New Year's Eve Getaways 2024

Usher in 2025 with a night to remember by going where they celebrate the New Year's arrival in style. Whether you want to hit the dance floor at an elegant party, take in the sounds of a glitzy concert or revel in fun for the whole family, we’ve got the destination for you. Before you go, be sure to verify all events and venues, which are subject to change, and book as early as you can.

Every day feels like New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas, so prepare to go big or go home when it comes to celebrating the New Year here. The city’s newest attraction, The Sphere (pictured), debuts its first electronic music show when Anyma: The End of Genesys brings its otherworldly visual installations, avant-garde sound and special guests to the 360-degree domed venue Dec. 27-Jan. 1. If pop icons are more to your liking, get tickets to see Janet Jackson at Resorts World Theatre or Bruno Mars at Dolby Live, Park MGM. Or say goodbye to 2024 with a sense of wonder at magician David Blaine's Impossible show at Encore Theater, Wynn Las Vegas. For something everyone in the family will enjoy, there are five Cirque du Soleil shows to choose from. The Bellagio’s O by Cirque du Soleil adds synchronized swimmers and divers to its cast of acrobats and costumed characters set in a secret watery realm. Or transport yourself to the City That Never Sleeps at Mad Apple by Cirque du Soleil, an homage to NYC at — where else? — New York, New York Hotel and Casino. However you decide to celebrate the New Year, be sure to catch the fireworks launched at midnight from the rooftop pool at Plaza Hotel downtown.

Drop everything. That's what they do in Key West. Take a last-minute New Year's Eve getaway to this sunny paradise, where they'll welcome 2025 with several tropical-themed ball drops. A conch shell drops at Sloppy Joe's, the famous bar once frequented by author Ernest Hemingway, and Sushi the drag queen will ride the red high-heeled shoe drop at the New Orleans House. Both are located on Duval Street, which will be overflowing with revelers. For a nautical-themed drop, head to the dock and witness the canon blasts and Pirate Wench drop from the mast of the Tall Ship America 2.0, then party down at the Schooner Wharf Bar. Every day before sunset, crowds gather for the Mallory Square Sunset Celebration, but it’s extra festive on New Year's Eve. Enjoy the drinks, food, music, magicians, jugglers and more. After the sun drops into the sea, take the short walk to El Meson de Pepe for Cuban cuisine.

Originator of Mardi Gras, Mobile puts a family-friendly spin on its celebration by putting the irresistible chocolatey marshmallow treat, the MoonPie, at the center of the action. And the same goes for New Year's Eve. MoonPie Over Mobile begins Dec. 31 at "Kids Zone" in Mardi Gras Park 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Festivities include crafts, bounce houses, MoonPie treats and a second line parade to the bedtime-friendly MoonPie drop at noon. Meanwhile, at the Renaissance Riverview Hotel Plaza Courtyard, revelers are invited to post their goals for the New Year on the Resolution Wall and participate in the Mardi Gras umbrella decorating contest, then enjoy a slice of the world's largest MoonPie. At 8 p.m. join the Second Line Parade ending at the main stage where a 50th anniversary hip-hop concert takes place featuring Slick Rick and Big Daddy Kane, among other performers. At midnight, count down to the New Year and watch the 600-pound electric MoonPie drop.

Navy Pier is the place to be for family-friendly fun any time of the year. The lakefront entertainment center features restaurants, shops, rides and games. But on New Year's Eve, it fills the sky with a spectacular fireworks display at midnight. For something more adult, usher in 2025 with an unforgettably romantic night aboard the New Year's Eve Fireworks Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan. The three-hour outing includes a plated dinner, cocktails and a DJ spinning tunes. The night ends with a thrilling pyrotechnics display. Or party like Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald at the Roaring '20s-style soiree, Gatsby's Prohibition New Year's Eve Party, at historic Morgan Manufacturing. The celebration features multiple party areas tricked out in lavish decorations, performances by Chicago's top DJs, champagne and top shelf spirits. Ticket options range from general admission to private tables. Other New Year's Eve galas will be hosted by The Congress Plaza Hotel, Swissôtel Chicago and W Chicago Hotel.

