Best Places to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in the US
Whether you’re looking to go to a dance party at some of the biggest events in the entire world or want a spot that is perfect for the whole family to enjoy, here are the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the US.
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The Best Places in the USA to Ring in the New Year
The United States knows how to celebrate important dates in a splendid way, and there’s no better place to be to welcome the new year than in some of its biggest cities and destinations.
Huge parties, splendid fireworks, and incredible food and drinks are all part of the recipe that makes celebrating New Year’s Eve in the United States such a wonderful experience. If you’re wondering where to go, choosing the right place can get tricky with the number of options available.
1. Las Vegas, Nevada
If you want to celebrate New Year’s Eve BIG TIME, there’s no better place to head to than the city of Las Vegas.
As cliché as it may sound, Las Vegas is one of the most popular New Year’s eve celebration destinations for a good reason, especially for those who are looking for great parties. Sin City is a celebration hub year-round, but during the last day of the year, it becomes a mecca for fabulous nightclub events, lively casinos, food trucks, and fireworks galore.
Some of the best spots to welcome the year in include the Venetian , fireworks on the Las Vegas Strip , the Freemont Street Experience, and ice skating at The Cosmopolitan. We recommend reserving a spot in advance for these places, but even if you don’t manage to get in, you’re guaranteed to find a place to bid the year goodbye here!
2. Miami, Florida
Beach parties, high-end nightclubs, and rooftop events overlooking the ocean are the staples of celebrating New Year’s Eve in South Beach.
As one of the most popular party destinations around the world, Miami is a place where you’ll get to welcome the year with plenty of tropical drinks in hand no matter where you are. Not to mention you’ll also get to escape the cold of other places in the United States.
There’s a party taking place on pretty much every beach, restaurant, bar, and nightclub around the city. Listen to a live concert or enjoy live DJs at many of the city’s most popular spots.
Moreover, you can also book yourself a spot at a yacht party for the best views of the skyline and fireworks displays or join an authentic masquerade party, which is common at many hot spots in the city!
3. New York City, New York
Few places beat the experience of New Year celebrations in New York City. As many people know, it is one of the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the US.
What makes New York an incredible place to welcome the year is not only its parties but also the fact that it has something for everyone, regardless of the type of celebration they’re looking for.
If you’re visiting with friends and want to finish off the year with a great party, you’re sure to find some of the best ones in the entire world here.
If you’re more in the mood to do something extremely classic, you can head over to the Times Square Ball Drop or enjoy the fireworks show at Central Park.
For those more in the mood to start the year on the right foot and without a huge hangover or visiting as a couple, a dinner cruise is a great choice.
Or you can treat yourself to a lavish dinner at the many rooftop restaurants all over, where they host live performances all night. New Year’s Eve in New York City doesn’t disappoint!
4. Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida
Perfect for those traveling with kids, Walt Disney World hosts some of the best New Year’s Eve celebrations in the United States. A trip to see Mickey Mouse guarantees plenty of fun for adults and little ones alike!
One of the most popular ways to welcome the year is to enjoy the fireworks and light show at EPCOT. Afterward, walk over to the multiple themed parties held at the “countries” inside the park.
Other great options include gawking at the midnight fireworks over the castle at Magic Kingdom and then joining one of the parties around the theme parks (make sure to arrive early to grab a good spot, though!).
If you’re looking for a low-key evening, consider having dinner in the wild at Animal Kingdom.
Aside from the main events, you’ll find plenty of options on the parks’ calendar as the date approaches. The resort hotels also host events, and there are plenty of discount packages available. These allow you to celebrate the date worry-free and have everything arranged in advance for you.
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
While New Orleans may be known for its annual Mardi Gras, it’s the perfect place for a New Year’s Eve celebration. It’s also a wonderful place to be if hitting the streets and celebrating in a way you may have never experienced before.
You’ll be able to find grand parties at bars, restaurants, and hotels all over, but the ultimate way to celebrate the local way is by heading over to Jackson Square. Here you’ll find plenty of street parties and people dancing to the beat of jazz music.
Live bands are also huge here, with tons of New Year’s concerts being held every December 31st at venues such as the House of Blues and the Joy Theater. If you want a smaller event, there are many bars with dance floors to dance the night (and year) away!
For those traveling with small kids, you will also find many events meant for the littles, such as the Noon Year’s Eve party at the Louisiana Children’s Museum.
Firework shows are huge throughout New Orleans, so no matter where you decide to book your evening, you’ll be able to see them from pretty much anywhere at the stroke of midnight!
6. Portland, Oregon
If you want to celebrate New Year’s Eve in a fabulous way without necessarily breaking the bank, Portland is said to be one of the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the US because it has cheap tickets and plenty of parties.
Aside from its affordable prices in comparison to cities like Miami or Las Vegas, Portland is a great place and offers a plethora of special events to bid the year goodbye in a unique way.
The Champagne Ball at the Hilton Portland and the Governor’s Ball at the Sentinel Hotel are two of the most classic events held in Portland.
If you’re looking for a different vibe, you’ll find options galore all over the city. A really fun event to attend for a completely new experience is the New Year’s Eve Murder Mystery, an interactive comedy murder mystery show complete with dinner, beverages, and a midnight champagne toast.
7. Lake Tahoe, California, and Nevada
In the mood to welcome the year in nature rather than in a big city? Lake Tahoe is one of the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the US that offers celebrations outside of the city lights.
On December 31st, most of the resorts around the lake host big parties as well as lower-key dinners for those looking to start the year hangover-free.
One of the most famous celebrations in Lake Tahoe is held at the Heavenly Mountain Resort, where live music, spectacular fireworks, and the midnight “Gondola Ball Drop” are part of the schedule, but you’ll pretty much be able to find similar events no matter where you choose to stay.
Thanks to its location, Lake Tahoe is a great spot to spend a few days getting refreshed in the middle of nature. There is no better way to start the year than with a winter hike or a day spent ice skating or skiing amid gorgeous alpine scenery.