New Year's Eve Shrimp Drop 2026
Fernandina Beach drops a seven-foot LED shrimp at 7 p.m. on December 31 — a free waterfront party with music, food trucks, and fireworks, timed so families can be home by nine.
The Amelia Island Shrimp Drop returns to the downtown waterfront on Thursday, December 31, 2026 — Fernandina Beach's answer to Times Square, and one that lets families celebrate without staying up to midnight.
The drop
A shrimp measuring seven feet from head to tail and covered in LED lights is slowly lowered at 7 p.m., timed to Greenwich Mean Time — so the countdown is real somewhere, and kids are still awake for it. The event has placed third on USA TODAY's list of the best New Year's Eve drops in the country.
The evening
The party runs 5 to 8 p.m. near Centre Street and Front Street along the marina waterfront, with a DJ and live music, food trucks, party favors and giveaways, and a fireworks finale over the water right after the drop.
Good to know
Admission is free. Downtown parking fills well before 5 p.m. on New Year's Eve — park farther out and walk in, and dress for a cool riverfront wind.
Event Details
- Thursday, December 31, 2026 at 5:00 PM
- Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach Waterfront
- Centre Street & Front Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
- Amelia Island Shrimp Drop
- Free
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