Best Cities for New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Times Square might be the most famous destination in the U.S. for ringing in the new year, but it’s also extremely expensive. Local businesses in NYC – and many other famous locales across the U.S. – are notorious for hiking up their prices when big crowds are in town for a major event. The last thing you want to do in the final hours of 2024 is wreck your finances over one night of festivities.
To help you decide where to count down to the new year, WalletHub compared 100 of the biggest U.S. cities based on 26 key indicators of an epic, affordable New Year’s Eve celebration. Our data set ranges from the legality of fireworks and the nightlife options per capita to the affordability of food and lodging.
Top 5 Cities for New Year’s Eve
- New York
- Orlando
- San Diego
- Las Vegas
- Chicago
“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.”
Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst
If you’re curious to know how much cash Americans plan to blow this New Year’s Eve or what makes this festive holiday so festive, make sure to check out WalletHub’s New Year’s Eve Facts infographic. But first, check out WalletHub’s in-depth breakdown of the best cities for New Year’s Eve below.