U.S. Cities Where You Can Ring In The New Year In Style

While many people travel far and wide for New Year’s Eve, many are choosing to stay local and celebrate in their hometowns and cities this year.

Luckily, many major cities in the U.S. offer fun and affordable New Year’s Even celebrations that are easily accessible for those who live in and around the area. From bustling cityscapes to vibrant cultural celebrations, you can enjoy a memorable holiday adventure without overspending.

Orlando is one of the most affordable major cities to spend the holidays with family, according to Forbes. Not only will you be able to view amazing fireworks on New Year’s Eve, but you will also be able to put your family in budget-friendly hotels for the duration of your stay.

It is also a great destination for mild weather if you are looking to escape the cold weather and snow this holiday season. 

According to The Daily Mail, Boston and Chicago are the most affordable cities to spend New Years in the US. 

Given the cool, historical element of Boston, there are several events to take part in that are unique to this location. The events kick off on Dec. 31 with First Night Boston, a free family-friendly celebration that includes live music, a parade, and fireworks for the whole community. You can also book a New Year’s harbor cruise, tour the city’s seasonal ice sculptures, and walk the harbor’s historical trail for little to no cost. 

Known for its great dining experiences, architecture, music, and theater, there’s plenty to do in Chicago regardless of when you choose to visit. For New Years specifically, you can view fireworks for free on the lakefront at Navy Pier or splurge a little on a river cruise for the evening. There’s also great concert options for the evening with tickets for as low as around $50 per person. 

According to a survey conducted in 2023, respondents confirmed that they find San Diego to rank higher than New YorK City for being an enjoyable location to ring in the new year. It’s also a relatively affordable alternative to the big apple. 

In fact, WalleHub said, “If you want to go out to a restaurant on New Year’s Eve, San Diego has a lot of great choices, and it’s tied with Orlando when it comes to the availability of affordable restaurants rated at least 4.5 stars. There’s certainly no shortage of places to spend the holiday, from the San Diego Zoo to the Old Globe,” per the Times of San Diego. Plus, the warmer weather is always an added bonus if you’re trying to avoid the wintery conditions.