Years ago, I had a chihuahua who was terrified of fireworks.
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It gave me the perfect excuse to skip crazy New Year’s parties. After all, someone had to stay home with my little bruiser for reassurance cuddles. It worked out great for years.
Unfortunately, my chihuahua is no longer with us. His death has had many implications for my life—and one is that I now have to think of fresh excuses to avoid going out on NYE.
I might be better off trying to convince my friends to head to a quiet New Year’s Eve destination instead.
After all, I’m not alone in my suspicion of loud NYE celebrations; thousands work hard to avoid the chaos in search of a more meaningful and personal NYE experience.
Want to dodge over-the-top parties (and their partiers) in large cities? Head to these quiet New Year’s Eve spots instead.
4 of the best towns and cities for a quiet New Year’s Eve at a glance
- Ideal for couples: Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA
- Perfect for outdoorists: Jackson Hole, WY
- Best for wellness-seekers: Sedona, AZ
- Best in quiet luxury: Aspen, CO
Best towns and cities for a quiet New Year’s Eve
Ideal for couples: Carmel-By-The-Sea
Voted the most romantic city in the United States, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a clear pick for a cozy, intimate New Year’s Eve. In case you haven’t heard of this beach town, it’s located in Southern California and renowned for its quaint, historic main street and unique architecture.
On New Year’s Eve, you can choose from various small-scale parties around the city, most of which are themed. From Time Traveler’s Balls to stately dinners, you can join the action at your own pace… or stay at your rental for a private celebration.
Perfect for outdoorists: Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole is well-known for outdoor adventurists, stargazers, and rugged thrill-seekers… especially those with a taste for luxury.
While you’ll have more fun in Jackson Hole if your pockets are deep, it’s a fantastic place to spend the New Year for any traveler who wants to get out into the wild for the big night. Budget options abound, in other words.
During the New Year period, you can also join in the festivities. Locals celebrate with live music, public festivities, fireworks, and traditions like the Torchlight Parade. It’s charming, it’s wintery, and it’s drop-dead gorgeous.
Best for wellness-seekers: Sedona
Want to avoid parties and bright lights this New Year’s Eve? If you’re more focused inward, then Sedona is a great option.
The city is renowned for its spiritual interests, from vortex hikes to meditation classes. Regardless of your personal goals, you can find a class, course, or friend in Sedona that’s on a similar wavelength. Many are also offered on NYE for visitors and locals.
It’s also a solid pick for anyone who simply wants to enjoy nature. Whether or not you know who Alan Watts is, you’re sure to feel relaxed when exploring the high desert and red hills around Sedona.
Best in quiet luxury: Aspen
As with Jackson Hole, Aspen has a luxurious reputation. The only difference between the two is that Jackson Hole can be visited on a budget—Aspen makes that a little bit more difficult. It’s harder to reach and its streets are filled with four and five-star hotels.
That being said, if you have the money to splurge, then there’s no better place to soak up quiet luxury. Almost every hotel has its own NYE event for guests to enjoy, which ranges from classy dinners to skiing events to bottomless Dom Perignon parties. Choose your champion!
