Five! Four! Three! Two! One! The countdown is on – and we’ve rounded up the absolute Best Places to Go for New Year’s Eve this Year!
Whether you are seeking out warmer weather or a cozy getaway, an epic party trip or a fun family vacation, we’ve got all the Best New Year Celebrations covered.
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Not only are we sharing our picks for the top places to be on New Year’s Eve in the United States, but we list the best cities for NYE abroad.
So, let’s select a destination so you can pack your bags…and don’t forget your party hat and noisemakers!
Best New Year’s Eve Places to Go
You might be wondering if it is worth it to take a trip for New Year’s. We definitely feel that it is. For us, there is no better way to turn over the calendar than traveling!
Our top picks for New Year Eve Places To Go are cities that put on fantastic parties. The best festive NYE celebrations are highlighted by jubilant gatherings, fireworks displays and live music.
That said, there is so much more to these locations than a one-night party. The spots that we recommend for New Year’s trips are also fabulous places to experience. So plan on staying for at least a few days!
Save, Pin or Bookmark our NYE Destination Guide to plan your New Year’s Vacation!
11 Best Places To Go For New Year’s Eve in the US
We have rounded up the best places in the USA for New Year’s Eve. From iconic locations to family-friendly getaways, our list of places to go for New Year’s in the US has a destination for everyone!
#1 New York
This wouldn’t be a list of the best places to go on New Year’s Eve if we didn’t start with the most famous New Year’s destination in the world: New York City.
For decades, revelers have descended on the Big Apple to watch the legendary Times Square Ball Drop.
Additionally, New York is beautiful during the holidays. Lights and trees decorate the city through the New Year. Use our guide to the Best Things To Do in NYC at Christmas for more on what to see, do and eat!
What To Do for New Year’s Eve in New York City
Even though NYC tops our list as the best place to celebrate New Year’s in USA, we don’t necessarily recommend going to Times Square. It’s too crowded and too chaotic – but that’s just us.
While the Times Square New Year’s Eve Party is touted as the prime place to go in NYC, we believe there are so many better options for your Trip to New York.
Top hotels, clubs and rooftop restaurants host illustrious New Year parties – complete with dancing, DJs and bubbly drinks. Tickets tend to be pricey, but for the party of the year, it might be worth it!
Setting off on a New Year’s Eve Boat Cruise is fabulous way to spend the evening. Passengers enjoy a delicious dinner, NYC skyline views, dancing and, of course, fireworks!
If you are on a Budget NYC Trip or looking for a kid-friendly way to celebrate, watch the fireworks from Central Park. Alternatively, go to Prospect Park in Brooklyn for their firework display.
Central Park is also the site of the 4-mile NYRR Midnight Run, which starts at the same time the Times Square Ball drops.
Tips for Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Times Square
If celebrating in a sea of people in Times Square is on your NYC bucket list, make sure to plan ahead. The event is first come, first serve and people start gathering mid-afternoon.
Also keep in mind that there are no public restrooms, no food and no alcohol in Times Square for NYE. Additionally, if you leave the secure area, you may not be able to get back in.
#2 New Orleans
The energy in New Orleans is exceptional. It’s just one of the many reasons why we think New Orleans is one of the best places to spend New Year’s.
NOLA hosts a grand party for their New Year celebration, and the top venues feature live music as well as heaps of fun family events.
Furthermore, the Big Easy can be one of the warm places to travel for New Year’s – making it an excellent choice for those from frigid locales. The mild weather is also ideal for New Orleans Sightseeing.
What To Do in New Orleans for New Year’s Eve
The night’s biggest celebration takes place in Jackson Square in the famed French Quarter. The festivities feature live music, a midnight Fleur-de-Lis drop and a view of the fireworks.
For a perfect view of the NYE fireworks in New Orleans, however, hop aboard a riverboat cruise or stake out your spot at Crescent Park.
NOLA’s most famous party district, Bourbon Street, doesn’t disappoint on NYE. Partygoers can attend one of the Balcony Bashes, where beads are certain to be flying and libations flowing.
If you’re in search of New Year’s Eve daytime events in New Orleans, there’s plenty to choose from.
The annual Sugar Bowl Parade is excellent afternoon entertainment on December 31st. Plus, there are activities for kids at the Audubon Zoo and Louisiana Children’s Museum.
#3 Nashville
Nashville is one of the best places for New Year’s in the USA – especially for music lovers. In addition to an epic party, every music venue in Nashville will be celebrating.
While Music City is one of the fun places to visit for New Year’s, we believe it’s a super destination any day of the year! Read our guide to find the Top Things To Do in Nashville.
