The holiday weekend, like the year 2023, is coming to a close. While our weekly “15 things to do this weekend in metro Atlanta” covered the full weekend, for this New Year’s Eve we’ll spotlight festive things happening today in our area.

A tradition no more

Don’t expect to head to downtown Atlanta and see an illuminated fruit drop this year. The annual Peach Drop, a free event that normally attracted thousands, has been canceled.

Shortly after Mayor Andre Dickens made the announcement at the start of the month, the owners of Underground Atlanta — where the event would have taken place — came out with a press release stating that there would be a free fireworks show at midnight along with parties at Pagalle Theater and The Masquerade, among others.

However, the fireworks were subsequently nixed as the non-city-sanctioned event called Peach Fest will be held indoors tonight.

Our reporting partner, Channel 2 Action News, talked with the promoters, who said partygoers can expect to be entertained by live music, art and plenty of drinks and food. Tickets range in price from $20 to $1,200. More than 2,000 tickets had been sold as of midweek, the news station reported.

Intown Atlanta

Illuminarium New Year’s Eve

9 p.m.-1 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31 into Monday, Jan. 1. $99, VIP table for six $750. Illuminarium Atlanta, 550 Somerset Terrace NE, Atlanta. 404-341-1000.

Enjoy beverages and an all-you-can-eat buffet, watch the Times Square ball drop, dance to a live DJ and make a midnight champagne toast.

New Year’s Eve Carnaval Masquerade Ball

9 p.m.-2 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31 into Monday, Jan. 1. Prices vary for event-only packages and event plus room packages. The Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park, 100 CNN Center, Atlanta. 404-659-0000.

Dress up in formal attire with themed masks and dance to a live Latin band or enjoy music from Atlanta’s top DJs. Food stations, along with signature cocktails, wine and a beer open bar area also available.

Cobb

New Year’s Eve Bash

6 p.m.-midnight Sunday, Dec. 31. Free. The Plaza at Battery Atlanta, 755 Battery Ave. SE, Atlanta.

Say goodbye to 2023 and hello to 2024 with an early inning celebration starting at 6 p.m. with music from Brady Rhymer and an inflatable balloon drop for kids at 8 p.m. Late innings begin at 9 p.m. with the 12 South Band and ends with a fireworks display at midnight.

The Best of Queen and Led Zeppelin New Year’s Eve Concert

9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31. $45-$80. Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, 117 North Park Square, Marietta. 770-293-0080.

Join in the fun as a live band recreates iconic Queen and Led Zeppelin hits.

DeKalb

Kids’ Early New Year’s Eve Celebration

Noon-9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31. Adults $19.99-$39.99 plus tax, kids $19.99-$34.99 plus tax. Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 800-401-2407.

Bring the kids to ring in the New Year early with Stone Mountain Park’s usual attractions, a magical snowfall, an early countdown to the new year and 9 p.m. fireworks.

Party Like It’s 1920 New Year’s Eve Party

8 p.m.-1 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31 into Monday, Jan. 1. Free. The Brass Tap, 4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody. 770-557-0232.

Come dressed in your best 1920s attire to compete for cash prizes, enjoy music from a live DJ and toast complimentary champagne at midnight.

North Fulton

New Year’s Eve Bootlegger Ball

8 p.m.-1 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31 into Monday, Jan. 1. General admission $150 per person. Roaring Social Alpharetta, 35 Milton Ave., Alpharetta. 678-580-1970.

Get out your fedoras, pearls and boas to dance to live music by the Atlanta Soul Band performing Top 40 dance, R&B, Motown/soul, old and new school funk and hip-hop.

New Year’s Eve with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31. $48.50 and up. Byers Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs. 770-206-2022.

Make memories with a concert of favorites by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra that includes the waltz from Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake,” Mendelssohn’s Nocturne from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and more.

Gwinnett

Frosty Fun: New Year’s Eve

11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31. Parson’s Alley, 3530 W. Lawrenceville St., Duluth. 770-476-3434.

Join host Jessica It’s All Good for family crafts, photo ops and a drop at noon.

— Staff writer Rodney Ho contributed to this article.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Southeastern Railway Museum, located in Duluth, is one of 10 sites on 2025 Places in Peril, an annual list published by the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. Photo credit: Connor Franklin Leland

Credit: Connor Franklin Leland

Featured

(L-R) Lobbyist Edward Lindsey and Robin Fowler watch a video feed of the Senate at the Capitol in Atlanta on Crossover Day, Thursday, March 6, 2025. (Arvin Temkar / AJC)

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC