Atlanta’s New Year’s Eve ball drop is called the Peach Drop.
The Peach Drop is Atlanta’s signature countdown event. A large peach descends at midnight, referencing Georgia’s nickname, the Peach State. The celebration has included live music, food, and public festivities, making it Atlanta’s regional counterpart to other American city countdowns.
The event began in 1989 and was held for many years at Underground Atlanta. Its location and format have changed over time, and some editions have been canceled or relocated because of weather, public-safety concerns, construction, or broader event planning.
The Peach Drop is often confused with the Times Square Ball Drop in New York City. Both involve a descending illuminated object at midnight, but Atlanta uses a peach rather than a ball, and the event’s name specifically reflects Georgia’s identity.