Last Updated on May 22, 2023 by James Huffman
The best party on New Year’s Eve is hands down Times Square in New York, New York. Book your reservations well in advance and if you have been following this site use your points that you have accrued over the past year. Staying near Times Square can get pricey. I would suggest the centrally located Warwick New York Hotel You can usually find a price below $650 per night and it’s a hotel with a great deal of charm and good overall service and up to date amenities. If you’re looking to be in the middle of everything the Renaissance New York Times Square hotel is the place to be but it will cost you for the convenience of being able to watch Times Square from your room. The Renaissance is a great hotel that’s spotless and has great sleeping rooms and even better food and beverage outlets. Frankley once you in the barricades you will have a problem finding a bathroom so staying at a hotel that is “on site” will get you access to the party as well as a bathroom.
If high energy crowds are what you seek for New Year’s Eve… Times Square is that place for you. Dress in layers, hat, and gloves, it will be cold. Don’t bring anything that will be hard to keep up with like that $2,000 camera, use your phone to take pictures and video. Arrive early; people start showing up at 7am. Ware cargo paints, put a couple band aids, Chap Stick, Advil, hand sanitizer. In the other pocket put a bottle of water. In a zipper pocket on the inside of your jacket put you’re ID, a credit card and a hundred dolor bills for emergencies. Remember there are pick pockets in the crowed.
New York just not your thing… maybe you’re looking for something with more charm and less hype try New Orleans, LA. The Big Easy, A.K.A New Orleans, New Year’s Eve traditions that you just can’t miss: the annual fleur-de-lis drop, the huge fireworks show over the Ole’ Mississippi River and the live entertainment(some odd/ most cool) in Jackson Square. 
Top 5 ways to spend New Year’s Eve in the Big Easy
1.Fireworks and Fleur de Lis Drop – celebrate New Year’s Eve from Jackson Square, the center of all the action, where live music performances will entertain crowds of partiers as they eagerly await the Crescent City countdown. At the stroke of midnight, watch the traditional New Orleans fleur-de-lis drop and the spectacular fireworks show over the Mississippi River.
2. Nightclubs in the French Quarter -Dance your way into 2024 at one of the many nightclubs in the French Quarter. All you have to do is walk down Bourbon Street to choose from are countless options for energetic music and late-night mingling. Many bars and clubs offer open-air courtyards and balconies, which are perfect for scoring a great view of the fireworks.
3. Reveilles Dinner -Every year during the holiday season, New Orleans’ best restaurants offer a lineup of reveillon dinners: specially priced multi-course tasting menus starting at $30 per person. Kick off New Year’s Eve with a wonderful gourmet meals . Take your pick from classic historic venues or trendy new hot spots make sure to book your reservation early, as New Year’s Eve seating fills up quickly.
4. New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise – Jump aboard a riverboat for a special New Year’s Eve cruise, featuring live entertainment, food, open bars and unparalleled views of the fireworks. I recommend the Creole Queen paddle-wheeler or Steamboat Natchez, both of which offer exciting options for celebrating the start of 2014.
5. Concerts – Bring in the New Year 2014 at one of the Big Ease’s famous live music venues, where you can experience authentic jazz and blues, as well as contemporary DJ sets. You can find plenty of low-lit jazz clubs and vibrant concert halls on Frenchmen Street, the Maison, Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro, Blue Nile as well as The Spotted Cat Music Club are all great.