Atlanta, December 30, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta is set to unveil a new celebration called ‘Countdown Over ATL’ to replace the traditional Peach Drop during New Year’s Eve festivities. Mayor Andre Dickens announced this inclusive event will feature a digital drone peach in the sky and synchronized fireworks that can be viewed from various neighborhoods, allowing residents to celebrate safely from their homes. Local venues will offer ticketed events, enhancing community connection and supporting local businesses. This modern approach aims to foster a collective experience while reducing crowding in the city center.
Atlanta is set to introduce a new celebration called “Countdown Over ATL” as a replacement for the traditional Peach Drop during this year’s New Year’s Eve festivities. Mayor Andre Dickens announced this transition earlier in December 2025, emphasizing the city’s dedication to crafting a modern, inclusive, and accessible event for all residents.
The highlight of the new celebration will be a digital drone peach projected in the sky alongside synchronized fireworks displays that will illuminate various neighborhoods across Atlanta. The digital drone peach will be prominently visible in Downtown and Midtown Atlanta, while fireworks can be enjoyed from multiple locations throughout the city.
This New Year’s Eve activation will last 12 minutes, aiming to create a shared midnight moment for Atlanta residents, encouraging them to partake in the festivities from the comfort of their backyards, rooftops, or local neighborhood spots. Instead of congregating at a central location, the goal is to reduce crowding in Downtown while still allowing for a collective experience.
As part of the celebration, local venues will host ticketed New Year’s Eve events, some featuring rooftop access for optimal views of the fireworks and the digital peach. Notable locations include:
- Rose and Rye at the Hotel Colee (rooftop)
- Top Draft Sports Lounge (rooftop)
- Suite Food Lounge (patio)
- SkyLounge at the Glenn Hotel (rooftop)
- New Realm Brewing Co. (patio)
- The Rooftop at Hotel Clermont (rooftop)
- Wagyu House (rooftop)
- and many others.
The fireworks show is scheduled to begin at midnight and will encompass about 12 minutes of stunning visuals. City officials advise residents to secure their pets indoors during the festivities and provide them comfort through soothing music or television sounds to alleviate any anxiety they might experience due to the noise.
The “Countdown Over ATL” event represents a significant change in Atlanta’s New Year’s Eve traditions, as the Annual Peach Drop has been a beloved part of the city’s festivities since 1989. By embracing a new format, the city aims to foster community connection across different neighborhoods while promoting local businesses. A list of establishments with elevated views will be made available to assist those who might have obstructed views of the celebration, encouraging support for local establishments.
Background Context
For decades, the Peach Drop has been a hallmark of Atlanta’s New Year’s celebrations, drawing large crowds into Downtown for a vibrant countdown. However, the need for modern adaptations and inclusive practices has prompted the city to rethink hosting these events in the heart of the city, moving towards a more decentralized model that enables broader participation without geographic restrictions.
Summary
In conclusion, “Countdown Over ATL” is set to redefine how Atlanta welcomes the New Year, with an emphasis on community, accessibility, and safety. By implementing a celebration that can be enjoyed from various locations, the city is looking to ensure that everyone can participate in a shared moment of joy as they ring in 2026.
FAQ
What is the new celebration replacing the Peach Drop?
Atlanta will replace the traditional Peach Drop with a new celebration called “Countdown Over ATL.”
When was the new event announced?
The announcement was made by Mayor Andre Dickens earlier in December 2025.
What will be featured during the “Countdown Over ATL” celebration?
The new event will feature a digital drone peach in the sky and synchronized fireworks displays across multiple locations.
Where will the digital drone peach be mostly visible?
The digital drone peach will be most visible in Downtown and Midtown Atlanta.
What experience does the celebration aim to provide?
The celebration includes a 12-minute New Year’s Eve activation designed to be modern, inclusive, and accessible.
How can residents participate in the celebration?
Residents are encouraged to celebrate from their backyards, rooftops, or local neighborhood spots.
What are some of the local venues hosting New Year’s Eve events?
Various local venues are hosting ticketed New Year’s Eve events, some with rooftop access for optimal viewing.
What time will the fireworks begin?
Fireworks will begin at midnight and are set to last about 12 minutes.
What advice is given for pet owners during the fireworks?
City officials recommend securing pets indoors before midnight and providing comfort with soothing music or TV sounds if they are anxious.
What is the goal of the “Countdown Over ATL” event?
The goal is to create a shared midnight moment for all residents, encouraging involvement regardless of location.
How will the city support local businesses during the event?
A list of local businesses with elevated views will be made available for those with obstructed views, promoting support for local establishments.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| New Celebration | Countdown Over ATL |
| Announcement Date | December 2025 |
| Main Attraction | Digital drone peach and synchronized fireworks |
| Viewing Areas | Downtown and Midtown Atlanta |
| Event Duration | 12 minutes |
| Fireworks Start Time | Midnight |
| Pet Advice | Secure pets indoors and provide comfort |
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: Best Places to Watch New Year’s Eve in Atlanta
- 11Alive: New Year’s Eve Atlanta Drone Show Locations
- Fox 5 Atlanta: New Year’s Eve Drones and Countdown Over ATL
- Streetz 945: Top New Year’s Eve Events in Metro Atlanta
- Axios: No Peach Drop Atlanta New Year’s Eve Celebration
- Wikipedia: New Year’s Eve
- Google Search: New Year’s Celebrations
- Google Scholar: New Year’s Eve Traditions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New Year’s Eve
- Google News: New Year’s Eve Atlanta
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.
