Celebrating New Year’s Eve: The Top Five Destinations in the U.S.
As people around the world ring in the New Year in different countries, languages and traditions, I was curious what cities in the United States offered the most exciting activities and reporting for the big event, and how they came to be the most popular destinations to usher in the New Year.
It is not surprising that Chicago ranks among the top five destinations for New Year’s Eve every year. The city has always had a fantastic nightlife scene in many different neighborhoods, but what really makes it special are the fireworks on display, showering over majestic Lake Michigan, with the silhouette of the city’s famous skyscrapers glowing from the colored flares. The larger fireworks display happens at Navy Pier, lasting around 10 minutes. One of the best spots for viewing them is Offshore Rooftop, a bar sitting atop of the nation’s largest rooftop. Additionally, there is an amazing display along the six bridges of the Chicago River. If being outdoors in the Windy City is not what you are looking for, then try booking a reservation for next year at one of the following restaurants, well-known for their NYE special dinners: Topolobampo, Smyth, Virtue and Heritage Restaurant and Caviar Bar.
Las Vegas ranks fourth on the list of top places to be during NYE. Nine of the hotels along The Strip and Downtown set off fireworks at the same time, creating a huge and widespread array of colors bursting against the skyline. The nightlife in Las Vegas speaks for itself and there are so many hip restaurants offering a special menu for the holiday. Some of the best places to try are the Legacy Club, Barry’s Downtown Prime, Project BBQ, or D Bar. Las Vegas is also great because it is a very walkable city, and in particular during this time of year the weather is very mild; it’s perfect for a stroll along The Strip, a great meal, and fantastic fireworks.
San Diego has some of the best and most consistent weather in the country, with very low likelihood of rain, making it an ideal place to celebrate the New Year. The fireworks show is put on by SeaWorld San Diego, illuminating the sky over Mission Bay. There are great restaurant options there, a lot at a reasonable price point, and the city boasts many music venues. Many people flock to local bars in the Gaslamp Quarter and Pacific Beach.
It should be no surprise that Orlando is ranked #2 for top destinations for New Year’s Eve. Disney World is perhaps one of the best places to be and each themed park has its very own special celebration. From Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Universal Studios or Epcot, you will not be disappointed with the celebrations planned for the New Year.
Finally we come to New Year’s Eve in New York City, where residents have been gathering in Times Square since 1904 to celebrate the start of a new year. 1904 was also the year that the city’s first subway line and the New York Times building opened, the second tallest building in Manhattan at the time. Over 200,000 attended the first event. In 1907 the tradition of lowering the ball, at first as an iron and wooden sphere, began, and has since transformed into a huge crystal ball with 32, 256 LEDs. The current Ball is 12 feet in diameter and weighs 11,875 pounds!
It is reported that close to a million people flock to Times Square to witness the New Year’s Eve ball drop, and that close to a billion people will be watching the event on television or online. For those brave enough to stand around for hours to get a chance to be front and center for the event, you will not be let down, as the energy of the crowds, entertainment and hosts is certain to propel you into the New Year. There is a remarkable amount of confetti dropped during the big moment, but almost within an hour after the celebration is finished and the crowds clear, the streets are clean and back to normal.