Unearth The Voyage
Ringing in the new year is one of the most exciting nights of the year, and where you celebrate can make all the difference. From fireworks over theme parks to massive street parties, some U.S. cities go all out with unforgettable countdowns and entertainment. New data reveals which 20 destinations offer the best mix of entertainment, safety, and value for an epic New Year’s Eve experience.
1. Orlando, Florida
WalletHub crowns Orlando as the number one New Year’s Eve destination in America, and it’s easy to see why. Theme parks like Walt Disney World and EPCOT run special midnight shows featuring multiple fireworks displays and extended hours, while Universal Orlando hosts dance parties and spectacular pyrotechnics over CityWalk.
Beyond the parks, Orlando ranks among the nation’s top cities for nightlife and luxury shopping, giving visitors endless ways to celebrate before and after the countdown. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a foodie, Orlando delivers an unbeatable holiday experience.
2. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas takes the number two spot and remains one of the world’s most legendary New Year’s Eve destinations. The Strip transforms into a giant pedestrian block party, with traffic shut down and hundreds of thousands of revelers gathering for an eight-minute synchronized fireworks extravaganza launched from multiple resort rooftops.
Known as America’s Party, this midnight spectacle is unforgettable. Vegas also leads the nation in restaurants and music venues per capita, so you’ll never run out of places to dine, dance, and toast the new year in style.
3. New York, New York
New York City claims the third spot and arguably the most iconic New Year’s Eve tradition on Earth. Times Square’s ball drop dates back to 1907 and draws around a million in-person spectators plus massive global TV audiences every year.
WalletHub highlights NYC’s top ranking for nightlife and music venues per capita, meaning you can easily pair the historic countdown with live shows and late-night parties across all five boroughs. If you want a legendary New Year’s Eve backdrop, nowhere beats the bright lights of Times Square.
4. Seattle, Washington
Seattle earns the fourth overall spot, with its New Year’s Eve celebration centered on the iconic Space Needle. Alaska Airlines New Year’s at the Needle combines over 500 drones, light projections, and fireworks to create what organizers call the West Coast’s largest live New Year’s event, broadcast across multiple cities.
Spectators gather around Seattle Center and the International Fountain lawn to watch the midnight show light up the skyline. With its cutting-edge technology and stunning visuals, Seattle offers a modern twist on traditional New Year’s festivities.
5. Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles ranks fifth overall and offers incredible variety for New Year’s Eve. From family-friendly countdowns to outdoor celebrations and big-city nightlife, there’s something for everyone. A standout is NYELA at Grand Park and the Music Center, a massive free downtown celebration featuring live music, projections on city buildings, and a midnight countdown.
Combine that with beach sunrises on January 1st and a huge restaurant scene, and LA becomes a compelling alternative to NYC or Vegas for your holiday celebration.
6. San Diego, California
San Diego ties Los Angeles in total score and ranks sixth overall, helped by mild winter weather and a strong mix of nightlife and affordable dining. Visitors can choose from waterfront fireworks, harbor cruises, and hotel parties along the bay.
Local tourism guides highlight multiple New Year’s Eve events, from family-friendly celebrations to adults-only cruises with stunning views of the skyline at midnight. With its laid-back vibe and beautiful scenery, San Diego offers a relaxed yet exciting way to ring in the new year.
7. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago comes in at number seven, with WalletHub noting it’s tied for the most nightlife options per capita among U.S. cities in the study. New Year’s Eve typically includes fireworks along the Chicago River and at Navy Pier, where synchronized displays light up downtown and Lake Michigan.
Plus, numerous hotel and theater parties around the Loop provide upscale alternatives to outdoor celebrations. Even in the cold, Chicago knows how to throw a world-class New Year’s party with Midwestern hospitality and big-city energy.
8. Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital ranks eighth overall, scoring well on both entertainment and safety. D.C. celebrations are spread across the city, including boat cruises on the Potomac with views of fireworks, museum galas, and events along the waterfront.
Visitor guides point to a wide range of New Year’s Eve options, from family-friendly countdowns to black-tie hotel parties. With its historic monuments and diverse celebration choices, Washington offers a patriotic and elegant way to welcome the new year in style.
9. San Francisco, California
San Francisco lands at number nine, buoyed by a high concentration of restaurants and nightlife options per capita. The city is known for its waterfront fireworks show over the bay, usually launched near the Ferry Building and visible from the Embarcadero.
This offers sweeping views of the skyline and Bay Bridge at midnight. With its iconic landmarks and vibrant food scene, San Francisco delivers a sophisticated and memorable New Year’s Eve experience that captures the spirit of Northern California.
10. Miami, Florida
Miami rounds out the top ten at number ten, and like Las Vegas it ranks among the top cities in the country for restaurants per capita. Downtown’s Bayfront Park hosts one of the largest free New Year’s Eve events in the U.S., featuring live music and the famous Big Orange rising up a downtown building.
