New Year's Eve near Plantation: Plantation Walk's countdown party and kids' Noon Year, Fort Lauderdale's free Downtown Countdown, fireworks rules and closures.
Last checked Oct. 10, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Sources: Plantation Walk, the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Downtown Countdown page, the City of Plantation’s solid waste and park hours pages, Broward County Library’s holiday closings and section 791.08 of the Florida Statutes.
New Year’s Eve is Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026. This page is updated every year. The City of Plantation does not hold its own New Year’s Eve event. The closest party is at Plantation Walk on University Drive, which has held a countdown party and a daytime kids’ “Noon Year” for the past two years; neither had 2026 details posted by Oct. 10. The biggest free event in the county is Fort Lauderdale’s Downtown Countdown. We list restaurant plans only when the restaurant announces them.
Who to call
- Plantation Walk: 321 N. University Dr., 407-308-0515
- Police non-emergency (fireworks complaints, noise): 954-797-2100
- Emergencies: 911
In Plantation: Plantation Walk
Rocking New Year. Plantation Walk’s second annual New Year’s Eve party ran from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Dec. 31, 2025, with a DJ, a midnight countdown and “confetti storm,” LED street performers, special effects lighting and party favors. It was billed as an all-ages family event with free parking; reservations were through Eventbrite, and pets, blankets, chairs, umbrellas and outside food were not allowed, according to its event page.
Happy Noon Year Kids’ Party. For families who will not make it to midnight, Plantation Walk held a free party in its plaza from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2025, with a DJ, sing-alongs with Miss Tracy, bubbles and a confetti blast at noon (details).
We will add the 2026 times when Plantation Walk posts them.
Fort Lauderdale: Downtown Countdown
Fort Lauderdale’s Downtown Countdown is a free street festival at SW 2nd Street and SW 5th Avenue, about 7 miles east of Plantation. In 2025 it ran from 4:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., with a kids’ zone of bounce houses, inflatables and face painting from 4:30 p.m., a kids’ countdown and drone show at 6:55 p.m., live music after dark and the lighted anchor drop at midnight, according to the city’s event page. Streets around SW 2nd Street close from the morning of Dec. 30. The 2026 lineup had not been posted.
Fireworks at home
Florida law allows consumer fireworks on New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and the Fourth of July, under section 791.08 of the Florida Statutes. Homeowners associations can set their own rules. Report problems to Plantation Police at 954-797-2100. Our Fourth of July fireworks page has more on the law.
What’s open on New Year’s Day
| Service | Friday, Jan. 1, 2027 |
|---|---|
| Garbage and recycling | Not a listed skip day (the city skips only Sundays and Christmas) |
| Broward County libraries | Close 6 p.m. Dec. 31; closed Jan. 1 |
| Plantation Aquatic Complex | Closed New Year’s Day |
| City community centers | Closed New Year’s Day |
| City parks | Holiday hours: most parks 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| Broward schools | Winter break through Jan. 1; classes resume Tuesday, Jan. 5 |
What this means for you
- Plan a ride home: Freebee stops at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, and Dec. 31 is a Thursday.
- Fireworks are legal only on New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and July 4.
- Put trash out as usual on your normal collection day.
Related: holiday lights and Christmas events, live music and nightlife and date night.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a New Year’s Eve party in Plantation?
Plantation Walk, 321 N. University Dr., held its second Rocking New Year party on Dec. 31, 2025, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., with a midnight countdown and confetti. The 2026 party had not been announced as of Oct. 10.
Is there a New Year’s Eve event for kids near Plantation?
Plantation Walk held a free Happy Noon Year Kids’ Party from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2025, with a confetti blast at noon. Fort Lauderdale’s Downtown Countdown has a kids’ zone and a kids’ countdown with a drone show around 7 p.m.
Are fireworks legal on New Year’s Eve in Florida?
Yes. Section 791.08 of the Florida Statutes allows fireworks on New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and the Fourth of July. Check your homeowners association’s rules too.
Is there trash pickup on New Year’s Day in Plantation?
New Year’s Day is not on the city’s list of skip days, which names only Sundays and Christmas Day. In 2027 New Year’s Day falls on a Friday.
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