The perfect New 12 months’s Eve drone exhibits 2025-2026

If you happen to’re nonetheless scrambling for New 12 months’s Eve plans, right here’s one thing totally different for NYE 2026: The last word information to New 12 months’s Eve drone exhibits 2025-2026: ditch the crowded ball drop and catch a drone present as a substitute.

This 12 months’s exhibits vary from intimate 200-drone shows to large 600-drone spectacles synchronized with fireworks. Whether or not you’re in search of a family-friendly early countdown or a midnight extravaganza, listed here are the most effective drone exhibits taking place on December 31, 2025.

Las Vegas: Essentially the most bold present of the night time

What’s taking place: 600 drones + fireworks from 10 on line casino rooftops + stay countdown on Sphere’s Exosphere.
When: Midnight (8-minute present).
The place: Drones launch from Las Vegas Occasion Plaza (throughout from Wynn Las Vegas).
Price: Free to observe from the Strip.

Las Vegas goes all-in this 12 months with their first-ever synchronized drone and fireworks show. Fireworks by Grucci is dealing with the pyrotechnics, that are launching from Aria, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, Planet Hollywood, Resorts World, The Strat, Treasure Island, The Venetian, Virgin Lodges and Wynn Las Vegas. That’s all whereas 600 drones fly in choreographed trend alongside them.

The theme is “Rock,” that includes basic and up to date rock anthems with elevated energy salutes and rapid-fire aerial shells. The finale transitions to a patriotic theme honoring America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, ending with Grucci’s signature Titanium Grand Finale.

The logistics: The Strip closes to visitors from Tropicana to Spring Mountain Boulevard, creating a large viewing hall. You’ll have loads of house to stake out your spot, however anticipate large crowds. If you happen to’re staying on the Strip, your lodge would possibly provide viewing events, although nothing beats being exterior for the total sensory expertise. (But it surely’ll be chilly!)

Planning suggestions: Ebook lodging now when you haven’t already. Las Vegas lodge charges spike dramatically for NYE. The Strip closure means ride-sharing and taxis can be nightmare gas; plan to stroll or keep throughout the closure zone. Additionally, when you’re planning to observe, ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New 12 months’s Rockin’ Eve” is broadcasting from Vegas with Rob Gronkowski and Julianne Hough beginning at 8 p.m. EST, so that you would possibly catch your self on TV. Get extra particulars right here.

Temecula, California: The early fowl particular

What’s taking place: Drone present “grape drop” for East Coast countdown
When: 9:00 p.m. (East Coast midnight)
The place: Civic Heart, 41000 Important St., Temecula, CA
Price: Free

Temecula’s signature Grape Drop is ideal for anybody who doesn’t need to keep up till midnight. That is Southern California wine nation, so the “grape drop” theme is sensible. This 12 months, they’re executing it as a drone present relatively than a bodily drop.

The night runs 6-10 p.m. with stay music from Know Phantasm and Lifetime Rocker, meals distributors and free children’ actions. The drone present occurs at 9 p.m. to coincide with the East Coast countdown, which means you’ll be able to have fun the brand new 12 months and nonetheless get dwelling at an inexpensive hour.

Planning suggestions: Temecula is about 90 minutes from San Diego and two hours from Los Angeles with out visitors. It’s additionally wine nation, so when you’re making the drive, take into account reserving a tasting room go to earlier within the day. Simply keep in mind: when you’re ingesting wine all afternoon, prepare a delegated driver or rideshare for the night festivities.

Get extra particulars in regards to the Grape Drop right here.

Kissimmee, Florida: Theme park different

What’s taking place: All-new drone present debut at Enjoyable Spot America
When: Shortly earlier than midnight
The place: Enjoyable Spot America Kissimmee, 5700 Enjoyable Spot Manner
Price: Park admission required (examine web site for NYE charges)

Enjoyable Spot America, which is close to Orlando, is debuting their first-ever New 12 months’s Eve drone present this 12 months. The park is positioning this as a family-friendly different to the large (and massively crowded) celebrations at close by Walt Disney World and Common Orlando.

The drone present options “coordinated lights and technology-forward visuals” with rides working all through the night time. It’s a smaller-scale manufacturing in comparison with Vegas, however the benefit is environment — you’re in a theme park with sights, not standing on a packed road nook.

Planning suggestions: Kissimmee is vacationer central, so lodging are plentiful however guide quick for NYE. Enjoyable Spot is way smaller than the most important Orlando parks, which suggests extra intimate crowds however fewer facilities. The park is about quarter-hour from Disney Springs and 20 minutes from Common Orlando, making it simple to mix with an extended Orlando trip. Verify their web site for particular NYE hours and admission pricing.