Before midnight, fireworks explode over Biscayne Bay, creating a tropical party atmosphere. Miami’s warm weather and Latin-influenced culture make it a unique and vibrant place to celebrate.
11. Anaheim, California
Anaheim takes the eleventh spot overall, thanks in part to its outstanding safety score and proximity to major theme parks. Disneyland Resort’s New Year’s Eve festivities include extended park hours, specialty entertainment, and large fireworks displays.
This makes Anaheim especially appealing for families and Disney fans looking for a magical way to ring in the new year. With its kid-friendly atmosphere and world-class attractions, Anaheim offers a wholesome yet thrilling holiday celebration that creates lasting memories for all ages.
12. Tampa, Florida
Tampa ranks twelfth, combining relatively good costs with strong entertainment options. The city typically hosts New Year’s Eve fireworks along the waterfront, with events around the Riverwalk, downtown, and nearby Channelside district.
Plus, numerous river and bay cruises offer front-row views of the midnight show. Tampa’s growing food scene and waterfront setting provide a fun, affordable alternative to pricier Florida destinations, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious revelers who still want a big celebration.
13. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh’s thirteenth spot is boosted by strong scores for gourmet food and shopping. WalletHub notes it ranks among the top cities for luxury and specialty food stores per capita. For New Year’s Eve, Pittsburgh has long hosted a big downtown celebration featuring live performances, ice sculptures, and fireworks.
This gives visitors a cold-weather but very lively countdown experience. The city’s blue-collar charm combined with its growing foodie reputation makes Pittsburgh a surprisingly great place to welcome the new year.
14. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta sits at fourteenth overall and stands out for its hotel affordability, tying near the top for low three-star hotel prices around New Year’s Eve. The city is known for its large outdoor celebrations, concerts, and midnight countdowns across downtown.
Plus, significant nightlife is clustered in areas like Midtown and Buckhead. With its Southern hospitality, diverse music scene, and budget-friendly accommodations, Atlanta offers excellent value for travelers who want a big-city New Year’s experience without breaking the bank.
15. Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville lands at fifteenth, with especially strong scores in the costs category. New Year’s Eve here leans into classic Southern hospitality, featuring city-wide events, live music, and hotel parties.
Along with winter festivals and ice-skating at public venues that run through the holiday season, Louisville provides a warm welcome. The city’s bourbon heritage and friendly atmosphere create a cozy yet festive environment, making it an underrated gem for travelers seeking an authentic and affordable New Year’s celebration in the South.
16. St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis ranks sixteenth, supported by a high concentration of gourmet food and luxury shops per capita. Winter festivals like Winterfest at Kiener Plaza feature ice skating and holiday lights, and local events frequently culminate in fireworks displays near the Gateway Arch area.
As the region rings in the new year, St. Louis combines Midwestern charm with festive energy. The city’s iconic arch provides a stunning backdrop for midnight fireworks, making St. Louis a memorable and picturesque place to celebrate.
17. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is seventeenth overall and famous for First Night Boston, one of the country’s best-known New Year’s Eve festivals. The celebration includes hours of performances, ice sculptures, a parade, and two separate fireworks shows.
Early evening fireworks over Boston Common and a midnight display over Boston Harbor provide double the spectacle. With its rich history and New England charm, Boston offers a family-friendly yet exciting way to ring in the new year with culture and tradition.
18. Denver, Colorado
Denver places eighteenth, balancing good entertainment scores with relatively manageable costs. Downtown Denver hosts two free fireworks shows on New Year’s Eve over the 16th Street Mall, one earlier in the evening and another at midnight.
This makes it easy for both families and late-night revelers to join in. With its mountain backdrop and vibrant downtown scene, Denver offers a high-altitude celebration that combines Western hospitality with big-city excitement for an unforgettable New Year’s experience.
19. Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati is nineteenth, with WalletHub highlighting it as one of the most affordable cities in the top twenty. The city’s signature New Year’s Eve Blast at Fountain Square features ice skating, DJs, kid and midnight countdowns, and fireworks over downtown.
This gives both families and adults plenty of ways to celebrate. Cincinnati’s Midwestern friendliness and budget-friendly prices make it an excellent choice for travelers who want a fun, festive New Year’s Eve without spending a fortune on hotels or entertainment.
20. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia rounds out the list at twentieth. The city is known for its double New Year’s Eve fireworks along the Delaware River waterfront, one show in the early evening and another at midnight.
Plus, an array of waterfront parties and hotel celebrations offer views of the displays. With its rich Revolutionary War history and vibrant arts scene, Philadelphia provides a patriotic and culturally rich way to welcome the new year with spectacular pyrotechnics and East Coast charm.
