9 Best Places to Celebrate New Year's in the US If You're Not Heading to New York or Las Vegas

When it comes to the best places to celebrate New Year's, New York City or Las Vegas are most often mentioned. These are where the biggest celebrations take place. But the US has many other great places to celebrate New Year's, from amusement parks and islands to mountain lakes. Nine such places are featured here. Visit the USA.

New Orleans, LA

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New Orleans is one of the best cities for partying year-round. Friendly locals, warm weather, bars open late, and people strolling the streets with their favorite drink in hand create the perfect atmosphere for celebration. For true New Year's Eve fun, head to Jackson Square in the historic French Quarter. Bands and artists perform throughout the night, culminating with the famous lily pad and fireworks display over the Mississippi River at midnight. Afterward, the celebration continues at the bars and nightclubs along Bourbon Street in the heart of the city. And for something a little different, board the Creole Queen or Steamboat Natchez and ring in the New Year on a river cruise with fireworks.

San Francisco, California

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The city's location on the bay makes New Year's Eve celebrations in San Francisco unique, including a spectacular fireworks display over the waterfront. Hornblower offers festive boat rides with brunch, dinner, and fireworks. The city also hosts large-scale balls, such as the Passport to the World New Year's Eve Ball, with multiple DJs, live music, entertainment, and an all-you-can-eat bar. For a more relaxed experience, climb Twin Peaks, one of the city's highest points, or head to the Embarcadero to see the midnight fireworks.

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Walt Disney World, Florida (Orlando area)

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Yes, Walt Disney World near Orlando knows how to throw a New Year's Eve party—for both kids and adults. Here, you can ring in the New Year with a festive dinner, cocktails, dance parties, and dazzling fireworks displays. Every December 31st, Disney offers special programs at various hotels. One of the most popular options is dinner at the California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort, overlooking the fireworks at Magic Kingdom. There are also parties with music, food, and a signature Disney atmosphere, such as at the Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney's BoardWalk Inn.

Los Angeles, CA

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The main advantage of Los Angeles is that the city is huge, and it's easy to find a party to suit any taste. The largest event takes place at Grand Park in the city center—food trucks and live music on several stages run until 1 a.m. This is a great option for families, as the event is alcohol-free, although there are also parties at bars nearby. Another popular event in the center is Prohibition at the historic Union Station. It's a Roaring 1920s-themed party with burlesque, DJs, live jazz, and an open bar. One of the most unusual options is a celebration aboard the legendary Queen Mary cruiser in Long Beach, about 25 miles south of downtown. There, guests can enjoy themed bars, live music, performers, and a fireworks display at the end.

Atlanta, Georgia

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For Atlanta, the "peach drop" is like the Times Square balloon drop for New York City, only on a more intimate scale. A 362-kilogram peach descends over the Underground Atlanta complex at the stroke of midnight. In the lead-up to midnight, guests can enjoy local food and drinks, live performances by artists, DJs, and concerts by renowned musicians. And the best part: admission is free. Smaller celebrations, including street parties, club events, and concerts, are also held throughout the city.

Honolulu, Hawaii

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Honolulu combines the urban atmosphere of Waikiki with the tropical nature of Oahu's north shore. One of the most unique New Year's Eve experiences is a traditional luau, such as the Waikiki Starlight Luau at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. A couple of kilometers away, at Aloha Tower Marketplace, the annual New Year's "Party of the Year" takes place, with rides, food trucks, DJs, and live music, culminating in a fireworks display at midnight. And to enjoy the fireworks from a different vantage point, take a cruise on the Star of Honolulu.

San Antonio, TX

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One of the main attractions of many New Year's destinations is the weather, and San Antonio is no exception. Here, along the famous River Walk, it almost feels like spring. This spot becomes the center of the celebration. Restaurants and bars along the canal offer special menus. The city center hosts concerts on several stages, along with amusement rides and food stalls, and culminates in a spectacular fireworks display.

Nashville, Tennessee

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Nashville hosts a free annual celebration, Music City Midnight. Famous bands take the stage before the signature "musical note drop," complete with confetti and fireworks. Meanwhile, many of the city's top bars and concert venues, including the legendary Ryman Auditorium, host their own parties. For something more intimate, M Street, which owns several popular Nashville restaurants and bars, is selling one New Year's Eve ticket to four parties.

Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

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For a more relaxed, wintry New Year's Eve with a Christmas fairytale atmosphere, consider Lake Tahoe. In South Lake Tahoe, the main events take place at Heavenly Mountain Resort. It offers live music, performances, and ice sculptures, culminating in the world's only "gondola balloon drop," synchronized with the Times Square balloon drop in New York City. The three-day SnowGlobe music festival also takes place there, extending into New Year's Eve. On the north side of the lake, a big party takes place at Squaw Valley, featuring live music, fireworks (best viewed from the KT Base Bar), and an afterparty at the Olympic House. And for a mix of mountain resort and city atmosphere, Reno, Nevada, is about 50 miles away. There's a major fireworks display at the Reno Arch, and many casino-hotels host their own New Year's Eve parties, including the Grand Sierra Resort at LEX, Peppermill, and Silver Legacy.

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