Orlando is the perfect place to beat the winter blues and celebrate the coming New Year in style. With plenty of exciting activities, from college bowl games to fireworks shows, there is no shortage of fun ways to celebrate the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022. 

Here are a few great things to do in Orlando for New Year’s 2021. 

Fun Activities During New Year’s Week in Orlando

Cheez-It Bowl

If you are looking for a great way to enjoy the December weather in Orlando, be sure to check out the Cheez-It Bowl at Camping World Stadium on Dec. 29. The highly-anticipated college bowl game is the perfect Orlando activity to enjoy with a group of friends or the whole family during New Year’s week. 

In addition to watching No. 19 Clemson Tigers (9-3, 6-2 ACC) face off against the Iowa State Cyclones (7-5, 5-4 Big 12) during the game, there also plenty of other game-related events, such as the Cheez-It Bowl Pep Rally. Don’t forget to check out the exciting college tailgating activities in the parking lot leading up to the game for a great way to get hyped up for the big event!

Immersive Van Gogh Orlando

For the perfect way to take in some culture around New Year’s in Orlando, consider checking out this immersive art experience at the Orange County Convention Center. Whether you’re an art lover or just looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon, you’re sure to be mesmerized by this most unique of attractions. 

You’ll be immersed right in the middle of Van Gogh’s works, including his night scenes and sunny landscapes, giving you a new appreciation for his art. Tickets are $39.99 during off-peak times and $54.99 during peak times.

Orlando New Year’s Eve Theme Park Celebrations

New Year’s Eve Celebration at SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando is an excellent place with plenty of fun activities for the whole family. And, the New Year’s Eve celebration promises festive entertainment and bold fireworks. If you’re really looking to enhance your experience, you can buy reserved seating for the fireworks show or get a three-course New Year’s Eve dinner at the Shark Underwater Grill.

Jazzberry Jammin’ New Year’s Eve at Crayola Experience Orlando

If you’re looking for a fun family activity, drop by Crayola Experience Orlando for the Jazzberry Jammin’ New Year’s Eve party from noon to 4 p.m. on Dec. 31. The first 100 kids admitted get a free glow necklace, and there will be special crafts, mid-day countdowns, a DJ dance party, and character appearances for a great time your youngster isn’t soon to forget. General admission is $23.99 for attendees three and older.

Kid’s New Year’s Eve Party at Legoland

It’s hard to find a child of any age that doesn’t like Legos, and they’ll be in heaven during a visit to Legoland. This is the perfect kid-friendly place to explore, and there is no shortage of activities during the holidays

This time of year, kids will delight in seeing a giant Lego Christmas tree, holiday characters, and special activities. New Year’s fireworks take place nightly from Dec. 26-31, and there are other holiday shows that enhance the fun even further. Vacation packages are available, but you can also buy single-day admissions starting at $84.99, though prices vary by day and ticket type.

Best Places to See Fireworks on New Year’s Eve in Orlando

Mount Dora New Year’s Eve Celebration

There’s nothing quite like the majesty of a fireworks display, and it doesn’t always have to be during the Fourth of July. If you’re looking to ring in the New Year with fireworks, there is no shortage of places to catch the show in Orlando. You can take part in the Mount Dora New Year’s Eve Block Party on Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Sunset Park. The fireworks begin at midnight.

New Year’s Eve at Avalon Park

Avalon Lake is the place to be on New Year’s Eve. At Eastside Bistro or A-Aki Steakhouse, you can nosh on some delicious eats before heading to Avalon Park to see the fireworks. You can also check out Papagio’s for fireworks, music by DJ Gave, and a free champagne toast at midnight.

New Year’s Eve Celebration at Old Town Kissimmee

Orlando has many fantastic New Year’s Eve events during the holiday season, but don’t forget about nearby Kissimmee. You can end 2021 with a bang by celebrating in Old Town Kissimmee, where you’ll find live entertainment, a free concert, and a car show. 

If you’re looking for budget-friendly activities in Orlando, admission is free for all ages, and you can enjoy all the festivities before the fireworks are launched at midnight.

Dinner Events in Orlando for New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve Dinner Show with Benji Brown at the Improv Orlando

Nothing can help you ring in the New Year quite like a good meal. You can get a great meal and have a few laughs at the Improv Orlando on Dec. 31. You’ll enjoy a delicious offering that includes soup or salad, chicken and waffles, short ribs, potatoes, and vegetables, or Alfredo pasta with vegetables, not to mention lots of desserts. 

Benji Brown, a comedian who has worked with many headliners, is sure to make you laugh as you enjoy the delicious meal and welcome 2022. Tickets are $112 per person.

Buffet Dinner and Party in Havana

If you’re looking to have a bit of everything on New Year’s Eve, this is the place to go. Tickets are $119 per person, and the buffet includes everything from salad to pork belly to steaks and many types of Cuban food. Your ticket also gets you access to a DJ and dancing, party favors, and a champagne toast.

