Big Orange returns to Miami for NYE celebration after 3-year hiatus

MIAMI – It’s a Christmas miracle! After a bit of back and forth, the famed Big Orange will be part of Miami’s New Year’s Eve celebration this year after all.

The hoisting of the iconic sculpture at the InterContinental Miami hotel in Downtown Miami has been a big part of ringing in the New Year for Miamians for more than three decades.

Local 10 News spoke to Steve “Mr. Neon” Carpenter, the creator of the “La Gran Naranja” on Thursday and he said “it’s a big change from yesterday to today. It’s happening.”

“Historically, the Big Orange has been installed and positioned in front of the hotel with a test run to follow by the 27th of December, said Monty Trainer, Chairman of, the Greater Miami Host Committee. “As the Hotel is also the host hotel for families, friends, and team members of the Orange Bowl Game, the Big Orange installation will be scheduled earlier.”

“We compete with New York. They do the apple, we do the Orange. It’s free to come out and having the Big Orange back is fantastic,” he added.

The Big Orange is expected to be installed Thursday afternoon at the InterContinental Miami hotel on N. Biscayne Blvd.

Last Thursday, City of Miami Mayor Francis X. Suarez also announced its triumphant return to South Florida.

“I am proud to continue to support the installation of this community tradition. The Big Orange not only has been a part of our New Year’s (NYE) celebration for more than 30 years, but it is an attraction that the thousands of residents and visitors that participate in our NYE Bash look forward to enjoying every year.”

The Big Orange rise was canceled in 2021 after Carpenter and his staff tested positive for COVID-19, but thanks to the Miami Downtown Development Authority, City of Miami and the Greater Miami Host Committee, it’s ready for a dazzling return where it will await crowds celebrating the New Year in downtown Miami.

The 2020 event was also canceled due to the pandemic.

The New Year’s Eve event at Bayfront Park is free and will also feature a fireworks show, a live free concert and a countdown celebration.

Guests should RSVP for their free tickets, by clicking on this link.