The verdict is in: the First Coast is THE place to ring in 2014 on New Year’s Eve! Whether you feel like dancing all night in your tux or ball gown, or you just want to relax and enjoy some music, St. Augustine and Jacksonville provide no shortage of New Year’s entertainment to suit all interests. Here are just some of the destinations to consider on New Year’s Eve:

St. Augustine’s Beach Blast Off – Rated by Florida Travel & Life among Florida’s top 10 New Year’s Eve events, St. Augustine’s signature affair is the Beach Blast Off. The two-day event (Dec. 30 & 31) goes down at the St. Augustine Beach Pier and Pavilion and is free to everyone. Partygoers will enjoy live music and entertainment, a dunk tank, chili cook-off, ice sculptures, beer and wine, and more than 30 food vendors.  A Kids’ Zone will feature 10 inflatables, face painting, and Human Hamster Balls.  Things heat up as the New Year approaches when a fantastic fireworks display lights up at 8:30 p.m. followed by more music and fun.  Get more information at 904-829-5681 or www.beachblastoff.com.

Flagler College New Year’s Eve 125th Anniversary Gala – If you’re looking to channel the The Great Gatsby and escape to the roaring 1920s, look no further than Flagler College’s New Year’s Eve 125th Anniversary Gala. Set among the architectural beauty of the Ponce de Leon Dining Hall – built in 1888 as part of the Gilded Age gem Hotel Ponce de Leon – the evening will include a cocktail hour, plated dinner, dessert buffet, and open bar. A champagne toast at midnight caps off the perfect evening. Attire is black tie or Great Gatsby inspired. Tickets are $200 per person. Visit http://ponce125.com/events/event/flagler-college-new-years-eve-gala/.

Masquerade New Year’s Eve at The Standard – If an evening of turn tables and masquerading piques your interest, plan to head to The Standard’s traditional Masquerade and Costume Ball beginning at 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. The venue will feature DJ Natural and DJ Hu cutting, scratching, and blending music simultaneously. Tickets are $8 and VIP tickets are available. Get details at www.thestandardfl.com.

St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights – If your plans include less raving and more relaxing, why not spent the evening taking in the oldest city’s Nights of Lights? Named by National Geographic in 2012 as one of the 10 best holiday lighting displays in the world, the city’s millions of tiny white lights are displayed as a nod to the Spanish tradition of displaying a white candle in the window during the holidays. The lights are best taken in by horse-drawn carriage or trolley ride. www.NightsofLights.com.

New Year’s Rockin’ Trolley – Hop aboard, sit back, and enjoy a New Year’s party on wheels!  Hosted by Old Town Trolley Tours, the tour will allow passengers to enjoy listening to the most popular songs of each decade since the 1920s as they ride through St. Augustine’s downtown streets. For information, call 904-289-3800 or visit www.trolleytours.com.

You’re sure to find live music and midnight toasts at many of St. Augustine’s other restaurants and bars. If you’re headed to Jacksonville, don’t miss these exciting events:

Jacksonville New Years Eve 2014 – Crowds gather downtown near the Jacksonville Landing where food stalls and several stages are set up with various musicians. Partygoers will enjoy a midnight fireworks display along the St John’s River.

New Year’s Eve with Greg Allman & JJ Grey with Mofro – The Florida Theatre will host a night of great music from Jacksonville native JJ Grey & Mofro, followed by a set from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Gregg Allman and his band. Get the details and tickets at (904) 355-2787 or www.floridatheatre.com.

Ponte Vedra’s The Golf Ball New Year’s Eve Celebration – New Year’s partying is even better when it’s for a great cause! The Golf Ball New Year’s Eve Celebration at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa will benefit 26.2 with Donna and includes live entertainment by ProBono and a champagne toast at midnight. Attire is resort casual. Tickets are $25 per person. Visit www.breastcancermarathon.com and search “golf ball”.