The 8 best cities in America for celebrating New Year's Eve
WalletHub analyzed the 100 largest cities in the U.S. to find the best ones to ring in the New Year without breaking your budget
If you’re trying to book a last-minute trip for New Year’s, look no further.
WalletHub made a list of the best cities to ring in 2026. It analyzed 100 major cities in the U.S. across three main categories: entertainment & food, costs, and safety & accessibility, considering 26 specific metrics ranging from the legality of fireworks, the average price of a New Year's Eve hotel room, and the number of nightlife options per capita.
“Celebrating New Year’s Eve in the right city can turn the holiday into a truly magical experience,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. “The best cities for New Year’s celebrations have clear skies and some of the best fireworks displays around. The top cities also offer an abundance of highly-rated, affordable dining options, along with a vibrant nightlife and plenty of activities to make your transition into the new year a memorable one.”
Continue reading to see the eight best.
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#8: Washington D.C.
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The nation's capital is a solid choice for those seeking accessibility and good food. D.C. ranks highly for walkability and has a high concentration of restaurants per capita. If you plan to stay overnight, it is relatively affordable compared to other major hubs, with the lowest price for a 3-star hotel room on New Year's Eve sitting around $82.
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#7: Chicago, Illinois
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Chicago is another great option, with a 15-minute fireworks display. While it will be cold, there’s lots to do, and a 3-star hotel room can be found for roughly $82.
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#6: San Diego, California
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San Diego offers a relaxed but fun environment, plus great weather, for the New Year. Forecasts predict a 0% chance of rain on December 31st, so your plans won't get ruined, and it’s known for great food. It’s even more affordable than you might think, with some 3-star hotel rooms available for about $78 for the night.
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#5: Los Angeles, California
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Like San Diego, LA has a massive number of dining options and a 0% chance of rain forecasted for New Year's Eve. You can find a 3-star hotel room for as low as $59, making it one of the most budget-friendly options on this list for accommodations.
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#4: Seattle, Washington
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Seattle ranks high for walkability, and while dinner might be expensive — a meal for two averages around $100 — finding a place to sleep is reasonable, with hotel rooms available for around $87.
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#3: New York, New York
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No surprise that New York is high up on the list, with great nightlife options and the best walkability of any city in the top eight. WalletHub said you can actually find a 3-star hotel room for around $78 if you look, and, of course, if you can stand the crowds, you can watch the ball drop.
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#2: Las Vegas, Nevada
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Las Vegas has the highest concentration of nightlife options in the study, plus a big firework show on New Years. Nice weather is an added plus. But rooms will cost you: the lowest price for a 3-star hotel room jumps to $164 here, the highest among the top 8.
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#1: Orlando, Florida
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Orlando takes the top spot as the best city to ring in 2026. Revelers can enjoy a 10-minute fireworks display, great weather, lots of nightlife, and 3-star hotel rooms available for just $66.