Clearwater New Year's Eve Events: 2021 Guide

CLEARWATER, FL — Where do you plan to ring in 2022? From extravagant galas to live music to cozy cocktail parties, there’s something for everyone in Clearwater this New Year’s Eve.

Amid a surge in COVID-19 infections due to the fast-spreading omicron variant, some celebrations may be going virtual again even as 205 million Americans are fully vaccinated and more than 67 million have received booster doses — something health officials say is critical to protect yourself and others around you from the virus.

Still, there are likely to be more in-person celebrations this year, and if you’re among those hoping to get out this New Year’s Eve, here’s a sampling of events happening right here in Clearwater:

Grand Glow Bubbles & Bourbon

Friday, 9 p.m. to midnight

Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, 100 Coronado Drive, Clearwater Beach

This New Year’s Eve celebration features live music by the Black Honkeys. Learn more here.

StarLite New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise

Friday, 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Departs from 25 Causeway Blvd., Slip #152, Clearwater

Learn more about this dinner cruise here.

Light It Up Clearwater

Friday, midnight fireworks display

1 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater

This annual fireworks display returns to ring in 2022! Learn more here.

Rock the New Year

Friday, 8 p.m.

Shephard’s Beach Resort, 619 South Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Shephard’s four venues: Tiki Beach, Salt Tequila Bar and Tap Room, Soak Pool, and Wave Nightclub. Learn more here.

Related Story: 47K New COVID Cases Reported Wednesday, Breaking FL Record: CDC

Despite this year’s planned festivities, many Clearwater residents may opt to stay home as the state experiences a surge in daily coronavirus cases thanks to the fast-spreading omicron variant.

Just shy of 47,000 new cases were reported in Florida Wednesday, breaking the state's record for the number of cases reported in a single day, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to data from the Florida Department of Health, the state saw a new case positivity rate of 13.8 percent and 125,201 new coronavirus cases from Dec. 17-23.

Still, if you’re vaccinated and take the necessary precautions, you should be able to gather this New Year’s Eve safely.

To stay safe this holiday season, including New Year's Eve, the CDC recommends that those who are eligible get vaccinated against coronavirus.

Those who aren't vaccinated should wear well-fitting masks that cover your nose and mouth when indoors. And for people in a community with a high transmission rate, the agency recommends those who are vaccinated wear a mask indoors, as well.

Additionally, New Year's Eve revelers should opt for outdoor gatherings, if possible, and avoid crowded and poorly ventilated spaces.

The CDC also suggests that those who are sick should stay home to prevent the spread of the virus.