New Year’s Eve is one of the few nights a year that everyone gets excited to celebrate with one another. It is a valued tradition held around the world, but no more so than in the USA.
There are many reasons why someone might want to celebrate New Year’s. Whether that’s enjoying the closure to the year before, or welcoming the new year with open arms, it’s essential to find the perfect place to celebrate.
Today we’re looking at 20 of the best New Year’s Eve destinations to hopefully give you some options to consider.
We’ll be suggesting places for everyone, from families with small children to party lovers who want to dance the night away.
No matter what walk of life you come from, you’ll be able to find a place to spend New Year’s on our list.
The USA goes all out to make New Year’s Eve a night to remember, so you can be sure to find good food, music, and fireworks wherever you end up.
Let’s get right into the list of the 20 best places to spend NYE in the USA!
We spent New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas, and the night was wild from start to finish. There are so many things to do in Las Vegas all year round, but none more so than on New Year’s Eve. It is amazing in every way.
The disclaimer here is that a night as big as New Year’s Eve somewhere as bright as Las Vegas is always going to get crazy.
Our advice would be to go in without any expectations and just allow the city to take you away.
All hotels have events going on – nowhere is quiet enough to question your choices. These events might include live performances, unique dining experiences, and more.
There are also plenty of resident artists around Las Vegas during this time of year, so you could catch some unique performances that no one else will ever see.
Bear in mind that things around Las Vegas book up quickly, so reserve your tickets quickly to avoid disappointment. Don’t rely on buying tickets at the door, as this might leave you without anything to do.
One that we saw was Cirque du Soleil on New Year’s – we haven’t stopped talking about it since.
If you’d prefer a more laid-back dining experience, we recommend one of the city’s infamous dark restaurants. These are experiences like no other, where you eat in complete darkness.
If you’re a lover of spontaneity and following the party, Las Vegas is the place for you.
If you want to party the night away, Boston is the place to be. There are parties everywhere you look in Boston, especially on New Year’s Eve.
Most of these celebrations are indoors due to the colder weather, so you’ll be looking for indoor parties.
Don’t worry, though, as they shouldn’t be too hard to find. Just follow a flock of students, as they’ll lead your right to the heart of the party.
The Boston 80s-themed NYE prom is a great place to start the celebrations, and you can even meet plenty of friends here.
Get dressed to the nines in your best 80s outfit and dance the night away under a disco ball and confetti. Revel in the 80s tunes and atmosphere before heading out to another party with your new friends.
If you’d prefer something more modern, the Resolution ball is also a good alternative, with a full Tuscan meal and endless champagne.
You can also meet some of Boston’s most beloved characters here, so it’s a great event for networking.
Boston also offers plenty of parades, fireworks, and more on New Year’s Eve.
New York City, the city that never sleeps, is one of the best places to spend New Year’s Eve.
Anyone who gets to experience this says that it is incomparable to anything they’ve ever done before, and they’ll always be trying to make it back for the night again.
But what makes New York City so great around New Year’s?
Of course, there is the ball dropping in Times Square. While watching it on TV is good, too, it’s nothing like actually seeing it in real life.
There are massive crowds who all want to celebrate together, as well as celebrity performances and city-wide celebrations.
We loved spending NYE in New York because the buzzing energy could be felt from all around.
You won’t even need to be near Times Square to feel it! Plus, the energy lasts all night long, so you can expect no sleep until the new year has been properly rung in.
There are parties all over New York City on New Year’s, and you can hop from each one if you choose.
You could also head to Times Square and make new friends, dine at a fancy restaurant, hit up a New Year’s Eve concert, and more.
You’ll have no shortage of fun in New York City, that’s for sure!
Honolulu is unmatched with its ocean views, amazing terrain, and tropical weather. If you’re looking for a warmer NYE experience, this could be the perfect destination for you.
Surfing or sunbathing on a beach on this small island is our idea of the best way to ring in the new year.
There are a few quaint hotels to choose from in Honolulu or opt for an Airbnb for more privacy.
Honolulu doesn’t offer raging parties, so this is an idea for those who are looking for a more relaxing New Year’s Eve.
Most of the hotels will offer a fancy dinner and a front-row seat to a firework display, with plenty of the island’s traditional music and dancing.
Just don’t expect a massive party throughout the entire night, as that’s not what this small island is known for.
There are also plenty of opportunities for bonfires on the beach and late-night swimming with other partiers.
What better way to start the new year than cleansing yourself in the crystal clear waters of Hawaii? That’s one way to cure a hangover.
