Affordable Last-Minute New Year’s Eve Destinations

The holiday season is expensive, which is why New Year’s Eve sometimes gets overlooked and why travel plans often get pushed further into the new year.

However, finding a fun place to welcome in the new year doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, Booking — the global leader in world travel planning — has found some of the most affordable New Year’s Eve destinations where you can say goodbye to the last 12 months in style. It’s not too late to book an amazing and reasonably priced New Year’s Eve trip.

New Orleans is 34 percent more affordable than the most expensive American destination, according to Booking. It’s known as a place that knows how to party so expect to have a good time counting down to midnight.

NOLA, as it’s known, puts on a show like no other city. Head down to Elysian Fields Avenue and Decatur Street at 3:30 p.m. on the last day of the year, where you can watch a special New Year’s Eve parade with floats, bands and all the Mardi Gras-like colors. And if you’re planning to extend your stay past New Year’s Day, there’s more exciting news: January is one of the cheapest times to visit the Big Easy.

Los Angeles is 35 percent more affordable than the most expensive American destination and holds the promise of a possible celebrity sighting. Still, LA can be an expensive place when it comes to cover charges for exclusive nightclubs and events. But on New Year’s Eve, get to Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave., for The Music Center’s N.Y.E.L.A., which is LA’s biggest dance party. It’s from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., and best of all, admission is free.

Miami is 42 percent more affordable than the most expensive American destination, yet is still thought of as an expensive city. Save money on New Year’s Eve by preregistering for the Wynwood NYE 2018 party at MANA Wynwood, 2250 N.W. Second Ave. Your forward planning will score you a free drink and party favors. This event is free to attend, meaning even more of your money will stay in your pocket. Now that’s a great start to the new year.

Las Vegas is 43 percent more affordable than the most expensive American destination. Skip the casino and find a spot on the Strip to see the fireworks display for free, with fireworks launching from atop seven major hotels. Find an outdoor patio or rooftop bar for the best views of the illuminations.

Orlando is 46 percent more affordable than the most expensive American destination and is a particularly good choice for families. Be sure to catch the Fantasy in the Sky fireworks display from the Walt Disney World Resort starting at 11.50 p.m. Since admission to the Magic Kingdom is pricey, watch the fireworks from one of several convenient locations outside the park for free.

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San Antonio is 48 percent more affordable than the most expensive American destination. For an unforgettable New Year’s Eve experience, pick out your best ball gown or tux and arrive at the Texas Hill Country Opera and Texas Light Opera-hosted masquerade ball in nearby New Braunfels in style. Tickets cost $85 per person but include cocktail hour, dinner and a musical show.

Georgia’s capital city is 51 percent more affordable than the most expensive American destination. Start your day by taking the kids to Lenox Square for a ride on the Pink Pig train at Macy’s, a holiday-season tradition since 1953. Then spend the rest of the day exploring all Atlanta has to offer.

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San Diego is 52 percent more affordable than the most expensive American destination. Wherever you decide to celebrate in San Diego, getting back to your hotel safely will be a breeze, thanks to the San Diego Metropolitan Transit Service, which will keep all three trolley lines running from Downtown San Diego until after 2 a.m.

Philadelphia is 54 percent more affordable than the most expensive American destination and has small-town charm amid all the glamour of a big city. You can pretend you have run away to join the circus by celebrating the new year underneath the big top at The Piazza at Schmidt’s, which features performances and a live DJ. Tickets start at $79 per person. Arrive late to the party at 12.30 a.m., and the price drops to just $29.

Seattle is 55 percent more affordable than the most expensive American destination and is a cool West Coast city in which to count down to the new year. Consider using your travel savings to celebrate the last night of 2017 at the Gatsby’s Yacht 2018 party on board The Argosy Spirit Yacht. You’ll ring in the new year on the water with the beautiful Seattle night skyline view as a backdrop. Tickets and cocktail attire are required.

Boston is 55 percent more affordable than the most expensive American destination. Regarded as an often-quirky city, it’s home to some of the finest universities in the country, has a wealth of history to discover, and is a travel hot spot. First Night Boston starts at Boston Common on Dec. 31 at 7 p.m. with a stunning fireworks display. And plan a return visit in July to witness the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular.

Pittsburgh is 55 percent more affordable than the most expensive American destination, and the city sure knows how to celebrate the holidays. Take the family to First Night Pittsburgh 2018, or if it’s adults only in your group, for just $25 you can welcome 2018 at the most intimate party in Pittsburgh at the Penn Society NYE bash.

Dallas is 59 percent more affordable than the most expensive American destination and has some impressive city views best enjoyed from a height. Take the money you saved on travel and splash out on a night to remember by celebrating the new year at SkyView. Expect a casino, DJ, open bar and dinner, depending on the package you choose, as well as amazing views of the fireworks and the city below.

Chicago is 59 percent more affordable than the most expensive American destination and home to majestic Lake Michigan. Spending New Year’s Eve here wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Navy Pier, where you can enjoy lake views as well entertainment, attractions and, of course, a spectacular fireworks show. Don’t want to visit Chicago in the winter? Book a summer trip and see the equally sensational Fourth of July show.

The nation’s capital is 64 percent more affordable than the most expensive American destination, and there’s plenty to see and do in this historic city. Head to the Big Night D.C. New Year’s Eve Gala for a glamorous event, including more than 20 acts in 15 themed party areas, complete with five dance floors to strut your stuff.

Reno is 65 percent more affordable than the most expensive American destination and is known as “The Biggest Little City in the World.” Visitors can enjoy the attractions at the many casinos, hotels, shops and restaurants, but for New Year’s Eve, why not try reliving your high school years by recreating prom night at The Saint. Wear your best 1980s clothes and expect a full lineup of acts and DJs for just $10.

Houston is 74 percent more affordable than the most expensive American destination and is where Southern hospitality meets all the amenities and glamour of big-city living. Follow the red carpet to Chateau Crystale, where you’ll find a Hollywood-themed NYE party and be wowed by a Cher impersonator like no other. For a chance to meet and take pictures with the cultural icon’s doppelganger, opt for the VIP tickets.

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Methodology: Booking.com’s pricing data was measured over the period of Dec. 31, 2016, to Jan. 2, 2017. Four-star accommodations were chosen as a standardized way of comparing accommodations across varying cities and as a way to be indicative of overall pricing trends in accommodations of all levels.