What To Do on New Year’s Eve in Nashville
Nashville’s Free NYE Bash, which is held at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, features a lineup of top country music acts. It’s also the site of the Music Note drop and Nashville’s spectacular fireworks show.
Music venues – including the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, Famous Nashville and Tootsie’s World Famous Orchid Lounge – all celebrate with live music. Just get tickets ahead of time!
#4 Atlanta
Highly rated for NYE, Atlanta has something for everyone. You can celebrate during the day or party late into the night at Atlanta’s top New Year’s Eve events.
Atlanta, GA New Year’s Eve Things To Do
As one of the best places in US for New Year’s Eve, Atlanta hosts an array of fun parties and events for all ages.
The city’s biggest party is a free, family-friendly celebration at Underground Atlanta that culminated with the Peach Drop. Additionally, attendees are entertained with live music from major acts.
Many other Atlanta venues host ticketed NYE parties – including City Winery, the Georgia Aquarium and several top hotels.
In addition to the numerous NYE festivities, the city hosts the annual Peach Bowl college football game.
#5 San Diego
With beach vibes and sunny weather on the California Coast, it’s easy to understand why San Diego is one of the top places to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
We have long loved taking Weekend Trips to San Diego – and believe celebrating the new year in SD is an excellent choice!
Why San Diego is the Best Place to Celebrate New Year’s Eve
From classy cocktail parties to delightful dinner cruises to crazy bar crawls, San Diego knows how to bid farewell to one year and ring in the next.
Be ready when the clock strikes twelve, as everyone flocks to enjoy the San Diego New Year’s Eve fireworks over downtown.
The renowned Hotel Del Coronado puts on a rocking event – complete with live performances, an open bar and a midnight champagne toast.
For a truly luxurious celebration, guests can stay the night and feast at New Year’s Day brunch the following morning.
Taking a yacht cruise on the San Diego Bay is a wonderful way to celebrate the new year. Especially with packages that include a gourmet dinner, DJ entertainment and bottomless drinks.
For a fun night of imbibing on New Year’s Eve trips, bar hop to multiple parties – either in the Gaslamp District or at the best Pacific Beach bars.
#6 Miami
Sexy, suave or rowdy, there are endless ways to celebrate in Miami. The city is well-known as one of the best places to go for New Year’s in USA for a beach vacation.
Visitors can choose to celebrate the New Year in a style that best suits them. In fact, Miami can also be one of the fun family places for New Year’s Eve.
As another one of the warm places to spend New Year’s Eve, you will likely want to extend your stay so that you can stick around for a few days of sun and fun!
Miami New Year’s Trip Ideas
Miami knows how to glam it up for the big night. You’ll find South Beach New Year Eve celebrations at the hottest clubs, coolest hotels and hippest restaurants.
The famed Fontainebleau, W Hotel Miami and Nikki Beach all throw chic parties with open bars and top DJs.
The Dreamland New Year’s Experience – nicknamed Queerchella – is a 3-day LGBTQ+ event of pool parties, concerts and dancing. They even offer bundled NYE travel deals to make planning easy!
For fine dining, Amara at Paraiso offer delectable options. Attending the outdoor Cuba Under the Stars Musical Dinner Show is another great way to celebrate in Miami.
Those looking for a different NYE experience? Take a cruise on Biscayne Bay, join a midnight paddle at the Virginia Key Outdoor Center or attend the Orange Bowl on January 1st!
#7 Phoenix
We know Phoenix is the best place to travel to for New Year’s. It was our home for many years before going nomadic!
Not only is Phoenix one of the warm places to go for New Year’s Eve, but there are a variety of events across the Valley of the Sun where you can bid farewell and start anew.
Best of all, winter visitors can enjoy some of the Finest Things To Do in Phoenix, AZ – from golfing to shopping to PHX Hiking.
Why Phoenix is One of the Best Places for New Year’s Eve in USA
Whether you are looking for family fun at New Year’s, a romantic dinner for two, a celebratory block party or a music fest, you can find it in PHX!
Downtown Phoenix hotels host fabulous events, including a classy rooftop gathering at the Cambria.
Anyone who wants to celebrate but plans to be home long before midnight should join the party at The George and Dragon Pub. They countdown to midnight UK time (5pm in Phoenix).
Scottsdale has just as much fun with gourmet meals, casino resort galas and a stylish ballroom event. In Tempe, don’t miss the NYElectric Party on the rooftop of Canopy by Hilton.
Revelers can dance into next year at the NYE Music Fest at Rawhide in Chandler. On the west side in Glendale, the Westgate Entertainment District celebrates with multiple venues, fireworks and a DJ.
