Atlanta is set to ring in 2026 with a fresh take on one of its most beloved New Year’s Eve traditions: the Peach Drop.
Mayor Andre Dickens announced Monday, Dec. 15 that the city is “reimagining” the classic event, replacing the physical drop at Underground Atlanta with Countdown Over ATL — a spectacular citywide celebration featuring synchronized fireworks displays from multiple locations and a stunning digital drone Peach countdown visible across Downtown and Midtown.
Atlanta Ditches Peach Drop for Drones for NYE
“The annual Peach Drop has been a big part of our city’s New Year’s Eve celebration since 1989, bringing people together in a way only Atlanta can,” Mayor Dickens said in a video announcement. “This New Year’s Eve, we’re reimagining that tradition with Countdown Over ATL.
Several fireworks displays will light up the night across Atlanta, and for some residents, you’ll be able to see a drone show featuring the famous Peach at midnight.”
The new format aims to make the celebration more accessible and inclusive, allowing Atlantans to enjoy the show from their neighborhoods, rooftops, or backyards without crowding into a single downtown location. Officials noted this decentralized approach will also enhance public safety by reducing large gatherings in one spot.
A Look Back at the Peach Drop’s History
The Peach Drop has been Atlanta’s answer to New York City’s Times Square ball drop for over three decades. Inspired by Georgia’s nickname as the “Peach State,” the tradition began on December 31, 1989, when an 800-pound, 8-foot-tall fiberglass and foam peach was first lowered from a 138-foot tower at Underground Atlanta.
The event quickly grew into a massive party, drawing up to 100,000 revelers annually with live music, food vendors, and fireworks.
For nearly 30 years (1989–2017), Underground Atlanta served as the iconic home of the Peach Drop, hosting performances from stars like Little Richard, Ludacris, Janelle Monáe, and more.
The event briefly moved to Woodruff Park in 2018 after Underground was sold to a private developer, but returned to its original spot in 2019.
The tradition faced interruptions in recent years: cancellations in 2020 due to logistical issues, 2021–2022 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and again for welcoming 2024 to prioritize the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. It made a triumphant return last year (for 2025) at Underground Atlanta, headlined by Big Boi and featuring enhanced production.
Now, with this reimagined drone and fireworks spectacle, Atlanta is evolving the tradition while keeping the spirit of the Peach alive for a new era. Residents are encouraged to step outside or find a local spot to watch the skies light up at midnight.Stay tuned for more details on exact viewing locations and any additional festivities as New Year’s Eve approaches!
Final Word
Atlanta has a lot of cool things to do and places to eat, including some of the top soul food joints and remarkable Thai food spots. Explore the city.
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