New Year's Eve in Atlanta: 19th Annual Peach Drop

In the southeast, the place to be for New Year's Eve is Atlanta Georgia, at Underground Atlanta. The 19^th annual drop of the 800 pound peach begins with an all day celebration. The festivities begin December 31, from noon to 4 a.m. As always, admission to the annual celebration is free.

Atlanta's New Year's Peach Drop gets better every year. Country-rocker Miranda Lambert will sing to tens of thousands who gather in the mecca of the south, Atlanta, to celebrate the passing of the old and the hope and promise of a new year. Expect an exhilarating show from Miranda Lambert prior to the highly anticipated Peach Drop and fireworks explosion.

Family activities begin at noon and include face painting, moon walks, and balloon art on Upper Alabama Street. Live performances continue throughout the day on various stages and at clubs and bars on Kenny's Alley. Kenny's Alley includes six blocks, twelve acres, three levels, and more shopping, restaurants, entertainment and clubs than you can visit in a week.

The New Year's Celebration takes place at underground with Atlanta attractions like the New Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia State Capitol, the Mr. Luther King, Jr. History Center, and historic Auburn Avenue. Out of town visitors should book rooms early and spend a few days exploring a truly international city.

Visitors not staying in the downtown area should use MARTA. MARTA is Atlanta's rapid transit system including rails and buses. It is safe, clean, and easier than driving downtown and coping with limited parking. There are a number of Park and Ride Lots in neighboring suburbs and throughout Fulton County.

Atlanta's New Year's Peach Drop is made possible by sponsors including AirTran, Atlanta Convention and Visitor's Bureau, Eagle 106.7 FM, Kicks 101.5 FM, the city of Atlanta, Georgia Department of Economic Development, myATLTV, The New York Times, Party City, The Sunday Paper, Cooper Atlanta Transportation Services, and Sheraton Atlanta Hotel.

For everyone's safety, the following items will not be allowed in the Underground area: Pets, bags, backpacks, coolers, picnic baskets, recording devices, roller blades, bikes, skateboards, lawn chairs, weapons and alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase for those over 21. You must have I.D. available in order to purchase alcohol.

Atlanta's Annual Peach Drop is an electrifying, kinetic way to ring in the New Year. It's safe, fun, and entertaining. Make plans early.