It’s time to welcome in the New Year with a winter getaway to St. Simons! What better way to turn the page on the year past than a beach stay in the Golden Isles of the Georgia Coast? Whether you’re looking for an energized New Year’s Eve bash, an elegant dinner out, or a calm and cozy night in your Lighthouse Vacation Rental, you will surely find the perfect way to ring in the New Year on St. Simons.
2024 New Year’s Eve Events in St. Simons
While there are many ways to countdown to the new year, everyone may need something different to ring in 2025. Luckily, there are many options available in and around the Golden Isles. Let’s take a look!
Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve Party
- December 31, 2024
- 8:30 p.m. to Midnight
- Jekyll Island Club Resort | 150 Old Plantation Rd, Jekyll Island, GA
Come ring in the new year in your most elegant flapper style at this one-of-a-kind Great Gatsby party! Held in the fabulous Morgan Ballroom at the Jekyll Island Club Resort, the Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve event includes dancing, live music, and a complimentary glass of champagne at midnight. Those who are 21 and up can purchase tickets on the website ahead of time.
New Year’s Eve Dinner at the Jekyll Island Club Resort
- December 31, 2024
- 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Jekyll Island Club Resort | 150 Old Plantation Rd, Jekyll Island, GA
If you’re looking to enjoy a sophisticated last meal of 2024, check out the New Year’s Eve Dinner that is also held at the Jekyll Island Club Resort in their exquisite Grand Dining Room. Featuring an elegant buffet of upscale fare, this dinner is sure to please. This is a ticketed event that is open to all ages.
New Year’s Eve Shrimp Drop
- December 31, 2024
- 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Mary Ross Waterfront Park | Bay Street and Gloucester St. Brunswick, GA
For those wanting a more family friendly event, look no further than the NYE Shrimp Drop held in the neighboring town of Brunswick. You can expect to find live music, food, giant inflatables for the kids and an opportunity to test the last of your 2024 strength with axe throwing! This event culminates in Bob the Shrimp dropping to signify the start of the new year!
King and Prince Live Music Show
- December 31, 2024
- 9 p.m.
- Lanier Ballroom at the King and Prince Resort | 201 Arnold Rd, St Simons Island, GA
Ring in the New Year with style at the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort’s live music show. This annual event offers a sophisticated and celebratory atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a memorable New Year’s Eve experience.
Guests can enjoy an evening of dancing and entertainment provided by a country band, South of Athens. The band will perform a free show to help ring in the new year, which is sure to help you enjoy the final evening of 2024.
Merry Artists Market
- November 29 to December 3, 2024
- 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Goodyear Cottage on Jekyll Island | 321 Riverview Dr. Jekyll Island, GA
Before you head out for a night of celebrating, stop by for the last day of the Merry Artists Market in the historic district on Jekyll Island. Find the perfect keepsake to remember your time on the island or gift to someone you love during the last days of 2024. Local artists of the Golden Isles create these beautiful items, and if you visit the weekend before the New Year, the artists are on site demonstrating their craft. You don’t want to miss this!
Packing for Your St. Simons Island Getaway
While St. Simons is a beach town, you can expect moderate temperatures in the 60s during the day while cooling down to the 40s at night. When it comes to packing for your trip to St. Simons, the best practice is to pack layers and then whatever you may need for whatever activity you choose for your NYE evening. Below are a few suggestions:
- Warm jackets or sweaters that can be easily layered
- Walking shoes (and if you plan to walk on the beach, pack a pair you don’t mind getting sandy)
- Scarf for bundling up or to double as a blanket
- Dressier outfit if you plan to go out to ring in the New Year
Winter Activities on St. Simons Island
While the night of New Year’s Eve offers many fun and memorable opportunities, St. Simons also has plenty to enjoy year-round. Here are some of the best winter activities in St. Simons.
Bike the Island
St. Simons has over 30 miles of marked bike trails, making this activity one of the best ways to get some exercise to start the new year and also see all the island has to offer. The trails go as far north as the King and Prince Golf Course, where you’ll find amazing scenic views and lesser crowds, or as far south as the Pier Villag,e where you’ll find yourself more in the central hub of the island. Check out this handy map of St. Simons to plan your riding route!
Take a Swing at the Golf Courses
What better way to enjoy the end of the old year and the start of the new than with a few rounds of golf containing picturesque views and moderate temperatures! Be sure to check out these St. Simons public golf courses as you plan your trip:
Walk the Beaches
Even though this time of year doesn’t include sunbathing, it can include strolls alongside the beautiful ocean. For those wanting to do a little good to start off the new year and get some exercise while you’re at it, check out the annual New Year’s Day Beach Sweep starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Old Coast Guard Station beach entrance. All supplies will be provided.
Visit SSI Village
You’ll find excellent shopping opportunities at Pier Village and Redfern Village. If you’re in the Pier Village, we recommend grabbing a cup of something warm from one of the local coffee shops and walking down to the pier or Neptune Park to take in the scenic ocean views.
Favorite Eats in St. Simons Island
After coming off of such a big holiday season filled with cooking and cleaning, you may find yourself wanting to fully unwind during your stay and leave the cooking to others. Here is a quick list of restaurants in St. Simons to check out during your stay that are also open on New Year’s Eve and are sure to make your time more restful and enjoyable.
Where to Stay for New Year’s Eve on St. Simons Island
Whether you are looking to dress up and attend a Roaring Twenties party on Jekyll Island, visit the annual Shrimp Drop in Brunswick that is sure to delight your family, or simply enjoy the last beautiful day of the year exploring St. Simons and eating at one of the island’s many incredible restaurants; you are sure to find what you are looking for during your stay on St. Simons island.
