It's been another wonderful year in The City Beautiful. The holiday season in Orlando and 2023 are coming to a close, it's time to celebrate. And naturally, there are lots of things to do for New Year's Eve in Orlando. But if you find yourself trying to stick to a budget, you're in luck. We've narrowed down the plethora of events to just the FREE and affordable New Year's Eve events in Orlando.
We'll start with FREE events and then share some of the most affordable New Year's Eve celebrations.
FREE New Year's Eve Events in Orlando
Old Town’s New Year’s Eve Celebration
Starting at 1pm; concert at 7pm
Old Town, Kissimmee
Stroll through the Old Town entertainment district for a family-friendly festivity including live music, entertainment, a car show and a free fireworks finale at midnight.
FREE Admission
New Year's Eve at Disney Springs
New Year's Eve, 10am – 11pm
Disney Springs, Lake Buena Vista
Great news! You can walk around Disney Springs enjoying the live entertainment and Disney Springs Tree Stroll for free! You won't have to worry about an entrance fee or parking fee – but you do need to get there EARLY. Parking will reach capacity.
Read our expert tips for New Year's Eve at Disney Springs.
New Year's Eve at Universal CityWalk
New Year's Eve, 9am – 11pm
Universal Orlando CityWalk
Technically there is no cover charge to enter Universal Orlando CityWalk, even on New Year's Eve. However, the normal parking fee does apply. Parking at CityWalk can be pricey at $30 per vehicle for standard and $50 for prime.
Try to get there early, parking can take a long time, especially on busy holidays like New Year's Eve.
Universal CityWalk will also host a special countdown to midnight that will culminate with tons of confetti to ring in the new year. Guests will also encounter additional festive entertainment – including music by a live band and DJ – as they make their way around the electrifying entertainment complex.
We're sharing more details with our guide to New Year's Eve at Universal CityWalk.
Bonus ideas – ICON Park Orlando as well as Pointe Orlando will also have New Year's Eve festivities.
Cheap and Affordable Orlando New Year's Eve
Winter Wonderland Market
December 31, 7pm – midnight
JW Marriott, Grande Lakes (Located on the Valencia Lawn)
Discover the bliss of the holiday season at the Winter Wonderland Market. Stroll amongst European-inspired cottages featuring holiday delicacies, tasty beverages, and local artisan crafts.
There is no ticket required, and self-parking can be validated when you make a purchase at one of the charming cottages. A free train ride goes around the perimeter of the festive lawn, plus there are yard games and crafts for kids.
Asian Lantern Festival – New Year's Eve
Entry times 5:30 pm and 6:30pm
Central Florida Zoo
The lantern festival will be held on Saturday, Dec. 31, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with entry times at both 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m, 7:15 p.m.
Cost: $23.00 per person
Thornton Park's New Year's Eve Block Party
8:30pm – 2:00am
The strip has 6-venues to hop around to along with three stages with jumbo-trons on either end of the block party, keeping music pumping all night. General Admission, Open Bar, and V.I.P Tickets Are Available.
MAIN ENTRANCE: is in the Graffiti Junktion Parking lot, VIP ENTRANCE: is at The Veranda
Cost: $15 – $150
New Year's Eve Mutant Mash
8pm – 1am
Vault 5421
Head to this exclusive ticketed New Year's Eve Mutant Mash in VAULT 5421! Only 35 tickets will be available for this event. Tickets include cosplay cage-dancing performances, 1 themed cocktail or mocktail of your choice, bubbly toast at Midnight, dark tunes & post-apocalyptic visuals, & door prizes drawn throughout the night!
$25
Irish New Year
11am – 2am
The Castle Irish Pub, College Park
Head to The Castle Irish Pub for an open house-style New Year's Eve celebration. They will be kicking off the celebration by toasting the Irish New Year at 7pm. There will be another champagne toast at midnight if you make it that long. They will be serving their regular menu and drinks all day.
No cover, food and beverage additional
Alternatively, Raglan Road at Disney Springs will also have an Irish New Year countdown at 7pm, and will continue the festivities until midnight.
New Year's Eve Masquerade Bash
9pm – 1am
AC Sky Bar – rooftop in Downtown Orlando
Step into a night of mystery and celebration at AC Sky Bar's New Year's Eve Masquerade Bash featuring a pulsating DJ, a glamorous red carpet welcome, captivating performers, and an array of New Year's-themed cocktails. Indulge in exquisite hors d'oeuvres as you dance the night away on our lively dance floor.
And of course, don't miss the highlight of the night—a sparkling champagne toast at the stroke of midnight! Get your masks ready and join them for an unforgettable start to the new year!
Cost: $50
Sunset Walk Rocking New Year Street Party
Party begins at 8pm
The Promenade at Sunset Walk, Kissimmee
Street party featuring Scotty B & Project: DJ Slam, plus live musicians, vocalists, dancers, DJ K1X, street performers, and more. There will also be complimentary party favors, a confetti storm, and a midnight fireworks spectacular.
Cost: $49; kids under 10 free with paid adult admission
ICEBAR Orlando: 2024 NYE
7pm – 2am
Celebrate 2024 at ICEBAR Orlando with live DJ entertainment, ice sculptures, free digital souvenir photos, and raffle giveaways. There are multiple package options from GA to VIP, tickets start at $50.
The only reserved seating on New Year's Eve will be for those who purchase the VIP Package and it’s already sold out – so grab those General Admission tickets while you can.
These dinners are relatively affordable compared to other NYE dinners in the area
10th Anniversary New Year's Eve Masquerade
6:30pm – 1:30am
The Alfond Inn
Enjoy Live entertainment by the Buzzcatz & more, Professional Ball Drop, Complimentary Champagne Toast, Dancing & More!
Cost: Tickets start at $75
Park Avenue Tavern
NYE Brunch from 12pm – 3:30pm
NYE Dinner from 4pm – 10pm
Park Avenue Tavern will be open for brunch on New Year's Eve and then will offer a special three-course dinner menu that evening. Guests can choose from three starters including calamari, Little Gem salad or stuffed piquillo peppers.
For entrees, choose between filet mignon, sesame-crusted seared Ahi tuna, or a vegetarian-friendly lentil bolognese with black truffle butter. For dessert, choose from either chocolate bread pudding with whisky caramel sauce or vanilla bean creme brulee.
Price is $70 per person.
The Wilson Cocktails & Seafood
NYE Breakfast from 7am – 10:30am
NYE Dinner from 3pm – 10pm
The Wilson Cocktails & Seafood at the Melia Orlando Hotel Celebration will be open on New Year's Eve for breakfast and will then be open for dinner offering a three-course family-style menu that includes choice of appetizer, Prime Rib entree with horseradish cream, and chocolate mousse for dessert.
Price is $70 for adults and $25 for children under 12.