New Year’s Eve in Clearwater Beach gets two fireworks shows this year. Sunset to Sparkle, a new free family party at Pier 60 Park, runs from 3 to 9:30 pm on Thursday, December 31, 2026, with fireworks at 9 pm. Then at midnight, Light It Up Clearwater fires from the north end of Sand Key, and the south end of the beach has the best view.
We live and work here, so this is the plan we share with our own guests: what is on, where to stand, how to dodge the traffic, and a few homes close enough to Pier 60 that you can walk back after the show.
What’s on
New Year’s Eve 2026 in Clearwater Beach: What’s On
Every date below was checked with its organizer on October 20, 2026. Plans can change, so tap through to the official page before you go.
Sunset to Sparkle at Pier 60 Park
- When
- Thursday, December 31, 2026, 3 to 9:30 pm, with fireworks at 9 pm
- Where
- Pier 60 Park, Causeway Blvd., Clearwater Beach
- Cost
- Free
The big news for 2026. Sunsets at Pier 60 Festival and the City of Clearwater are launching an early New Year’s Eve party on the beach, built for families.
Expect live entertainment, local artisans, street performers, amusement attractions and activities for all ages. It ends with a fireworks finale over the beach at 9 pm, so little ones can ring in the new year and still make bedtime. The city will announce more details in the coming months.
Light It Up Clearwater: Midnight Fireworks
- When
- Midnight on New Year’s Eve 2026
- Where
- Launched from the north end of Sand Key Park. Best viewing is from the southern part of Clearwater Beach.
- Cost
- Free to watch
The classic countdown show, from Amplify Clearwater and its sponsors. Sand Key Park itself is closed to the public, but the organizer says the fireworks are visible along the beach.
NYE on the Pier, St. Petersburg
- When
- Thursday, December 31, 2026, 8 pm to 12:30 am
- Where
- Spa Beach Park, St. Pete Pier
- Cost
- Details to be announced
Want a bigger city party? The St. Pete Pier has its annual celebration on the calendar. The schedule and ticket details are still coming soon, so check before you plan around it.
Two shows, two spots: the 9 pm fireworks are at Pier 60, while the midnight show launches from Sand Key, at the south end of the beach. If you plan to see both, pick a home you can walk back to between them.
ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium
- When
- Thursday, December 31, 2026, kickoff at noon ET
- Where
- Raymond James Stadium, Tampa
- Cost
- Tickets through Ticketmaster; see the bowl’s site
Heads up, football fans: this year the bowl is on New Year’s Eve, not New Year’s Day. It is SEC against the Big Ten, and a noon kickoff leaves the evening free for the beach. Our ReliaQuest Bowl trip guide covers tickets, parking and game day, and the official bowl announcement has the latest.
Best seats on the sand
Where to Watch the Fireworks
You do not need a ticket or a rooftop. Here is how we would spend the night.
- Pier 60 Park for the 9 pm show.Sunset to Sparkle happens right here. Come for the afternoon fun and stay for the fireworks.
- The south end of the beach for midnight.The organizer names the southern part of Clearwater Beach as the best viewing area for Light It Up. The launch site is the north tip of Sand Key, just across the pass.
- Anywhere on the sand.The midnight show is visible along the beach, so a quieter patch of sand works too. Bring a blanket and a sweater for the breeze.
- Catch the last sunset of 2026.The sun sets at about 5:46 pm on December 31, according to the U.S. Naval Observatory. Read our guide to Sunsets at Pier 60 for more on the nightly festival.
Sunset at the pier, fireworks at nine, and a walk home under the stars.
New to the area? Our first timer’s guide to Pier 60 covers the pier, the playground and the nightly festival.
Plan ahead
Parking, Traffic and Getting Home
New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest nights of the year on the beach. A little planning keeps it fun.
- Walk if you can.Traffic on and off the island is heavy on big beach nights. Stay within walking distance of Pier 60 and skip the parking hunt.
