Lanier Islands Resort Pops the Cork on Two Wonderful Ways to Ring in the New Year

Whether they’re a couple seeking a place to get all dressed up and dance the night away or a family looking for a wholesome new way to ring in the New Year, Lanier Islands Resort may just be the answer on December 31st. With two very different celebrations planned, the Georgia lakeside destination will endeavor to appeal to New Year’s Eve revelers of all ages this year. On one end of the resort, a family-friendly event will foster memory-making as the calendar flips from 2025 to 2026. On the other end, guests 21 and older can enjoy a Havana Nights-themed celebration in the sprawling Grand Ballroom – complete with cocktail reception, all-you-can-eat buffet, live music, a champagne toast at midnight, deluxe overnight accommodations at Legacy Lodge, and New Year’s Day breakfast for two at Sidney’s Restaurant.

“At Lanier Islands Resort, we take great pride in our broad appeal to a wide variety of guests,” said Matthew Bowling, President of the lakeside destination. “The same holds true for a holiday like New Year's Eve. And since it's always our goal to ensure that there’s a good time had by all, we wanted to provide celebrations on both sides of the spectrum, as well as both sides of the resort. Needless to say, it’s unlikely that little ones will make it all the way to midnight, so the family-friendly celebration is scheduled a little earlier in the evening. That allows time afterwards for one last drive through our famed Magical Nights of Lights before we flip the switch to the off position after January 4 until the 2026 holiday season. The 21+ celebration will undoubtedly last late into the night, but since our party guests will only need to walk back to their rooms, it offers a smart alternative to getting back out on the roads. We want everyone to have a safe, happy, and highly memorable New Year’s Eve!”

The Two New Year’s Eve Celebrations hosted at Lanier Islands Resort on December 31, 2025, include:

Fun-filled, Family-friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration at Game Changer – 5 to 8 p.m.

Lanier Islands Resort invites families to kick off 2026 at Game Changer – its 23,000-square-foot indoor playground featuring arcade games, duckpin bowling, axe throwing, adult gaming machines, and virtual sports suites. Guests will be treated to a live DJ, face painting, festive confetti, and sparkling cider toast at 7 p.m. Food and drinks will be available. Admission is free, and activities will be billed separately.

21+ Havana Nights New Year's Eve Celebration in the Grand Ballroom at Legacy Lodge – 6:30 p.m. to midnight

The fun kicks off with passed appetizers during a cocktail reception in the Veranda Ballroom, followed by a sumptuous gourmet buffet of entrees, sides, salads, desserts, carving stations, and action stations prepared by the skilled culinary team at Lanier Islands Resort in the Blue Ridge Ballroom. After dinner, everyone can make their way to the Grand Ballroom to hit the dance floor as Accent Band takes the stage until the champagne toast at midnight.

To accommodate those who wish to take part in the 21+ Havana Nights Celebration, Lanier Islands Resort offers a special New Year’s Eve Package. It includes deluxe accommodations for two at Legacy Lodge, two tickets to the Havana Nights New Year’s Eve Party – complete with dinner, New Year’s Day breakfast for two at Sidney’s Restaurant, and late check out. Families who wish to attend the Game Changer celebration and stay overnight may want to book the Winter Family Fun Package. This accommodation package includes deluxe accommodations for four at Legacy Lodge, breakfast for four at Sidney’s Restaurant, and tickets for four to Margaritaville’s License to Chill Snow Island – where they can enjoy unlimited snow tubing, ice skating, snow play, and carnival rides. This ultimate winter escape will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on New Year’s Day.

To view accommodation packages and make overnight reservations, visit https://www.lanierislands.com/special_offers/ or call 770-945-8787. Follow Lanier Islands on Facebook @lanierislands, Instagram @lanierislands, TikTok @lanier_islands, and LinkedIn @Lake-Lanier-Islands-Resort for the latest news. Lanier Islands Resort is 45 miles north of Atlanta at 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway in Buford.