Plans for the $115,000 event include a main stage in the Octagon where musical acts will perform from 9pm until 1am and a family zone in George St earlier in the evening.
"The midnight countdown will be marked with a nod to Hogmanay traditions, potentially including live bagpipers to provide a cultural link and atmospheric highlight as the new year is welcomed in," a report for the Dunedin City Council said.
Hogmanay refers to Scottish festivals around the new year.
Cr Brent Weatherall was content with the Scottish element, but wondered if the lack of a fireworks crescendo might leave the event "somewhat compromised".
"I appreciate the efforts of the events team and I look forward to fireworks being introduced once the new council is elected," he said.
Dunedin has not had a council-run pyrotechnics display at the annual party since welcoming in 2021.
An attempt to reintroduce fireworks was voted down 9-6 in April this year and council staff were asked to look into a "re-imagination" of the celebration.
"It’s good to be trying something different," he said.
"Let’s not condemn it before it’s tried, and let’s review it after it’s a roaring success."
Laser and light shows were run in recent years instead of fireworks, but they received mixed reviews and seem set not to feature in the celebration bringing in 2026.
The council report said the event would be an inclusive, family-friendly and vibrant experience.
The George St family zone would run from 6pm until a children’s countdown at 8.30pm.
"A range of event enhancements will be delivered to elevate the celebration experience," the report said.
"These will include roaming performers, interactive elements, diverse food offering, light installations and visual features."
