People like to celebrate the New Year. It is the closing of one year and the hope of a better year ahead. Plus, you get to kiss the one you love as the New Year arrives. In this post, you will find 5 of the best cities to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the US. There are fireworks, night clubs, sporting events, concerts, plays, rooftop restaurants, theme parks and many other things that you can do to celebrate the New Year.
1.New York
No list of the top places to celebrate New Year’s Eve should be missing New York City. Every year the ball drop from Times Square is televised on TV. Plus, there are a million people that watch the ball drop live. That is a lot of people.
The ball drop gets all the shine and deservedly so but there are many things that you can do in the city to celebrate the New Year. There are cruises, rooftop parties, fireworks and midnight runs to name a few of the things.
Ways to Celebrate on New Year’s Eve
Times Square Ball Drop– The most famous and most iconic happening in the states for the New Year.
New Years Eve Cruise– There are many different types of cruises to choose from to celebrate New Years Eve. The cruises give you a different perspective of the city.
Fireworks Displays at Midnight– Coney Island Luna Park – Central Park – Liberty Island – Prospect Park
Rooftop Restaurants– There are many rooftop restaurants in the city and these are a few that have celebrations going on for the New Year.
NYRR Midnight Run– You can get your run on for the New Year. This run takes place in Central Park and is 4 miles long.
Rockefeller Ice Skating Rink– Iconic place to be in New York during the Christmas season and is a good place to take in the New Year.
Parties in Times Square– All around Times Square there are many places that have parties going on. The following link shares them all.
Broadway Shows– The last shows end well before midnight. So, you will be able to enjoy a great show and do some of the other things on the list.
Frames Bowling Lounge Times Square– 28 state of the art lanes right at Times Square. There is an open bar and food, flat screen TVs, and live broadcast of the ball drop. This is good for all ages.
NYC Midnight Walking Tour with Fireworks– These 90 minute walking tours start at the One World Trade Center and then go through the financial district. You end the tour by watching the fireworks.
The Edge– The Edge is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. During the party you get access to the indoor and outdoor decks with 360 degree views of the city, 3 glasses of champagne, light bites, and music from a DJ.
Walk across Brooklyn Bridge– Good place to see Liberty Island fireworks and in the distance Staten Island fireworks.
2. Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a city that never sleeps. It is pretty much a party 365 days a year. So, it only goes up a notch during New Year’s Eve. For example, all 4 miles of the strip in Vegas is closed to traffic on New Year’s Eve for people who want to celebrate the New Year.
Las Vegas is known for being an entertainment hub and that is one of the things that makes it a place to be for the New Year. There are world class shows, fireworks and obviously gambling amongst other things to celebrate bringing in the New Year.
Remember what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!
Ways to Celebrate on New Year’s Eve
America’s Party– The party takes place on the Vegas Strip with fireworks being shot off at midnight from 8 different locations in a choreographed display once the New Year arrives.
Fremont Street Experience– The event takes place in downtown Vegas with musical artists, such as Bush, Sugar Ray, the Sugarhill Gang, Tag Team and others performing. There is an EDM stage with dancers and aerialists. This is a paid event.
Cosmopolitan– You can watch the fireworks while ice skating. You can also take in a concert or a dinner and a show.
Venetian Resort– There are a number of different dining experiences to choose from.
Plaza Hotel and Casino– They have a special viewing party of the fireworks along with a special stay package.
Chateau Rooftop– Celebrate the New Year on the rooftop with a number of DJs and a great view of Eiffel Tower below.
Strat– Skypod Tower Party has the best viewing of the fireworks along with food that you can purchase and DJs playing music.
Concerts– There are a number of concerts going on at various casinos including Adele and Bruno Mars among others.
Shows– You can see David Copperfield, the Blue Man Group, Cirque Du Soleil and others.
Sporting Events– You can go to the NHL Golden Nights game or take in a basketball game at UNLV.
Opportunity Village Magical Forest– 3 million lights cover the 3 acre village along with a train, a carousel and a miniature golf course.
Noon Year’s Eve in Town Square– This is geared towards families with bounce houses, a rock wall and a DJ playing music.
3. Los Angeles
The city of Angels is another city that comes more alive during New Year’s Eve celebrations. The parties and celebrations going on in the city rival that of New York. There are many things that you can do to bring in the New Year.
Ways to Celebrate on New Year’s Eve
Eve at Universal Studios Hollywood– You can spend the day riding rides, watch shows and other attractions. Stick around for the night with multiple party areas, music, dancing, photo ops and a fireworks display.
Grand Park NYELA– There are 2 stages with different DJs spinning records along with food trucks to purchase food. The finale is a 3D light show projected onto LA’s City Hall just before midnight. The event is free and a great family event since it is alcohol free.
Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park– You can head to see Mickey and the gang at Disneyland/Disney California Adventure Park for New Year’s Eve. You will battle crowds since it is one of the busiest days of the year at the parks.
