Fort Lauderdale turns city streets into New Year’s Eve party hub
Fort Lauderdale, Florida – As the last hours of 2025 draw near, Downtown Fort Lauderdale is getting ready for one of the biggest and most exciting events of the year. The annual Downtown Countdown will once again turn the center of downtown into a fun New Year’s Eve party for people of all ages, including residents and visitors.
The free street celebration starts at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, and ends at 1 a.m. Festivities will take place along SW 2nd Street and SW 5th Avenue, where people usually assemble early to enjoy all the activities leading up to midnight.
Organizers expect a continuous stream of families, groups of friends, and people who have been coming for years to the countdown event.
Music is a big element of the celebration, and Phillip Phillips, the winner of American Idol, will sing live to kick off the night. His show will be the main event of a night full of sound, movement, and enthusiasm as the city gets ready for the New Year. There will be DJs and fun activities to keep the atmosphere upbeat all day long.
Families with kids will find a special section full of activities just for kids. Before nightfall, there are bounce houses, face painting, games, contests, and dancing to keep people entertained. A customized countdown for kids lets them join in on the fun without having to wait until midnight.
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As the clock approaches 12, attention turns upward for the signature moment of the night: the illuminated anchor drop. At midnight, the glowing symbol goes down, signaling the formal start of the New Year and ending the party with a scene that has become a Fort Lauderdale tradition.
