New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest travel nights of the year, and many people automatically think of New York City as the ultimate destination. Times Square is iconic, but the cost of hotels, food, and transportation can make the celebration feel overwhelming. If you want a top-tier New Year’s experience without draining your wallet, there is another city leading the way for 2025 celebrations.
WalletHub recently ranked the 100 largest U.S. cities to find the best places to ring in the new year. Their findings show that the top spot goes to a city known for theme parks, fireworks, and great entertainment. The best place to celebrate is Orlando, Florida.
Orlando takes the top spot
Orlando has been named the best city in the U.S. for New Year’s Eve celebrations. WalletHub compared the 100 biggest cities using data on nightlife, costs, weather, and safety. Orlando came in first overall because of its strong entertainment, fireworks, and affordability.
Fireworks lit up the night sky as Orlando welcomed the new year in a dazzling display.
(Sby via Getty Images)
Times Square might be iconic, but it can also be crowded and costly. Orlando gives you a fun holiday without putting too much pressure on your budget. You can still enjoy big celebrations without the stress of overpriced hotels or premium event tickets.
What makes Orlando number one
Orlando has many options for ringing in the new year, whether you are planning a night at a theme park or a casual party at a hotel. The city ranks high in overall fun and has plenty of nightlife choices to keep the evening exciting. Theme parks like Disney and Universal offer major countdown events and fireworks displays.
The iconic Universal globe highlighted one of Orlando’s top attractions that draws millions of visitors each year.
(JimVallee via Getty Images)
Fireworks are a big deal in Orlando, and consumer fireworks are legal. Visitors can enjoy both professional shows and smaller neighborhood celebrations. Clear weather also makes it more likely you can watch the sky light up without rain.
Affordability gives it an edge
One major reason Orlando stands out is cost. Some hotels in major destinations increase prices several times the normal rate during New Year festivities. In Orlando, you can still find more wallet-friendly options for lodging and restaurants.
Resorts like this showed how Orlando offered affordable lodging options for travelers during busy holiday seasons.
(jewhyte via Getty Images)
The lowest price for a three-star hotel on New Year’s Eve is around $66 according to the ranking. This gives travelers better flexibility when budgeting for the holiday. You can choose how big or small you want your celebration to be while still feeling satisfied with the experience.
How it compares to other major cities
Las Vegas placed second, known for its concerts and a Strip-wide fireworks show. Food and music options rank high there, but hotel prices can spike, and heavy crowds are not for everyone. New York came in third, offering iconic celebrations but also becoming one of the most expensive places to ring in the new year.
Las Vegas delivered one of the flashiest New Year’s celebration scenes but came with higher travel costs compared to Orlando.
(anouchka via Getty Images)
Seattle and Los Angeles round out the top five. They offer lots of entertainment options, good dining, and more affordable alternatives to New York. Each city still faces higher hotel and event costs compared to Orlando’s value.
What travelers look for
WalletHub evaluated 26 factors, including nightlife, forecasted weather, food costs, and safety. The goal was to help visitors find a city that delivers both fun and practical spending choices. Orlando scored well across these categories despite not being the cheapest in every area.
Icon Park showed how Orlando offered plenty of walkable entertainment districts where visitors could enjoy food and activities without high costs.
(Julia Dorian via Getty Images)
Experts say people want clear skies, good fireworks, and accessible dining when choosing where to celebrate. Visitors also appreciate a wide range of activities such as shopping, live performances, and themed events. Orlando checks those boxes with ease.
Planning your trip
If you are considering travel for New Year’s Eve, booking early helps keep costs down. Orlando’s theme parks often release special event details in advance, giving you time to plan a full day and night of celebration. Public transportation, rideshares, and walkable entertainment zones make it manageable to move around the city.
Think about what kind of night you want. Families may prefer theme parks or resort parties, while adults can take advantage of bars, clubs, and live music around International Drive or downtown. Orlando gives you the flexibility to shape your ideal countdown experience.
Final thoughts
New York will always be famous for its ball drop, but this year, Orlando earns the title as the best place to welcome 2026 in the U.S. It strikes a solid balance between entertainment, cost, and accessibility that many travelers look for during the holiday. You can have a memorable celebration without overspending or fighting massive crowds.