Miami’s beloved New Year’s Eve icon, the Neon Big Orange, has completed its final test runs and is poised to play its central role in downtown Miami’s New Year’s Eve celebration, marking four decades of local tradition. Organizers and crews have been installing and testing the 35-foot, roughly 2,000-pound LED sculpture outside the InterContinental Miami Hotel in Bayfront Park this week as the city prepares for one of its largest annual public gatherings.
The Big Orange — Miami’s own answer to New York City’s Times Square ball drop — has been a fixture of the city’s year-end festivities since the mid-1980s and this year celebrates its 40th anniversary. As the countdown icon climbs the face of the hotel at midnight on December 31, the event is expected to draw more than 100,000 revelers to Bayfront Park and surrounding streets for live music, food vendors, and fireworks, according to local event guides and tourism officials.
Creator Steve Carpenter, known locally as “Mr. Neon,” said preparations include thorough testing days before the big moment to ensure the lighting and mechanical systems operate flawlessly under pressure. He explained that crews like to install and test the installation several days in advance to allow time to fix any issues rather than waiting until the last minute.
“This tradition works every year,” Carpenter said, reflecting on the longevity of the icon and its place in Miami culture. This year’s installation features refreshed lighting effects meant to enhance the spectacle for the thousands who attend nightly festivities leading up to midnight.
In recognition of his contributions to Miami’s holiday fabric, Carpenter is slated to receive a key to the city from newly elected Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins during the celebration. Officials and organizers have emphasized the Big Orange’s role not just as a party centerpiece but as a symbol of the city’s history and community spirit.
The week’s buildup also includes family-friendly activities, live performances, and increased safety measures as residents and visitors alike prepare to usher in 2026 with one of South Florida’s most iconic cultural traditions.
