January 2, 2026 | 07:14 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Welcoming the New Year in the USA comes with a dazzling mix of iconic city skylines, lively celebrations, and festive winter charm. On the last day of the year, America’s biggest cities burst to life with sky-splitting fireworks, inviting street celebrations, and vibrant cultural showcases that tempt revelers from every corner of the globe.
To make your journey easier, here is a glimpse into some of the best places to celebrate New Year in the USA, specially curated by Lonely Planet, Agoda, and other travel experts.
List of the Best Places to Celebrate New Year in the USA
1. San Diego, California
Offering everything from coastal fireworks and yacht parties to all-night music festivals like CRSSD, San Diego never misses the opportunity to light up the sky during New Year's Eve in the USA. It has become the perfect city for little revelers, with LEGOLAND and SeaWorld hosting early fireworks, live entertainment, and themed activities. Best of all, the beaches are just steps away, making the celebration both festive and rewarding.
2. New York City, New York
There is no denying that New York is the best place to celebrate the New Year in the USA, where the iconic Times Square ball drop sets the tone for the year ahead. To keep the magic going, spend the eve wandering through Central Park or catch some of the trendiest New Year celebrations in New York. Be it a festive run or a masquerade party, the city ensures a refreshing new beginning.
3. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans brings New Year celebrations to life with jazz-filled bars, noteworthy culinary scenes, and a party spirit that never hits pause. Not only does the city light up Jackson Square with music and fireworks, but it also keeps the energy high at iconic venues like Tipitina’s and Maple Leaf. The wonder continues into New Year’s Day, with jazz brunches and strolls through historic streets keeping the festivities alive.
4. Nashville, Tennessee
With neon-lit honky-tonks, rooftop parties, and live music pulsing through Lower Broadway, Nashville set the standard among the best places to celebrate the New Year in the USA. Party-goers can lean into the city’s signature nightlife or seek out local favorites in East Nashville for a more laid-back celebration. As midnight approaches, the crowd gathers at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, where a giant music note drops and star-studded performances kick off the year in true Nashville style.
5. Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., sets a thoughtful tone for New Year’s Day with scenic walks along the National Mall, museum visits, and elegant dinners before the illuminated monuments steal the spotlight at night. Further north, Seattle proves gloomy weather can’t dim its spirit, as Capitol Hill buzzes with lively bars and dance parties while revelers chase a midnight kiss. For family-friendly festivities, fireworks burst around the Space Needle, and Gas Works Park offers sweeping views to welcome the new year at a calmer pace.
6. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas means nonstop entertainment, making time spent during New Year's Eve in the USA worthwhile. Once the clock hits 6 pm, the Strip bursts with world-class dining, live performances, and fireworks, including “America’s Party 2026,” which launches dazzling displays from major resort rooftops like ARIA, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, and more.
7. Miami, Florida
Miami’s reputation as one of the best places to celebrate New Year in the USA comes from its endless sunshine and upbeat energy. Every traveler is in for a treat at The Countdown Miami at Bayfront Park, where big-name artists like Nicky Jam, Marshmello, and Flo Rida take the stage. The night reaches its peak with a dazzling fireworks show at midnight, sealing a memorable celebration by the bay.
8. Chicago, Illinois
If you are seeking a vibrant city celebration to welcome the new year, few places rival the spectacle that unfolds in Chicago. As one of the best places to celebrate New Year in the USA, the city ushers in 2026 with ART on THE MART projections, music-filled festivities, and a massive midnight fireworks display along the Chicago River. Beyond lighting up the skyline, the event invites you to soak in the electric atmosphere from Upper Wacker Drive or enjoy the show from home.
Whether you’re ringing in the year with beachfront parties, historic strolls, or world-famous countdowns, the best places to celebrate New Year in the USA weave memories shaped by music, culture, food, and city skylines that glow long after midnight. Granted, families, party-goers, and culture seekers alike will find celebrations that match their style.
Read: What Are the Last Countries to Celebrate New Year? The Final Countdown
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