Atlanta, GA, December 24, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta is set to replace its traditional Peach Drop with a new celebration called ‘Countdown Over ATL.’ Announced by Mayor Andre Dickens, the event aims to foster inclusivity and accessibility across Atlanta’s neighborhoods. Scheduled for New Year’s Eve, the celebration will feature synchronized fireworks and a drone peach countdown, allowing residents to view the festivities from their own areas, enhancing public safety while maintaining a community spirit. With a budget of $250,000, the new initiative reflects a cost-effective approach to celebrating the new year.
Atlanta’s long-standing New Year’s Eve tradition, the Peach Drop, is being replaced by a new celebration titled “Countdown Over ATL.” This significant change was announced by Mayor Andre Dickens, who expressed that the reimagined event aims to be more accessible and visible across neighborhoods in Atlanta.
“Countdown Over ATL” is scheduled to take place on New Year’s Eve, culminating at midnight with a synchronized fireworks display and a digital drone peach countdown. Designed to be modern and inclusive, the new event aligns with the mayor’s commitment to equity and accessibility for all Atlanta residents.
The new celebration will feature a 12-minute activation, which includes a drone peach displayed in the sky followed by synchronized fireworks launched from multiple sites around the city. This format intends to decentralize large crowds congregating in downtown, enhancing public safety while still achieving a shared midnight moment for all. Residents will have the opportunity to enjoy the fireworks from their own neighborhoods, rooftops, or backyards.
In response to the potential for obstructed views of the fireworks, the city is coordinating with local businesses to compile a list of rooftop viewing locations, ensuring that everyone has a chance to enjoy the festivities. The switch from the traditional Peach Drop comes after the event faced several cancellations in recent years, primarily due to venue issues or the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Peach Drop had been a significant event in Atlanta since 1989 but experienced state-level cancellations, including 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic and a reallocation of budget resources, leading to its cancellation in 2023. Previously, the budget for the Peach Drop had reached $630,000, while the new celebration is budgeted at $250,000, reflecting a more cost-effective approach.
Since the announcement of “Countdown Over ATL,” positive online responses have emerged, with the new initiative being seen as an innovative approach to celebrating New Year’s Eve in Atlanta. However, there are concerns regarding the impact on local bars and restaurants in the downtown area, which traditionally hosted a significant number of spectators for the Peach Drop.
As the city moves forward with planning for “Countdown Over ATL,” it remains devoted to fostering an inclusive celebration that provides all residents with an opportunity to participate in welcoming the New Year.
FAQ
What is “Countdown Over ATL”?
“Countdown Over ATL” is a new celebration replacing the Peach Drop for New Year’s Eve in Atlanta, featuring a synchronized fireworks display and a digital drone peach countdown.
When will “Countdown Over ATL” take place?
The event is scheduled to take place on New Year’s Eve, culminating at midnight.
How will the fireworks display be organized?
The fireworks will be synchronized and launched from multiple sites, allowing residents to view them from their neighborhoods, rooftops, or backyards.
What is the budget for “Countdown Over ATL”?
The budget for “Countdown Over ATL” is set at $250,000, compared to the Peach Drop’s previous budget of $630,000.
Key Features of “Countdown Over ATL”
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Title | Countdown Over ATL |
| Replaces | Peach Drop |
| Event Date | New Year’s Eve |
| Key Attractions | Synchronized fireworks, digital drone peach countdown |
| Budget | $250,000 |
| Previous Peach Drop Budget | $630,000 |
| Neighborhood Accessibility | Fireworks viewable from local neighborhoods and rooftops |
| Previous Issues | Cancellations in 2020, 2021, and 2023 due to various issues |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Morning Show Launches on Star 94.1 in Atlanta
University of Georgia Women’s Soccer Team Kicks Off Season
Surge in Travel Expected for Labor Day Weekend
Atlanta Schools Prepare for Return to Classes
Atlanta Prepares for FIFA World Cup with Major Enhancements
PeachFest Returns to Atlanta for Culinary Celebration
Atlanta Falcons and United Announce Grand Opening of New Team Store
Atlanta Anticipates $1 Billion Economic Impact from FIFA World Cup
Vice President JD Vance’s Greenland Trip Scaled Back
Atlanta Gears Up for Inaugural Panda Fest
Additional Resources
- AJC: Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Metro Atlanta
- Wikipedia: New Year’s Eve
- Four Seasons: New Year’s Eve Celebrations
- Google Search: Atlanta New Year’s Eve events
- Axios: No Peach Drop for Atlanta New Year’s Eve
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New Year’s Eve
- Rough Draft Atlanta: Countdown Over ATL Celebration
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Peach Drop Atlanta New Year’s Eve
- USA Today: Atlanta Announces New New Year’s Celebration
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
