Marcelo OliveiraNew Year’s Eve in Miami has two free hubs: Bayfront Park in Downtown, which last year hosted Countdown Miami (a free party with advance registration, live shows and midnight fireworks), and Lummus Park beach in South Beach, with fireworks right along Ocean Drive. The countdown from December 31, 2026 to January 1, 2027 doesn’t have an official schedule published yet (checked on 09/25/2026).
Hotels for New Year’s in Miami12/30 to 01/02 · only options with free cancellationSee hotels ›Booking.com partner (advertising): we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
| Date and location | Countdown 12/31/2026 → 01/01/2027 · Bayfront Park (Downtown) and Lummus Park (South Beach), Miami, Florida, USA No 2027 announcement |
|---|---|
| Fireworks | At midnight at Bayfront Park and on Lummus Park beach in the previous edition; 2027 confirmation pending Previous edition |
| Is it free? | Yes: Countdown Miami was free with advance registration (RSVP) and South Beach fireworks don’t charge admission; VIP areas, rooftops and cruises are paid Previous edition |
| Fireworks cruise | From R$ 772 per person, boarding at 11 pm at Marina Veneziana (GetYourGuide, 09/25/2026) On sale |
| Weather | Average high 25.7 °C, low 17.9 °C in December (1991–2020 normals, NWS) |
| Visa | Brazilians need a valid B1/B2 visa and a passport valid for the entire stay |
| Where to stay | Downtown for Bayfront Park · South Beach for the beach and Lummus Park fireworks · Brickell for rooftops and the Metromover — see hotels by neighborhood › |
In this article · 15 topics
- Miami has a public New Year’s Eve party
- Comparison: free parties, cruise and rooftops
- Where to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks in Miami
- Paid parties and New Year’s Eve cruises
- Where to stay in Miami on New Year’s Eve
- How much New Year’s Eve in Miami costs
- How to get to Miami for New Year’s Eve
- How to get back after midnight
- What to do in Miami on January 1
- New Year’s Eve in Miami with family
- Miami weather in December
- Accessibility
- New Year’s Eve in Miami pitfalls
- Frequently asked questions
- Conclusion
In the United States, compare Miami’s beach with New Year’s Eve in Orlando and New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas; for a beach resort, check out Cancún and Punta Cana. The New Year’s Eve guide expands the comparison.
Miami has a public New Year’s Eve party
The main free reference for New Year’s Eve in Miami is Bayfront Park in Downtown. In the previous edition (the 2025→2026 countdown), the park hosted Countdown Miami: free entry with advance registration (RSVP), gates from 5 pm, shows by Marshmello, Nicky Jam, Flo Rida and Gente de Zona, and midnight fireworks, with paid VIP packages sold separately. The Big Orange rise — the giant illuminated orange that’s a local tradition in the countdown — also happened last year. The 2027 schedule hadn’t been published yet as of 09/25/2026.
In Miami Beach, the city put on midnight fireworks on Lummus Park beach, visible from Ocean Drive, also with no ticket charge in the previous edition. Follow the City of Miami Beach and the official Miami and Beaches – New Year’s Eve guide for the 2027 confirmation.
A rundown of the countdown options, with where to sleep near each one:
| Option | Price | What’s included | Best for | Sleep nearby |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Countdown Miami (Bayfront Park, Downtown) Previous edition12/31, gates at 5 pm; no 2027 announcement | Free with RSVP; VIP paid separately | Shows, countdown and midnight fireworks | Big free concert | Less than 1 km from the park, in Downtown: The Elser Hotel Miami8.5Booking ›citizenM Miami Worldcenter8.8Booking › |
| Lummus Park fireworks (South Beach) Previous editionMidnight, on the beach along Ocean Drive | Free | Fireworks on the beach; no paid stage | Countdown with your feet in the sand | On Ocean Drive and around it:The Betsy Hotel8.5Booking ›The Shepley South Beach8.6Booking › |
| New Year’s Eve fireworks cruise (Marina Veneziana, Biscayne Bay) On saleBoarding at 11 pm, back around 2 am · GetYourGuide › | From R$ 772 per person (09/25/2026) | Welcome drink, music and views of the Bayfront Park fireworks; open bar sold separately | Escaping the crowd | The marina is north of Downtown:citizenM Miami Worldcenter8.8Booking › |
| Rooftops and private parties (Brickell and South Beach) Previous editionHotels and nightclubs; no 2027 prices | US$ 80–400 per person (previous edition) | Open bar, dinner and DJ, depending on the venue | Party with a dress code | In Brickell, near the Metromover:Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown/Brickell8.9Booking ›citizenM Miami Brickell8.7Booking › |
Sources: Countdown Miami, City of Miami Beach and GetYourGuide, checked on 09/25/2026. Booking ratings on 09/25/2026.