Family-friendly functions include the spectacular Zoo Lights or Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden (which ranks as one of our favorite holiday activities).
Another option if you’re traveling with kids is the Happy Noon Year Celebration at the Children’s Museum.
With so many fun choices and great weather, it is easy to see why Phoenix ranks as Best New Year’s Eve Destinations USA.
#8 Savannah
Charming and quaint with a jovial vibe, Savannah is a fantastic destination for a New Year getaway.
Marked with many parties, fireworks and riverboat cruises, it’s a prime pick for both romantic New Year’s Eve getaways and a family vacation for NYE.
In addition to the midnight celebrations, you’ll want to explore the top attractions and best southern eats. Read our guide for tips on all the Fun Things To Do in Savannah.
What To Do on a Savannah NYE Getaway
The annual New Year’s Eve celebration on River Street is Savannah’s best event. Casual and friendly, it culminates in a midnight firework show.
The Savannah City Market, one of the popular gathering places in town, is another excellent NYE celebration featuring live outdoor music and ample places to get a to-go cocktail.
Alternatively, work your way up to the midnight countdown on a New Year Riverboat Cruise. The traditional Savannah Riverboat Cruises offer dinner cruises, gala events and party barges.
A family-friendly place to ring in the new year in Savannah is with your feet in the sand on Tybee Island, where they also launch midnight fireworks!
#9 Austin
Austin, Texas is a city that knows how to party, so naturally, it is one of the fun places to go for New Year’s in the US.
Also one of the warmer places to spend New Year’s, you’ll be able to enjoy exploring the Texas Capital before or after the big night. Use our guide of Things To Do in Austin for our personal tips!
What To Do on Austin New Year’s Vacations
The best parties in Austin for New Year’s Eve are at the city’s premier music venues and entertainment halls.
One of the supreme parties in Austin is at Speakeasy, where they have held an annual NYE bash since 1997. Expect classic and boisterous shenanigans on all three levels!
The Belmont, which has three party rooms and a VIP rooftop deck, and Whisler’s craft cocktail bar are two other Austin spots that host epic parties for NYE.
Unique ways to ring in the new year in Austin is at the Cidercade Arcade Bash, at a whiskey distillery or at the indoor waterpark at Kalahari Resort.
During the day, kids can countdown to noon at the Thinkery Noon NYE Balloon Drop.
#10 Las Vegas
Las Vegas is the epitome of entertainment, which is why it gets our vote as one of the best places to visit on New Year’s Eve. As is true with so many things in Vegas, the New Year’s Eve parties are over-the-top!
In addition to the exhilarating Vegas events hosted by the hottest hotels on The Strip, you can discover Sin City’s best attractions. We highlight it all in our complete Guide to Las Vegas!
Things To Do on Las Vegas Getaways for New Year’s Eve
Certainly, the most thrilling place to be in Vegas on New Year’s Eve is on The Strip. The world-famous street becomes a pedestrian-only thoroughfare on NYE.
Then at midnight, choreographed fireworks illuminate the Vegas desert sky in a spectacular light show. Downtown Freemont Street is another extravaganza of revelers for off-Strip entertainment.
There are plenty of ticketed, indoor parties, too. In fact, every casino on The Strip hosts parties. You just need to find the one that fits your style.
Go to the Venetian for an upscale event or Virgin for a night of high-octane entertainment…seriously, the options for NYE parties in Vegas are endless!
Alternatively, spend New Year’s Eve experiencing one of Vegas’ best attractions – like taking a spin on the High Roller Ferris wheel or avoid the insanity and attend an outstanding Las Vegas show.
#11 Orlando
We already listed Miami as one of the best places in Florida for New Year’s Eve, but it would be remiss not to mention another top sunshine state NYE destination: Orlando.
A popular pick for places to go for New Year’s Eve with family, Orlando actually boasts a long list of ‘Out with the Old, In with the New’ activities for all.
How To Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Orlando
It doesn’t get much better than celebrating the biggest night of the year in The Most Magical Place On Earth: Walt Disney World.
Three theme parks stay open past midnight – including Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
Two other Orlando theme parks – SeaWorld and Universal – host special events on New Year’s Eve during the day. You can also join one of the many parties at the Universal Resort properties.
Other cool places to be on NYE is the Orlando ICEBAR, where DJs and musical acts keep the party going well past midnight.
The adult-only Thornton Park Street Party also promises a rocking event that covers 2.5 city blocks, with general admission and special VIP packages!
9 Best Places To Spend New Year’s Eve Abroad
Some of the fun places to travel for New Year’s Eve are abroad. We are highlighting the best places to go for New Year’s Eve in Europe, Australia and Asia!
