Atlanta holds the annual Peach Drop countdown on New Year's Eve.
The Peach Drop is Atlanta's signature New Year's Eve celebration and takes place in downtown Atlanta. Instead of lowering a ball like New York City, the event lowers a large illuminated peach as the final seconds of the year are counted down.
The peach is a deliberate symbol of Georgia, whose official nickname is the Peach State. The event became a major public celebration featuring live entertainment, a midnight countdown, and large crowds. Its location and format have changed at times, but the peach remains the defining object.
The Peach Drop is often confused with the Times Square Ball Drop because both involve lowering a large object at midnight. The objects and cities are different: Atlanta uses a peach, while New York City uses a ball. The event is also distinct from Atlanta's separate New Year's Day celebrations.