With pristine beaches, breathtaking natural beauty, world-class resorts, eclectic dining options, shops galore, 99 holes of golf and so much more, Amelia Island is the perfect game day headquarters for fans of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. Even if your team isn’t playing, book a stay and make a New Year’s weekend out of it. The excitement of ringing in the new year at the beach AND watching a college game in person is second to none!

New Year’s Eve

There’s nothing better than ending an old year and welcoming in a new one. Luckily, Amelia Island has no shortage of New Year’s Eve celebrations to choose from. Check out the highlights below and start planning!

New Year’s Eve Black & White Gala — Ring in the New Year in style with the fourteenth annual Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island New Year’s Eve Gala. Dine on lavish food buffets, chef’s stations of seafood, sushi, seared scallops, lobster, lamb loin and an array of scrumptious desserts. Dance the night away to live music while enjoying an open bar and a Champagne toast with midnight fireworks. Even better if you purchase an overnight room package and start the New Year off in there lap of luxury. Festivities begin at 9pm. The gala is $320 per guest. 21 and older only.

New Year’s Eve Shrimp Drop — Light Up Amelia and The City of Fernandina Beach host a unique, family-friendly New Year’s celebration at the Downtown Waterfront. Ring in the new year in conjunction with the Greenwich Mean Time stroke of midnight (7PM.) Enjoy music, holiday food, drink and party favors all leading up to the dropping of the LED-lighted shrimp followed by fireworks! This event was recently ranked #3 on USA Today’s list of the Top 10 Best New Year’s Eve Drops in the U.S.! Marina Parking Lot B. 5pm – 8pm.

A Jazzy New Year’s Eve in Paris with The Les DeMerle Band — Swing into 2025 with the jazzy sounds of Les DeMerle and his band. Held at Story & Song Center For Arts & Culture, The Dynamic Les DeMerle Band featuring Bonnie Eisele will have your feet tappin’ and hands clappin’ as they put on a spectacular show to celebrate the new year! $65 ticket includes includes hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast. Cash bar available. 5pm – 7pm.

Verandah New Year’s Eve — Savor a delectable four-course dinner. The first course features chef’s amuse-bouche, followed by an appetizer, main plate and dessert of your choosing. $99 per person. No à la carte items available. Reservations required. 5pm – 11pm.

Oceanside New Year’s Eve — Indulge in a half pound of prime rib and half lobster thermidor with ocean views. $69 per person. Reservations required. 5pm – 10pm.

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl

Each year in early December, the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl announces two of the best teams in college football for an epic match-up in the Sunshine State.

On Thursday, January 2 at 7:30pm, this gridiron classic begins when the Blue Devils of Duke take on the Rebels of Ole Miss. Held an easy 40-minute ride from Amelia Island, EverBank Stadium is a state-of-the-art venue boasting a seating capacity of over 67,000. Situated along the St. Johns River, the stadium offers stunning views, easy access, and tasty food & beverage selections.

GO TEAMS AND WELCOME 2025!