When it’s finally time to say goodbye to another year, you want to do it in a bang. With everything that has happened due to COVID-19, it’s only right that we celebrate in the best ways allowable. And what better way to spend the New Year than with the family and on a getaway?
Fortunately, you don’t have to go outside of the country for a New Year’s Eve getaway (plus, not all countries are still opening their borders due to COVID-19). The United States has plenty of famous cities that you can for New Year’s Eve.
If you’re looking for the best places to go for New Year’s, we’ve listed down the best cities to go to with your family, friends and other loved ones.
New York City
The New Year’s Eve ball drop at Times Square is back. Although the city is welcoming more people to join the street parties, most of the celebrations are scaled-down, especially when the Omnicron variant of COVID-19 became rampant. Only vaccinated people will be allowed to attend the festivities. If you are unvaccinated, you can only attend if you provide a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours.
If you’re done watching the ball drop, drop by the Baby’s All Right in Williamsburg to see the different dance forms. You can also attend shows and concerts, as well as watch the fireworks that light up the sky and usher in the New Year.
Chicago, Illinois
If you want to enjoy a chill and relaxed New Year, head to Chicago with your loved ones. Visit Lake Michigan to watch the fireworks illuminating the lake (which is often accompanied by lovely soulful music). If you plan on touring with your family, visit the Navy Pier for the New Year. You and the kids can enjoy the attractions and rides over there.
The Lincoln Park Zoo will also be filled with lights. Apart from wowing the kids with the animals, you can also explore other activities like wine tasting and ice carving over there.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Get the best of both worlds when you visit Honolulu. This piece of Hawaii combines the tropical vibes (via the North Shore) and the urban jungle feels (with Oahu in Waikiki).
If you’re looking for a different kind of New Year, attend a traditional Hawaiian luau, such as the Starlight Luau held at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. A short drive away is the Aloha Tower Marketplace where you can extend your celebrations. At the marketplace’s Party of the Year, you can find food trucks, rides and live music, which hypes up the anticipation for the New Year.
For a different view of the fireworks in Hawaii, book a cruise at the Dolphin Star or Star of Honolulu.
Los Angeles, California
The city where everything’s at is bound to have everything for a wonderful New Year. Los Angeles is such a big city that there are plenty of events happening throughout the city.
The Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles hosts the biggest New Year’s eve events in town. The celebration includes live music and food trucks. It’s a great family event since there is no alcohol served, but there are several bars nearby that host parties.
If you want to celebrate the New Year in a Roaring 20s style, visit the Prohibition at the Union Station. The event has everything: DJs, an open bar, live jazz music and burlesque dancers. You can also spend the celebrations at the Long Beach aboard the Queen Mary, which also features entertainers, bars, live music and fireworks.
Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida
Why not spend the New Year at the Happiest Place on Earth? Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL knows how to throw a magical celebration of the New Year. And the best part is it’s perfect for both adults and kids.
Toast to the New Year by enjoying delicious dinners, dazzling dance parties, festivals and fireworks. Each New Year’s eve, the theme park offers unique packages at different hotels. Most families spend their New Year’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort where they eat delicious dinners while watching the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom.
Disney also welcomes the New Year with other activities such as tasty treats, music and dances.
Atlanta, Georgia
If New York has the ball drop, Atlanta has the peach drop! A 300-kilogram peach drops above Underground Atlanta, which is the city’s top entertainment and shopping district. The hours leading to midnight feature entertainers, DJs, drinks and lots of food.
You need not book an international flight just to enjoy the New Year. Enjoy a New Year’s Eve getaway in the heart of the United States.
