The Beach Ball Drop event represents what the destination is all about — white sand beaches, family togetherness and just plain fun.Ring in the new year with Panama City Beach! The 800-pound glowing beach ball begins the more than 100-foot descent just before midnight on December 31. Pier Park festivities, free and open to the public, begin at 5:30 p.m. with family-friendly entertainment including bounce houses, party favors, street performers, stilt walkers and face painters.

Kids beach ball drop at 7:30pm.The countdown celebration takes place from 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. when streets will be closed to traffic. In addition to the highly-anticipated beach ball drop, guests will enjoy live musical performances and a majestic midnight fireworks display, sponsored by Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, over the Gulf of Mexico.