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Where to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks in Miami
Bayfront Park is the most traditional spot to watch fireworks in Downtown. From South Beach, Lummus Park beach had its own display in the previous edition. If you’re staying in Brickell, you might get a partial view of the Downtown fireworks from rooftops facing Biscayne Bay, but the view isn’t guaranteed — confirm with the hotel or restaurant.
Bay cruises also sell the countdown with a view of the fireworks. The GetYourGuide one departs at 11 pm from Marina Veneziana (1635 N Bayshore Drive) and returns around 2 am, from R$ 772 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before (checked on 09/25/2026). The downside is the price and having to get to the pier early, with streets closed in Downtown. Exact 2027 times and launch locations depend on the official announcement.
Paid parties and New Year’s Eve cruises in Miami
Cruises on Biscayne Bay. Options range from party boats to mega-yachts with open bar, DJ and fireworks views, with boarding between 9 pm and 11 pm and 3–4 hours of duration. The GetYourGuide New Year’s Eve cruise includes a welcome drink (champagne for those over 21), music on board and crew gratuity; the unlimited drinks package is sold separately. Confirm the boarding pier and the cancellation policy before buying.
Rooftops and private parties in Brickell and South Beach. Hotels and nightclubs sell packages with open bar, dinner and DJ, from US$ 80 to US$ 400 per person in the previous edition. Confirm what’s included, access time, minimum age (usually 21 for drinks) and the re-entry policy before buying.
Where to stay in Miami on New Year’s Eve 2027
Your neighborhood choice defines the experience — and the trip back after midnight:
| Neighborhood | Vibe | 3 nights (12/30 to 01/02) |
|---|---|---|
| South Beach | Beach, Ocean Drive and Lummus Park fireworks on foot; pricier and noisier | R$ 6,878 to R$ 8,315 per couple at hotels rated 8+; oceanfront goes past R$ 20,000 |
| Downtown | Walking distance to Bayfront Park and the Metromover | R$ 5,476 to R$ 9,837 per couple |
| Brickell | Rooftops and restaurants; linked to Downtown by the Metromover | R$ 6,452 to R$ 8,295 per couple |
| Mid-Beach / Bal Harbour | Quieter; far from the fireworks | Not checked |
Total prices with taxes for 2 adults on Booking, checked on 09/25/2026.
| Hotel | Nota | |
|---|---|---|
| The Betsy Hotel, South BeachSouth Beach · Na Ocean Drive, com acesso direto à praia | 8,51.385 aval. | Ver preços |
| The Shepley South Beach HotelSouth Beach · Art déco na Collins Avenue, perto da Ocean Drive | 8,62.059 aval. | Ver preços |
| Esme Miami BeachSouth Beach · Na Washington Avenue, com piscina e bicicletas grátis | 8,42.104 aval. | Ver preços |
| citizenM Miami South BeachSouth Beach · Na Lincoln Road, região de lojas e restaurantes | 8,71.544 aval. | Ver preços |
| The Elser Hotel MiamiDowntown · Só suítes, a cerca de 500 m do Bayfront Park | 8,56.121 aval. | Ver preços |
| citizenM Miami WorldcenterDowntown · Piscina ao ar livre, a menos de 1 km do Bayfront Park | 8,79.220 aval. | Ver preços |
| Hyatt Regency MiamiDowntown · Vista da Biscayne Bay, junto ao centro de convenções | 8,1911 aval. | Ver preços |
| Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Downtown/BrickellBrickell · A 1 minuto a pé da estação Brickell do Metromover | 8,91.994 aval. | Ver preços |
| citizenM Miami BrickellBrickell · Piscina ao ar livre, no centro de Brickell | 8,74.432 aval. | Ver preços |
| Novotel Miami BrickellBrickell · Piscina na cobertura, em Brickell | 8,62.324 aval. | Ver preços |
Nota do Booking.com em 30/09/2026 · como escolhemos
Other dates or another neighborhood? Search here:
Book with flexible cancellation while the 2027 schedule isn’t out. Voyage’s guide to Miami Beach, Downtown and Brickell breaks down each area.
How much New Year’s Eve in Miami costs
The public party is free; what hurts is lodging on the countdown dates, priced in dollars. Three scenarios with real prices checked in September 2026:
What New Year’s Eve in Miami costs for 2 people, 3 nights (12/30 to 01/02), excluding flights
- Lodging · 3 nightscitizenM Miami Worldcenter, DowntownR$ 5,476
- CountdownCountdown Miami and fireworksfree
- Round-trip transfer
Civitatis, per vehicleR$ 891
- Lodging · 3 nightscitizenM Miami Brickell, BrickellR$ 6,452
- Countdown
Fireworks cruise, 2 peopleR$ 1,544 - Round-trip transferCivitatis, per vehicleR$ 891
- Lodging · 3 nightsThe Betsy Hotel, Ocean DriveR$ 23,933
- CountdownLummus Park fireworks, right in front of the hotelfree
- Round-trip transferCivitatis, per vehicleR$ 891
Hotels: total with taxes on Booking on 09/25/2026. Cruise: GetYourGuide on 09/25/2026. Transfer: Civitatis, R$ 445.46 per vehicle each way between Miami airport and the city (09/25/2026). Doesn’t include flights, meals or Uber on countdown night.
On countdown night, book your transportation too: Uber and Lyft after midnight had surge pricing of US$ 40–100+ per ride in the previous edition. Prices change based on how far ahead you book and demand.
How to get to Miami for New Year’s Eve
Miami International Airport (MIA) receives direct flights from Brazil: from São Paulo (Guarulhos) with LATAM and American Airlines, in about 8–9 hours, and from Brasília and Belém with GOL, which also runs seasonal flights from Fortaleza and Manaus. Fort Lauderdale (FLL), 45 minutes north, is an alternative with sometimes lower fares. Brazilians need a valid B1/B2 visa and a passport valid for the entire stay.
Book flights early: December is high season and fares climb starting in October. From the airport to your hotel, the options are Uber/Lyft (US$ 20–35 to South Beach, Sep/2026), Miami Beach Airport Express (bus 150, US$ 2.25, Sep/2026) or a pre-booked transfer.
A stress-free arrival for the countdown
- Flight: December is high season for Miami; compare cash and miles fares on FlipMilhas and try to arrive by the 30th.
- Transfer: airport transfer from Miami to your hotel with Civitatis, from R$ 445 per vehicle each way (Sep/2026).
- Car: driving on the night of the 31st isn’t worth it. For Key West, the Everglades or outlets on other days, compare rental companies on Rentcars.
- Insurance: the US doesn’t require tourist insurance, but private medical care there is very expensive; compare coverage on Seguros Promo.
- Internet: an eSIM for the US, installed before boarding (compare plans on Yesim), keeps you from relying on Wi-Fi to call an Uber.
How to get back after midnight in Miami
The Metromover is free and connects Downtown to Brickell, but regular hours run until 10 pm. In the previous edition, Metrorail and Metromover had extended service until 2 am — for 2027, confirm on Miami-Dade Transit. Don’t plan your return assuming the previous setup will be repeated.
Uber and Lyft work, but expect high surge pricing between 11 pm and 2 am, with 20–40 minute waits and pickup points moved because of road closures. Anyone planning to drink should rule out driving. The best strategy is to stay within walking distance.
What to do in Miami on January 1
January 1 tends to be quiet. Malls like Aventura Mall and Dolphin Mall usually open with reduced hours; hotel restaurants run normally. The beach is the most natural option — South Beach, Crandon Park on Key Biscayne and Bal Harbour are good picks if you want to start the year with your feet in the sand.
Save guided tours for the 2nd onward. To extend your trip, check the guide to what to do in Miami, an itinerary beyond South Beach, the day trip to Key West or a visit to the Everglades by airboat.
Partner · Civitatissee all Miami tours ›Miami tour with a Biscayne Bay boat ride
City tour through Downtown, Wynwood and Miami Beach with a boat ride on the bay, about 6h30, with free cancellation. A way to see by day the bay where the fireworks happen.
- Shopping tour of Miami outletsTransport to the outlets for anyone wanting to shop on day 2fromR$ 116per personSee ›
- Everglades excursionAirboat through the swamps and alligators, half dayfromR$ 272per personSee ›
- Key West excursionDay trip along the Overseas Highway to the southernmost point in the USfromR$ 249per personSee ›
Civitatis prices on 09/25/2026. Check whether the tour runs on 01/01 before booking.
