The best places in the US to celebrate New Year's Eve
By: Lonely Planet Editors
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
The best places in the US to celebrate New Year's Eve
Confetti rains on Times Square in New York City. Ben Von Klemperer/Shutterstock
New Year's Eve is one of those holidays that people either can't wait to go big for, sparkles and all, or it's the perfect excuse to stay home with family in front of the television, preferably in sweats. Whatever your celebratory vibe, there's a destination to suit - and likely a giant something to drop - across the USA.
If you're looking to head somewhere new this New Year's, try one of our US staff's top recommendations to ring in 2026.
Sailboats in San Diego Bay. View Apart/Shutterstock
1. San Diego, California
Best for late-night parties and sunny beaches
Recommended by Acacia Gabriel, Associate Editor
In San Diego, you can wake up on New Year's Day and take a long walk by the ocean (or, more likely, rot on the sand). Odds are that it will be sunny and beautiful, which is my favorite way to bring in the new year!
As for New Year's Eve, you can watch the fireworks display in Downtown San Diego, hit the clubs in Gaslamp or cruise around the bay on a yacht. If you like house and techno music, get tickets to the CRSSD Festival that takes over Petco Park. Past lineups featured artists like John Summit and Chris Lake, and dancing goes all night long.
A saxophone player performs in a club on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Suzanne C. Grim/Shutterstock
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
Best for live music
Recommended by Chamidae Ford, Digital Editor
I don't think anywhere knows how to party quite like New Orleans. Between dimly lit jazz bars overflowing with music, the famed and rowdy Bourbon Street, where the party never seems to fully stop and ending the year on the right foot with the best meal of your life, what more could you ask for?
I love New Orleans; the food, architecture and energy are all fantastic, and the city during New Year's Eve is another level of magical. Check out Jackson Square for block party-esque energy, which will be filled with live music and followed by fireworks over the Mississippi River. Or if you prefer to get outside the French Quarter, opt for a night at Tipitina's and ring in the new year with the funk band Galactic. Alternatively, you can make a visit to Maple Leaf, a venue that features local bands, which is right next door to my favorite restaurant, Jaques-Imo's.
Vail, Colorado. Cavan Images - Offset/Shutterstock
3. A ski resort in Colorado
Best for crowd-free slopes
Recommended by Sarah Stocking, Digital Editor
Every year, my entire family goes to a mountain cabin near Breckenridge, Colorado, for a week after Christmas, and it is glorious. While slopes do tend to be crowded surrounding the holidays, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are, dare I say, calm? We always host a NYE get-together for each other on the night of, complete with surf and turf dinner and then snuggle by the fire together to ring in the new year while we pray to start the year with knee-deep powder. But even if we aren't blessed by Uller (god of snow), there is something about being all bundled up together in a cozy cabin that feels like just the right way to start the year.
Boats docked at a marina in Southport, North Carolina. Tamara Lance/Shutterstock
4. Southport, North Carolina
Best for a lowkey getaway
Recommended by Rachel Lewis, Senior Social Media Manager
On the rare occasion that I leave my home for NYE, I like to keep it pretty lowkey. Here in Wilmington, North Carolina, that's tricky; I've spent enough wild ball drops in crowded, buzzy downtown bars for my liking, thank you. If you find yourself on the East Coast or in North Carolina for the holidays, might I point you toward Southport? Yeah, it's mostly known for being a beautiful, quiet place where gorgeous movies have been filmed beachside ( A Walk to Remember , anyone?), but that's precisely the vibe I like to bring into the new year. Stroll the waterfront, snack on seafood at Provision or Fishy Fishy, and maybe catch the fireworks (keep an eye on the events cal).
Confetti in Times Square on New Year's Eve. Reza Estakhrian/Getty Images
5. Times Square, New York City
Best for going all out
Recommended by Deepa Lakshmin, Director of Social Media
I've lived in Manhattan for nearly 12 years and have celebrated New Year's Eve locally for the majority of that time, and joining the thick Times Square crowd has always been a hard pass for me - until now. One Times Square, the 26-story skyscraper donning the world-famous crystal ball, is freshly renovated with a slew of new tours and immersive exhibits that make it a year-round tourist attraction. But even as a local, when I saw that the ball itself will be open to the public this year for the first time ever, I thought, this might be the one thing I'll go to Times Square for.
I can't definitively say whether or not it's worth going, because the building hasn't opened its doors yet, but I'm certainly intrigued. There will be a dedicated viewing deck, and with a premium ticket, you'll get to put your own personalized Waterford crystal on the ball and take another crystal home with you. Call me a sucker for souvenirs, but that is way cooler than a fridge magnet.
Fireworks over New Year’s Eve Live in Nashville. Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
6. Nashville, Tennessee
Best for a honky tonk experience
Recommended by Ann Douglas Lott, Digital Editor
Nashville locals tend to avoid Lower Broadway, much like New Yorkers do Times Square. But I'll admit as a visitor that my favorite New Year's Eve memory was at one of those ticketed honky tonk bar events on that main downtown stretch. You've really got to lean into having a big night out. Almost all the major bars are three or four stories tall, and there are usually balconies and rooftops involved, giving you plenty of space to admire Broadway's neon lights. Many events are ticketed - we bought ours early for Nashville Underground and scored a (fairly) reasonable deal. If you want a more local experience, Nashville-based editor Sarah Stocking recommends checking out smaller bars in East Nashville, like The 5 Spot, or Dee's Country Lounge over in Madison.
