Be a Part of the Amelia Island Shrimp Drop
If you’ve decided to ring in the new year on Amelia Island, you’re going to want to be a part of the annual Amelia Island Shrimp Drop when you’re here. This beloved and undeniably quirky annual event is a chance to gather with other travelers and locals alike who are looking to celebrate a brand-new start in unique coastal style. Instead of a glittering Times Square ball, this New Year’s Eve event features a dazzling shrimp lit up in lights. Attendees come together to see it dropped in honor of the new year and the area’s rich shrimping heritage. It’s a one-of-a-kind view you won’t soon forget.
When you’re excited to attend the Amelia Island Shrimp Drop at the start of a new year, be sure to request a copy of our Free Vacation Guide ahead of time! Inside, you can browse many other great local events, attractions, and activities to check out while you’re here at this time of year and looking to maximize the fun.
Event Details
- Date & Time: The festivities get underway at 5:00 pm and the shrimp is officially dropped at 7:00 pm on December 31.
- Location: Amelia Island Shrimp Drop attendees will want to gather in downtown Fernandina Beach, near Centre Street, to celebrate in good company.
- Age Range: This is a family-friendly annual event that guests of all ages are sure to love!
- Cost to Attend: There’s absolutely no cost to attend this inviting event on Amelia Island. Just be sure to bring your festive spirit along for the experience.
What You Can Expect at the Amelia Island Shrimp Drop
This riverfront New Year’s Eve celebration on Amelia Island is always one that sticks with travelers long after their holiday getaway has come to an end. There’s something truly unique about this riverfront gathering that includes fantastic food, great music, and of course, the iconic 7-foot glittering shrimp drop. There are typically fireworks to follow the main event sponsored by the City of Fernandina Beach and Light Up Amelia. Guests who attend will also want to check out the face painting stations, many kids’ activities, the Live DJ, food trucks, and free party hats and beads to enjoy. If you’re looking to commemorate the moment, keep an eye out for the giant, costumed shrimp on-site who will be ready and waiting to take photos with guests.
Book Your Amelia Island Vacation in Style Today
Now is the perfect time to begin looking forward to your Amelia Island vacation at the end of December when the Amelia Island Shrimp Drop is right on the horizon. Make sure the first step in ensuring your journey this way is truly exceptional, is booking your guest suite at The Addison on Amelia Island. We’ll make sure your getaway includes the luxury, comfort, style, and proximity to the Shrimp Drop fun you deserve. Reach out today to learn more and to begin turning travel plans into a well-deserved reality soon.
FAQ
1. How many people typically attend the Amelia Island Shrimp Drop?
In recent years, the Amelia Island Shrimp Drop has been seeing crowds of upwards of 5,000 heading to downtown Fernandina Beach to enjoy this one-of-a-kind display on New Year’s Eve.
2. Why is this whimsical event held on Amelia Island?
The Amelia Island Shrimp Drop is a fun twist on the traditional New Year’s Eve ball drop in New York. It also pays homage to Fernandina Beach, being known as the birthplace of the modern shipping industry in the U.S.
3. What should I bring with me when I attend the Amelia Island Shrimp Drop?
When you’re planning ahead, it’s always a good idea to bring a light jacket and a beach chair so you can enjoy the shrimp drop and fireworks comfortably. You might also consider bringing a combination of credit cards and cash so you can move easily between food vendors on-site who accept a variety of payment options.
4. Why is the event not held at midnight?
Because the Amelia Island Shrimp Drop is designed to be a fun, family-friendly event, it’s held earlier in the evening so attendees with kids can still enjoy a good bedtime schedule on New Year’s Eve.
5. Does it get cold at night on Amelia Island at the end of December?
While temperatures are far from cold during the Amelia Island Shrimp Drop each December, they can dip down into the low 50s. That means it’s always a good idea to dress in layers for this event.