- Driving in? Arrive early.Plan to park well before sunset, and read our Clearwater Beach parking guide first.
- Plan the ride home.Rideshare pickups get busy right after the fireworks. Our guide to getting around Clearwater Beach covers the trolley, ferry and other options.
- Pick a meeting spot.It is easy to lose each other in a dark crowd. Agree on a landmark before the show.
Our honest tip: the easiest New Year’s Eve is the one where you never move the car. More ideas in our Clearwater Beach parking and transportation tips.
Eat well
New Year’s Eve Dinner: Out or In?
We only name restaurants once their New Year’s Eve plans are announced, and it is still early. For now, our advice is simple.
Eating out
Book as soon as your favorite place opens reservations, and ask for an early table so you are on the sand by 9 pm. Our list of favorite Clearwater Beach restaurants is a good place to start.
Staying in
With little kids, dinner at home is often the easy win. Cook, eat by the pool, then stroll down for the fireworks. Do the grocery run a day early.
January 1, 2027
New Year’s Day: Slow Morning, Long Beach Walk
The bowl game is the day before this year, so New Year’s Day is all yours. Sleep in, make a big breakfast and walk the beach while it is quiet. Come back to Pier 60 at sunset and start 2027 the way you ended 2026.
Staying a few more days? Browse our Clearwater and St. Pete events calendar, and if you are coming earlier in the season, our Christmas in Clearwater Beach guide covers the holiday lights and the boat parade.
Where to stay
Homes Within Walking Distance of Pier 60
These condos are at our two resorts closest to the action, Clearwater Beach Suites on Mandalay Avenue and Coral Resort on the bay side. Each listing describes an easy walk to the beach.
Clearwater Beach Suites 107
2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
A ground-floor corner condo on Mandalay Avenue with a full kitchen and a washer and dryer, an easy walk to Pier 60.
View Clearwater Beach Suites 107
Clearwater Beach Suites 206
2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
A second-floor suite with Gulf views from the bedroom windows and an easy stroll to Pier 60. There is no elevator.
View Clearwater Beach Suites 206
Clearwater Beach Suites 201
2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
A king bed, two twins and a sleeper sofa, plus a washer and dryer in the unit. Handy for a family week.
View Clearwater Beach Suites 201
Coral Resort B5
1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms
A waterfront condo on the quiet bay side with Intracoastal views and a free parking spot, a short walk to the Gulf and Pier 60.
View Coral Resort B5See live availability and prices for New Year’s week, or compare every building on our condos and resorts page.
Search New Year’s weekNeed more room for a big group? Browse all of our vacation rentals in Clearwater Beach.
Good to know
New Year’s Eve in Clearwater Beach: FAQ
What time are the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Clearwater Beach?
There are two shows on December 31, 2026. Sunset to Sparkle at Pier 60 Park has a family fireworks finale at 9 pm, and Light It Up Clearwater fireworks go up at midnight from the north end of Sand Key Park.
Is Sunset to Sparkle free?
Yes. The City of Clearwater lists Sunset to Sparkle as free. It runs from 3 to 9:30 pm on Thursday, December 31, 2026, at Pier 60 Park.
Where is the best place to watch the midnight fireworks?
The organizer, Amplify Clearwater, says the best viewing area is the southern part of Clearwater Beach. The fireworks launch from the northern part of Sand Key Park, which is closed to the public that night, and they are visible along the beach.
When is the ReliaQuest Bowl this year?
The 2026 ReliaQuest Bowl is on Thursday, December 31, 2026, with a noon ET kickoff at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
How early should we book for New Year’s Eve?
The sooner the better, especially if you want to walk to Pier 60. Search your dates online, call us at (727) 449-2700 or email [email protected].
Let’s plan it
Ready to Ring In 2027 on the Sand?
Pick your fireworks, book a home you can walk back to, and let us handle the rest. Questions? Email [email protected] and we will help you plan it.
See you on the sand.