It seems that 2022 was either a fantastic year for you or an absolute tragedy. Either way, many are excited to leave 2022 in the past with hopes of a better brighter new year. Here are a few ideas for where to go for New Year’s Eve if you’re looking to go out along with the best ways to celebrate by staying home.
Fort Lauderdale Orange Bowl Downtown Countdown
Downtown Fort Lauderdale
This event has been coined the “best New Year’s Eve celebration in Florida”. This is also where some of the SFL media members will be ringing in the new year! This is a free festival that begins at 4:30 pm and ends at 1:00 am. This is the perfect outing for anyone whether you are a single gal looking for a midnight kiss or have a family of four. Plus since you’re in Fort Lauderdale if you’re looking to keep partying there are tons of bars and other places you can go to keep celebrating! Check out the entertainment schedule and plan accordingly!
Entertainment Schedule
• Family Activities – 4:30-8:30 PM
• Kids Countdown – 7 PM
• Big City Dogs – 5:30-8:55 PM
• Juanabe – 9:30-11:59 PM
• Anchor Drop/Countdown to Midnight – 11:59 PM
• Juanabe – 12-1 AM
Bayfront Park
301 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
If you are in Miami and are looking to end 2022 with a bang, this might be the event for you. Bayfront is known for its awesome fireworks and the event is free. Of course, you can get VIP tickets which allow you the best seats and some free drinks at the event.
Wynwood New Year’s Eve Bar Bash
The Wynwood Marketplace 2250 NW 2nd Ave Miami, FL 33127
- Live DJ sets all night including an incredible set by our resident DJ: Mr. Pauer
- Giant LED Ball Drop Countdown
- Free admission all night
Stay Home
Many are so burned out from the last few years that staying in is the most desired way to celebrate the new year. Plus everyone is paying a ridiculous amount for streaming services, and cable would be the perfect opportunity to have a movie marathon and watch the ball drop! You can get creative while staying home and do some fun activities. If your having a lot of friends over you can make a baked potato bar, a homemade pizza bar, or just make sure to provide a really well-stocked bar.
Don’t forget you can make your home and party as glamorous as you want to. You don’t have to go out to make sure you’re having a luxe, sparkly experience. You can host a black tie party or just a glam night with the girls. The ladder of that is to go completely casual. You can have friends “come as they are” or get matching pajamas which always makes for great Instagram photos.
Per tradition, the new year can be a time of reflection and goal-setting for the upcoming year. You can take pen to paper and write a journal entry of your year or you can even share a blog. There are apps you can use for goal setting. Remember goals can be specific or even extravagant but they can also be simple. Maybe you have goals to go back to school, start a business, or just work on your self-care and mental health. There are really no right answers here, and you can celebrate the new year, however, feels best for you!
I am usually in bed by at least 11 so staying up until midnight isn’t a top priority for me. A nice dinner with friends and a toast right at midnight might be nice and it is not a requirement. I plan to order some of my favorite food with a friend and have a completely chill evening.
Celebrating The New Year Sober
If you are sober simply by choice or struggle with alcohol you can still have a good time on New Year’s Eve. With the amount of partying that happens on this day of the year, it’s always appreciated to have a safe designated driver and wing person.
If you are going out and attending parties sober, which is an option, just make sure to have an exit plan. If you find yourself getting uncomfortable or triggered you need to be able to exit that situation. This could mean taking your own car and meeting friends at the event or making sure you have a friend that can help you leave whatever situation you are in.
Safety During New Years
No matter what you are doing, make sure you are doing it safely! Always have a sober driver or someone that can safely pick you up. Make sure your phone is charged before going out in case you need to call someone or have an emergency. It’s good to ensure that the Uber app is downloaded on your phone with the correct payment methods ready to go. You don’t want to be too drunk to navigate payment information and unable to get home.
If you are out and about drinking make sure you always have an eye on your drink. It’s always nice when someone buys you a drink, but make sure you’re not accepting drinks from anyone out of the blue. Temperatures have been pretty cold in all of the United States so check the weather before you go out. Even Florida is seeing some colder-than-normal temperatures!
Scrap All of it
Above all the holidays whether it be Thanksgiving, Christmas, or the New Year are just another day. We add value to these days but they are just another 24 hours in the 365 days of the year. You don’t always have to reflect on the year that has passed or make huge plans for the year ahead. Covid changed a lot of people’s lives and perspectives and it is important to be gentle with yourself this upcoming New Year. Whatever you do, or don’t decide to do we wish you a happy, healthy, and safe New Year from your SFL Media Fam!
South Florida Media Comments