6 December 18-24, 2025 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | CULTURE | NIGHT+DAY | NEWS | LETTERS | CONTENTS | Month XX–Month XX, 2008 miaminewtimes.com MIAMI NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | FILM | ART | STAGE | NIGHT+DAY | METRO | RIPTIDE | LETTERS | CONTENTS | W hat a singular event New Year’s Eve is. There’s nothing quite like it. A cross-cultural phenomenon, a crescendo of pent-up energy of all the wins and losses, promises kept or broken, accumulated throughout the year, and culminating in a night of celebration, or perhaps release. Some of us love Christmas: it is imbued with a sentimental magic, but this can feel tempered by knowing looks over the heads of wide-eyed children staring at half-eaten milk and cookies, dampening any true sense of wonder. New Year’s Eve, then, may be the last piece of magic that adults can authentically, earnestly, and publicly embrace. We gather together, with strangers, friends, or family, acknowledg- ing the electricity in the air, reveling in the percolating excite- ment of what’s to come, and letting go of what has been. A fresh start, we say, and for a moment, anything is possible — a little piece of magic and hope in an increasingly scary world. That being said, there are countless ways to make the most of this moment. After all, we live in the Magic City, a food and bev- erage mecca and a renowned New Year’s Eve destination offering every type of celebration imaginable. From Gramps’ final New Year’s Eve shindig to the mega-clubs hosting all-night (and day, and night, and day) ragers like Space’s 36+ hour marathon, to ma- jor acts like &ME at Factory Town and David Guetta at the Fon- tainebleau, or more family-friendly events like concerts and fireworks at Bayfront Park, there truly is something for ev- eryone. Even early birds can kick off the new year with dinners at Luca Osteria or Michael’s Genuine. And no matter what you choose, just remember: what hap- pens in 2025 stays in 2025. — Olivia McAuley 3030 OCEAN. Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen: Hell’s Kitchen’s three- course prix fixe menu features signature dishes like pan-seared scallops, lobster risotto, grilled branzino, and the world-famous Beef Wellington. The set menu is priced at $125 per person, with an optional $185 wine pairing. A limited à la carte menu will also be available. 6 p.m., $125-$190. 3030 Holiday Dr., Fort Lauderdale, 954-765-3030, 3030ocean.com 450GRADI MIAMI. NYE at 450Gradi: The New Year’s Eve party at 450Gradi Miami features dinner, music, and a complimentary bottle of Prosecco at Midnight. In addition to the regular menu, a special new year’s menu will be offered, including dishes such as marinated Italian octopus carpaccio, homemade spaghetti with fresh lobster, and more. 6:15 pm, $90. 130 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, 786- 391-1276, 450-gradi.com/en/miami-restaurant.html A FISH CALLED AVALON. New Year’s Eve Gala at A Fish Called Avalon: Celebrate New Year’s Eve at A Fish Called Avalon with a festive gala dinner. Tickets start at $250 for a curated dining experience beginning at 8 p.m. and continuing through midnight. Guests will enjoy live entertainment and music as they welcome the New Year. 8 p.m., $250. 700 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach, 305-532-1727, afishcalledavalon.com AVA MEDITERRAEGEAN AT ARYA HOTEL AND SUITES. The MediterrAegean restaurant will host two seatings for its New Year’s Eve celebrations: the first from 6 to 7 p.m. and the second beginning at 8:30 p.m. The first seating features a $125 per person prix fixe menu, while the second is priced at $250 per person and concludes with a lively countdown celebration. 5 p.m., $125-$250. 2889 McFarlane Rd., Miami, 786-540-2889, avamediterraegean.com/cg/home AVIV AT 1 HOTEL. NYE at AVIV: Guests can enjoy a special menu of bold Mediterranean flavors, seasonal ingredients, and thoughtfully crafted dishes designed for a warm, memorable evening from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. 2341 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-768-1386 ADRIFT MARE. NYE at Adrift Mare at Hotel AKA Brickell: Celebrate New Year’s Eve at ADRIFT Mare with a four-course menu by Chef David Myers, inspired by the coastal flavors of Spain, Italy, and Greece. The evening begins with whole wheat focaccia served with smoked olive oil and Modena balsamic vinegar. Other highlights include cider- braised Spanish chorizo on sourdough crostini, beef and caviar over crispy potato, and additional delectable sharing plates. For an extra indulgence, guests can opt for a seafood platter upgrade. Enjoy a live DJ and party favors as you welcome the arrival of 2026. 6 p.m., $150-$195. 1395 Brickell Ave., Miami, 305-503-6529, adriftmare.com AMAL. Celebrate the arrival of 2026 at Amal’s Under the Lights NYE experience, featuring a live DJ and a three-course prix fixe menu for $95 per person. Reservations from 5 to 7:30 p.m. are limited to a two-hour dining window. Rooftop access is available for an additional $30.The second seating, from 8:30 to 10 p.m., is priced at $195 per person and includes a three-course prix fixe menu, half a bottle of bubbles per guest, an optional $45 champagne upgrade, a live DJ, and access to continue the festivities throughout the venue. 6 p.m., $95-$195. 3480 Main Highway, Miami, 786-369- 0846, amalmiami.com THE AMALFI LLAMA. NYE at The Amalfi Llama: The Amalfi Llama will be open during regular hours and will offer a three-course prix fixe menu. Reservations made for 8:30 p.m. or later will receive a glass of sparkling wine with the purchase of an entrée, and guests are invited to stay for the New Year’s Eve celebration and midnight countdown. 5 p.m., $130. 19505 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, 305-726-0226, amalfillama.com AMALIA. NYE at Amalia: Welcome the New Year at Amalia with a four- course Mediterranean dinner featuring highlights such as octopus carpaccio and beef cheek, foie gras, and mushroom ravioli. Enjoy a festive evening with live music and a curated selection of wines offered at special prices to perfectly complement each course. 6:30 pm, $99. 1900 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-531-6800, lennoxmiamibeach.com AMANTE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT. NYE at Amante’s Italian Cuisine: Ring in the new year at Amante’s with a four-course prix fixe dinner. Seatings begin at 8:30 and include a countdown celebration. 6 p.m., $65-$125. 2009 NE 2nd St., Deerfield Beach, 954-637-2300, amantesrestaurant.com Artwork by Kristin Bjornsen / Source images via Adobe Stock