#12 Sydney, Australia
One of the world-famous places to go on New Year’s Eve is Sydney, Australia. When the clock strikes twelve, Sydney enthralls over 1 million spectators with a spectacular display of pyrotechnics.
The NYE fireworks over Sydney Harbour are regularly voted as the bestin the world. They are synchronized to music and launched from the iconic Harbour Bridge.
Because it is kid-friendly (there’s even an early 9pm firework event for the wee little ones), it’s a top place to go for New Year’s Eve with family.
Visitors can watch the show on a Sydney New Year Harbour Cruise, from the Royal Botanical Garden, the Taronga Zoo, a high-rise Sydney hotel and many free vantage points along the water.
Bear in mind that the popular event attracts enormous crowds and the ticketed entry points are extremely pricey (some cruises are upwards of $1,000).
That said, there are other places to go on New Year’s Eve in Sydney. The New Year’s Eve in the Park music fest is a super option, as is the Lost Paradise Festival.
If you decide to travel to Sydney for New Year’s Eve, be sure to use our top tips to Plan Your Trip to Sydney, Australia.
#13 Madrid, Spain
On our first year of around-the-world travels, we heard Madrid was one of the best European cities to visit for New Year’s Eve. So we decided to spend a Week in Spain for our first new year abroad.
The problem was, we didn’t do enough research…and our attempts to celebrate failed miserably and ended early.
The party actually starts at midnight in Puerta del Sol, where crowds gather to count down and eat 12 grapes for good luck. It’s only after the New Year kisses that the festivities – called cotillon – begins.
You can read the details of our botched New Year’s in Madrid – and how to avoid our mistakes!
#14 Reykjavik, Iceland
Looking for unique New Year travel ideas? Consider traveling to Reykjavik. Iceland in Winter is divine with its snow-covered landscapes, frozen waterfalls and intriguing cuisine.
What makes Reykjavik one of the best places for New Year’s Eve in Europe is the raging bonfires, lax laws regarding fireworks and all-night parties.
Like all things in Iceland, there is some quirkiness to how they ring in the next year. These oddities are what make it one of the interesting places to visit for New Year’s.
For example, locals are home at 10:30pm to watch a popular comedy show on television. At midnight, however, people go out to the streets to set off fireworks (often in front of the Hallgrimskirkja Church) and toast with a bottle of champagne (or even Reykjavik Craft Beer)!
Visitors can mingle on their own – or join a Reykjavik New Year’s Eve Tour. Guides take tourists to the best bonfires and fireworks events and there are evening cruises, as well!
#15 Paris, France
Paris is one of the best places in Europe for New Year’s Eve. The evening is celebrated with gourmet dinners, river cruises, cabaret performances and a gathering on Champs Elysees to see the light show at Arc de Triomphe.
That said, our top pick for New Year’s Eve in Paris is being at the Eiffel Tower at midnight when a special light show illuminates the sky. Champ de Mars and Trocadero are the two best viewing points.
Visitors who want to celebrate NYE in Paris with DJs and dancing should check out the city’s best nightclubs – like Wanderlust and Rex.
In our opinion, Paris is not only a prime place to visit during New Year’s Eve for the evening celebrations, but we enjoy Traveling To Paris in the winter for the lighter crowds.
#16 London, England
London is another place that is often touted as the best city for New Year’s Eve in Europe. And we can personally attest to it being a fun place to be on the last night of the year!
While NYE cruises, exquisite dining and chic parties are top places to go in London for New Year’s Eve, we opted for the city’s impressive fireworks display.
Standing on Westminster Bridge over the River Thames, we counted down the final seconds of the year along with Big Ben and then watched the flurry of fireworks.
Be sure to read our advice on how to plan your perfect London Itinerary. Plus, get tips for London Over The Holidays and why it’s one of the Best Places in Europe for Christmas!.
#17 Bangkok, Thailand
Trips to Bangkok are always thrilling – the sights, scents and sounds are like nowhere else in the world. Always buzzing, Bangkok also ranks as one of the best New Year’s vacations.
Between glitzy Bangkok rooftop parties, firework extravaganzas and the non-stop party on Khao San Road, visitors are spoiled for choice about how to spend NYE in the city of angels.
While some NYE venues can be pricey, generally speaking, Bangkok is one of the cheap places for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
If you are traveling from afar, we recommend spending a Few Days in Bangkok, then navigating your way around the rest of amazing Thailand.
Give yourself at least 2 Weeks in Thailand to discover the top destinations (like Phuket or Chiang Mai) and time to relax on the Best Thai Beaches.
