15 Cities in the United States With the Best New Year’s Fireworks Show

15. Washington, D.C.

The nation’s capital hosts a glorious party in the sky every New Year’s Eve. Watch as colorful fireworks dance over the Potomac River at the end of the Gaylord National Hotel & Resort’s Big Night D.C. party.

If you’re not a party-goer, watch the show from along the riverbank. You can bring a picnic to share or stop at an eatery with river views.

14. Atlanta, Georgia

How about a peach drop at midnight instead of the Times Square ball? Head to Underground Atlanta and prepare to watch the 362-kilogram peach fall at midnight. The experience includes much fanfare and revelry at the surrounding shops and restaurants. Live musicians will perform outside. 

If you bring your own snacks, you don’t have to spend a dime, making this a family-friendly party. It’s like being in New York, minus the crushing crowds.

13.  Miami, Florida

Miami is one of the most fun party spots any time of year, so it’s no surprise that it makes the list of cities in the United States with the best New Year’s fireworks show. The city’s fast-paced vibe amps up on December 31, allowing for wild dancing and memorable nights in lounges. 

Firework displays will dot the city, but the biggest show is at Bayfront Park.

12. New Orleans, Louisiana

We’ve talked about the peach drop. Now, we can mention the fleur-de-lis drop in New Orleans. It happens at the famed Jackson Square during the free, annual Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve party.

At this extravaganza, fireworks will blast off above the Mississippi River. Seeing the sparkling lights illuminate the water is part of the charm. If you decide to bring in the new year this way, get to the party early so you can snag a good spot to sit down.

11. Honolulu, Hawaii

Do you want a waterfront NYE with a more relaxed atmosphere? Head to Honolulu. You can celebrate with picture-perfect beaches and relaxing luaus. This city doesn’t have the exuberance of Miami but instead offers its own gentler charms.

Settle down on Waikiki Beach or hop onto a midnight cruise to watch the fireworks directly on the ocean. It’s a lovely way to introduce a new year.

10. Chicago, Illinois

In the mood for some incredible popcorn or deep-dish pizza to go with your New Year party? The only place to be is Chicago. The Windy City positively quivers with energy on Dec 31, and parties light up multiple neighborhoods. 

Try the New Year’s Eve Ball at LondonHouse or go to the Navy Pier. So many parties mean there are almost endless options for your night. There are even parties at the zoo!

9. San Francisco, California

Welcome to San Francisco, another waterfront city with an incredible fireworks display. San Francisco offers so much to do that deciding where to spend your night might take effort. 

Should you go on a dinner cruise and stream down the San Francisco Bay? Or would you have more fun at a nightclub or hotel party? If it’s fireworks you care about, just make sure you have a view of the bay.

8.  San Antonio, Texas

December 31 is a good time to go to Texas. It’s much warmer than spots like New York City and Chicago and still offers rousing parties. The weather will be so nice you can enjoy yourself outside. 

Downtown San Antonio vibrates with live entertainment and carnival rides during its New Year’s Eve party. 

7. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

You can have the vacation you want at Myrtle Beach, whether you want a freewheeling nightclub experience or a serene time by the water. The same is true on New Year’s Eve. Myrtle Beach is a dream location for party lovers and those who want to relax. The fireworks burst over the water at 12 a.m.

6. Seattle, Washington 

The biggest New Year’s Eve party in Seattle is at the Space Needle, but you can go to many other shindigs and still have a rollicking time. 

The benefit of going to the Space Needle is that it’s part of the Seattle Center, which hosts NYE events all night long. In addition to the fireworks show, there’s an electronic music showcase at the International Fountain.

5. Nashville, Tennesse

Nashville brims with activity and life on New Year’s Eve. The city shows its spirit with its Music City Midnight party featuring world-class musicians and a midnight “Music Note Drop.” The party ends with fireworks burning in the sky. 

If the main party sounds too crowded, try visiting one of Nashville’s many bars and clubs. 

4. Las Vegas, Nevada  

The Las Vegas Strip is the brightest spot on the planet, so the addition of colorful fireworks makes it look like something out of a video game. Multiple casinos shoot fireworks from their roofs every year. On the street below, people pack shoulder-to-shoulder and gaze at the wonder.

When it’s not time to watch the fireworks, visit the casinos to gamble, drink, and engage with other party-goers. Go to the Strat’s Skypod or the High Roller at the Linq for unique views.

3. Orlando, Florida

If you have kids, Orlando is easily one of the cities in the United States with the best New Year’s fireworks show. Why? Walt Disney World!

The Mouse House has award-winning fireworks displays all year, and they really go all out for New Year’s Eve. Stay at one of the Walt Disney World hotels, visit the parks for a complete experience, or simply go to Disney Springs for free to view nearby park fireworks. There will be roaming live entertainment and tons of stores with holiday dinners and treats.

2. San Diego, California

San Diego has theme parks, swanky clubs, festivals, and waterfront party spots where you can watch fireworks and usher in a brand new year. And the best part is that the weather is close to perfect, ideal for an NYE cruise on the San Diego Bay.

San Diego’s popularity at New Year’s springs from the versatility of its entertainment. It doesn’t matter how old you are. You can enjoy yourself on NYE in this city.

1. New York, New York

New York City’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are infamous and have inspired copycats around the world. The main party is the televised Times Square Ball Drop. If you want to be there live, prepare to be surrounded by a massive crowd, as each year brings an estimated one million attendees.

There are fireworks across the city to accommodate New York City’s large population. One of the best displays takes place at Central Park.