New Year’s Eve 2022 In Tampa: Balls, Live Music, Sumptuous Feasts

TAMPA, FL — While Tampa doesn't have a famous New Year's countdown with a giant ball drop like Times Square in New York City or even a less-familiar tradition like the giant Potato Drop in Boise, Idaho, Tampa has it's own traditions for ringing in the new year.

Although the traditional New Year's parade and pep rally for the ReliaQuest Bowl, formerly the Outback Bowl, has been canceled due to predictions of thunderstorms Saturday night, there's plenty of other ways to ring in the new year in Tampa. But before heading out, it'd be wise to contact the venue to make sure the event is still taking place if it's happening outdoors.

See related story: ReliaQuest Bowl Parade, Pep Rally Canceled Due To Thunderstorms

• The Straz Center for the Performing Arts welcomes 2023 with Raise a Glass. Taking place on the Main Stage on the riverfront following the New Year's Eve performance of "Hamilton," the event will feature entertainment by hip-hop and soul artist Dynasty along with Tampa's own J'Nelle & Trumaine Lamar and DJ Sandman. In addition to dancing, guests will sip specialty beverages, indulge in an elevated On The River menu and strike a pose in front of the backdrop of downtown Tampa and the Hillsborough River. A cash bar will be available. General admission tickets include a complimentary specialty drink and a champagne toast at midnight. Click here.
• Jackson's Bistro, 601 S Harbour Island Blvd., Tampa, will host its New Year's Eve 2023 Black & White Ball from 9 p.m. Dec. 31, to 2:30 a.m. Jan. 1, with prime views to watch the midnight fireworks show in Tampa, a complimentary midnight champagne toast, party favors, multiple balloon drops and entertainment. Click here.
• The Epicurean Hotel, 1207 S Howard Ave., Tampa, will host a three-course prix fixe dinner from 5 to 11 p.m. featuring stuff duck leg, espresso-rubbed venison loin, pan-seared halibut, stuffed acorn squash, Wagyu short rib raviolo and white truffle sea urchin risotto, among other dishes. Click here.
• The Tampa New Year's Eve Party Countdown NYElectric 2023 will take place at JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, 510 Water St., Tampa, from 8:30 p.m., Dec. 31, to 1:30 a.m., Jan. 1, with top Florida DJs playing Top 40 hits all night, a five-hour open bar, party favors and a giant LED wall on the main stage to watch the countdown. Click here for tickets.
• Sal Y Mar at 3650 Midtown Drive, Tampa, will host a New Year's Eve Bash from 7 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 1:30 a.m. New Year's Day. There will be live entertainment, a six-hour open bar and a midnight champagne toast. Click here.
• Ring in the new year in the grand ballroom of The Vault, the former 100-year-old National Exchange Bank in downtown Tampa. The New Year’s Eve Crystal Ball at The Vault will be an elegant evening featuring live music, libations, heavy hors d'oeuvres, desserts and other specialty items from Gin Joint Head Chef Maria Sierra. All guests will also receive a complimentary glass of champagne at midnight. Reservations are required and attire is tailored casual chic. Click here.
• MacDinton's Irish Pub at 405 S Howard Ave., Tampa, will host a New Year's Eve Red Carpet Party from Dec. 31 at 6 p.m. to Jan. 1 at 3 a.m. It will include happy hour from 6 to 9 p.m. and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Click here.
• Say “Bon Voyage” to 2022 and ring in the new year on Yacht StarShip’s New Year’s Eve Celebration Cruise in Tampa. There will be a two-hour open bar, hand-passed hors d’oeuvres, gourmet food stations, DJ entertainment and a champagne toast at midnight. Dance the night away and enjoy a prime view of Tampa’s fireworks display over the Hillsborough River. Click here.
• ZooTampa will host a daytime New Year's celebration for kids Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Wallaroo section of the park. The event is presented by Mini Melts Ice Cream, which will be giving free samples throughout the day.
• Join Costumers with a Cause at the Glazer Children's Museum, 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the countdown to 2023. Every hour will have a celebration for the holiday with friendly characters including the 501st Legion (Star Wars). Click here.