Huntington, New York: A substitute for Instances Sq.

What’s taking place: 200-drone present by Sky Parts (16 Guinness World File holders)
When: 11:50 p.m. (15-minute present)
The place: Sky above parking zone throughout from Huntington Submit Workplace, Wall Road
Price: Free

Sky Parts is bringing critical credentials to Huntington Village. The corporate that was a semi-finalist on  America’s Obtained Expertise additionally holds a number of Guinness World File titles in drone present manufacturing. The 200 drones will fly greater than 100 toes within the air for a 15-minute, music-choreographed efficiency beginning at 11:50 p.m.

The road occasion kicks off at 9:30 p.m. with DJ Mike Shortt, and the present is designed as a “family-friendly different to fireworks.” If you happen to’re within the New York metro space and need one thing much less chaotic than Instances Sq., that is your transfer.

Planning suggestions: Huntington is on Lengthy Island’s North Shore, about an hour from Manhattan by LIRR. If you happen to’re coming from the town, examine practice schedules upfront. Service could also be modified for the vacation. The village can be internet hosting the Huntington Vacation Spectacular by January 4 with nightly gentle exhibits, so you can also make a full night of it. Road parking can be at a premium; arrive early or use the LIRR.

Dallas: Fireworks, LEDs and drones

What’s taking place: 500 drones + 5,000+ pyrotechnic results + 259 LED gentle show on Reunion Tower
When: 11:59 p.m.
The place: Launched from Reunion Tower, 300 Reunion Blvd E
Price: Free to observe from downtown; ticketed occasions out there at Reunion Tower’s web site.

Dallas is celebrating the tenth anniversary of “Lone Star NYE at Reunion Tower” with their greatest present but. This can be a hybrid manufacturing with all of the issues within the air: 500 drones, over 5,000 pyrotechnic particular results, and a 259 LED gentle show on the tower itself.

Reunion Tower is an iconic 561-foot remark tower in downtown Dallas, and watching fireworks launch from it whereas drones choreograph round it needs to be spectacular. Hunt Realty Investments is producing this in collaboration with Reunion Tower.

Planning suggestions: Downtown Dallas has glorious viewing angles from a number of places. The skyline is comparatively low-rise in comparison with different main cities, so that you received’t be blocked by tall buildings. Reunion Tower affords ticketed NYE packages if you would like assured viewing with facilities (examine reuniontower.com for particulars and pricing). If you happen to’re watching from road degree, arrive early for good positioning. Dallas climate on NYE averages within the 40s-50s°F, so costume warmly however not Chicago-level heat.

What to learn about NYE 2026 drone exhibits

Drone exhibits vs. fireworks: If you happen to’re used to conventional fireworks, drone exhibits are totally different. (Assuming they aren’t placed on in tandem with fireworks), they’re quieter (good for teenagers, pets, and veterans with PTSD), extra exact, and might create detailed photographs and textual content that fireworks can’t match. The tradeoff is much less visceral impression. There’s no increase, no sulfur scent, no particles raining down. Then once more, some cities are combining each (Vegas, Dallas) to get the detailed imagery and the increase.

Climate issues: Drones are typically extra weather-sensitive than fireworks. Excessive winds, heavy rain or snow can floor exhibits. Verify every metropolis’s contingency plans and comply with their social media for real-time updates on December 31.

Pictures suggestions: Drones create totally different challenges than fireworks. They transfer slower and extra intentionally, so you need to use decrease ISOs and longer exposures. A tripod is important for something longer than 1/sixtieth of a second. For video, 24fps or 30fps works effectively. The slower body fee creates good movement blur on the transferring drones. And when you’re filming the drone present with a drone? Tread cautiously. The airspace may be restricted within the spot you’re flying so that you don’t work together with their drones.

Reserving home windows: Most NYE lodge charges are already elevated, however you’ve nonetheless received time. Vegas and Orlando are the costliest and most definitely to promote out. Temecula and Huntington provide extra last-minute flexibility. If you happen to’re flying, ticket costs sometimes peak round December 26-27, so guide now if doable.

Have you ever attended a NYE drone present? I’d love to listen to about your expertise! Drop me a notice on Instagram @thedronegirl or within the feedback proper under.

And if in case you have a NYE 2026 drone present I ought to learn about to share with different readers, contact me right here.

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