Top 5 cities for celebrating New Year's Eve, according to WalletHub

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If you’re one of the millions of people who like to get out on the town for New Year’s Eve, some cities are better than others for celebrating, a WalletHub analysis found.

WalletHub looked at the 100 most populated cities in the U.S. and ranked them using 26 metrics in three key areas – entertainment and food, costs, and safety and accessibility.

Here are their top five cities to celebrate New Year’s Eve:

Teresa Hui, wearing 2025 glasses, poses for photos with the 2025 New Year’s Eve numerals in Times Square (Photo by Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)

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1. New York City

More than a million people flock to Times Square for the annual New Year’s Eve ball drop – and millions more watch it live on TV.

But even if the iconic Times Square ball drop and accompanying crowds aren’t your thing, New York is still at the top of lists for NYE celebrations, WalletHub found. It’s the No. 1 city in America for dining – and affordable dining – and also makes the top 10 for number of music venues and nightlife.

It’s also among the most walkable, WalletHub says.

2. Orlando

Disney World and its surrounding areas make Orlando the No. 2. City in America for celebrating New Year’s Eve.

Fireworks at Disney World are breathtaking, but even if you aren’t partaking in the magic of Disney, the city also has the third most nightlife spots per capita in the U.S. It’s also ranked No. 2 for the number of party supply stores.

3. San Diego

San Diego, known for mild weather and a better chance for clear skies, is the top New Year’s Eve destination on the West Coast, WalletHub found.

4. Las Vegas

Las Vegas is one of the top entertainment – and celebration – destinations in America, making it a shoe-in for the top 5 New Year’s Eve parties.

It’s ranked fourth for entertainment and food, but 80th for costs and 48th for safety and accessibility.

5. Chicago

Chicago's Navy Pier is the place to be for New Year’s Eve, when fireworks emanate over Lake Michigan. There are also plenty of NYE-related events, concerts and other activities.