If you’re a fan of football, then Atlanta is the place for you to ring in the new year.
Never heard of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl? Then allow us to enlighten you. This is a huge college football event, with the best of the best coming from all around the US. You’ll likely see Florida State, Georgia, and LSU among other teams.
This sporting event has been held in Atlanta since 1968 and draws people from all over the world. Again, make sure that you book tickets well in advance, as plenty of people wait all year for this event!
If parties aren’t your kind of thing but you still want to enjoy ringing in the new year, this sporting event might just be the answer.
Don’t like football? Don’t worry, there is still plenty to do in Atlanta on New Year’s Eve, including lavish parties, concerts, dining experiences, and other events to sink your teeth into.
While a 20-something party animal might not find Walt Disney World to be the best place to ring in the new year (they have strict rules on drinking), it is an excellent option for families with children.
Disney World comes to life on New Year’s Eve, and this is one of the few places that will consider the kids and how they’ll want to spend the night.
A fireworks display is shown behind the castle, there are live performances of plenty of fan-favorite characters, and there are plenty of NYE-exclusive activities to partake in.
These aren’t available for the rest of the year, so your children will love telling their friends all about their trip to Disney World!
Plenty of families head to Disney World for New Year’s Eve, so your children will have no issues making new friends to enjoy the night with.
You can also meet new parents and enjoy celebrating the new year with the most special people in your life.
Austin is a very popular city for many reasons, including its modern spin on the southern traditions and its amazing restaurants.
There are also many reasons why Austin is an excellent place to spend your New Year’s Eve.
Firstly, you can choose from plenty of hotels to choose from, and some even offer unmissable deals on price around New Year’s Eve.
This means that you can enjoy the final hours of the year in style, even if your budget is lower.
There are also plenty of themed events to partake in, and set menus offered across the city.
If there’s one thing that the Austin locals suggest that tourists do when visiting the city for new years, it’s heading to one of the renowned speakeasy bars.
These are laid back bars that also offer you a unique piece of American history, and you’ll be in for a truly exhilarating experience.
Where else should you spend New Year’s Eve than the capital city of the US? As the capital, it’s expected that it will be throwing plenty of events for anyone to enjoy.
There are pub crawls to participate in around Washington which will take you down a path of the most historic sights of the city.
Drinks and a history lesson – what’s more to want? You’re in for a night you’ll never forget in Washington.
You’ll also see crowds around the National Mall, waiting for the firework display at midnight. You can also go bar hopping around Adams Morgan or Dupont Circle, too.
There is all this and more around Washington (Also check out the Best Things To Do In Spokane, Washington), and you’ll be spoilt for choice on what to do. Everywhere you look there’ll be a different event, so choose wisely!
You could also skip from group to group if you wanted to experience more than one life.
No matter what you do, you’re sure to have an amazing time in Washington on New Year’s Eve!
If you’re on the lookout for somewhere with endless waterfront views to ring in the new year, San Francisco is the one for you.
There is also world-class entertainment to revel in and the unique charm of the city to enjoy. San Francisco is one of the best places to spend New Year’s Eve.
One of the standout opportunities of San Francisco is its NYE cruises. There are plenty of hotels that will set up bay cruises around the city, each of which offers a unique dining and party experience.
Just make sure that you do your research on the different cruises first, as some will be more to your liking than others. Some will be party cruises while others will be more chilled.
If you’re looking for something in particular, research the cruises to avoid disappointment.
Miami never fails to impress anyone who visits, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. For the city renowned for its art shows, gorgeous venues, and beaches, there is something for everyone to enjoy here.
Not only that, but Miami tends to draw an amazing crowd year after year. They’ll also have some of the top-performing stars, such as Doja Cat and Alesso in 2022.
There is no shortage of parties, either. The W Hotel offered one of the most popular NYE parties of all of 2022 with an open bar, live music, and a complete surrounding view of Miami’s skyline.
Miami is also known for its amazing fireworks displays, so kids will love it.
Since Miami has no shortage of beaches, you can bet that you’ll find a new party to attend on the white sand. Here you’ll find new friends to start the year off right with.
Denver can offer you the white New Year’s Eve night of your dreams. There is almost always snow in Denver during NYE, so it’s the ideal place if your New Year’s Eve plans need to involve snow.
Colorado has no shortage of mountains and charming towns to visit, and there are plenty of activities being held for the entire family. This is a great family destination for NYE as there are fewer parties and less noise.
Enjoy the world-renowned art exhibitions before enjoying your NYE resort package from the hotel. There will also be plenty of fireworks, so make sure you make it to a showing!
