Believe it or not, 2016 is right around the corner and if you haven’t decided yet, now is the time to decide where you’ll be ringing in the new year. In no particular order, here are 15 North American cities that promise to make those looking for an unforgettable New Year's Eve destination a memorable one. From coast to coast, across borders, and even to the Pacific, no matter how far you're willing to travel, there's an itinerary for everyone.
While watching the ball drop in Times Square may seem like the ultimate bucket list item, anyone who's been to New York City on New Year's Eve will vote the opposite (spoiler alert: it's a living nightmare). This year, avoid parties that leave you in a crowd of agitated people, unable to hear what the company is saying, hyper-awake, without any solutions, and in desperate need to pee. Some less obvious New Year's destinations offer a less crowded and more enjoyable experience (direct cause and effect) and still have fireworks shows to light up the night sky. Whether you're looking for a gorgeous night out on the town, a more quaint, quiet winter getaway, or an adventure filled with natural beauty, read on to find out where you should go in 2016 where.
1. Austin, Texas
If live music, cowboy boots, and the world's best barbecue are on your agenda this New Year's Eve, head south to Austin. Everything is bigger in Texas, including the fireworks, and Sixth Street's endless bars are guaranteed to keep the party going well into 2016.
2. Boston, Massachusetts
If you want to experience a snowy city outside of New York, head northeast to Boston. With plenty of bars and restaurants, plenty of parties to throw in 2016 and local attractions galore, you're sure to be busy exploring all Beantown has to offer. Gather in Copley Square for the countdown to midnight, then watch the dazzling fireworks over Boston Harbor.
3. Savannah, Georgia
If you're looking for a relaxing getaway, head to this quaint coastal city for a laid-back time in the South. Enjoy a free music festival at City Market, historic Savannah's commercial center since the early 1700s, then enjoy the fireworks at Tybee Pier. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, you can suit up and dive into the Atlantic Ocean during Tybee Island’s Polar Bear Plunge.
4.Seattle, Washington
Venture to the Pacific Northwest and enjoy getaways that appeal to city lovers and nature lovers alike. The Space Needle Fireworks Show can be seen from many parts of the city, but it's especially spectacular from the water if you hop aboard a cruise ship, or directly from below if you prefer a swanky soiree at the Chihuly Glass Garden.
5. Phoenix, Arizona
If you crave wide open space, head to this desert city to enjoy its vast natural beauty without giving up its exciting nightlife. Before heading to downtown Tempe or Scottsdale to ring in the New Year, take a day trip to Sedona for a nature hike and beautiful views.
6. Nashville, Tennessee
For some affordable fun and tons of live music, pack a Stetson tent and head to Nashville this New Year. When you're not partying in Music City, you can visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry.
7. Honolulu, Hawaii
A tropical vacation is great any time of year, especially when escaping the winter months. Take a front-row seat to a traditional luau and experience Polynesian dancing, local cuisine and tropical cocktails amid warm Honolulu breezes. Come midnight, watch the fireworks on Waikiki Beach or on a boat trip offshore.
8. Big Sur, California
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to the Pacific Coast for some fresh air and breathtaking views. Spend your first day outdoors in 2016 exploring the beautiful West Coast with a Point Sur Lighthouse tour, whale watching and bald eagle watching.
9. Montreal
Practice your French before a midnight French kiss in a European-flavored Canadian city. Attend a grand ball in the Old Port with traditional Québécois music, mulled wine, ice skating and a midnight fireworks display. Refresh yourself with some poutine after a night of partying.
10. Brooklyn, New York
Cross the river into Brooklyn and escape the utter chaos of New York City on the last night of the year (good luck getting a cab, Uber, or subway). Williamsburg and Bushwick are filled with bars hosting New Year's Eve parties, which are decidedly less crowded and trendier than anywhere in Manhattan. Enjoy the city's fireworks display from the Williamsburg waterfront.
11. Las Vegas, Nevada
Sin City is a raucous party destination any time of year, but on New Year's Eve the Strip is closed to traffic, allowing thousands of people to join in the festivities on foot only, with food, drinks and live entertainment. . There's a lot to do before and after 40,000 tons of fireworks light up in the desert sky at midnight.
12. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio's famous Riverwalk offers a variety of entertainment during the New Year. Enjoy live music on three stages, carnival games, rides, festive food and of course, a midnight fireworks extravaganza.
13. Anchorage, Alaska
The Last Frontier promises a New Year's adventure like no other. For a true fire and ice experience, head to Alyeska Resort near Girdwood to watch the Torchlight Parade, where about 300 skiers and snowboarders carry bamboo torches down the mountain Come down and light up the hillside. At midnight, ring in the New Year with Alaska's largest fireworks show.
14. San Francisco, California
San Francisco's New Year's Eve events range from costume parties to themed parties to acrobatic shows. Enjoy a dinner cruise in the harbor with the best views of the city lights and dance under the waterfront fireworks at midnight.
15. New Orleans, Louisiana
Last but not least, New Orleans offers a New Year’s Eve experience that’s definitely worth checking out. The Crescent City festivities converged on Jackson Square in the French Quarter, where the Bacchus baby dropped, instead of a ball, from its perch atop the Jax Brewery. At midnight, fireworks explode over the Mississippi River, signaling that the night of debauchery has just begun. Party until dawn on Bourbon Street with live jazz, then start your day with an espresso and a beignet.
Image: Unsplash (3); Pennybacker Bridge Fireworks , MK Feeney , Allenran 917 , Tiffany Von Arnem , Anita Ritenour , Munabril , IGARSS 2010 , Emmanuel Huybrechts , Nan Palmero , Eric Coulston , Paxson Woelber , David Leo Vecksler , Michael Bentley /Flickr
