It’s time to bid farewell to the year before but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate New Year’s Eve in a unique fashion. The region is full of unique traditions that rival that ball drop in big cities. For example, did you know that in the South, eating hoppin john, a dish made up of black eyed peas, is said to give you prosperity in the New Year? Check out these other quirky places to celebrate the coming year.
Where to Celebrate New Years
The Peach Drop, Atlanta, Georgia
Starting in 1989, the Peach Drop is Atlanta‘s take on the ball drop for the Peach State. The event was held at Underground Atlanta for decades, but in 2018 moved to Woodruff Park when the development sold. It now drops from the historic Flatiron Building. The festivities include performances by big-name acts like Better Than Ezra and Jagged Edge.
Red Shoe Drop, Key West, Florida
Every year in Key West for the past two decades, the Red Shoe Drop has been used to ring in New Year’s Eve. A drag queen climbs aboard the shoe and is lowered from the Bourbon Street Pub complex to reveling crowds.
Orange Drop, Miami, Florida
Miami, Florida, hosts the Big Orange Drop to honor the state’s nickname of the “orange state.” It’s made up of a 35-foot piece of neon in the shape of an orange wearing sunglasses that rises above the city at the top of the Intercontinental Hotel Miami. In previous years, Pitbull has hosted the event, which can be viewed from Bayfront Park.
Moon Pie Drop, Mobile, Alabama
One of the most unique things to be dropped is in Mobile, where a 600-pound Moon Pie is lowered from the RSA Tower. The confection, originally from Chattanooga, is a popular giveaway during the Carnival season. New Year’s events also include a Mardi Gras-style parade and the World’s Largest Moon Pie, which is then cut up and served to the public.
Music Note Drop, Nashville, Tennessee
In Nashville, the previous guitar drop has been replaced by the Music Note Drop, which better signifies the many types of music that make up the Music City. The 15-foot-tall piece is only one small part of the Music City Midnight festivities, which also have activities and live music from country’s biggest names like Keith Urban and mainstream artists like Peter Frampton.
Ruby, Franklin, North Carolina
The town of Franklin is known as the “Gem Capital of the World,” where Tiffany’s once had its own mine. Constructed with over 1,500 red lights, the Ruby Drop has become a favorite holiday tradition for both locals and visitors. There will be two drops, one at 9 pm for families, and another at midnight, and a concert.
Acorn, Raleigh, North Carolina
In Raleigh, the city celebrates its nickname by dropping a giant acorn. The annual First Night Raleigh includes city blocks of programming with live music, theatre, and other entertainment starting early in the day. There are also kid-friendly activities like amusement rides.
Other New Year’s Celebrations
You can also see a beach ball in Panama City, a pelican in Pensacola, a marlin in Gulf Shores, and a possum in Tallapoosa. No matter where you celebrate, there’s no shortage of places in the South to help you ring in the New Year.
Leave a Reply