Aquarium of the Pacific– The New Year’s Eve by Night Dive features DJs, an open bar, food at Cafe Scuba, photo booth, a chance to visit the different fish and a confetti celebration at midnight.
New Year’s Eve at Sant’olina– The party takes place on the rooftop of the Beverly Hilton which has one of the best panoramic views in LA. There is an open bar, a DJ and a midnight countdown.
LA Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow– You get access to the light displays but you can purchase options for a buffet dinner and dessert. There is also a kid friendly dance party, photo booth and more.
Prohibition Union Station NYE– The event has a 1920s theme with burlesque dancers, DJs, jazz ensembles and an open bar.
Marina del Rey Fireworks/Glow Party– The Glow Party is a family friendly event that offers face painting, DJ music, dancing and food trucks. Plus, there are fireworks displays at 8:59 pm and 11:59pm. Remember don’t get there at 9:00 pm or 12:00 am or you will be late.
Dance Parties– There are way too many dance parties to include here but the following page lists all of the different ones if you want to bring in the New Year by dancing the night away.
Knott’s Merry Farm– On New Year’s Eve at Knott’s Berry Farm you will see a fireworks display, live entertainment and the park is open until 1:00am.
LA New Year’s Eve Moonlight Pier Pressure Cruise– A 4 hour cruise that includes: an open bar, 4 course dinner, 3 decks of entertainment, party favors and 2 fireworks shows.
Tournament of Roses Parade– The parade doesn’t take place on New Year’s Eve but it is one of the biggest iconic events in the US. I have been to the parade before and it is very much worth your time to watch. TV doesn’t do the floats justice.
Just a side note. Make sure to take a jacket or sweatshirt for the beginning of the parade. You won’t regret it.
4. Miami
If you are from a cold weather location, making a trip to a warm destination like Miami may be very appealing. Besides the warm weather Miami has many different events happening all over the city to bring in the New Year.
You have fireworks, parties on the beach and water, night clubs, and family friendly events.
Ways to Celebrate on New Year’s Eve
Bayfront Park NYE– Close to downtown Miami is Bayfront Park. A-list singers along with a large dance floor will be in the park. There is a large orange located on top of the InterContinental hotel that comes down to bring in the New Year. There is also a fireworks display.
Miami Under the Fireworks Display– You will board a 350 person yacht that has 4 different decks. While on the cruise there is a buffet dinner, two live DJs, a premium open bar and a great view of fireworks at midnight.
NightGarden: A Magical Light Experience– The 23 acres of gardens are an illuminated fairyland through the Christmas season. On New Year’s Eve, they also have a family friendly party with a DJ, speciality performers and a fireworks display.
Ode to Joy– The Miami Orchestra performs at Collins Park on Miami Beach. The event is free but there are VIP tickets that you can purchase.
Fontainebleau Miami Beach– Fontainebleau’s legendary oceanside pool will be host to Marshmello and Khalid performing their best hits. There are a variety of ticket packages available. There is also a family section for people 21 and under.
Baia Beach Club– The club is located on the bay with great views of the city. There will be a dinner on the deck followed by DJs, live entertainment, midnight fireworks and a champagne toast.
Faena Hotel Miami Beach– If you want to boogie the night away, then the Disco Ball celebration at the Faena Hotel will be for you. At the event there is live entertainment, musical acts, delicious feasts, and a fireworks display at midnight.
Hilton Miami Airport– The New Year’s Eve party at the hotel takes place in their ballroom. There is an open bar, buffet stations, deluxe party favors, laser lights, confetti shoots, and great dance music.
W Hotel Miami Nye Party– The party takes place on the 15th floor of the hotel that overlooks downtown and Biscayne Bay. There are top Miami DJs and a premium open bar.
Fort Lauderdale’s Orange Bowl Downtown Countdown– First there is a street fair with bouncy houses, face painting, and other kid friendly activities. Next a couple of different bands play with the anchor being dropped at midnight and fireworks being shot off at midnight. Alcohol can be purchased at the event.
Capital One Orange Bowl– If you like football then you may want to take in the Orange Bowl game. The game is not technically on New Year’s Eve but is being played on December 30th.
Miami Fireworks– This is the biggest fireworks display in the city. The display usually takes place at Ninth Street and Ocean Drive. Streets are blocked off in the area for people to gather with Lummus Park being a popular spot for people to watch.
5. New Orleans
New Orleans is a city that parties all throughout the year. You have Mardi Gras and major sporting events that are held in the city. New Orleans has friendly people, warm weather, and bars that are open early into the morning.
So, New Year’s Eve is just an extension of what goes on in the city during the rest of the year. With that being said, that makes it one of the top cities in the states to bring in the New Year.
