Happy New Year Celebrations In Atlanta, Georgia USA

For years, Georgians have been ringing in the New Year by counting down to midnight at festive events in cities big and small. Towns around the state have put their own spin on the popular New Year’s Eve tradition, creating some unique holiday celebrations that speak to the character of the community.

Here’s a look at the ways Georgians ring in the New Year. Best of all, most of these events are free.

Perry New Year’s Eve Buzzard Drop

Bob the Buzzard was somewhere north of the Mason-Dixon Line freezing his “feathers” off, when he suddenly decided there had to be a better life. He settled in Perry, Georgia, and now Bob and his friends are as much a part of the landscape in Perry as the Clock Tower at the Fairgrounds. In honor of the buzzard’s return, Perry residents gather each New Year’s Eve to celebrate their brave trek with a New Year’s Eve celebration and Perry Buzzard Drop.

The Possum Drop in Tallapoosa

About 45 minutes west of Atlanta on I-20, you’ll find the town of Tallapoosa, formally known as Possum Snout. Tallapoosa rings in the New Year by dropping a stuffed possum named Spencer. Enjoy a Kids Zone, live bands, concessions and even a Possum King and Queen!

New Year’s Eve Geranium Drop in McDonough

Celebrate the New Year in McDonough with dancing and a free family-friendly celebration on the historic downtown McDonough Square. Enjoy live music and food and drink specials from downtown restaurants. The event ends with a giant geranium drop.

The City of Villa Rica Gold Nugget Drop

Villa Rica was the site of the first Gold Strike in the United States. There is still gold in the town, and they drop a huge nugget of it every New Year’s Eve. Enjoy live music and count down to midnight as you watch a golden nugget fall from the sky.

New Year’s Eve Shamrock Drop in Dublin

Everyone is a little bit Irish in Dublin, Georgia, where they celebrate the New Year with a lucky shamrock drop. But the fun starts well before midnight with Dublin’s biggest street party with dancing, live music, vendors, food and photobooth delights!

Dropping of the Edelweiss in Helen

Folks in the Alpine Village of Helen, Georgia, are happy to greet the New Year with music, food, dancing, party hats and the dropping of the Edelweiss.

Savannah’s Up the Cup New Year’s Eve Celebration

While everyone else is dropping things, Savannah is raising a glass. Actually, it’s not a glass, but rather a six-foot-tall to-go cup to be exact. The countdown includes a digital light show before the “toast” to midnight.