Not New York or Las Vegas: this is the best destination for Americans to celebrate New Year’s Eve

The year is coming to a close and we’re all getting ready to ring in a new one. For those who like to travel for the holidays to celebrate New Year’s Eve away from home, there are several excellent destinations across the United States.

Some of the first places that come to mind are New York City with its Times Square Ball Drop or glitzy Las Vegas and its dazzling firework displays up and down The Strip. However, these two cities came in third and second, respectively, on WalletHub’s list of Best Cities for New Year’s Eve Celebrations.

Oh, what a town to ring in the New Year

The Number One city on WalletHub’s list this year is Orlando, Florida. O-Town earned the honor thanks to its combination of affordability, entertainment options and party atmosphere, not to mention “a great fireworks display with a solid, enjoyable duration.”

The Theme Park Capitol of the World ranks as the second-most fun city in the nation overall and has festive options for young and old alike. As its nickname suggests, there is a wide selection of amusement parks to choose from, and some will be open at least until midnight on New Year’s Eve with their own firework displays to welcome 2026 and dazzle revelers.

If you prefer to dance the night away, The City Beautiful has the fifth-most nightlife options per capita according to WalletHub and many of the neighborhoods around O-Town will hold special events on New Year’s Eve.

And it wouldn’t be a party without the necessary kit. Again, you won’t have too much trouble finding party supplies in Orlando as the city has the fourth-most party supply stores per capita in the country. Additionally, if you want to create your own fireworks display, it’s legal in Florida to use them on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

As mentioned, part of the reason Orlando clinched the top spot was its affordability. While some hotel rooms will cost you a pretty penny, overall accommodation in the city is the 24th cheapest in the nation. “The lowest price of a 3-star hotel room on New Year’s Eve is just $66,” notes WalletHub.

Furthermore, whether you’re looking for a special gift to give someone that is there with you or something to bring back as a souvenir to those back home, “Orlando has the second-most jewelry shops and the third-most gourmet food stores per capita.”

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