The Brief
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WalletHub ranked the 100 largest U.S. cities to find affordable, festive alternatives to high-priced New Year’s Eve destinations.
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Orlando topped the list thanks to low hotel rates, abundant entertainment, and legal fireworks, followed by Las Vegas, New York, Seattle, and Los Angeles.
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Analysts say the best cities offer strong fireworks, good weather, and affordable dining for memorable year-end celebrations.
As New Year’s Eve crowds send hotel prices soaring in hotspots like Times Square, a new WalletHub analysis shows that many of America’s biggest cities offer far more affordable — yet still festive — places to ring in 2026.
Consumers looking to avoid the sky-high costs associated with typical New Year’s Eve hotspots still have plenty of affordable alternatives. WalletHub, known for its in-depth personal finance analysis, compared the nation’s 100 largest cities across 26 metrics tied to crafting a memorable Dec. 31 celebration. Key factors included fireworks legality, nightlife options per capita, food affordability, and even precipitation likelihood on the holiday. The rankings aim to assist travelers and locals alike to find budget-friendly venues for welcoming the new year without sacrificing enjoyment.
What They’re Saying
“Celebrating New Year’s Eve in the right city can turn the holiday into a truly magical experience,” said WalletHub Analyst Chip Lubo in an online release. “The best cities for New Year’s celebrations have clear skies and some of the best fireworks displays around. These top cities also offer an abundance of highly-rated, affordable dining options, along with vibrant nightlife and plenty of activities to make your transition into the new year memorable.”
Top 5 Cities for New Year’s Eve
- Orlando
- Las Vegas
- New York
- Seattle
- Los Angeles
Best Cities for New Year’s Eve
Dig Deeper
Orlando
Orlando emerges as the premier city for New Year’s Eve celebrations, offering a range of festivities from theme park celebrations to wallet-friendly hotel options. Recognized as the second most fun city in the U.S., Orlando boasts a high density of nightlife and party supply stores. Fireworks play a crucial role in the festivities, as consumer fireworks are legal, and the city is host to significant public displays. Shopping enthusiasts will find an abundance of jewelry shops and gourmet food stores, while budget travelers can secure 3-star hotel accommodations for as little as $66 on Dec. 31, making it an unexpectedly affordable destination.
Las Vegas
Taking the second spot, Las Vegas captivates visitors with its spectacular fireworks, vibrant entertainment, and buzzing nightlife. The city leads the nation in the number of restaurants per capita, featuring numerous highly rated and affordable dining choices. Even for those wishing to avoid the chaos of the Strip, Las Vegas provides a variety of celebrations, securing its status as the country’s most fun city overall.
New York
Ranking third, New York remains an iconic destination for New Year’s Eve. The city boasts a minimal likelihood of precipitation on Dec. 31, making outdoor festivities more attractive. With countless affordable top-rated restaurants and a broad selection of party supply stores, New York offers something for everyone. Music aficionados benefit from one of the highest concentrations of venues in the nation, complemented by the fourth-most nightlife options per capita among major U.S. cities.
The Source
This information is derived from an analysis conducted by WalletHub, a personal finance website that compared the 100 largest U.S. cities using 26 metrics relating to New Year’s Eve celebrations. This story was reported from Los Angeles.