#18 Edinburgh, Scotland
The Medieval City of Edinburgh is well-known for it’s incredible festivals – and the Edinburgh Hogmanay is a NYE Festival like no other!
Steeped in tradition and marked by the singing of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ (which was written by Scottish poet Robert Burns) the end-of-year event in Edinburgh makes it one of the best places to go for New Year’s.
Hogmanay – Scottish New Year’s Eve – is one of the most renowned celebrations in the world. The 3-day, outdoor event features a torchlight procession, street parties, musical concerts, fireworks and a polar plunge.
With such fanfare, there is no doubt that Edinburgh is one of the prime places for NYE!
#19 Madeira Island, Portugal
When pondering where to go for New Year’s, an isolated island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean might not be the first place that comes to mind.
Surprise, Madeira is one of the most enthralling places to go for New Year’s Eve! It’s also has epic landscapes, quaint seaside villages and absolutely delicious food.
The island experiences mild weather in the winter (still warm on the coast but can get just a dusting of snow on the mountains), which lures visitors from cold climates.
However, the top reason why Madeira ranks as one of the best places to visit for New Year’s Eve is for their outstanding celebration.
The party on Madeira starts in early December with festivals and culminates with a massive event marked by an astounding fireworks display in Funchal.
The prime place to view the spectacular sparklers is from the sea – and booking an NYE Madeira Cruise is a marvelous way to ring in the New Year!
#20 Venice, Italy
Home to hoards of crowds in the summertime, celebrating New Year’s Eve in Venice might not be top of mind.
However, as shoulder season travel becomes more popular, visiting Venice in the winter is actually a great idea!
Yes, it might be a bit chilly and the days will be short. Still, the Floating City is draped in colorful lights and the party on St Mark’s Square absolutely jubilant.
The midnight fireworks are set off over the water of the Venice Lagoon, giving you ample choices for a prime spot. An especially romantic option is a midnight gondola ride.
When the party’s over, there is still plenty of Exploring To Do in Venice. Plus, frugal travelers can really get to experience Venice on a Budget. Buon Anno!
Absolute Best Place to be for New Year’s Eve
We have shared our top New Year’s Eve vacation ideas. However, with friends and family – and a little creativity – any place in the world can be a fun place to ring in a fresh year!
That said, if you are looking for unusual places for New Year’s Eve, get some ideas from our lists of Underrated US Travel Destinations and Locations Around the World!
Plan a Trip to Top Places To Go for New Year’s Eve
Hopefully you’ve chosen somewhere to go for New Year’s Eve from our list, so you better start planning your trip!
Booking Flights for New Year’s Eve Getaways
Whether you are traveling within the USA or to one of the great places to go abroad for New Year’s Eve, you will likely start by booking your flights.
We share loads of tips in our guide to Finding Cheap Flights and recommend beginning your search with SkyScanner.
Top NYE Accommodation Tips
One of the biggest costs of going away for New Year is accommodations. Many hotels inflate rates – especially in the top NYE destinations.
While Airbnb can be a cost-effective alternative, be sure to factor in all of the fees and rules – which can put a damper on your NYE Trip. Before starting your search, read our Top Tips for Booking Hotels.
Travel Tips for New Year’s Eve Weekend Getaways
We have just a few final pieces of advice to help ensure your New Year Eve Trip goes off without a hitch!
Stay Organized
Like any getaway, making New Year’s Eve travel plans requires some organization. Stay on top of all your trip planning details with our Printable Travel Planner.
Book NYE Events in Advance
Many of the ticketed New Year’s Eve events sell out – so you will want to make sure you reserve your tickets far in advance.
Whether you want to take a NYE river cruise or dine at an elegant restaurant or party at the hottest club, don’t wait until you arrive to get your tickets!
Packing Tips
Check the weather! Many of the cities on our list are warm-weather spots…but that doesn’t mean it will be hot enough for shorts and tank tops (except in Bangkok!).
Additionally, many places cool down considerably at night…and most celebrations are outdoors. You may need to bring a coat for outdoor NYE evening events.
Regardless of whether you travel with a backpack or suitcase, be sure to check out our Packing Hacks so that you can pack like a pro!
Stay Hydrated
Between plane travel and imbibing, you can easily become dehydrated. We like these collapsible water bottles that are convenient to pack and easy to carry.
Relax and Have Fun!
Traveling around the holidays can be hectic. The best destinations for New Year’s Eve are often crowded, which can make sightseeing and travel days overwhelming. Remember to also pack your patience and relax, you are on vacation!
Start planning your New Year’s Eve Travels! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
Planning a Complete Winter Vacation? Good for you! Check out our suggestions for the Top US Destinations for Winter Travel!
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