Top 10 Places to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in the U.S.

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Packed with friends, family, confetti, and fireworks, every city has a different way of saying goodbye to the past year and ringing in the new year.

Whether a massive party on Bourbon Street or a quiet reflection in the Utah mountains is more your speed, here are the top 10 places you should consider starting off the new decade in.

1. New York City, New York

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You’ve seen it on cable TV, in the movies, and maybe even heard it on the radio. New York City, specifically Times Square, is the place to be on New Year’s Eve. The famous ‘ball drop’ has been around since 1907 — so if you are courageous and warm enough to brave the elements, make sure you don’t miss this iconic event.

2. Aspen, Colorado

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Imagine ringing in the new year with a firework display over Aspen Mountain at midnight. This famous mountain town is about 4 hours from Denver International Airport and it’ll whisk you away from the hustle of the city and put you into a cozier “snow-globe” state-of-mind. Don’t get us wrong, you can still find a great party, and hopefully, your Uber won’t cost you as much as in the bigger cities.

3. Miami, Florida

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As the year-round party capital of the country, it’s obvious that Miami would be a top contender for New Year’s Eve celebrations. South Beach has an annual firework show, and you can always find activities going on in the city’s best hotels. Sip champagne or watch the countless firework displays on the beach — there’s no way to go wrong when celebrating the new year in Miami.

4. Denver, Colorado

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Denver, the home of Hotel Engine, is quickly becoming a hot travel spot. Five Colorado cities are among the top 20 in the nation in breweries per capita, according to a study released by C+R Research, and Denver comes in at no. 18. While there are free firework shows and craft beer to enjoy, there are also plenty of family-friendly options too, including Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo!

5. Las Vegas, Nevada

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From clubs and hotels to bars and casinos, Las Vegas has it all. If you’re worried about being able to bounce from hotel to hotel, ‘The Strip’ is closed to traffic on New Year’s Eve so people can safely celebrate and watch the show. You’re not going to want to miss it at midnight when all the casinos participate in a choreographed firework display!

6. Deer Valley, Utah

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Deer Valley may not be the first place you think of for holiday celebrations, but, nestled in the mountains, it’s a luxe hideaway perfect for ringing in the new year. Known for having the best snow in the country, Deer Valley has a wide variety of activities to enjoy. From festive parties to 8-course dinners, there is something for everyone to do while bundled up under the Utah sky.

7. New Orleans, Lousiana

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In New Orleans, you will encounter warm weather, friendly locals, and bars open past 2 AM. Jackson Square in the historic French Quarter is full of bands and other live entertainment. If you like listening to jazz while dancing down the street, eating beignets, and sipping Sazerac, then “The Big Easy” is the place for you. With a firework display over the Mississippi River at midnight, for many, the Fleur de Lis drop puts the NYC ball drop to shame.

8. Honolulu, Hawaii

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On Ala Moana Boulevard there is the annual New Year’s Eve “party of the year.” You can wear your summer clothes while watching the fireworks over Waikiki Beach in this family-friendly town. If you do have children tagging along, head over to Aloha Tower Marketplace or the Kaka’ako Waterfront Park. There’s a beer garden for the grown-ups, carnival rides for the kids, plus food trucks and live entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.

9. San Francisco, California

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The Bay Area has plenty to offer when it comes to celebrating this past year. If you want to sip cocktails, spend a romantic night with your loved one, party with your friends, or watch the fireworks — you can do it all in San Francisco. For the best views, make your way to the cruises, hotels, and restaurants along the Embarcadero waterfront.

10. Nashville, Tennessee

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Jack Daniel’s Music City Midnight is a free concert featuring thousands of music lovers, hours of live music, and a firework display. We would expect nothing less from the music capital of the United States! Bring in the new year with the ‘music note drop’ that triggers confetti cannons and the spectacular display. If you prefer to be indoors when the clock strikes midnight, head over to the Terrapin Station for jams, food, brews, and more!

No matter where you decide to bring in the next decade — relax and let Hotel Engine take care of your hotel stay.

ChynnaCowart

This article was written by Chynna Cowart, Marketing Specialist at Hotel Engine.