The USA has awesome spots to ring in the New Year, like NYC and Las Vegas. These places throw some of the biggest and most famous New Year’s Eve parties in the world. But hey, there are other cool spots to celebrate too, like theme parks, islands, and alpine lakes.
While celebrating the New Year is exciting no matter where you are, wouldn’t it be wonderful to enjoy the holiday under palm trees or on a breezy beach? We have some great US New Year trip ideas for you
We will also explore the top ski town celebrations for New Year’s Eve. While the ski season is just getting underway in December, what better way to close out the year than by experiencing the holiday vibe of ski towns?
New Year’s Eve in the mountains
Get ready to dust off your boots, wax your skis and boards, and have a blast at the festive celebrations that mountain ski towns host for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
These places are some of the best ski towns in North America for ringing in the New Year.
The Best Ski Towns for New Year’s Eve Weekend: Telluride, Colorado
Make sure to be outside in Telluride around 6:25 p.m. You’ll hear a loud bang – dynamite, just like they used in the mining days – to signal the start of the Torchlight Parade.
Look to the top of the mountain for flashing red lights. Telluride’s ski patrol employees take a run down Coonskin, Telluride Trail, and into Mountain Village for this holiday tradition, carrying blazing red torches, starting at 6:30 pm on December 31. Given the incredible views in this little mountain town, the show can be seen from any location in downtown Telluride.
Stick around, and shortly after, you’ll be able to catch the Mountain Village firework show, best viewed from the Gondola or the plaza in the Village Core.
Additionally, at midnight on New Year’s Eve, Colorado Avenue is the place to be in front of the historic courthouse. Locals and guests alike flood outside to Main Street to celebrate the new year Telluride style.
Whistler, British Columbia
Whistler’s free outdoor show happens every Sunday in Whistler Village, but it’s extra lit on New Year’s Eve.
Bundle up, grab some hot chocolate, and enjoy live entertainment, like ski and snowboard big air displays, fire spinners, live DJs, and fireworks.
After the show, head to the Garibaldi Lift Company (GLC) for the Afterburn Party (adults only after 8 p.m.).
Want to ring in the New Year early? There’s a High-Flying Snow Show at the base starting at 7:30 p.m., followed by an early countdown and fireworks at 8 p.m.
Once the kiddos are in bed, head to Skier’s Plaza at the base of Whistler for another special fireworks show.
Aspen, Colorado
Get ready for an amazing New Year’s Eve in Aspen, Colorado, where the après-ski scene is second to none!
Join the fun at Sister Cities Plaza from 12 to 3 p.m., and enjoy bonfires, s’mores, hot chocolate, and a live DJ.
Then, glide over to the Aspen Ice Garden from 3 to 6 p.m. for free ice skating and $3 skate rental. Don’t miss the breathtaking fireworks show above Aspen Mountain at 8 p.m.
If you fancy a cozy dinner, make sure to get a reservation at Element 47 inside The Little Nell or Plato’s at Aspen Mountain.
And for a late-night bash, consider getting your tickets for the Dom Perignon Party at the Little Nell or the Night of Revelry at W Aspen. It’s going to be a blast!
New Year’s Eve by the sea
The United States is an awesome place to celebrate, particularly in destinations with warm weather year-round. Here are some of the best places to ring in the New Year in December while enjoying endless summer vibes.
The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys, particularly Key West, is the southernmost point in the continental U.S., making it one of the warmest places to celebrate the New Year!
Begin your evening by watching a breathtaking sunset on Pier B, then enjoy the festivities on Key West’s Duval Street. There are numerous bars and clubs to choose from, catering to a diverse range of people and offering drink specials and live music on New Year’s Eve.
During the day, you can explore Hemingway’s House or rent a jet ski to enjoy some fun in the sun.
The U.S. Virgin Islands
The United States Virgin Islands (USVI) are blessed with stunning weather throughout the year, making it the perfect destination to welcome the New Year in a tropical paradise.
The celebrations kick off in early December and reach their peak with the vibrant Crucian Christmas Festival which takes place across the beautiful island of St. Croix and the wider USVI.
As the clock strikes midnight on the first Saturday after New Year’s Day, the festivities culminate with a spectacular display of fireworks. Many revelers take to the crystal-clear waters, where they can enjoy the breathtaking fireworks and sip on delicious rum drinks aboard their own private vessels or chartered boats.
Phoenix, Arizona
Get ready to have a great time at a block party in downtown Phoenix or put on your best flannel for one of the outdoor events hosted by local brewpubs.
New Year’s Eve in Phoenix is going to be fantastic! Although the weather is usually warm, it’s important to remember that desert nights can get a bit chilly. But don’t worry, all the festivities will continue well into the night, no matter the temperature.
The Phoenix Symphony hosts an annual “New Year’s Eve Gala” at the Symphony Hall, featuring an electrifying concert that culminates with the traditional ball drop at midnight.
Every year, the city drops a 70-pound, 6-foot metallic pinecone on December 31, followed by a beautiful fireworks display. This awesome tradition has been happening at the Weatherford Hotel since 1999, when the hotel celebrated its 100-year anniversary and the world welcomed the new millennium. According to the city, thousands of people come out every year to join the fun and watch the celebration in the streets.
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Warm places to go for New Year’s Eve: worldwide
Daydreams do come true. Celebrate the new year in one of these warm winter destinations!
