s some information about parking options, the Jolley Trolley, and the Clearwater Ferry)
Clearwater happens to be one of “The Places” in the area to watch fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Bring a lawn chair or beach towel, and settle down into that legendary sand to see the show.
Best Places in Clearwater to Watch the Booms & Lights
You can watch the fireworks all along Clearwater Beach, especially near the southern end; fireworks will be set off from the north end of Sand Key (which will be closed to the public) across the bridge from Clearwater Beach.
Also, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Coachman Park on the mainland in Clearwater near the bridge to the beach—you can catch the fireworks while avoiding traffic to and from the beach. (You’re welcome.) The 19-acre park just got an $84 million overhaul a couple of years ago, so it’s something to check out.
And while you’re at it, you can check out Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the nightly Sunsets at Pier 60 celebration, featuring artisans and street performers starting a couple hours before sunset (5:45 p.m. on Dec. 31).
Plus, the JW Marriott in Clearwater (South Gulfview Blvd) is offering unobstructed views of the Sand Key fireworks at midnight in a beachfront setting with live music by the Matt Winter band, food, drinks, a kid’s corner, casual beach seating, and a bubbly toast at midnight. Get your tickets here.
3. Treasure Island Fireworks
When: Midnight
Where: Treasure Island Beach
Best Place to View Fireworks
On the beach near Gulf Front Park, 10400 Gulf Blvd., just south of the Treasure Island Causeway. Your best bet is city-owned parking lots for this area.
4. Party with Shaq (aka DJ Diesel) at Armature Works
When: DJ from 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. with fireworks at midnight
Where: Pier at Armature Works, 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
Did you know Shaquille O’Neal is a DJ? Well—now you do.
Besides being one of the GOAT basketball players in NBA history and one tall glass of water (he’s 7’1”!), Shaquille has been passionate about music after seeing Public Enemy live for the first time at age 14. Now you can dance all night to his beats next to the Hillsborough River. Fireworks at midnight with the best view of the Tampa Bay skyline! For tables, click here, call 813-265-1234, or text 813-786-1300. Prices will go up, so book now!n
5. 12th Annual New Year’s Eve Sarasota Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular
When: Midnight
Where: Marina Jack or Bayfront Park in Sarasota
Best Place to See the Special Fireworks Show
The best viewing is from Marina Jack or Bayfront Park, but you’ll need advance reservations, which are required in advance for Marina Jack. Spots fill up quickly, so call 941-365-4232 to reserve your table. Money is raised for Suncoast Charities for Children through event sponsorships that are used to cover the high costs of the Fireworks Display. (If you would like to donate directly, you can call their office at 941-487-7904.)
Downtown Sarasota’s Annual Pineapple Drop and Block Party
Enjoy a weekend of carnival rides, festival food, and games, then stay for the live music at 8 pm. Don’t miss the iconic Pineapple Drop at midnight!
6. NYE at Sparkman’s Wharf
The event details are still TBD, but there’s usually a DJ from 4-7 pm with music at 8 pm. More to come.
7. Busch Gardens New Year’s Eve Celebration and Fireworks
For a full day of family-friendly fun leading up to a fireworks finale, head to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The theme park is open late on New Year’s Eve, offering a range of thrilling rides, live entertainment, and family fun holiday-themed attractions.
Come for Busch Gardens Christmas Town with twinkling lights of every color, holiday shows, specialty dining, and fan-favorite thrill rides, and stay to ring in the New Year with a special fireworks show.
8. Chillax on the Riverfront on the Craft River Cruiser, Yacht Starship, or Pirate Water Taxi
Looking for something chill on NYE, but still want fireworks, ambiance, and great eats? Cruises are a popular option for couples and groups looking for an upscale celebration on the water.
Craft Dinner Cruise
Check out Craft’s Inaugural New Year’s Eve Fireworks Dinner Cruise! Cruise along the Hillsborough River while savoring a specially curated 3-course dinner. The event also features a live DJ, a dance floor, and a breathtaking fireworks display to light up the night. Board at 9:45 pm and cruise from 10:30 pm to 12:30 am, with plenty of time to settle in and enjoy a cruise through the heart of Tampa. Get your ticket before it books up.
Yacht StarShip Celebration Cruise
Alternatively, Yacht StarShip’s New Year’s Eve Celebration Cruise also has cocktails, live music, and an open-air top deck under the stars to enjoy welcoming in 2025 with fireworks in the sky! The cruise provides stunning views of the skyline and fireworks display from the water, adding luxury and exclusivity to the night’s fun. Board the boat at 10 pm. You can get your tickets here.
Pirate Water Taxi (All Ages!)
All ages are welcome on Pirate Water Taxi’s NYE cruise! It’s one hour with complimentary bubbles (must be 21+ to drink) and party favors.
9. American Social Tampa’s Clear Night, Bright Lights Extravaganza
When: 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Where: American Social Tampa
Dance the night away with three DJs, a select open bar, champagne toast, passed hors d’oeuvres, and a prime view of the fireworks from American Social Tampa’s waterfront location downtown.
Kick Off 2025 in Your New Home in Tampa. Call Me Today!
Whether you’re new to Tampa or have lived here for years, toasting New Year’s Eve fireworks in Tampa can make you fall in love with the city all over again.
If you’re considering making Tampa your permanent home, give me a buzz. As a local real estate expert and lifelong resident, I can help you find the perfect neighborhood to match your lifestyle so you can enjoy not only New Year’s Eve but everything else Tampa has to offer all year long.
Happy New Year!!