Places to Go for New Year’s Eve

The Idaho Potato Drop is a special and completely unique New Year celebration that only takes place in the city of Boise.

The Idaho Potato Drop has charmed the city of Boise and become a hugely popular moment on the city's calendar.

Fully free to attend, this special event lets Boise citizens and visitors to the area enjoy a New Year's Eve they'll never forget, complete with food, drinks, live entertainment, fireworks, and more, culminating with the dropping of the eponymous potato itself.

Las Vegas is a party no matter what the time of year, but the city is particularly exciting on New Year's Eve when the Strip is closed to traffic and given over entirely to the people determined to party.

Shows and parties can be found in all the city's casinos, bars, and showrooms, but even the streets are filled with people decked out in party hats and their finest cloths.

As if that's not enough, the midnight fireworks show is choreographed by the city's casinos and is big enough to rival the show put on in Times Square.

The beautiful Florida Keys are known for their tropical beaches and vibrant nightlife, and they're the perfect place to spend your New Year's Eve if you want to escape the cold.

Visitors can end the year with a sunset sail, a rowdy beach party, or a tasty seafood dinner, but anyone looking for the biggest party in the Keys should head to Key West.

Many of the other islands offer great celebrations as well; midnight fireworks are held on Islamorada and Key Largo, and a popular beach barbecue with live performers takes place on Morada Bay Beach.

Nestled in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Aspen is a great place to spend New Year's whether you're interested in spending the day skiing with your loved ones, attending an exclusive concert, or enjoying an elegant champagne toast at midnight.

Two sets of New Year's Eve fireworks are held over Aspen Mountain. Most accommodation and event tickets typically sell out well in advance, so it's best to plan your trip as soon as possible.

If you'd like to spend your New Year’s Eve celebrating Southern style, Atlanta is an excellent choice for all interests and budgets.

Parties are held at venues throughout the city, and visitors can choose from options like elegant masked balls, intimate cocktail soirees, and large celebrations with open bars and DJs.

Other popular activities include attending a football match, a live concert, or one of the family-friendly events put on by the city's museums.

Many visitors also flock to Woodruff Park to watch the famed Peach Drop; festivities typically include live music, food vendors, and celebratory confetti.

Known for its casinos, its lofty high-rise hotels, and its glitz and glamour, Atlantic City is one of the country's best New Year’s destinations for anyone in search of a party.

Most of the city's hotels, casinos, and nightclubs host special New Year's Eve events, some of which are themed and many of which include open bars.

Fireworks can be seen from the boardwalk at midnight; you'll need to show up well in advance if you'd like a prime viewing spot.

An annual Polar Bear Plunge is held at noon on New Year's Day for anyone willing to brave the cold.

Charlotte is a fantastic destination no matter what the time of year, so it's not surprising that it's an ideal place to spend New Year's Eve as well.

The biggest event in the city is the annual celebration held in Romare Bearden Park; visitors will enjoy music by DJs and live bands, a wide selection of food trucks, and an exciting firework show that begins at midnight.

A kid-friendly celebration begins at noon on New Year's Eve in the same park, and plenty of adult-oriented celebrations are held in the city's uptown clubs and bars.

As one of the biggest cities in the country, Chicago boasts plenty of things for visitors and locals to do on New Year's Eve.

Anyone looking to indulge won't be disappointed; there are plenty of extravagant events to choose from, and many parties in the city include open bars, multiple dance floors, and even midnight buffets.

Another highlight of a typical Chicago New Year's Eve is the midnight fireworks held on the waterfront at Navy Pier; the pier also offers plenty of family-friendly rides and entertainment, making it a wonderful place for families to spend the whole evening.

Whether you're planning to celebrate with your family, your friends, or your partner, Dallas offers a Texas-sized New Year's Eve experience that you won't be able to find anywhere else.

The selection of parties ranges from boisterous to elegant to intimate, and a daytime event is held at the Dallas Arboretum for families with children.

The rooftop of Saint Rocco's is the city's official firework viewing location, but you can also watch the show from Trinity Overlook Park, from the western bank of the Trinity River, or from one of the viewing parties held in the area.

Niagara Falls is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the country, and the city certainly knows how to ring in the new year.

The falls are spectacular enough during the day, but New Year's Eve visitors will have the incredible opportunity to see the cascading water illuminated by the fireworks that go off over the falls at 9 p.m. and midnight.

There are also plenty of parties and celebrations for people of all ages; some of the most popular include the guitar drop at the Hard Rock Cafe and a kid-friendly event held at the Conference & Event Center.