New Year’s Eve at Tapa Toro

This festive Spanish restaurant will be open from 1 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. to help you ring in the New Year. They offer two seating options: one is a four-course meal, and the other is a five-course meal. Prices vary depending on which seating you want and when you plan on going for a meal. Early seating is as little as $49, and late seating is at least $100.

Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Orlando

Family Pirates Party

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Orlando can be fun, but finding entertainment for the whole family can sometimes be challenging, especially if you’re looking for attractions other than Disney World. If you’re looking for family fun on New Year’s Eve, Pirates Dinner Adventure in Orlando is a must-see. 

Pirates’ holiday shows are a feast for the eyes and feature an appearance by Santa. There are two showtimes on New Year’s Eve, both including a three-course dinner, a 90-minute show, party favors, and a New Year’s countdown. There’s also a 6 p.m. family dinner and show, which is $41.95 per child and $67.95 per adult.

ROCK-IN 2022! New Year’s Eve Lobby Party

Visitors to the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando can rock the night away during an event that includes a DJ, a balloonist, and magic men. There’s also a countdown, live from Times Square via satellite. Tickets are $50 for children aged 3-9 and $80 per adult.

Rocking New Year at Sunset Walk

This exciting event is another chance to rock the night away on Dec. 31 with street performers, a DJ, vocalists, dancers, and live musicians. There’s also a midnight fireworks spectacular and a confetti storm. The event takes place rain or shine, and kids ten and under get in free with paid adults. Tickets range from $25-$30.

Exciting Orlando New Year’s Eve Nightlife Events

Howl at the Moon Orlando

If you’re ready to have your best New Year’s Eve to date, check out Howl at Moon Orlando, which offers everything you need to bid farewell to 2021. Many of its packages have already sold out, but you can still gain general admission for $20 and have access to party favors and a champagne toast.

ICEBAR Orlando’s 2022 New Year’s Eve Hollywood Bash

At ICEBAR Orlando, you can ring in the New Year in style with one of several packages. The ICE package includes entry, a premium open bar, a champagne bar, and a midnight celebration buffet. You can also opt for general admission, which provides access to most of the amenities included in the ICE package. The ICE package is $85, and general admission is $50.

Party Like Gatsby: Spectacle Extraordinaire NYE 2022 @ EVE Orlando Downtown

Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready to party like Gatsby at EVE Orlando Downtown. With a night of dancing, entertainment, and cocktails, you’ll have no shortage of fun as you marvel at silk acrobats, burlesque dancers, and glow performers, to name a few. With all of the festivities and trappings, you’ll feel like you have just stepped back in time to the 1920s.

What to do on New Year’s Day 2022 in Orlando

Vrbo Citrus Bowl

Once you’ve rung in the New Year in Orlando, that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. If you’re still looking to get your fill of sports, head back to Camping World Stadium for the Vrbo Citrus Bowl. There are plenty of easy transportation options to Orlando bowl games and even an exciting Vrbo Citrus Bowl Pep Rally on New Year’s Eve to get pumped up for the big game.

It’s the seventh oldest bowl game in college football history and is highly anticipated by college football fanatics and everyday fans alike. Don’t miss your opportunity to watch No. 22 Kentucky Wildcats (9-3, 5-3 SEC) and the No. 15 Iowa Hawkeyes (10-3, 7-2 Big Ten) battle it out to start your 2022 the right way. You can also grab a bite to eat at one of the best restaurants near Camping World Stadium before or after the game!

New Year’s Day Buffet at Valencia Restaurant

After all the fun you had on New Year’s Eve, chances are you’re probably going to be a bit hungry. You can recharge your batteries with a delicious buffet at Valencia Restaurant. You can also add a bottomless Bloody Mary and mimosa bar with your meal if you want to keep the good times rolling. Tickets for the buffet are just $45 per person, and the bottomless drink addition for an extra $20.

Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild

If you’re looking for a fun family event, this one at the Central Florida Zoo is a great one to check out on New Year’s Day. You’ll be able to experience the zoo like never before, with more than two dozen handmade, illuminated lantern displays on a path that runs three-quarters of a mile. The whole family is sure to marvel at the wonder and beauty of this traditional Asian Lantern Festival. You can buy individual tickets or a festival four-pack for a selected time.

Buy Your Bowl Game Tickets or FCS Membership Today

Whether you are looking to check out the Vrbo Citrus Bowl or the Cheez-It Bowl, membership packages from Florida Citrus Sports are the best option for both and much more. 

Not only do you get tickets for both games, but you also get parking passes, presale opportunities, a dedicated member service representative, networking events, and the chance to scout the bowl teams. You can buy your tickets to the Cheez-It Bowl or tickets to the Vrbo Citrus Bowl individually, but membership usually offers the most bang for your buck. No matter what ticket package you choose, you’ll get the chance to watch a fantastic game at a world-class stadium.

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