ORLANDO, Fla. \u2013 With just hours remaining before the arrival of 2026, Orlando is preparing for a night of celebrations across the city, with events expected to bring in large crowds.<\/p>\n
At ICON Park, families are gathering for the attraction\u2019s first-ever Beach Ball Drop. When the clock strikes midnight, 5,000 blow up beach balls suspended throughout the park will be released, creating a unique way to welcome the New Year.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s going to be fun mayhem. They will be dropping everywhere most children will be going home with 2,\u201d an ICON Park General Manager, William \u201cBill\u201d Hackett<\/p>\n
Several businesses at ICON Park \u2014 including The Wheelhouse, Madame Tussauds, and SEA LIFE Aquarium \u2014 will remain open throughout the night. Hackett says additional security has been brought in to ensure a smooth and safe celebration.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will have DJ\u2019s on the lawn. We will have satellite bars throughout were expecting several thousand,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
While at Thornton Park, the iconic Orange Ball Drop will once again take place atop the Reindeer Room. This year, the venue looks a bit different after being converted into the Citrus Bowl Lodge to celebrate the upcoming game.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Florida Citrus Sports approached us and since we do a lot of pop ups in our bar, they wanted to do an event to celebrate 80 years of the Citrus Bowl,\u201d said Wendy Connors, Reindeer Room Owner.<\/p>\n
Coonors expects hundreds of football fans to pack Washington Street, where sections are gated off and multiple tents have been set up ahead of the midnight countdown.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s like a miniature version of New York City,\u201d she said. \u201cWe have the big orange, the countdown at midnight, and everyone gathers underneath it.\u201d<\/p>\n
For those looking for live music and nightlife, Wall Street Plaza is already buzzing, with crowds filling the downtown area as bands and DJs perform in the hours leading up to the New Year.<\/p>\n
With events spread across the city, Orlando officials encourage attendees to plan ahead, arrive early, and celebrate responsibly as the city welcomes 2026.<\/p>\n
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