Whether you’re looking for an affordable getaway, an extravagant celebration, or simply a night out with friends, there are a number of places that offer a good night out on New Year’s Eve. Here are the best places to spend New Year’s Eve in the United States, ranked by price and appeal.
Las Vegas
Whether you want to party or enjoy some fine dining, Las Vegas is the place to be on New Year’s Eve. The city will be packed with crowds, but there are a few things you should know before you go.
The best way to watch the fireworks is to go to the Strip. The Strip has a 550 foot observation wheel, the High Roller, which offers some of the best views of the fireworks. It also has a ticketed event on New Year’s Eve, which includes a complimentary glass of champagne at midnight.
Another way to watch the fireworks is to go to a club. You can find a number of nightclubs in hotels, and many offer special New Year’s Eve packages. Some hotels offer 24-hour cafes, so you can get something to eat.
There are also several restaurants that offer special New Year’s Eve menus. For a more luxurious dining experience, check out the Eiffel Tower restaurant. The menu includes Lobster Tempura, Kumamoto oysters, and American Wagyu Steak Tartare on Toast.
One of the best places to go for live music is the Fremont Street Experience. There are live bands and open-air bars with dancing girls. The ceiling has the largest LED screen in the world.
Another great spot to view the fireworks is the Delano Las Vegas’ 64 floor, which offers a view of the strip and a rink. There is also a full-service bar, open bar, and plenty of seating for parties.
San Francisco
Whether you’re coming for a romantic getaway or a celebration with friends, there are many reasons to choose San Francisco as your New Year’s destination. You can choose from a variety of activities, including special cruises, sightseeing, and more.
San Francisco is home to many different New Year’s Eve parties. The best parties are usually professionally staged, but if you’re looking for something less extravagant, there are also some budget-friendly options. Guests can purchase tickets to the biggest events in town and enjoy a night of dancing and champagne.
San Francisco’s waterfront fireworks are a highlight of the city’s New Year’s celebration. The fireworks are launched from barges in the bay and are sure to ring in the New Year in style. The best viewing spots are along the waterfront between Mission Street and Folsom Street. There are also many boat operators that offer special tickets for New Year’s Eve dancing.
New Year’s Eve is a special time to experience a performance of the Shen Yun Chinese dance show. The show runs for two hours and includes champagne and an exclusive look at Chinese culture.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed New Year’s Eve celebration, you might want to check out Dolores Park. This large park is located in the Mission District and features a panoramic view of the city’s skyline. You can also picnic here with your family.
Aspen
Located in the Colorado Rockies, Aspen is an iconic ski resort and world-class nightlife destination. This town is a popular destination during the holiday season and New Year’s Eve is no exception. There are several unique events to experience on this special night.
The Wheeler Opera House is always a top choice for New Year’s Eve. They have several unique activities including a New Year’s Eve gala dinner, a virtual “let it go” celebration and fun New Year’s Eve shows.
The Aspen Art Museum has a fun New Year’s Eve buffet dinner that will be sure to please. Their rooftop deck will have cocktails and a fun New Year’s Eve show.
Another fun New Year’s Eve activity is to skate at the Aspen Ice Garden. You’ll need to make a reservation to skate. The rink is open from 6-8pm.
The Limelight Hotel has a New Year’s Eve party that will be sure to please. They’ll have an ice bar outside mixing espresso martinis. There will also be a photo booth, a premium open bar and gourmet bites.
Belly Up Aspen is another event you can’t miss. They host a live concert on New Year’s Eve and typically sell out. They’ve hosted acts such as ZZ Top and Chromeo in the past.
While they have a long list of activities and events on offer, the best time to visit Aspen is during the winter ski season. They have some of the best skiing in the country and offer plenty of other activities to keep you busy on your trip.
Charlotte
Whether you’re looking to celebrate the holiday with a big party or a more laid back setting, Charlotte has what you’re looking for. In fact, WalletHub ranked Charlotte as one of the top cities for celebrating New Year’s.
The annual Polar Bear Plunge at Ocean Lakes Family Campground attracts 300 people to plunge into the water. The event also features live music, a champagne toast at midnight, and party favors.
The Charlotte Motor Speedway Christmas Lights are a great family activity, with Christmas lights illuminated through mid-January. They’re also home to one of the largest festivals of music and entertainment in South Carolina.
Howl at the Moon is coming back to Charlotte for New Year’s Eve. Their Just Dance package includes a champagne toast, two house drinks for $8, and guaranteed admission to the show. The show is a fun family event, with a kid-friendly DJ.
The Charlotte ’80s and ’90s have retro arcades and two floors of disco balls. They also feature edible glitter drinks and a traditional champagne toast at midnight.
Several Charlotte hotels host special NYE events. Some of them require tickets to be purchased in advance. Others are online. Some of these events require attire. Several have valet service. Several of these venues also offer limited NYE menus.
A few of Charlotte’s pop-up bars are also decorated for the holidays, and are a fun way to ring in the new year. Some of them are located downtown.
Louisville
Whether you are a native Louisville resident or just visiting, there is plenty to see and do in the city on New Year’s Eve. The best part is that you don’t have to break the bank to do it. There are affordable hotels in the city as well as other options that will have you well on your way to a memorable New Year’s Eve.
The most exciting event of all is probably the fireworks show. There are several free shows that are sure to get your blood pumping. In addition, there are a few paid fireworks shows that you can enjoy.
The first of these is the annual New Year’s Eve celebration held at the C2 Event Venue. This event includes many fun activities, including videography cash bars, roaming photographers, special guest DJ performances, countdowns on multiple screens and much more.
While the aforementioned event is not going to get you a free champagne toast at midnight, the next best thing is the Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut Champagne that will be free with the first 30 bottles purchased.
The WalletHub study ranked Louisville as the 9th best city for New Year’s celebrations. The study based its data on 28 key indicators. It includes the number of attractions and events, the cost of each and the most impressive.
The Neon Night NYE Glow Party is a dazzling event. It includes a balloon drop, a light show, personal security and more. It also offers VIP bottle service.
Miami
Whether you are looking for a party or a more private, romantic dinner, Miami offers plenty of New Year’s Eve celebrations. Known as the party capital of Florida, Miami Beach has a variety of options for ringing in the new year.
The Mondrian South Beach Hotel will host a New Year’s Eve bash featuring a Champagne toast, open bar, and a fireworks show. The hotel will also host an intimate afterparty, featuring DJ entertainment. Guests can enjoy a 5-course gourmet dinner with oysters, steak, and grilled corn.
The Rusty Pelican is also hosting a special New Year’s Eve bash. This NYE party will feature a live DJ, a gourmet 5-course dinner, and a beautiful view of the fireworks. Guests will also receive a complimentary champagne bottle.
The W Hotel Miami will be hosting a rooftop party with top local DJs. The party will also feature four hours of premium open bar. The party starts at 9PM on December 31st and continues through 1:00 AM on January 1st. The party will also include glow-in-the-dark party favors.
The Miami Beach LGBTQ+ Festival will take place in various hotels in Miami Beach. The festival will include live music, immersive art experiences, beach workouts, and more. The festival will be held December 30 to January 1. This party will also feature performances by Doja Cat and Kim Petras.
The Ode to Joy concert features world-class soloists, Cuban-American poet Richard Blanco, and the Philharmonic of Miami. The concert will also include a fireworks show. VIP packages are available. Tickets start at $299.