This year, if you are in the US and are bored of experiencing the same old New Year's Eve celebrations in New York City and Las Vegas, we suggest, you think beyond. Though these two destinations are listed among the most popular events in the world, there are other interesting places that you could head to, to ring in New Year 2016.
If you are contemplating on staying home, we rather suggest you check out the below mentioned destinations, including theme parks, islands and alpine lakes, to bid adieu to 2015 in style.
Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida
These guys really know how to throw a New Year's Eve bash, and let us tell you, it's not just for the kids. Most of the Disney New Year's Eve parties are food-themed --- prix-fixe meals at Il Mulino Trattoria and Monsieur Paul, or dining and imbibing while watching the fireworks from California Grill. Apart from these they also host entertaining events like live band performances, dancing, and drinks at Atlantic Dance Hall. And if you buy VIP tickets, you can access your own bartender and a dessert bar. It goes without saying that New Year's Eve at Walt Disney World is one of the busiest days of the year.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco's location on the bay is where you can enjoy a spectacular bay-front fireworks show this New Year's Eve. Go ahead ring in the festivities by boat with Hornblower, including brunch, dinner, and fireworks cruises. If you want to celebrate it in style, then you can attend the New Year's Eve balls like San Francisco Symphony's posh Black and White Ball and the Passport to the World New Year's Eve Ball. But if you want to keep it casual and simple, then head to a rooftop, Twin Peaks (one of the highest points in San Francisco), or the Embarcadero to watch the fireworks go off at midnight.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Not just on New Year's Eve, New Orleans is known to be one of the best party destinations, year round. Friendly locals, warm weather, bars are open until late (some even 24 hours a day), and people walking around with their favourite adult beverage --- all this adds up to make it a great experience to be here. You can be at Jackson Square for the real New Year's Eve party in the historic French Quarter or sway to the tunes played by bands and entertainers throughout the night, leading up to the famous fleur de lis drop and fireworks over the Mississippi River at midnight. Later, you can head to the bars and nightclubs on Bourbon Street, in the heart of the city. Wishing for something unique? Then, hop on the Creole Queen or Steamboat Natchez for a fireworks cruise.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu is where you get to experience the best of both worlds --- the urban side of Waikiki and the tropical side of Oahu, such as on the North Shore. One of the most unique things that you can experience here is a traditional luau (Waikiki Starlight Luau) at Hilton Hawaiian Village, a popular hotel in Waikiki. A couple miles up is Ala Moana Boulevard at Aloha Tower Marketplace, where you will find the annual New Year's Eve "Party of the Year." It features rides, food trucks, DJs, and live music performances, all leading up to the fireworks at midnight. For a different view of the New Year's Eve fireworks show, jump aboard the Star of Honolulu or Dolphin Star, for one of a number of different fireworks cruises.
Lake Tahoe, Nevada and California
For a simpler New Year's Eve night out, look no further than Lake Tahoe. All the action is happening at the South Lake Tahoe, Heavenly Mountain Resort, featuring live music, entertainers, and ice sculpting, leading up to the world's only "Gondola Ball Drop" in conjunction with the Times Square ball drop. On the north side of the lake, the big party takes place at Squaw Valley, with live music, fireworks (best viewed from KT Base Bar), and an after-party at the Olympic House. However, if you want an urban New Year's Eve coupled with a mountain town, Reno, Nevada is 30 miles away. This is where thousands descend on the Reno Arch for a big fireworks show. Many of Reno's casino resorts are throwing their own parties, including the Grand Sierra Resort's LEX Nightclub, Peppermill, and Silver Legacy, all of which will have live performances and party favours.
Los Angeles, California
Well, this is the city that offers something of everyone's interest. But, the biggest event happens at Grand Park in Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA), which has food trucks and live music entertainment on several stages until 1 am. This is a great family event, since it's alcohol-free, although several bars nearby are hosting New Year's Eve parties too. Another popular DTLA event is Prohibition at the historic Union Station, a Roaring Twenties-themed event with burlesque dancers, DJs, live jazz music, and an open bar. One of the most exciting events takes place in Long Beach (roughly 40 km south of DTLA) aboard the Queen Mary, which features an international-themed party with a number of unique bars, live music, entertainers, and to cap it all off, fireworks.
Atlanta, Georgia
The Peach drop to Atlanta is what the Times Square Ball drop is to New York City, just that it's on a much smaller level. The 362-kilogram Peach drops above Underground Atlanta, a shopping and entertainment district in Downtown Atlanta, at midnight. However, the hours leading up to midnight feature local food and drinks, entertainers, DJs, and live music, with last year headlined by Atlanta-native Ludacris. And the best thing is that the admission is free to this event. However, on a smaller scale, there are some other great events in Atlanta, starting with the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at noon, and continuing with parties like the Buckhead NYE Block Party and the Bungalow Ball.
San Antonio, Texas
The best thing about most of these New Year's Eve destinations is the weather, and San Antonio is no exception. Even here, it will feel like spring as you walk by the San Antonio River Walk. Naturally, the San Antonio River walk is New Year's Eve central. Several restaurants and bars on the River Walk offer specials and packages, including prix-fixe meals and private seating to ring in the New Year. Downtown San Antonio's New Year's Eve celebration is the biggest in Texas. Starting at 5 pm, it features several stages of music, rides, and food leading up to the grand finale of fireworks.
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville hosts the annual New Year's Eve celebration, Bash on Broadway, which is complimentary and features great musicians (it's the Music City after all). Several major bands take on to the stage before Nashville's signature "Music Note Drop," which then triggers confetti canons and a fireworks display. Elsewhere, many of Nashville's best bars and venues throw parties and events, such as the famous Ryman Auditorium, where Old Crow Medicine Show will take the stage. On a more casual side, the MStreet, which owns several beloved Nashville restaurants and bars, sells one New Year's Eve ticket to four of their parties.