When it comes to ringing in the New Year, some cities have glittering balls and champagne galas — but no one does it quite like Folly Beach. Each December 31st, locals and visitors trade sequins for flip-flops and tuxedos for T-shirts to celebrate island-style.
The Folly Beach Flip Flop Drop
The highlight of Folly’s New Year’s Eve celebration is the annual Flip Flop Drop, a uniquely Folly tradition that started back in 2011 and has since become one of the Lowcountry’s favorite holiday events.
As the clock nears midnight, Center Street transforms into a pedestrian-only block party filled with live music, food and drink specials, and plenty of good cheer. At the stroke of midnight, a giant pair of illuminated flip-flops descends from a fire truck ladder high above the crowd, landing right at the intersection of Center Street and Ashley Avenue to mark the arrival of the New Year.
After the flip-flops drop, the sky lights up with a fireworks display over the beach, visible from the pier and surrounding streets — the perfect way to welcome a brand-new year on the Edge of America.
Where the Party Happens
Most of the festivities center around Center Street, which is closed to vehicle traffic for the evening. Local bars and restaurants like Loggerhead’s Beach Grill, Rita’s Seaside Grille and The Washout typically host live music, themed parties, and champagne toasts throughout the night. Many places offer special dinner menus and rooftop views of the fireworks — so it’s worth making reservations early.
The event is free and open to the public, but parking can be limited. Arrive early or consider using rideshare services from nearby James Island to make the night hassle-free.
Dress for the Weather (and the Occasion)
Late-December temperatures on Folly Beach usually hover in the 40s and 50s after sunset. Bundle up, but keep that island spirit alive — it’s not unusual to see beach-themed costumes, sequined flip-flops, or Hawaiian shirts layered under puffer jackets.
New Year’s Day: The Bill Murray Look-Alike Polar Plunge
After the late-night celebration, the fun doesn’t stop. On New Year’s Day, thousands of brave (and slightly chilly) souls gather on the beach near Tides Folly Beach Hotel for the Bill Murray Look-Alike Polar Plunge.
The event honors Charleston’s most beloved comedic resident, Bill Murray, with participants donning their best “Bill” costumes — from Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day to Caddyshack and The Life Aquatic. The plunge takes place at noon, when crowds sprint into the icy Atlantic to officially start the new year.
Prizes are typically awarded for the best costumes, and proceeds from registration benefit local charities and community programs. Even if you don’t take the plunge yourself, it’s worth watching the spectacle — the creativity and laughter perfectly capture the quirky, joyful energy that defines Folly Beach.
Plan Your Folly New Year’s Getaway
Whether you come for the Flip Flop Drop, the fireworks, or the Polar Plunge, celebrating New Year’s on Folly Beach is a memory you won’t forget. Many visitors make it an annual tradition — booking beach rentals early and extending their stay to enjoy the calm winter beach days that follow.
Happy New Year from the Edge of America — where flip-flops drop, the ocean sparkles, and the year begins with a splash.