Just like birds fly south for the winter, you too can escape the cold and dark for your holidays. If you’re looking for warm places outside the US to go for New Year’s, be inspired by our hotlist of sun-baked destinations that will allow you to welcome in the new year from the beach.
The Canary Islands – One of the best warm places to spend New Year’s in Europe
The Canary Islands, just a stone’s throw off the Eastern shores of Africa, offer a temperate climate that feels like eternal springtime, making them perfect for a warm winter getaway.
Whether you’re drawn to the volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote or the sun-kissed shores of Tenerife, these islands hold a wealth of experiences for you and your loved ones. The best time to visit is during the spring or between September and March when the crowds have subsided but the sun still shines bright.
Lanzarote, known as the ‘Land of 1000 volcanoes,’ offers a unique moonscape-like landscape, while Fuerteventura is highly recommended for a relaxing beach break and adventure activities.
And from north to south, Tenerife offers endless warm and idyllic places to celebrate the New Year. It is considered to be one of the best warm places to go for new years in Europe as it provides endless places to explore for all the family.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Thailand
Thailand really loves New Year so much that they celebrate three of them!
They mark the global New Year on 31st December, the Buddhist New Year, and the Chinese New Year. You can find parties and events to celebrate each of these occasions, from street parties and beach gatherings to fancy dinners and night markets.
Bangkok, as the capital of Thailand, is one of the hottest spots for ringing in the New Year. The city dazzles with colorful fireworks on New Year’s Eve and hosts unforgettable parties that draw people from all over the world. One of the wildest street parties happens on Khao San Road on New Year’s Eve. The event is free, no dress code, and you can enjoy plenty of bars and nightclubs.
Chiang Mai is a perfect place to welcome in the New Year in Thailand with its stunning temples, awesome celebrations, and friendly locals. The city offers plenty of cool hotels, restaurants, bars, and live music parties.
Phuket, one of the most popular travel destinations in Thailand, gives you an amazing New Year’s with water activities, awesome nightlife, vibrant beach fireworks, and luxury seaside resorts. It’s the place to celebrate New Year’s Eve and have a blast with your crew.
Koh Phangan is known for its epic full- and half-moon parties. Restaurants and bars along the beaches offer games and activities, and different bars play international music, so you can choose your favorite based on the vibe.
New Year’s Eve in Europe
Don’t feel like going that far and want to see the sights rather than swimming in the sea? New Year’s Eve abroad can also take the form of a long weekend in one of the European cities.
Couples in love can enjoy New Year’s Eve in Paris. Romantic walks in the city of love are charming at any time, and Paris is always beautifully decorated and illuminated for Christmas.
As in all European countries, Christmas is the most festive time of the year in France. In our article, we will explore what Christmas in France has to offer.
Unforgettable sightseeing trips, often for a long weekend, can also be taken to London, Barcelona, or Venice. All you have to do is choose where you would like to go. You can also use the following video to inspire your choice:
New Year’s Eve in Prague, Czech Republic
Celebrating the arrival of the new year in Prague is a dream not only of many teenagers but also of couples in love. Many restaurants, bars, clubs, and other organizations host New Year’s Eve events and parties. Where to go on New Year’s Eve in Prague?
Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square come alive with a special New Year’s Eve program that includes a variety of musical performances. Concerts are held in many Prague churches on the last day of the year, and Prague theaters also attract performances.
Are you longing for a non-traditional experience? You will love spending New Year’s Eve on a steamer. From the deck, you can also beautifully see the fireworks that explode over Prague after midnight.
New Year’s Eve in the capital of the Czech Republic can be a great experience for children as well. You can choose to visit one of the many museums, such as the National Technical Museum or the Museum of Fantastic Illusions. The World of Jellyfish, the Sea World, and the Kingdom of Railways are also interesting experiences.
Would you like to diversify your exotic winter vacation this New Year’s Eve? Our article lists the best destinations for New Year’s Eve by the sea.
The U.S. Cities with Best New Year’s Parties
Getting into the New Year spirit with all the glitz, glam, and holiday cheer is a big deal for people all over the world! But who says you have to stick to local celebrations? There are plenty of spots throughout the United States that really know how to throw a party, especially on New Year’s Eve!
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is an absolute blast all year round, especially for those looking to party. With its friendly locals, great weather, and bars that are open late, it’s the perfect place for anyone looking to have a good time.
Head to the historic French Quarter’s Jackson Square for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration. You’ll be treated to live bands, performers, and, of course, the incredible fleur de lis drop and fireworks over the Mississippi River at midnight.
After that, the party goes on at various bars and nightclubs along the famous Bourbon Street. And for a really special experience, why not hop on board the Creole Queen or Steamboat Natchez for a fireworks cruise? It’s an amazing way to ring in the new year!
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is definitely one of the top cities for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Visitors can look forward to great parties, club events, and bar celebrations near Lake Michigan. Whether you want to go on a dinner cruise, check out the Chicago New Year’s Eve Ball at The Congress Plaza Hotel, or celebrate at the LondonHouse, you’re in for a great time.
For a family-friendly celebration, consider a visit to the Lincoln Park Zoo. Top New Year’s Eve attractions in Chicago include the Navy Pier Fireworks and TAMASHA at Alhambra Palace.
You can have a lot of fun on New Year’s Eve.
Try to spend the last day of the old year differently than usual this year. You will see that it will not only improve your mood but also infuse new energy into the new year.
Whatever option you choose, or whether you change your mind and stay at home, the important thing is that you enjoy the arrival of the new year in your own way and with those you love.
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