For those who want to plan a last-minute adventure for New Year’s Eve, here is a look at seven places around the U.S. that make great New Year’s destinations.
7 best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve
New York City
“The ball drop over Times Square — a tradition that started in 1907 — is one of the world’s most iconic New Year’s Eve celebrations, and it remains a draw for about a million visitors every year,” per Conde Nast Traveler.
For those who don’t want to crowd into Times Square for the ball drop, there are plenty of other things to do in the city.
There are plenty of great restaurants, music venues and small events and parties for those wanting to get a different New Year’s Eve experience, per WalletHub.
Orlando
The variety of amusement parks in Orlando provide a packed schedule of special fireworks displays, late-night parties and festive activities for the whole family.
At Walt Disney World, people can see the Fantasy in the Sky pyrotechnic performance, per Conde Nast Traveler.
Universal Orlando Resort is open till 1 a.m. and the night is full of live bands and DJ sets, and Legoland has its own New Year’s bash specifically meant for kids.
San Diego
WalletHub ranked San Diego as the top New Year’s Eve destination on the West Coast.
Known for its mild weather, San Diego is set to provide clear skies, making New Year’s Eve a great time for outdoor activities and celebrations.
San Diego also has plenty of top rated restaurants and music venues where visitors can spend their time on the holiday.
Chicago
Chicago has hundreds of New Year’s Eve parties throughout the city, with everything from elegant galas to rooftop celebrations, per Greenvans.
The city provides something for everyone, from music lovers, to foodies, to fans of gorgeous cityscapes.
Jackson Hole
Along with being a ski resort town, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, also provides a number of events and celebrations for New Year’s Eve, per Travel + Leisure.
Visitors to Jackson Hole can watch fireworks in Teton Village.
There are also plenty of winter activities like skiing and snowboarding and day trips to take while visiting Jackson Hole.
Telluride
Telluride, Colorado, provides a small-town alternative to the classic big-city New Year’s Eve celebrations, per Travel + Leisure.
Visitors to Telluride can partake in a variety of snow sports such as sledding, ice climbing, snowmobiling and more.
Typically, each year the town provides a firework display over the resort’s slopes on New Year’s Eve.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a city that parties every single night, so on New Year’s Eve, it takes things to a whole new level.
“With countless options — celebrity-hosted nightclub parties, world-class dining, big-name concerts, and shows — there’s no excuse not to get decked out and hit the town,” per Conde Nast Traveler.
For visitors who don’t want to spend their whole night at one venue, they can head out to the Strip, which will be full of celebrations and great views of fireworks displays.