Ways to Celebrate on New Year’s Eve
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin Eve– The Central Time Zone version of Dick Clark’s Rockin Eve takes place in New Orleans. The party will take place near Jax Brewery. There will be a musical lineup and it will be coordinated with parties in LA and New York.
Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year’s Parade/Allstate Fan Fest/Sugar Bowl Football Game– The Mardi Gras themed parade doesn’t take place on New Year’s Eve but the day before and it is in conjunction with the Sugar Bowl.
Fan Fest is a free family friendly event with music, football themed activities and school pep rallies to get you pumped for the game.
The Allstate Sugar Bowl is a major bowl game that takes place on December 31st at the Caesar’s Superdome.
Big Night New Orleans NYE Gala– The gala takes place at Mardi Gras World. There are various party rooms throughout the venue with numerous music groups. There are general admission tickets and VIP tickets that can be purchased.
New Year’s Eve Bourbon Street Balcony– You can rent out a balcony on Bourbon Street for your party. You will be above the action on the street where you can throw beads down to the crowd. There is a 3 hour open bar and access to the balcony until 1:00am.
Jackson Square– Jackson Square is a historic meeting space in the city. There is free admission to the square. At the square, there is live music and a fleur-de-lis drop at midnight. You can also watch the fireworks from the square.
New Year’s Eve Riverboat Cruise– During the 3 hour cruise there is an open bar, different styles of live bands on each of the 3 decks, various hors d’oeuvres, a buffet, party favors and a champagne toast at the start of the New Year.
Roaring 20’s Party Westin New Orleans– The 1920s themed party includes a buffet, drinks, and live music. There are great views of the Mississippi, the French Quarter and of the fireworks.
Big Night New Orleans New Years Eve– Big Night New Orleans has multiple party areas, casino games, a silent disco, djs, live music and more.
Louisiana’s Children’s Museum/Audubon Zoo– The children’s museum holds Noon Year’s Eve every year. There are games, entertainment, a New Year’s countdown with balloons and confetti drops, and a soda pop toast.
The zoo holds a Noon Year’s Eve, also. The party includes music, games, prizes, party hats, noise makers and pop to toast in the new year.
French Quarter Music Clubs– You can cruise around one of the most famous areas of any city in the states and take in various music clubs along the way.
Bonus Location
Disney World
I know what you are thinking. The last time that you checked Disney World was not a city. I was a teacher and I understand that it is not a city but it does throw a pretty good New Year’s Eve party or I should say parties.
Each of the parks have different times that they are open on New Year’s Eve. They also have different activities going on.
The one thing that you have to remember when going to Disney World for New Year’s Eve is that you are going to fight crowds. These are crowds that are larger than normal. So, if you are okay with that then this may be a destination for you.
Hours for each park
Magic Kingdom Park 9:00am to 1:00am
Epcot 9:00am to 1:00am
Disney’s Hollywood Studios 8:30am to 12:00am
Disney’s Animal Kingdom 8:00am to 8:00 pm
Disney’s Springs 10:00am to 11:30 pm
New Year’s Eve at Epcot
New Year’s Countdown Fireworks– There is a light projection going on as fireworks light the night sky starting just before midnight.
Live Music at American Gardens Theater– There are usually various artists that perform through the night.
Epcot New Year’s Eve Parties– As you walk through the various countries, you will experience different bands which you can dance the night away.
New Year’s Eve at Magic Kingdom
Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks– The fireworks are shot over the Magic Castle. There are shows at 6:30 pm and 11:50 pm.
Frontierland and Tomorrowland New Year’s Celebrations Dance Parties- (This event hasn’t been confirmed for this year.)
Previously, Frontierland and Tomorrowland have hosted dance parties with DJs from 7 pm to midnight and performers from the Briar Patch and Country Bear Jamboree made guest appearances.
New Year’s Eve at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Fireworks Spectacular– There is a more lowkey fireworks display in the park.
Wonderful World of Animation Show– The projection show usually takes place at the Chinese Theater and is at 9:00 pm.
Fantasmic Show– The show has fireworks, characters, live actors, water effects, pyrotechnics, lasers, music, audio-animatronics, searchlights, decorated boat floats and mist screen projections. Showings are at 8:00 pm and 9:30 pm.
New Year’s Eve at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Food and Drink– There is usually New Year’s themed food and drinks in the park.
Asia/Discovery Island/Dino Land U.S.A.– There are DJs in each one of these areas spinning records for you to get your groove on.
Events at Disney Springs
There is no nighttime spectacular in the park but there are excellent dining and shopping options to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it, the final and definitive list of the best cities to enjoy New Year’s Eve. Seriously, there are many great cities to bring in the New Year and these are just 5 of the best.
What do you think? Are any of these cities your favorite place to celebrate New Year’s Eve? Do you have a different city that is your favorite? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.
If you want to learn more about destinations, ways to save on travel, and credit card points and miles, checkout my blog at Travelwidstom.