New Year's Eve 2026 near Weston: Fort Lauderdale's free Downtown Countdown and anchor drop Dec. 31, home fireworks rules, and city closures and trash.

Last checked Oct. 10, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Sources: the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Downtown Countdown page, the City of Weston’s 2025 New Year’s Eve notice and section 791.08 of the Florida Statutes. Restaurant plans are listed only once a restaurant announces them on its own page; none had by Oct. 10.

New Year’s Eve is Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026. The City of Weston had announced no New Year’s Eve event or fireworks show by Oct. 10; the city’s fireworks night is July 3. The nearest big free party is the Orange Bowl Downtown Countdown in Fort Lauderdale, with a lighted anchor drop at midnight.

Who to call

  • Broward Sheriff’s Office, non-emergency (fireworks complaints, noise): 954-764-4357; emergencies, 911
  • City Hall: 954-385-2000
  • Parks and Recreation: 954-389-4321

Downtown Countdown, Fort Lauderdale

Thursday, Dec. 31, 4:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., SW 2nd Street and SW 5th Avenue, downtown Fort Lauderdale. The city describes it as a free street festival: bounce houses, inflatables, face painting, games, contests, a DJ and a kids’ countdown early in the evening, then live music for adults and the lighted anchor drop at midnight, according to the city’s event page.

Road closures listed by the city:

  • From 7 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30: SW 2nd Street from SW 5th Avenue east to SW 4th Avenue.
  • From 7 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31: SW 2nd Street from SW 5th Avenue east to SW 1st Avenue; SW 2nd Avenue south of Broward Boulevard; SW 5th Avenue south of the parking garage entrance; and SW 4th Avenue south of SW 2nd Street. The westbound lane of SW 2nd Street from SW 7th Avenue to SW 5th Avenue is closed, with Broward Center traffic using the eastbound lane.
  • All roads reopen at 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 1.

Lights on New Year’s Eve

  • Holiday Fantasy of Lights, the drive-thru at Tradewinds Park, 3600 W. Sample Road, Coconut Creek, is open 6 to 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and every night through Jan. 2 (tickets).
  • Flamingo Gardens, Davie, closes at 4 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and opens on New Year’s Day, according to its events page. Its Winter Wonderland light show ends Dec. 30.

More on both: holiday lights and Christmas events.

Fireworks at home

Florida law allows fireworks on three days: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and Independence Day, under section 791.08 of the Florida Statutes. The statute says a homeowners association board may not adopt rules taking that right away, but a properly recorded deed covenant that bans fireworks still applies. Check your community’s recorded covenants before you buy.

What is open and closed

From the city’s 2025 New Year’s Eve notice; the 2026 notice had not been posted by Oct. 10:

New Year’s Eve New Year’s Day
City offices Closed at noon in 2025 Closed
City parks Closed at 6 p.m. in 2025 Closed at 6 p.m. in 2025
Trash and recycling Regular pickup Regular pickup
Broward County public schools Winter break, Dec. 21 to Jan. 1 Winter break

Classes resume Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2027, after a teacher planning day Monday, Jan. 4. See our schools page.

Getting home safely

The Broward Sheriff’s Office polices Weston. Plan your ride home before you go out; bus routes and the main roads are on our getting around Weston page.

What this means for you

  • No Weston city fireworks on New Year’s Eve; the closest big free party is in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
  • Home fireworks are legal Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 unless your deed covenant bans them.
  • Trash pickup runs as normal on both days.

Related: holiday lights and Christmas events, Fourth of July fireworks and date night in Weston.

Frequently asked questions

Are there New Year’s Eve fireworks in Weston?

The City of Weston had announced no New Year’s Eve event or fireworks show for 2026 as of Oct. 10; its fireworks show is on July 3. The nearest big free celebration we could confirm is Fort Lauderdale’s Downtown Countdown.

Can I set off fireworks at home on New Year’s Eve in Florida?

Yes. Section 791.08 of the Florida Statutes allows fireworks on New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and Independence Day. A recorded deed restriction that bans fireworks still applies.

Is there trash pickup in Weston on New Year’s Day?

Yes. In 2025 the city ran regular garbage and recycling collection on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Christmas Day is the only day without pickup.

When is the Fort Lauderdale anchor drop?

At midnight at the free Orange Bowl Downtown Countdown, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. at SW 2nd Street and SW 5th Avenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale.