List: Countdown on to New Year’s Eve ball drops, parties & fireworks in South MS
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- South Mississippi schedules city ball and oyster drops with fireworks and bands.
- Family options include noon balloon drops, ice skating, Harbor Lights and kids events.
- Casinos and clubs run ticketed themed parties, champagne toasts and late-night shows.
South Mississippi has big plans for New Year’s Eve, with celebrations for families, singles, couples and those eager to turn the page to a new year.
Party with a crowd at one of the drops held at cities across the Coast, where admission is free and the restaurants are open for well into the night.
In Bay St. Louis, an oyster shell drops at midnight as people watch from Beach Boulevard and restaurant balconies along the strip. Streets start to close around 7 p.m. and bands entertain until midnight. Fireworks follow the oyster drop at midnight. The lineup of music includes DJ Doug Funnie, Category 6 and The Chee Weez.
Long Beach Ball Drop is new this year. The family-friendly celebration starts a 9 p.m., with a block party on Jeff Davis Avenue, live music by Louisiana Landfall and the ball drop at midnight..
Ocean Springs drops a sparkling LED ball as people of all ages fill Government Street to countdown to midnight.. The street party starts at 8 p.m. with music by Unfazed Experience, followed by Saint Social at 10 p.m.
In downtown Pascagoula, an Anchor Drop rings in 2026 with music and a light show. The Big Reveal plays from 8-10 p.m. and Get Sideways starts at 10:30 and continues past midnight. Food trucks and local vendors will be at the family-friendly event.
Kids who can’t stay up until midnight can still get in on the fun of balloon drops. Countdown to Noon is celebrated at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Gulfport. The party starts at 10 a.m. with a New Year’s craft, snacks, DJ and the balloon drop 12 hours early at noon.
Margaritaville Resort Biloxi caters to all ages with three ball drops on Dec. 31 — at 7 p.m., 9 p.m. and midnight. Games are half price at the Escape arcade and live music and late night fireworks will add to the celebration.
More fun and games
Those who live in South Mississippi or are visiting on New Year’s Eve can go out on the town or discover other ways to ring in 2026.
The Coast Coliseum New Year’s Eve Ice Skating Party is cool, from 7-8:30 p.m. Tickets are sold starting one hour ahead and are $13, with skate rentals available while supplies last. Two earlier sessions also are on the schedule.
New Year’s Eve is one last chance to wander through the Harbor Lights at Jones Park in Gulfport. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for ages 4-12.
Hippie Fish at Centennial Plaza, Gulfport has a special package for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. For $26, get a round of mini gold and a $20 arcade game card.
Other ways to make the most of New Year’s Eve are walking the beach, going to the movies, bowling, roller skating or bouncing around at one of the indoor trampoline parks.
Music and dancing
It’s a big night for restaurants, bars and clubs across the Coast to welcome those who want a special dinner or to dance into the night.
All in White New Year’s Eve Party turns The Chapel at Centennial Plaza in Gulfport into a winter wonderland. Music by The Myles Sharp Band. Unforgettable balloon drop. Reservations required. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. $50 per person, $90 couple.
Sapphire Supper Club in downtown Biloxi presents a Legendary NYE Celebration with champagne and music by Spencer Rocca & James Taylor. Reservations required
Ground Zero Blues Club, in downtown Biloxi starts the high-energy party at 8 p.m. and brings to the stage Ra’Shad The Blues Kid and The Chitlins, blending blues, soul and rock. Tickets start at $25. On Dec. 30, Mississippi singer Danica Hart returns to the Ground Zero stage for her solo show as a warmup to New Year’s Eve.
New Year’s Eve Extravaganza at Gulfport Luxury RV Resort is a night of fun, music, games, the countdown and fireworks at midnight. Live music by The Project. 8 p.m.-midnight.
The Sanctuary in Biloxi bills its NYE Party as a night for music lovers, party seekers and anyone ready to celebrate big. Doors open at 8 p.m. and $500 balloon drop comes at midnight.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve on the Bayou at the new Bayou Restaurant and Tiki Bar in Ocean Springs. Free entry, walk-ins welcome. DJ Todd entertains from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Reservations: 228-364-3147
The Almanett Hotel & Bistro in Gulfport will Celebrate New Year’s Eve with live music by CC Carter. Lollipop lamb chops is the special. $20 cover charge. Reservations: 228-865-9901
Flatheads and Bottom Feeders in Woolmarket hosts a New Year’s Eve party with music, karaoke, a midnight balloon drop, food, and drinks. Admission is $25.
Before the ball drops in downtown Ocean Springs, Gulf Hills Hotel + Resort invites revelers to the resort’s New Year’s Eve pre-party, with DJ music from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Sunset champagne flights are available.
Casino parties
At the 12 Coast casinos, expect balloons to fall and glasses of champagne to rise in toast at midnight. These are some of the celebrations:
New Year’s Eve Masquerade at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi is a mystery-themed night of music and glamour as the revelers in partial face masks start the countdown at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $24.95. Champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight. After Party at Roadhouse 777.
Beau Rivage Resort and Casino NYE Celebration sees the return of The Molly Ringwalds and their energy, hits from the ‘80s and dazzling light show starting at 10:30 p.m. Casino-wide parties, balloon drops and fireworks are planned. A Black & White themed party is from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. at EIGHT75, with live music and Lux Lounge/MGM Golf will transform into a speakeasy with DJ music from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Tickets are $20 to both parties and complimentary NYE toast and party favors will come out for midnight.
Harrah’s Gulf Coast celebrates with a Time Travelers Ball, promising giveaways, free spins and a midnight countdown not to forget.
Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast greets the New Year with A New York State of Mind and shades of Billy Joel, featuring Steve Feller and his tribute band. Lavish buffet and an open bar. $237 per couple.
IP Casino Resort’s New Year’s Eve celebration is at Chill Ultra Lounge from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Music by 3HG. $25 cover charge
Island View Casino Resort in Gulfport has multi-day festivities leading up to New Year’s Eve, when live music starts at 1 p.m. and continues well past midnight.
Silver Slipper Casino’s New Year’s Eve Bash from 9 p.m.-1 a.m will feature music by Joni Compretta & Baytown Groove.
This story was originally published December 15, 2025 at 3:00 AM.
