These Are the Best U.S. Cities to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in 2025, According to WalletHub
Ringing in the new year doesn’t have to mean freezing in Times Square or blowing your entire travel budget on one night out.
A new study from WalletHub compared the 100 largest U.S. cities to find the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in 2025 — factoring in everything from nightlife and fireworks to hotel prices, safety, and even the chance of rain on December 31.
The results show that some of the most fun New Year’s Eve destinations aren’t always the most expensive or obvious ones.
The Top 5 Cities for New Year’s Eve Celebrations
- Orlando
- Las Vegas
- New York
- Seattle
- Los Angeles
WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo says the best New Year’s Eve cities tend to combine good weather, fireworks, strong nightlife, and plenty of affordable food options — without turning the holiday into a financial hangover.
Why Orlando Took the Top Spot
Orlando ranked No. 1 overall thanks to its combination of entertainment options, relatively affordable hotels, and legal consumer fireworks.
The city offers everything from theme-park celebrations to low-key house parties, plus one of the highest concentrations of nightlife options and party supply stores per capita. According to WalletHub’s data, three-star hotel rooms in Orlando on New Year’s Eve can still be found for under $70 — a rarity for a major holiday destination.
Las Vegas and New York Still Deliver — at a Price
Las Vegas ranked second overall, driven by its unmatched nightlife, fireworks displays, and the highest number of restaurants per capita in the country. Even travelers who skip the Strip crowds can still find world-class dining and entertainment throughout the city.
New York placed third, buoyed by its iconic celebrations and low chance of precipitation on December 31. However, it ranked dead last for costs, reflecting just how expensive the holiday can be in the city — especially when it comes to hotels.
Some Surprising Standouts (and Budget Wins)
WalletHub’s analysis also highlighted cities that shine when it comes to affordability:
- Omaha, Nebraska had the lowest three-star hotel prices on New Year’s Eve.
- San Diego ranked among the cities with the lowest average wine prices.
- Fort Wayne, Indiana scored best for overall costs, even if it didn’t top the fun rankings.
On the flip side, cities like Jersey City, Riverside, and St. Paul ranked among the most expensive places to stay on New Year’s Eve.
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