Top 20 Spots to Celebrate New Year’s 2026 in the USA
The New Year’s celebration season in the United States is highlighted by the latest ranking from WalletHub for the best cities to welcome 2026. The report, released on December 5, 2025, evaluates various aspects such as event offerings, affordability, and accessibility. It is particularly useful for both residents and tourists planning their festive activities.
2026 New Year’s Celebration Rankings
WalletHub’s ranking is based on a comparison of 100 of the largest cities in the U.S., using 26 indicators. These include the legality of fireworks, nightlife availability, hotel prices, weather forecasts, and dining options. The study utilizes both public and private data sources, including governmental agencies and tourism organizations, providing insight into seasonal travel trends.
Top Cities for New Year’s Celebrations
The cities identified as the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in 2026 are as follows:
- Orlando, Florida
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- New York, New York
- Seattle, Washington
- Los Angeles, California
- San Diego, California
- Chicago, Illinois
- Washington, D.C.
- San Francisco, California
- Miami, Florida
- Anaheim, California
- Tampa, Florida
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Louisville, Kentucky
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Denver, Colorado
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The ranking emphasizes how different factors affect the overall experience for revelers. Orlando takes the top spot due to its impressive variety of fireworks displays, ample party supplies, and affordable nightlife options. Moreover, the city boasts the lowest average hotel price for three-star accommodations at $66, compared to higher prices in New York and Las Vegas, which are driven by high demand during this festive time.
Factors Contributing to Rankings
WalletHub evaluated numerous factors that contribute to a city’s New Year’s celebration experience:
- Average hotel prices
- Nightlife venue availability
- Outdoor celebration weather forecasts
- Accessibility of transportation
- Dining options per capita
Las Vegas stands out with its vast number of restaurants and live music venues. New York maintains its appeal due to the iconic Times Square celebration and its low probability of rain on December 31, ensuring a memorable experience for attendees.
Travel and Tourism Insights
The New Year celebrations significantly impact domestic tourism in the U.S. Hotel occupancy rates frequently exceed 80% during this peak season, aided by official events and concerts. For instance, Orlando expects over 250,000 visitors for its New Year festivities, while Las Vegas anticipates around 320,000 attendees.
This annual ranking serves as an essential resource for travelers and tourism professionals, guiding their planning and promotional strategies. Cities that rank highly in the WalletHub list enhance their offerings to attract more visitors, while those lower on the list focus on local events to boost interest.
Overall, the WalletHub report outlines a comprehensive view of the best spots to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the United States for 2026, providing valuable insights for travelers across the nation and beyond.