New Year’s Eve in Miami with family
Miami works well for families as long as your choice of location considers the vibe of the night. Bayfront Park, when it confirms a public party, usually has an open area with no age restriction. South Beach at night has a party vibe and can be intense for small children.
Family alternatives: Jungle Island (if there’s a special event), dinner at a restaurant with an early reservation, and hotels with in-house countdown programming. Many resorts in Miami Beach throw a pool deck party for guests. Confirm the minimum age and what’s included.
Miami weather in December
According to the 1991–2020 climate normals from the National Weather Service, December in Miami has a average high of 25.7 °C, an average low of 17.9 °C and a monthly average of 21.8 °C. That’s historical climate, not a forecast for December 31, 2026.
Pack light clothes for the day, an extra layer for the night and protection against the occasional rain. Cold fronts can drop the temperature; the combination of wind and waiting outdoors justifies a light jacket. In restaurants and hotels, the air conditioning usually calls for one more piece.
Accessibility on New Year’s Eve in Miami
Bayfront Park has paved access and accessible restrooms. The Metromover is accessible, with elevators at every station. In South Beach, the sand isn’t accessible without a mat, but the Ocean Drive boardwalk is flat. Hotels in the US follow ADA standards — request an accessible room when booking. For private parties and cruises, confirm accessibility directly with the organizer before buying.
New Year’s Eve in Miami pitfalls: what nobody tells you
Bay view ≠ fireworks view. Many hotels sell a “bay view,” but the angle doesn’t always reach the launch point. Ask in writing for the exact location and which side of the building the room is on.
Streets close. Road closures in Downtown and South Beach can last until 3 am. If you’re relying on a car or an app, save your hotel address, agree on an alternative meeting point and have a walking plan.
A “New Year’s Eve package” doesn’t always include the party. Read what’s in the package: hotel, dinner, open bar, party access and transport are often separate items sold as if they were one.
Uber with surge. Surge pricing between 11 pm and 2 am can multiply the fare by 3–5×. Staying near the event saves more than it seems.
If you prefer the street countdown and winter cold to a beach party, see how to plan New Year’s Eve in New York, with free access to Times Square and paid options.
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- See hotelsBook the hotel with free cancellationNow — countdown dates get pricierDowntown for Bayfront Park, South Beach for the beach, Brickell for rooftops.
See flightsBuy the flight arriving by 12/30As soon as you set the datesDirect flights from São Paulo, Brasília and Belém; with cash or miles.- See cruiseChoose the countdownBy NovemberCountdown Miami and South Beach fireworks are free; the fireworks cruise starts at R$ 772 per person (Sep/2026).
Get a quoteGet travel insurance recommendedBefore boardingPrivate medical care in the US is expensive; compare coverage for the whole trip.- BookBook the airport transferAfter the flightCivitatis, from R$ 445 per vehicle each way (Sep/2026).
- See eSIM on YesimSecure internet on your phoneThe week of the tripeSIM for the US installed before boarding: handy for calling an Uber after the fireworks.
Check off what you’ve sorted; it’s saved in this browser. Prices with check dates; confirm with the partner before paying.
Frequently asked questions
Miami Beach or Downtown for New Year’s Eve?
Downtown favors Bayfront Park (public party with fireworks); South Beach combines beach, Ocean Drive and nightlife on foot. If you want both, you’ll need transport between the areas — and on New Year’s Eve, that’s complicated.
Do you need to book a restaurant for New Year’s Eve in Miami?
Yes. Popular restaurants in South Beach and Brickell fill up weeks in advance. Book early and confirm whether the price is à la carte or a fixed New Year’s Eve menu, which tends to be pricier.
Does the Metromover run after midnight on New Year’s Eve?
Regular hours run until 10 pm. In the previous edition, service was extended until 2 am, but that depends on an annual Miami-Dade Transit announcement. Don’t count on an extension before the official confirmation.
Is it worth renting a car in Miami for New Year’s Eve?
For countdown night, no: streets close, parking is scarce and anyone drinking can’t drive. For the days before and after, a car makes it easier to reach Key West, the Everglades or outlets. Consider renting only for the non-event days of the trip.
Conclusion
New Year’s Eve in Miami combines beach, mild weather and options ranging from the free party at Bayfront Park to the rooftops of Brickell. Book lodging with flexible cancellation, follow the official announcements and plan your trip back without relying only on an app. To compare destinations, check Voyage’s New Year’s Eve hub.
