New Year's Eve 2026 fireworks in Tampa Bay

Where to Watch New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Tampa Bay with the Kids

Get ready to ring in 2026 with a bang on New Year's Eve, because there are some pretty awesome New Year's Eve fireworks displays on schedule!

Whether you're looking for an earlier event for the younger kiddos, fireworks at the theme park, or even waterfront fireworks displays…we're sharing them all on our list of best places to watch New Year's Eve fireworks in Tampa Bay with the kids.

Related: Our Favorite NOON Year's Eve Celebrations in Tampa Bay 


FEATURED EVENTS: The BEST New Year's Eve Fireworks in Tampa Bay

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New Year's Eve at LEGOLAND Florida

  • When: Celebrated December 31, 2025. Fireworks at 8 pm.
  • Cost: Included with theme park admission.

Celebrate the last day of 2025 with an AWESOME day at the park, and then stay for the fireworks display at 8 pm to usher in 2026 a few hours early! Brick-bursting fireworks and awesome entertainment, all without missing their bedtimes – sounds awesome! Plus, Kids' New Year's Eve is included in day tickets, hotel packages, and select Annual Passes. Learn more about LEGOLAND Florida's New Year's Eve celebration here.

New Year’s Eve Celebration at Busch Gardens

  • Event Start Time: December 31, 2025, 6 pm – 1 am
  • Cost: Included with theme park admission.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with friends and family and indulge in some excitement at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Explore all of your Christmas Town favorites, enjoy thrill rides in the dark and catch the fireworks drone show with a fantastic soundtrack to ring in 2026!

Lost Pearl Pirate Ship New Year's Eve Fireworks Cruise

  • Event Start Time: Ship boards at 10:45 pm at the Tampa Convention Center. Sets sail at 11 pm
  • Cost: Adult tickets start at $79.95.

The Lost Pearl pirate ship is sailing once again, and they are hosting an ARRGHsome New Year's Eve fireworks cruise. “Happy New Yarrgh’s Eve” with your favorite crew as you enjoy an open bar during your 1.5-hour pirate-themed party cruise. Cheers to a new year with a complimentary Champagne toast at midnight, and get a front row seat to a fireworks show.

New Year's Eve Fireworks on Pirate Water Taxi in Tampa

  • Fireworks Start Time: 11:30 pm- 12:30 am
  • Cost: $69.95 per adult and $59.95 per child.

Bring in the New Year on the water with a front-row seat on the New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise! Ring in the New Year on the water with a front-row seat to downtown Tampa’s fireworks on Pirate Water Taxi’s New Year’s Eve Cruise! This 1-hour cruise includes a complimentary champagne toast, party favors, and prime viewing of the fireworks. All ages are welcome, but you must be 21+ with a valid ID to drink.


MORE of the BEST New Year's Eve Fireworks in Tampa Bay

 

Celebrate with Early with Daytime Fireworks: Noon Year’s Eve at Armature Works in Tampa

  • Fireworks Start Time: 10 am-2 pm
  • Cost: Free to attend

Armature Works is once again hosting its FREE Noon Year’s Eve event. Head to the South and West lawns of Armature Works for daytime fireworks along the river, inflatables, a live band, giant yard games, plenty of photo ops, and more! Bailey's Circuit Monster Trunk will also be there in celebration of the return of Ringling Circus to Tampa on Jan. 2-4, 2026!

New Year's Eve Fireworks on the Riverwalk with Jackson's Bistro and Friends of the Riverwalk

  • Event Time: 9 pm-1 pm
  • Cost: VIP tickets for the event at Jackson's Bistro start at $150 per person. You can view fireworks for free from the Riverwalk in this area.

For the first time, Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk is partnering with Jackson’s Bistro, Bar & Sushi to light up the downtown skyline with a spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display! Ring in 2026 with a dazzling celebration over the Hillsborough River, featuring prime viewing spots along the Riverwalk and at Jackson’s Bistro, Bar & Sushi. Join us as we welcome the new year with sparkle, excitement, and community spirit on Tampa’s waterfront!

NYE on The Pier in St. Pete

  • Event Time: 8 pm – 12:30 am
  • Cost: Free to attend

This free event at Spa Beach Park is open to the public and full of fun for all friends and family. NYE on the Pier will feature DJs, food trucks, bars and more. End the night with a beautiful fireworks show sponsored by the City of St. Pete–fireworks can also be viewed from North and South Straub Parks.

Light it Up Clearwater New Year's Eve Fireworks

  • Fireworks Start Time: Fireworks at midnight
  • Cost: Free to attend

Soak in the final sunset of 2025 and then stay for what has been named one of the top 5 ways to celebrate New Year's Eve in the country with the kids, according to U.S. News and World Reports. Experience it for yourself to ring in 2026! The fireworks will launch from the north end of Sand Key, but event organizers say the best viewing spots are along the southern part of Clearwater Beach.

Treasure Island New Year's Eve Fireworks

  • Fireworks Start Time: Fireworks at midnight
  • Cost: Free to attend

Enjoy fireworks on the beach for New Year's Eve! Find the perfect spot along Gulf Front Park (10400 Gulf Blvd) for the best view of the light show. For more on where to park, visit mytreasureisland.com/parking.

New Year's Eve Beach Party at Whiskey Joe's in Tampa

  • Event Time: 7 pm-12:30 am
  • Cost: Tickets start at $40 per person in advance

Ring in 2026 in style with a NYE Party at Whiskey Joe's Tampa, featuring poppin' live music, amazing views of the fireworks, & more!

*Featured image courtesy of iStock by Getty Images.


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