Craving dazzling city lights, tropical beach parties, or iconic cultural celebrations? Ringing in the New Year away from home can turn a holiday into an unforgettable experience. From Las Vegas’s all-night block party and Chicago’s spectacular riverside fireworks, there’s a perfect destination for every style of celebration. And of course, no matter where you choose to toast 2026, finding the right place to stay sets the tone for the memories you’ll make as the countdown begins.
Join the all-night block party in Las Vegas
Ringing in the New Year when you stay in Las Vegas guarantees a true party atmosphere. The Las Vegas Strip is the scene of a crazy street festival that lasts well past midnight. The town shuts down traffic on the entire Strip, and it transforms into a massive block party. Party away with drinks and hundreds of thousands of other people out there who are ready for fun. The midnight moment is marked by incredible fireworks that light up the sky in a choreographed display. Then head into the casinos for great music and shows along with all your new friends—all dressed to the nines.
Experience the sights, sounds and romance of Paris
The City of Lights makes every list of the best places to go for New Year's. If you get the chance to stay in Paris, France for the big evening, expect landmarks like the Eiffel Tower to join in the show with fireworks and light displays. Plan the evening to suit your dreams. Go for a dinner cruise on the Seine if you're in the mood for elegance. If you prefer casual street parties, join the crowds on the Boulevard St. Michel. The famous Champs Elysee is the scene of the biggest gathering as hundreds of thousands of revelers get together for the countdown—in French, of course. You can party at trendy Pigalle clubs after that.
Marvel at spectacular light displays in Chicago
Chicago has cemented its place as one of the best New Year’s destinations in America. Head to Navy Pier for a midnight fireworks show over Lake Michigan. All evening long, you can wander the pier’s restaurants and bars, duck into indoor parties with DJs and dancing, or book a festive dinner cruise for champagne and front-row views of the display. Families can time their visit around earlier evening activities and a ride on the Centennial Wheel, while night owls can stick around for the countdown and choreographed fireworks finale.
Have a beach day and dance the night away in Rio de Janeiro
Something about sending off the old year on Copacabana Beach is inspirational, making your stay in Rio de Janeiro one of the best New Year's vacation destinations ever. The crowd swells to several million in Rio, drinking and dancing to the constant and varied music—everything from Brazilian samba to rock bands. Have a memorable time waiting for the countdown and the incredible fireworks display. The scene is straight from a James Bond movie with long white sand beaches, the blue Guanabara Bay, and mountains right behind.
Experience an iconic tradition in New York City
Stay in New York City for the granddaddy of all New Year's parties in a city that's indisputably among the best New Year's destinations around. The whole world is watching when the ball drops in Times Square. Free and iconic, a New Year's Eve in Times Square will create lasting memories for you and your family. Over a million revelers crowd into the Square to watch the show, then separate into parties and festivities of their choice. And choice there is—the Big Apple's selection of New Year's Eve parties in bars and nightclubs is legendary.