Also, Nashville has its own spin on the famous Times Square ball drop: a giant music note drops at midnight at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, the finale to Jack Daniel's New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash. Arrive early to enjoy some free big-name music performances; Lainey Wilson and Jason Aldean are headliners for 2026.
Austin's downtown firework show on New Year's Eve. Skyler Spaeth/Shutterstock
7. Austin, Texas
Best for outdoor celebrations
Recommended by Josephine Boulware, Email Associate
As a native Austinite, you can't get more Austin than ringing in the new year at Auditorium Shores, an urban park right next to Lady Bird Lake with incredible views of the Austin skyline. Each year, the city celebrates with live music, local food vendors and fireworks. If you're feeling brave and really want to commit, you can participate in the annual NYE Polar Bear Plunge at Barton Springs Pool.
Alternatively, New Year's is a great time to enjoy festivities at favorite Austin establishments. There's no shortage - but Devil May Care and The Roosevelt Room always celebrate in style, while Hotel Vegas and Kitty Cohen's are perfect for dive bar lovers.
The world's largest MoonPie is cut into slices at MoonPie Over Mobile in Alabama. MyShotz, via Events Mobile
8. Mobile, Alabama
Best for quirky traditions
Recommended by Ann Douglas Lott
Growing up in Alabama, we'd always watch the Times Square ball drop on TV at 11pm CST, leaving time for a second opportunity to officially ring in the new year, which takes place in Mobile at midnight CST. In classic Mobile fashion, the port city drops a gigantic MoonPie at midnight.
If you're unfamiliar with this very Southern snack, it consists of two round graham crackers and a marshmallow filling dipped in chocolate or other flavored coatings - a s'more on the go, if you will. Mobile holds the award as its largest consumer after it rose in popularity at a treat to throw in Mardi Gras parades as early as the 1940s (MoonPies are way softer than Cracker Jack boxes). So, it's only fitting that MoonPie Over Mobile is still going strong for its 18th year. It's an all-day affair, this year including a Mardi Gras umbrella decorating contest, brass band performances, a second line parade and the cutting (and eating) of the world's largest MoonPie.
The Seattle Space Needle New Year's Eve firework show. Peter R Wang/Shutterstock
9. Seattle, Washington
Best for dance parties and fireworks
Recommended by Chamidae Ford
Don't let the gloomy weather deter you, Seattle glitters on New Year's Eve. As a city that spends its winters coping with never-ending drizzle, Seattleites are always extra keen for a good time. Take it from someone born and raised in the area: I have spent many New Year's out enjoying the festivities as long as they will let me.
Get lost in the chaos of Capitol Hill, lined with bars and 20-somethings looking to ring in the new year and discover their midnight kiss at the other side of the room. Wildrose, Pony and Unicorn are all beloved favorites. For a ticketed good time, Neumos is known for its lively dance parties. If fun for the family is more of what you are looking for, head to the Space Needle to watch the fireworks show when the clock strikes midnight, or better yet, head to Gas Works Park for a panoramic view of the city and enjoy the midnight explosions from a relaxing distance.
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For many years, with either family or friends, my Christmas-New Year's holiday was often spent at various places in Florida.
New Year's Eve - At home. New Year's Day we go to a friend's house. His wife is from a Japanese family. It's the most important holiday in Japan and they have a ton of traditional, special Japanese food for New Year's.
Sushi?
Sushi, sashimi, sliced lotus roots, a variety of beans made specially for New Year's. A few other things that I don't know what they are, but delicious nevertheless. I have been going to their New Year's Day open house, "Oshogatsu", for over 40 years, missing one occasionally because of a cold or some other reason. They didn't do it during the Covid epidemic, and it was nice when they could resume. My friend's mother-in-law used to make all the preparations. After she passed away her daughters decided to keep the tradition.
Today will be a mix - Western breakfast, Chinese lunch, and a bagel with a "shmear" and lox for supper.
They have lox?
Norwegian sliced smoked salmon - I have 6 packages of it in the freezer that I got at the METRO big box store that has lots of imported foods. That's where I also get various cheeses. The Chinese people don't seem to be interested in any kind of cheese except the processed slices they use for cheeseburgers.
The only of these that couldnt be done on any other day is the ball drop at Times Square.
There's even a movie about it - New Year's Eve, starring Hillary Swank.
What is there to celebrate? The US will steadily decline over the next few years way worse than it has over the last year.
Under the Trump regime, you are right. But let's not give up all hope. We have to keep fighting because we have no choice.
Never forget what Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) wrote to Red (Morgan Freeman) in The Shawshank Rebellion: "Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies."
