by Holle Abee

Created on: August 23, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Fort Lauderdale gained fame for "Where the Boys Are," but it's also "where the great New Year's Eve parties are"! The city by the sea has a host of fabulous celebrations as a way for visitors to welcome the new year, with some unique variations on the theme.

The Fort's beach is legendary, with a wide expanse of sand and the beautiful waters of the Atlantic. And, yes, you'll be able to have plenty of fun in the sun, even in December. The daily highs usually exceed 80, and even at night, it rarely drops below 75. In fact, the beach in winter is even more enjoyable than in summer. There's always a nice ocean breeze, and the humidity is low.

New Year's Eve parties abound in the local clubs and at the resorts, but one of the best in Fort Lauderdale is found at Bayfront Park. Guests are treated to some great live music, and at midnight, the "Big Orange" drops. Best of all, this celebration is free!

The downtown area also has a great celebration along Southwest 2nd Street. Guests will enjoy live entertainment and games until the wee hours of the morning, and a large lighted ball drops as the old year goes out and the new comes in. This is a free event, and there's even an early celebration for kids at 7 pm, when the ball is lit.

If you have some coin to spend, you can party like a rock star on New Year's Eve. Or how about WITH a rock star? Several clubs feature glitzy parties with famous celebrities, starting at around $200 to get in the door. Not a bad price considering all the extras most of these soirees include.

Spend New Year's Day on the beach, visiting a local wildlife sanctuary, playing golf, deep sea fishing, or checking out a museum. For something a little more invigorating, take a tour of the Everglades wilderness aboard an airboat.

Shopping here is an adventure, too. Visit the boutiques, galleries, and sidewalk cafes of beautiful Las Olas Boulevard, Florida's answer to Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive, or The Swap Shop and Circus, the largest indoor-outdoor flea market, entertainment, and shopping attraction in the entire world! Sawgrass Mills, the largest shopping center in Florida, is nearby, too, with lots of outlet stores, gamerooms for the kids, cinemas, and over 30 restaurants!

A New Year's trip to Fort Lauderdale offers something for all ages, and it's a great place to combine outdoor activities with "throw-down" parties. Check the web for special discounts and package deals.

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