Most of my travel writing is qualitative, not quantitative.
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The factors that make a trip memorable and meaningful aren’t (usually) driven by the number of amenities at your hotel or the number of museums you explore.
It’s about how the hotel makes you feel (comfortable, secure, and well-fed, hopefully) and what those museums taught you.
That being said, all good writers love data-driven insights. Data is useful in travel writing because it summarizes some of the more complex tidbits about planning, from budgeting for trips to estimating delays at airports.
Aside from money and timetables, I also like to use data to dig into seasonal travel trends.
At WalletHub, expert analysts regularly release travel-centric reports that compare a wide range of metrics to create rankings based on affordability, entertainment, hospitality, and more.
Where am I going with this, you might ask? Straight to the biggest party night on the US calendar: New Year’s Eve.
At the moment, all eyes are on Las Vegas NYE parties thanks to their sheer size, along with newer and trendier destinations like Nashville. But what does the data say about the best cities to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the United States?
How are cities ranked?
WalletHub created rankings across three categories, which were then weighted to determine the final list. These are entertainment and food, costs, and safety and accessibility.
The report carefully logged things like fireworks shows, music venues per capita, taxi-fare costs, grooming costs, car theft rates, traffic congestion, and more.
The best cities to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the US are safe, affordable, and offer free ways to enjoy the big night. Here’s the final rankings list.
Top 5 cities to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the US—according to WalletHub
#1 New York City. Though expensive, New York City comes out ahead thanks to its massive fireworks display, famous ball drop, a nearly endless number of nightlife venues, and walkability.
After all, who’s worried about finding a taxi when they’re only ten blocks from home?
#2 Orlando. I’m one of the first to clump Orlando into Disney World territory—but this city also has tons of nightlife options for adults.
Not only can families splurge on an unforgettable night at one of its world-famous amusement parks, but it’s also chock-full of quality shops, restaurants, and spas.
Plus, it’s NYE fireworks show is considered one of the best in the world.
#3 San Diego. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again—San Diego is the US’s sleeper hit when it comes to culture, tourism, and independent businesses, from breweries to boutique shops.
On NYE, you also get the benefit of great, mild winter weather and a massive number of music venues… most of which are throwing New Year’s parties.
#4 Las Vegas. It’s no shocker that the US’s entertainment mecca is also one of the US’s best places to enjoy New Year’s Eve. Its Fremont area hosts a public party that stretches through the city’s old downtown.
Don’t want to party with the general public or battle through nearly half a million visitors? You have literally dozens of top-notch parties being thrown by world-famous DJs.
#5 Chicago. I’m surprised at how often Chicago flies under the radar for domestic travelers. Not only does the city love to have a good time (from bar-hopping to cutting a rug), but several hotels and ballrooms are also putting together massive New Year’s Eve parties.
Plus, the city is home to the US’s largest rooftop bar… and yes, they’re throwing an NYE party.