Ring in the New Year like a baller by watching fireworks from the deck of a yacht in the Pacific Ocean. The New Year's Eve Moonlight Fireworks Cruise starts boarding shortly after 9 p.m. in Marina del Rey and leaves the dock at 10:30 p.m. While aboard, enjoy an open bar, heavy appetizers and music provided by two DJs on two decks with a dancefloor and champagne bottle service. Landlubbers may prefer Prohibition NYE, a Roaring '20s-style party at historic Union Station in DTLA (that’s downtown LA for those in the know). Entertainment includes burlesque, a jazz ensemble and DJs. Catch the 60-foot ball drop at midnight. Family-friendly fun can be had in Long Beach at the New Year's Eve Fireworks Shows at Shoreline Village. Entertainment begins at 7 p.m. There's a NYE countdown for kids at 9 p.m. near the arcade followed by fireworks near the lighthouse, and a second fireworks show takes place at midnight near the Queen Mary. Head to Pasadena on New Year's Day for the Tournament of Roses Parade, followed by the Rose Bowl game.

Like Vegas, the Big Easy parties like it's New Year’s Eve every night, so you know the town will be lit on Dec. 31. What could be a more quintessential New Orleans experience than ushering in the New Year from a Bourbon Street Balcony (pictured above)? An open bar, champagne toast and party favors are included with tickets. If you think bigger is better, consider joining the fun at Big Night New Orleans, a dance party at Filmore New Orleans featuring performances by Yung Joc, Trina, Brass-A-Holics and Inferno Burlesque. Meanwhile, revelers of all ages will gather in Jackson Square, a historic landmark located in front of St. Louis Cathedral, where they will count down to midnight when the fleur-de-lis drops and the sky lights up in fireworks. Click here for more last-minute plans for New Year's Eve.

Usher in the New Year in elegance and style at the luxurious White Rose Gala, a Roaring '20s-style party at the Ritz Carlton. There will be live entertainment, DJs, premium cocktails, selfie stations and more. If you’d rather take your party on the road, join the Party ‘Til the Ball Falls bar crawl. A wristband gets you drink specials and access into participating bars without paying a cover from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Meanwhile, the Colorado Convention Center will host Decadence, a two-day electronic music festival featuring nonstop DJs and spectacular digital productions Dec. 30-31. But if it's family fun you're seeking, look no further than Civic Center Park and the Mile High Tree, a 110-foot-tall conical structure with 60,000 LED lights that produces astounding light shows choreographed to music. For New Year's Eve it will present two digital ball drops — one at 9 p.m. for kiddies who need to get to bed and again at midnight.

Orlando's Walt Disney World knows how to throw a party for adults and kids, which is why it's always packed on New Year's Eve. At the Magic Kingdom, get your groove on at dance parties in Tomorrowland and Frontierland, then check out “The Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks display, featuring laser lights and other special effects. It occurs at 6:30 p.m. and 11:50 p.m. on Dec. 30 and Dec. 31. At EPCOT, head to World Showcase and enjoy DJ dance parties at the Italy, Japan, China and United Kingdom pavilions. Enjoy two pyrotechnical extravaganzas: “Luminous: The Symphony of Us,” a musical fireworks display at 6:30 p.m., and “Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration” fireworks display at midnight. Depending on when you go, you may need a Park Pass Reservation and a valid theme park admission to get in. If the Disney hotels are full, look for last-minute family getaway accommodations in the surrounding area. Most run shuttles to and from the parks. Events can change, so watch the Disney Parks blog for news and updates on the holiday events.

In Music City, Jack Daniel's New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash will welcome 2025 with performances by country singer Kane Brown and rapper Jelly Roll followed by a spectacular fireworks display at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park State Park. At midnight, the city's signature red music note is set to drop from a 138-foot pole. And the best part: admission is free. But if you're 21 or older and want to get the VIP treatment, buy tickets for the Gold Circle Party, a private event at the Nashville Farmers' Market including food, beverages and a prime viewing area for performances, fireworks and the Music Note Drop. Of course many of Nashville's most famous bars and venues will host NYE parties and events. For a last-minute New Year's Eve weekend getaway, scoop up tickets to the Old Crow Medicine Show at the Ryman Auditorium Dec. 30-31.