There are endless opportunities to hike up the mountains and within the woodlands, which is great for outdoorsy families who want to start the new year with plenty of exercise.
If your family would prefer a more relaxing day poolside, though, there are plenty of resorts that can offer you just that.
In other words, there’s something for everyone in Denver on NYE.
Nashville is an amazing place to visit any time of the year, but New Year’s Eve is something special. Known for its love of country music, that’s exactly what you’ll find on this special holiday.
If you love music (not just country!) then we highly recommend that you visit Nashville for NYE.
There are plenty of concerts happening all over their iconic venues, as well as smaller shows in the many dive bars throughout town.
You might hear people you know of, but you’ll also be introduced to plenty of newer voices, too!
If you end up spending the daytime in Nashville (Also check out Amazing Nashville Restaurants), too, make sure to check out the music hall of fame. This will be a nice end or start to your trip and is a must see for any music lover.
San Antonio is another excellent place for families to travel to on New Year’s Eve. There are plenty of activities for you to try, making it an unforgettable night for both adults and children alike!
For example, Dave and Buster’s Family New Year’s Eve event is one not to be missed. Tickets get the entire family bottomless soft drinks, access to a buffet, and unlimited games in the arcade.
The arcade is also a safe and secure place, so parents are welcome to head off for a moment of relaxation while the kids remain in the arcade and play.
If the arcade isn’t your cup of tea, the Whataburger Zoo lights might be more to your taste. This is held at the San Antonio Zoo and is an immersive experience featuring a walk-through lights display.
It’s amazing and beautiful, and there are plenty of photo opportunities to get an NYE picture of the family together.
Are you and your family fans of skiing and snow? Then Aspen is the ideal place for you to ring in the new year. There’s plenty of snowsports for the entire family to enjoy, as well as cocktail bars for the adults.
Aspen is a sight to behold for people all over the world thanks to the amazing mountain views, ski town energy, and thrilling adventure.
Skiing might not be the most conventional way to celebrate New Year’s Eve, but it is certainly one of the most fun for outdoorsy people!
This is a glorious city to visit on the cusp of the new year, and there is also plenty to celebrate with.
Once you’ve enjoyed a full day of skiing, watch the fireworks from your hotel or seek out a mountainside concert.
You won’t want to leave Aspen after just one day, either, so make an entire holiday out of it!
New Orleans knows how to do New Year’s Eve right, and the basics are that the party doesn’t stop until the sun comes up!
The festivities begin with the Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year’s Eve Parade, which leads huge crowds throughout the city’s French Quarter. Then you’re able to make your own way throughout the city to your next adventure.
Why not take a ride on a steamboat? The Steamboat Natchez New Year’s Eve Extravaganza is one of the most anticipated parties in New Orleans all year round, and it will be full of music, costumes, and light shows. You read that right – costumes!
There’s also a New Year’s Eve Bourbon Street Balcony party that will excite any bourbon drinkers. This takes you through some of the city’s best bourbon spots and allows you to taste a plethora of spirits.
New Orleans offers a great range of food, fun, and music. You’ll experience a night to remember – if you wake up with your memories, that is!
Phoenix goes all out for New Year’s Eve. If you love ringing in the new year more than the average person, we would recommend looking into a visit to Phoenix. The events planned around this holiday will blow your mind.
Undoubtedly the most exciting event on offer in Phoenix is the Gatsby’s House New Year’s Eve party. Yes, you read that right – a party at Gatsby’s house, with drinks and dancing until dawn. Party just like the roaring 20s!
This party is hosted at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel and is nothing short of extravagant. If you’re looking for a reason to wear your nicest finery and dance the night away, then this is it.
If you prefer something a little more lowkey, though, then the Annual Flannel Ball is a good alternative. What’s that, you might be asking. Well, the rules are very simple – you must wear your favorite flannel shirt to be granted entry.
Anyone considering spending New Year’s Eve in America has considered the City of Angels, LA.
This is one of the most lavish parts of the US, and therefore you can expect to find yourself at some of the most sophisticated soirees there are.
So, if you’re looking for a party that you can dress up nicely for and network your way into the new year, Los Angeles might be for you.
You’ll also never get tired of meeting new people since LA is full of interesting souls that are more than welcoming to out-of-towners.
New Year’s Eve in Los Angeles features amazing food, incredible music, fascinating drinks, and impressive venues. There are many rooftop clubs and bars to enjoy, giving you the best view of the city’s fireworks.
