Atlanta, GA, December 31, 2025

News Summary

Atlanta is set to replace its traditional Peach Drop celebration with a new event named Countdown Over ATL, featuring synchronized fireworks and drone displays. Revelers are encouraged to celebrate from various locations across the city. The event will kick off with a digital drone peach display, followed by a 12-minute fireworks show, emphasizing public safety and accessibility. City officials have issued guidelines for attendees, including tips for dressing warmly and securing pets indoors. The new celebration aims to foster community spirit while promoting safety through decentralization.

Atlanta Introduces “Countdown Over ATL” with Citywide Fireworks and Drone Displays for New Year’s Eve 2025

Metro Atlanta will experience near-freezing temperatures on New Year’s Eve, with forecasts predicting a temperature of 38 degrees at midnight, feeling like 33 degrees due to wind chill. Revelers attending New Year’s celebrations should dress warmly and may need heavy coats.

The city is moving away from its traditional Peach Drop celebration in favor of a citywide event named “Countdown Over ATL.” This new event will feature synchronized fireworks and drone displays visible from various neighborhoods across the city. Residents are encouraged to celebrate from rooftops, patios, or local businesses offering elevated views.

A digital drone peach display is set to begin at 11:45 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, followed by fireworks at midnight lasting approximately 12 minutes. Fireworks will be visible from locations in Downtown, Midtown, and the northwest side of Atlanta. City officials have provided guidelines for pet owners, advising them to secure pets indoors and to ensure updated ID tags, as fireworks may cause anxiety in animals.

Mayor Andre Dickens emphasized that the new initiative aims to enhance public safety and accessibility by decentralizing crowds away from traditional downtown areas. Local businesses hosting fireworks viewing may offer ticketed events, while some viewing areas will remain free and open to the public.

Individuals sensitive to loud noises are advised to use earplugs or noise-reducing headphones and consider moving to quiet spaces during the fireworks. City officials have released a list of over 20 locations where residents can gather to view the celebrations, including breweries and restaurants with rooftop access.

“Countdown Over ATL” is designed as a modern approach to celebrate New Year’s Eve, promoting a shared experience among residents while prioritizing safety and public convenience. City officials have urged the public not to contact 911 for fireworks-related inquiries unless there is a genuine emergency. For non-emergencies, residents can reach ATL 311 for assistance.

Key Details of Countdown Over ATL

• Date: New Year’s Eve 2025
• Temperature: 38 degrees at midnight (feels like 33 degrees)
• Fireworks Start: Midnight
• Duration: Approximately 12 minutes
• Drone Display Start: 11:45 p.m.

Viewing Locations

City officials have provided a list of over 20 locations for gatherings, including:

• Downtown Atlanta
• Midtown Atlanta
• Northern neighborhoods

Safety Guidelines

A few recommendations for attendees include:

• Dress warmly with heavy coats
• Secure pets indoors
• Use earplugs or headphones if sensitive to noise
• Contact ATL 311 for non-emergency inquiries

Background Context

Previous celebrations have involved the Peach Drop in downtown Atlanta. This year marks a shift toward a decentralized celebration aimed at enhancing safety and providing access across the city. The new event also aims to create a sense of community while reducing large crowds in traditional hotspots.

FAQ Section

Key Features of Countdown Over ATL

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HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• 11Alive: New Year’s Eve at Atlanta Drone Show
• Fox 5 Atlanta: Atlanta New Year’s Eve Countdown
• CBS News: Atlanta Replaces Peach Drop with Drones and Fireworks
• Atlanta News First: Drone Show and Fireworks Ring in 2026
• Wikipedia: New Year’s Eve

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.