It’s going to be a slog. People will be going without health insurance and dying of curable disease or going bankrupt from medical expenses. The only way to fight this sleazebag is to vote, but the country has demonstrated their collective intelligence by putting him there in the first place. Tariffs impacts will explode once the defensive stockpiles have been depleted. We’ll be in war with a country solely to steal their oil. Climate change will accelerate while the decrepit piece of shit in the WH continues to call it a hoax. What does he care? He’s on his way out of this life and his life is literally the only thing he cares about, so what happens to the entire planet and all its inhabitants is of no consequence to him. He is a hateful subhuman and everything he has done and will continue to do serves to achieve his ultimate goal of destroying the country. I won’t be surprised if nukes are fired by this monster.
Don't hold back, Hal, let us know how you REALLY feel. Please describe the Youtube you posted, in accordance with my RED BOX RULES.
Sorry Buzz, it’s just a music video called Party at the end of the World.
Yep. I agree with everything you said.
Okay, thanks Hal, that must be sort of a happy new year type of song. LOL
As long as Trump's SCotUS allows it, at least there is a chance that Americans could make some changes in "control" next November.
The place to be this year is my deck. We got one of those table top fire heater thingies tho I don't think it's going to be that cold. Beer in the Yeti cooler and fresh trash bag in the bin. And if I fall asleep before midnight Mr G will make sure I make it to the bedroom and not fall asleep outside
You're not going to watch the ball drop?
That's on TV, right?
Nope. Would rather watch the night sky
Morning Fishy..I will just translate that for you...
You will be sitting on your verandah, with a barbie, the beer is in an Esky and you have a fresh bag in the garbage bin..the full one is ready for the garbos..
If it becomes a a bit nippy and you are knackered hubby will drag you off so you can hit the hay so you don't freeze your arse off..
Excellent.. Happy New Year..🎆🎇
Thank you my Aussie Friend!
Have a Happy New Year, too!
Morning...yep New Year's Eve already...
Best place here by far is Sydney..the harbour bridge is just one big waterfall of fire..
Here in my town we have fireworks at 10pm for the kids and then again at midnight down the harbour..can be seen all over town..
When I use to have my Collie I would put her in the car and head for a light house 10kms away..she hated the fireworks so took her away from it all..I still miss doing that and her..the cat couldn't care a stuff about them...
Looking back 2025 brought much sadness for many, hope for many, happiness for many and disaster for many..
But we are still here and for me it's another year above earth, even if it is upside down..🤣
Happy New Year where ever you are...
The harbour bridge in Sydney..not my photo...
Morning...was just getting in first before Devangy said it. 🤣
See perfectly normal down here can't see what the problem is myself..
You're a good sport, shona.
Lose your sense of humour Buzz and you are stuffed...
If I didn't retain my sense of humour I wouldn't still be able to weather the animosity of some of the members on this site.
That's where she went!
Or is that an emu? I'm looking for my missing Ostrich
Morning...yep it's an Emu..
Evening....well it's already 2026 in New Zealand and we only have quarter of an hour to go before it's midnight here..
I wish everyone no matter where you are a very Happy New Year and I hope 2026 is a good one..
Health, wealth and happiness all year through to you all...
The bridge was lit up tonight in white to remember the lost souls at Bondi and for the one's still in hospital..
Peace...
Still a few hours to go for me, but I'll probably sleep throuth the year-change. Best of everything for everyone for the new year.
Happy New Year, shona! East coast of the US has a little under 16 hours yet. I'll be awake, but I doubt I'll watch the ball drop at Times Square. The whole thing hasn't been as good since Dick Clark passed away.
Somebody here was setting off fireworks at 7:30 in the morning. At least I think that's what had the cats upset.
If my neighbors set off fireworks I'm calling the cops. They sicced the cops on us when we were trying to scare off vultures with a shotgun
Shades of Steel Magnolias! (great film)
I'm not entirely sure whether it was fireworks or gunfire. It was still dark enough outside that target practice wouldn't have been a good idea, but that doesn't stop some of my neighbors. I've heard them shooting at 9:30 at night.
Yes, it was. I start watching and get the crying part out of the way
same here but that would be the neighbors outside the "city" limits. When we first moved here we were outside the limits but then the town fathers wanted more revenue so moved the boundaries and now we are in the city limits even tho I live in the woods
Hah!!! Another person who can see that life can imitate art as well as art imitating life.
That went through my head when I read that comment.
I'm outside town limits. I can't even say which neighbors were shooting/setting off fireworks. I don't think it was any of my closest neighbors. Somebody down the hill a ways, I believe.
Going to run a model train display and be home to toast the New Year
Where are you running the trains? That sounds like fun. Do you need a cat to guard the tunnel?
Middletown, Va in the town hall as part of town's First Night celebration. The train club built a portable display to use until our new building is built.
When I was little, the cat like to get up on my train table.
That sounds like a lot of fun
The one you posted a picture of a while ago?
I posted a picture of this one last year and one of my portable one I had at a car show this summer
I will take a picture of it tonight
Arvo...no doubt alot of people will be feeling like this today...🤣
Not I.