If you love meeting new people (and maybe even seeing some famous faces!) then New Year’s Eve in Los Angeles is the perfect place for you. Just remember to book in advance so that you don’t get turned away.
Chicago is world renowned for its food, art, and culture – where better to spend New Year’s Eve?
Here you’ll find some of the most luxurious hotels in all of America, as well as be treated to sophisticated fine dining experiences, too.
Get ready for impressive menus and events at the hotels and restaurants. The new year is a time for treating yourself right, and what better way to do that than treat yourself to the best of the best? Go on, you deserve it.
Chicago has plenty of cocktail bars that specialize in mixology, so we’d start our night here. Try some of their specialty cocktails and revel in their fabulousness.
Next you can visit any of the many parties offered throughout the city, with plenty of DJs and NYE drops that you can watch.
Chicago public transport is also free for the entire night on New Year’s Eve, so you don’t have to worry about the higher cab fee when you’re finally ready to call it a night.
For families and those who prefer a more chilled New Year’s Eve, why not enjoy the Lincoln Park’s Zoo light show?
Cape Cod is a very popular summer destination, but it is also an unmatched New Year’s Eve experience.
In fact, Cape Cod is an amazing place to visit all year round! We highly recommend it, but even more so for NYE.
The fireworks display at Cape Cod is one of the best throughout the USA. Thanks to the harbor, the fireworks can be set off at a safe distance on the water.
Not only is this more desirable for families and people who value their safety, but it also gives you a better view of the explosions.
But there is so much more to do around Cape Cod on NYE than only watching the fireworks at midnight.
Hiking is available for outdoorsy people, and there are plenty of seafood experiences to enjoy throughout the night.
There’s even more to enjoy, too, for all of the family. Plus, you can extend your vacation and enjoy the rest of Cape Cod after you’ve caught up on sleep from December 31st.
Atlantic City is another awesome place to spend new years, with no shortage of nightclub experiences and parties lasting long into the night.
There are plenty of nightclubs in Atlantic City, but that’s not all you can enjoy on the last day of the year. There are also concerts, drink packages, and themed events.
One thing we would say is that Atlantic City is not the best for families simply because of its party nature. Hotels will be loud throughout the entire night and you won’t get much shuteye.
There are plenty of other cities to take kids to or to visit if you’re not a party animal. However, if you want to dance the year away, Atlantic City is waiting for you.
Summary
New Year’s Eve is an amazing night to celebrate, and the USA is one of the best places to experience it in the world. There is plenty of fun to be had, with parties, events, and family-friendly activities.
We’ve listed 20 of the best cities around the US for you to spend New Year’s Eve. There are some better suited for families and others best suited for party animals looking to let their hair down and dance the night away.
Choose your city wisely and have the best New Year’s Eve possible. Make sure that you book tickets, if you need them, for your chosen events so that you don’t miss out.
New year’s Eve is one of the most anticipated holidays, so tickets will go quickly!
Have fun, and Happy (early) New Year!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Best Destinations In The US For NYE?
Any of the 20 cities we’ve listed above are amazing destinations to watch the ball drop. However, the top three are Las Vegas, Boston, and New York City.
These traditionally offer plenty of parties and exclusive events, but Boston and New York City are also excellent for families.
Where’s The Biggest NYE Party?
Again, there are plenty of massive New Year’s Eve parties that are dotted all around America. However, the biggest can be found in Las Vegas.
The party is organized and hosted by The Strip, and you can find dining experiences, concerts, fireworks, and more.
This party is broken down into plenty of smaller events, but it is a large party overall that all of the guests can enjoy together.
You might not know most of the guests, but you’ll all act like best friends by the time the clock strikes midnight!
What Is So Special About Times Square On NYE?
Times Square is perhaps the most well-known location for New Year’s Eve parties. And with good reason, too! There are plenty of performers at the live concert, mostly well known and famous singers.
As you lead up to the clock striking midnight, there is a massive ball drop to celebrate the new year.
The crowds all come together to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new, and there’s a really nice sense of companionship.
The event is televised and people tune in from all over the world. It is a massive event to signify the beginning of a new year and is amazing for watchers and participants alike.
Hi, my name is Alex Kallen and I love to travel. Ever since I could afford the ticket, I hopped on a plane and never looked back. I’ve made a living writing travel guides and blogging my experience all over the world.
I want to encourage and inspire others to travel around the US like I am. There’s no need to go on vacation overseas when there is an amazing land of opportunity right on your doorstep. Enjoy my website, I hope to see you out here one day.
