It’s finally time to say sayonara to 2022 and ring in the new year — and Tampa Bay’s wide spread of bars, restaurants, and parks have got you covered. Here’s the problem: you still don’t have a plan. Well, we have the solution: Here’s our roundup of last-minute celebrations — from elegant soirees to chill outdoor hangs.
*All events are on NYE, Saturday, Dec. 31, but we recommend making reservations, buying tickets, or talking plans with your friends and families ASAP — because they will sell out.
Reliaquest Bowl New Year’s Eve Parade Parade & Pep Rally | 5:30 -7:30 p.m. | Centro Ybor, 1600 E. 8th Ave, Tampa | Free | Eclectic Ybor City is the backdrop of this family-friendly parade and a pep rally. Pro tip: Get there early to claim a spot.
Armature Works at Midnight | 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m.| 1910 N. Ola Avenue, Tampa | $75-$1,800 | Live it up Great Gatsby style at the Posh Party at the Pier or soak in the Champagne Showers on the West Lawn.
St. Pete’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show | 12 a.m. | Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg | Free | Grab a blanket and watch the City of St. Pete’s 20-minute-long firework display on the waterfront. Pro tip: We recommend parking downtown and then walking over.
Pirate Water Taxi | 11:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. | Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa | $69.50 | This one-hour cruise includes champagne, party favors, and a prime viewing of Downtown Tampa’s fireworks.
NYE Bash | 7 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. | Sal Y Mar, 3650 Midtown Dr., Tampa | $160-$1,060 | Pop champagne and drink at a 6-hour long open bar on this new restaurant’s rooftop.
NYE Jazz + Cabaret | 8 p.m.-3:00 a.m. | The Floridian Social, 687 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | $299 | Dance until the early morning alongside an eight-piece jazz band and circus performers from around the world.
A Tribute to the Jordan Year | 9 p.m.-2 a.m. | 601 S. Harbour Island Blvd., Tampa | $154-$265 | This is the largest fireworks display of the night.
The Vault’s Crystal Ball | 9 p.m. | 611 N. Franklin St., Tampa | $125 | Cheers the future with live music and entertainment, decadent hors d’oeuvres, and desserts by Chef Lala Maria.
Soulful NYE on the Riverwalk | 9:30 p.m. | 1010 N. Macinnes Pl., Tampa | $75-$3,000 | Raise a glass and watch the Staz Center’s rendition of Hamilton.
Heavenly Bodies | 7 p.m.-1 a.m. | 1646 W. Snow Ave., Tampa | $50-$1,000 | Walk through the heavenly gates and get one complimentary and soporific signature cocktail.
Medianoche | 5 p.m.-1 a.m. | Hotel Haya, 1412 E 7th Ave., Tampa | Free+ | This event is free unless, of course, you choose to indulge in Flor Fina’s four-course price fixe dinner — then afterward jam to DJ Camo + the band Speak Easy.
Holidays in the Sky | 11: 59 p.m. | Busch Garden’s Festival Field, 10165 McKinley Dr., Tampa | $68-$106 | Take on the Iron Gwazi, then watch elaborate bursts of colors coat the sky in brilliant fireworks.
NYE at The Spectacular St. Pete Coliseum | Saturday, Dec. 31-Sunday, Jan. 1 | 7:30 p.m.-1:00 a.m. | St. Petersburg Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N., St Petersburg | $50 | Swing dance as 2000 balloons cascade from the ceiling.
Grand Glow Atlantis NYE| Saturday, Dec. 31-Sunday, Jan. 1 | 6 p.m.-12 a.m. | Wyndham Grand, 100 Coronado Dr., Clearwater | $85-$1,200 | Dive into 2023 with mermaids, live music, and lots of new eats.
Yacht StarShip NYE Cruise Party | Saturday, Dec. 31-Sunday, Jan. 1 | 10 p.m.-1 a.m. | Yacht StarShip, 603 Channelside Dr., Tampa| $229.95 | Ring in 2023 with a cocktail in hand while sailing the seven seas.