Best US Cities for Celebrating New Year’s Eve

Image: A luxury group toasting with champagne glasses during a celebration. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/peopleimages.com)
Image: A luxury group toasting with champagne glasses during a celebration. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/peopleimages.com)
Noreen Kompanik
by Noreen Kompanik
Last updated: 11:50 AM ET, Tue December 9, 2025

Which U.S. cities are considered best for ringing in the New Year? That is, without putting a strain on the wallets of travelers who’ve already been hit hard by inflation.

A study by WalletHub compared the 100 biggest U.S. cities across 26 key metrics to determine which destinations are the best choice for pop-the-cork toasts and fireworks celebrations without breaking the bank. Times Square might be the most famous destination for ringing in the New Year, but it’s also extremely expensive as local businesses are known to hike up their prices for major events.

WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo said in a statement, “Celebrating New Year’s Eve in the right city can turn the holiday into a truly magical experience. The best cities for New Year’s celebrations have clear skies and some of the best fireworks displays around. The top cities also offer an abundance of highly rated, affordable dining options, along with a vibrant nightlife and plenty of activities to make your transition into the new year a memorable one.”

He added, “Orlando, FL, is the best city for ringing in the new year. It ranks as the second-most fun city in the U.S. overall, and has the fourth-most party supply stores and the fifth-most nightlife options per capita. Orlando offers a great fireworks display with a solid, enjoyable duration, and consumer fireworks are legal, so people can set up their own shows.”

Here are the top New Years destinations.

  • Orlando, FL
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • New York, NY
  • Seattle, WA
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • San Diego, CA
  • Chicago, IL
  • Washington, D.C.
  • San Francisco, CA
  • Miami, FL
  • Anaheim, CA
  • Tampa, FL
  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Louisville, KY
  • St. Louis, MO
  • Boston, MA
  • Denver, CO
  • Cincinnati, OH
  • Philadelphia, PA 

Other key study takeaways include:

  • 142 million Americans will travel for the New Year’s holiday, with 64 percent driving to their destinations.
  • 55 percent of Americans plan to celebrate New Year’s Eve with family or friends
  • The average cost for a couple to enjoy dinner and a show on New Year’s Eve in the three larges cities of New York, Los Angeles and Chicago is $772.
  • 360+ million glasses of sparkling wine are consumed each New Year’s Eve.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Watch Now!
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Houston, A World in a CityMonday, June 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Visit Houston for an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations....
Upcoming Webinar
Why Cruise, When You Can CunardWednesday, June 24 2026
2:00pm Eastern
When cruise is the option, Cunard is the difference. This session explores what sets the Cunard...
Watch Now!
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Houston, A World in a CityMonday, June 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Visit Houston for an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations....
Upcoming Webinar
Why Cruise, When You Can CunardWednesday, June 24 2026
2:00pm Eastern
When cruise is the option, Cunard is the difference. This session explores what sets the Cunard...