Atlanta’s skies are soon to light up as the city prepares to welcome 2026. The city is moving away from the longtime Peach Drop tradition and introducing a new format. Here’s what to know about Atlanta’s new New Year’s Eve celebration.
From Peach Drop to Countdown Over ATL
For decades, Atlanta’s New Year’s tradition has been a draw for locals and visitors alike. The Peach Drop at midnight, symbolizing Georgia’s identity as the Peach State, has been loved by locals. However, this year, the tradition is making a shift as the city introduces something new.
This year, Atlanta is preparing to welcome the new year with Countdown Over ATL. A new initiative by the local government to ensure a better, safer, and more inclusive celebration for the city. The event will be taking over the skies of Atlanta, bringing an unforgettable moment to residents of the town.
Countdown Over ATL is as it sounds because this year, the city is going to count down while looking high in the sky. With drones taking over the night sky to display a giant peach across Atlanta’s sky. Meanwhile, a beautiful display of fireworks will only make this experience better.
As the city prepares to upgrade its New Year’s tradition, residents are looking forward to the new experience. As convenience and celebrations come together, this event is to begin something new for the city.
Event Highlights
Countdown Over ATL is preparing for its first year of celebrations. Taking over the skies of Atlanta, the event brings together the people, but without the unbearable crowds. As comfort meets celebrations, these are some of the event highlights to look forward to:
- Fireworks: A synchronized fireworks display across the city will bring everyone together for the celebration. Welcoming 2026, the display is sure to be unforgettable.
- Drone Peach: Besides the fireworks, a drone peach will take over Atlanta’s sky. Symbolizing Georgia’s identity as the Peach State, it will stand in for the beloved tradition.
- Decentralized Approach: With the New Year’s crowd spread across the city, the chances of a crowd formation lessen. It helps maintain the safety of locals and visitors while making the celebrations fun.
- Rooftop Event: The local government is also reaching out to suitable rooftops in several neighborhoods. It is to deliver an unobstructed view of the display and ensure that everyone gets to be a part of the celebration.
- Comfort: One of the biggest highlights of this event is the comfort one can get while enjoying the celebrations. As long as one finds a suitable rooftop to view the celebrations, they can be a part of this event.
The highlights surely don’t end here, as many surprises await everyone in Atlanta.
Venue Details
Countdown Over ATL is an event that will be visible from several locations in Atlanta. The synchronized fireworks are especially those that will be displayed throughout the city. So while there is no fixed location for the event, it is a matter of capturing the best rooftop.
However, some may have an obstructed view of the night sky due to several reasons. To counter this, the local government will get in touch with nearby rooftops. They will also create a list and share it with the public.
While the fireworks display is visible from several sites, the giant peach floating in the sky has limited visibility. The digital drone peach will be visible in Downtown and Midtown Atlanta.
So prepare to witness the magnificent display as the clock strikes 12. Capture the best seats and indulge in the view of the brightening night sky. As all of Atlanta steps out of their homes below, feel the moment of togetherness in this moment.
