According to AAA, more than 115 million Americans traveled during the 2019-2020 holiday season. Many of those trips were for New Year’s celebrations.
While a lot of people will stay relatively close to home for New Year’s, there are plenty of big celebrations in cities around the world if you’re up for a little longer trip.
Let’s look at 5 of the top cities where you can ring in the new year.
1. Las Vegas
Vegas offers year-round glitz and glamor but takes it up a notch for New Year’s Eve. It’s one of the only times The Strip gets closed to traffic and pedestrians take it over.
When the clock strikes midnight, most of the big casinos along The Strip put on fireworks displays from their rooftops. But keep in mind that the weather cools off at this time of year, despite Vegas being in the middle of the desert. Plan your wardrobe accordingly.
2. Sydney
Sydney is the first major city in the world to welcome the new year. It puts on an annual fireworks show in the Sydney Harbour with the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House in the background.
Settle in on one of the islands across the harbor or choose a family-friendly park on either side to take in the show. Another thing that makes Sydney one of the best places to go for New Year’s is that it’s at the beginning of their summer so the weather is warmer than some other options.
3. Dubai
If you’re looking for ideas for adventures trips for family vacations, it’s hard to beat Dubai. It’s home to some of the world’s most attention-grabbing architecture and they take it up a notch at New Year’s.
The Burj Khalifa — the world’s tallest building — puts on an amazing fireworks display for New Year’s. And if you’re traveling with kids and looking for something a little more subdued, Burj Plaza is nearby but a bit quieter.
4. London
London hosts another impressive New Year’s Eve fireworks display. Tickets tend to sell out quickly for the official viewing area but there are plenty of other spots you can watch from without needing tickets.
Of course, London is famous for its historic pubs like the Old Bell Tavern, which has been around for nearly 350 new year’s celebrations.
5. New York
New York is home to the world’s best-known New Year’s tradition — the ball that drops in Times Square. It’s estimated that 175 million Americans and over 1 billion people around the world watch it drop.
Cramming into Times Square with roughly 1 million other revelers might not be your idea of fun. Fortunately, you’ve got plenty of other choices, including:
- Fireworks and other activities in Grand Army Plaza
- Attend the NYE party at Resorts World Casino, the only casino inside city limits
You’ll also find plenty of New Year’s Eve party ideas to choose from in each of the five boroughs.
Ring in the New Year in Style
Wherever you choose to ring in the new year, plan your trip far enough ahead that you won’t miss out on tickets. Planning early often results in better prices as well, giving you more spending money when you’re out on the town.
Check out the rest of our blog for more vacation and travel planning tips and ideas.