Best Cities for New Year’s Eve Celebrations: Where Does New York Rank?

With the holiday shopping season coming to an end but consumers shelling out for travel and parties on New Year’s Eve, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on the Best Cities for New Year’s Eve Celebrations, along with its New Year’s Facts infographic and expert commentary, to determine which cities are the best for safely ringing in the new year without breaking the bank.

WalletHub compared 100 of the biggest cities across 26 key metrics. The data set ranges from the legality of fireworks and the nightlife options per capita to the affordability of food and lodging.  

Key Stats

• 128+ Million – Number of Americans who will travel for the New Year’s holiday this year, with 65% of them driving to their destination.
   
• 54% – Share of Americans who plan to celebrate New Year's Eve with family or friends.
   
• $807 – Average cost for a couple to enjoy dinner and a show on New Year's Eve in the three largest cities (New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago).
   
• 360+ Million – Number of glasses of sparkling wine that are drunk each New Year's Eve.

Expert Commentary
 
What factors should people consider when choosing whether and where to travel for New Year's Eve?

“As exciting as it is to go to parties on New Year's Eve, it is probably the worst day of the year to be driving. People should consider taking public transportation if possible or even hosting something only with a few close friends giving guests an option to stay overnight. Another option could be to host a New Year's Day party or luncheon to avoid guests being on the road late at night. Cost is another factor to consider if you are looking to travel and stay a night or two. Prices go up on NYE and you may end up spending close to double what it would cost normally. As nice as it is to book a hotel for two or three nights, making the most of one night will be a big money saver. Also, consider the crowd size you may be facing in various locations. Large crowds usually translate to needing more patience and time to see everything. Rather than planning to head to Times Square, research other events that might be happening on a smaller scale in a nearby town you have never been to and make an adventure out of it.”
Karin Curran – Assistant Professor, Nichols College
 
“First, please consider your preferences and interests, whether you prefer a quiet and relaxing environment or a lively and bustling atmosphere. Your choice can depend on ideal destinations such as a big city, by the beach, in the mountains, or a cultural area, etc. This will be another great opportunity to inspire yourself to find a new travel destination. Second, please research the events and celebrations happening in potential destinations. I understand that some places are known for gorgeous fireworks displays, street parties, or cultural festivities on New Year's Eve…Lastly, New Year’s Eve is a great gathering time for family-friendly or adult-oriented tourism. If you plan to travel with your family members, consider destinations and events that are family-friendly, where all family members can enjoy their reunion period. Alternatively, if you are looking for a more adult-oriented celebration, choose locations with vibrant nightlife, offering advanced activities or events associated with adults only.”
Harold S. Lee, Ph.D. – Clinical Associate Professor, University of North Texas
 

What money-saving tips do you have for people planning to travel for New Year's?

“Booking early is the best way to save money. And the more time you put into doing your homework the better. Online travel tools and filters can be worth it. You may consider making travel expenses part of holiday gifts; rather than buy a Christmas present for a spouse, for instance, agree to make travel a mutual gift. Exchange a small or sentimental gift, and then funnel money into the vacation rather than into possessions. When booking rooms in a hotel, look for venues that include breakfasts. Also, depending on the location, look for a place that has an indoor pool, which can provide free entertainment, especially if the weather is bad.”
Claire Stewart – Associate Professor, City University Of New York
 
“Book your travel arrangements early. Try to avoid traveling on New Year's Eve and Day as they tend to be expensive travel days. Look toward traveling back on Tuesday if you can afford the extra day that week. Avoid the popular big-city destinations if you want to save money. Look toward a traditional B&B, or an Airbnb, or pitch in with a group of great folks and get a cabin for the weekend.”
Joshua A. Roe, Ph.D., NREMT – Director, Adventure Recreation Management; Teaching Assistant Professor, West Virginia University Institute of Technology
 

What are the biggest New Year's Eve money-wasters?

“Last-minute purchases at premium destinations-think NYC on NYE again – are a great way to waste your resources for a less-than experience. If you are going to go last minute, you need to be flexible to the spontaneity that your frugal purchasing plan might afford you. If you want to be picky, you will be paying. I am also not a big fan of the all-inclusive ticket. Yes, it is nice to have dinner, drinks, and entertainment all wrapped up in a nice neat bundle, but it is also boring. While I am not a big fan of driving all over town for various events, committing to a single all-inclusive experience generally limits your ability to roll with the evening. Make reservations, absolutely! But take in a nice bar or club on the way to your dinner, and go for a stroll after to find a lively spot in the area. New Year’s Eve is a party that the whole world is attending, why pay big bucks to stay in one place?”
Jeremy C. Clement, MBA, PMP – Director, Service Leadership Scholars Program; Senior Instructor, College of Charleston
 
“Throw-away party favors, inevitably get tossed either just after midnight or later in the morning of the 1^st of January. Instead, put the money towards a snowy train ride, an extra day on the slopes, buying a friend a beverage, or something that will make a great memory or last the whole year and longer?. If you just have to have decorations, opt for biodegradable products over plastics. Instead of a night out, develop a circle of friends and family and continue or start a new tradition of spending time together at someone’s house. This can be far more enjoyable to reflect, revel, and ring in the new year with a toast among friends. Finally, high demand times for ride-share services will really hit the pocketbook. Why not put that toward a nice bottle of Champagne, Riesling, and that first month of gym membership?”
Joshua A. Roe, Ph.D., NREMT – Director, Adventure Recreation Management; Teaching Assistant Professor, West Virginia University Institute of Technology