New Year’s Eve stands out as one of the most anticipated and widely celebrated holidays each year, and in just a few days, millions will come together to welcome the onset of 2024. Traditionally observed on December 31, New Year’s Eve is synonymous with lively parties, delectable food, and spirited beverages.
Wallethub recently unveiled its rankings for the top destinations to ring in the New Year, and the results might defy expectations. The evaluation considered three crucial factors for a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration: entertainment and culinary offerings, expenses, and safety and accessibility. Additional considerations within these categories encompassed the legality of fireworks, nightlife options per capita, walkability, the proportion of delayed flights, restaurant meal costs, and more.
Counting down from the tenth to the first spot, here are the top 10 cities across the nation to revel in the final moments of 2023, as per WalletHub’s rankings:
- Washington, D.C.
- Denver, Colorado
- Chicago, Illinois
- Los Angeles, California
- Miami, Florida
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- New York, New York
- San Diego, California
- Orlando, Florida
Orlando, Florida, emerged as the surprise leader, according to WalletHub, with analyst Cassandra Happe highlighting the city’s affordability in terms of nightlife and dining options, including a notable number of reasonably priced establishments rated 4.5 stars or higher. Despite the fame of New York City’s Times Square and its iconic ball drop, Orlando clinched the top spot.
Wallethub also pointed out Orlando’s distinction for hosting some of the lengthiest firework displays in the country and having the highest number of party supply stores nationwide. Additionally, the city boasts the second-highest count of gourmet specialty-food stores, making it an ideal destination to usher in the New Year with a delectable meal.
In a surprising turn, New York, New York secured the third spot in the rankings, emphasizing the unexpected dynamics in this year’s assessment of the best cities to celebrate New Year’s Eve.