Fort Lauderdale’s New Year’s Eve 2026: Families, Festivities, and Live Entertainment as the City Celebrates with a Global Audience on CNN

Published on December 22, 2025

Greater Fort Lauderdale is ringing in the new year with an exciting full-day celebration that promises something for everyone. With family-friendly activities during the day and a vibrant nightlife celebration that will be featured live on CNN, this year’s New Year’s Eve events are set to showcase the city’s dynamic waterfront lifestyle, culture, and energy. From interactive museum activities to a glamorous waterfront celebration, Fort Lauderdale will welcome 2026 with style, offering an unforgettable start to the year for all ages.

Greater Fort Lauderdale’s New Year’s Eve: A Full Day of Festivities and Family Fun

Greater Fort Lauderdale, known for its stunning waterways, thriving cultural scene, and vibrant communities, is setting the stage for one of its most exciting New Year’s Eve celebrations yet. Whether you’re looking for daytime fun with the family or a glamorous evening of waterfront partying, the city offers a range of events designed to bring in the new year with energy and excitement.

This year’s New Year’s Eve events will be broadcast live on CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen, showcasing Greater Fort Lauderdale’s rich water culture and lively atmosphere to a global audience.

Family Fun at the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS)

Families can start the celebration early at the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS), where a day full of fun, science, and interactive experiences awaits. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., children and adults alike can enjoy music, dance-offs, hands-on science experiments, and engaging activities designed to bring families together.

Key Features of MODS’ New Year’s Eve Celebration:

• Music and Dance-Offs: Guests can groove to live music and participate in fun dance battles.
• Science Experiments: Interactive science activities that engage both children and adults in educational fun.
• Beach Ball Drop at Noon: The midday beach ball drop will let families experience the excitement of the countdown earlier in the day.

MODS provides a fantastic space for families to come together and create memories before the night’s festivities begin.

Waterfront Nightlife and Live Broadcast

As the sun sets, the celebration shifts to the city’s iconic waterways, where Greater Fort Lauderdale truly comes alive. The evening events will be a spectacle, with the city’s waterfront venues offering stunning views and a festive atmosphere.

A partnership between Visit Lauderdale and CNN will bring the New Year’s Eve celebration to the world stage with a live, three-minute segment broadcast from the newly opened Pier Sixty-Six. This segment will feature a breathtaking showcase of Fort Lauderdale’s maritime charm, including a live appearance aboard a luxury yacht by Sanlorenzo, the world-renowned Italian yacht manufacturer. Viewers worldwide will be treated to a glimpse of the city’s water culture, vibrant nightlife, and diverse community spirit.

Key Highlights of the Waterfront Celebration:

• Live CNN Segment: A three-minute live segment on CNN, showcasing Fort Lauderdale’s waterfront lifestyle.
• Luxury Yacht Experience: The live broadcast will feature a world-class Sanlorenzo yacht, offering a glimpse of the city’s premium lifestyle.
• Festive Atmosphere: Stunning marina views, local personalities, and a festive vibe set the scene for a memorable celebration.

The night will be filled with energy, with local personalities joining the broadcast and contributing to the electric atmosphere. This unique celebration brings attention to Greater Fort Lauderdale’s welcoming community and rich water culture.

A Bold New Campaign for Greater Fort Lauderdale

Visit Lauderdale is also unveiling a bold new global brand campaign, “Never Lose Your Splash,” which highlights the city’s dynamic spirit and diverse offerings. To extend the reach of the celebration and campaign, Visit Lauderdale is launching digital billboards in New York City’s Times Square, located outside CNN’s studio. These billboards will display vibrant visuals from the new campaign and run during the New Year’s Eve telecast, amplifying the destination’s global visibility.

Key Features of the Campaign:

• Global Brand Campaign: “Never Lose Your Splash” focuses on Greater Fort Lauderdale’s energy, water culture, and community spirit.
• Digital Billboards: The campaign will be featured on digital billboards in New York City’s Times Square to reach millions of viewers.
• New Year’s Eve Broadcast: Ads will be aired during the live CNN broadcast, further increasing visibility and excitement around the destination.

The partnership with CNN and the brand’s expansion to out-of-home advertising are just the beginning of Visit Lauderdale’s efforts to establish Fort Lauderdale as a top global destination.

Why Greater Fort Lauderdale? The Ultimate Celebration Destination

Greater Fort Lauderdale’s New Year’s Eve celebration is more than just a party—it’s an experience that brings together the city’s stunning waterfront, vibrant cultural offerings, and dynamic nightlife. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, a chic waterfront celebration, or an unforgettable live broadcast experience, Greater Fort Lauderdale offers an exciting mix of events to kick off 2026 in style.

Top Reasons to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Greater Fort Lauderdale:

• Diverse Celebrations: From family-friendly events to glamorous parties on the water, Fort Lauderdale offers something for everyone.
• Stunning Water Views: The city’s picturesque waterways provide a beautiful backdrop for any celebration.
• Global Exposure: The city’s New Year’s Eve celebrations will be featured live on CNN, boosting its international profile.

Greater Fort Lauderdale’s Cultural and Waterway Charms

Beyond the festivities, Greater Fort Lauderdale offers a diverse range of experiences throughout the year. With more than 300 miles of canals, it’s known as the “Venice of America” and offers a unique mix of urban, cultural, and natural experiences.

• Waterfront Dining and Entertainment: From the beautiful beaches to chic waterfront restaurants, Fort Lauderdale offers world-class dining and entertainment.
• Rich Cultural Scene: Visit cultural hotspots like the NSU Art Museum and Broward Center for the Performing Arts to explore the city’s thriving arts scene.

For those looking to experience the ultimate in luxury and lifestyle, Fort Lauderdale has it all—from upscale shopping districts and world-class resorts to breathtaking outdoor activities on its beautiful waterways.

Conclusion: A New Year’s Eve to Remember in Greater Fort Lauderdale

Greater Fort Lauderdale’s New Year’s Eve celebrations promise to be a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re joining the family-friendly festivities at MODS, celebrating under the stars at the waterfront, or tuning in to the live CNN broadcast, this year’s celebration will showcase everything that makes Greater Fort Lauderdale special. The city’s vibrant community, stunning waterways, and rich cultural offerings are set to shine in the spotlight as it rings in 2026.