New Year’s Eve Report: Start the New Year in the USA

Discover the best cities for celebrating the New Year in the States! 

Many tourists think that there’s nowhere better than NYC for New Year's Eve, however, the USA has a huge variety of options for starting the new year in the way that suits you best. 

Atlanta:  Whereas in New York it’s a ball that drops from a tower at midnight, in Atlanta it’s a peach. The Peach Drop is a party that’s been celebrated every year since 1989. Music performances, a lot of decorations and plenty of fun for kids and grown-ups alike (or at least those who can stay awake!).

San Francisco: See breathtaking fireworks visible from the Embarcadero (you have to get there early to find a good place). If you prefer a cruise to get the best views, it’ll be around $100 per person, and there are cruises for all tastes: family, romantic, party…

Los Angeles: Yes, it's the city of angels and celebrities, but there is also ‘a big park for everybody’. At the Grand Park you can say goodbye to the past year with live music while you dance until 1st January… Not bad, right?

New Orleans: Jackson Square - The Mississippi dresses up in a thousand colours to celebrate the start of the new year. A magical evening guaranteed.

Chicago: If you’re not afraid of the cold, celebrate the start of 2015 with fireworks on the Navy Pier. The view of Lake Michigan and the city is simply spectacular.

Las Vegas: The gambling/party village offers a very extensive itinerary, as you might imagine. Among casinos, nightclubs and luxury hotels, the range of choice is more than huge! City fireworks are a sight that must be seen. Free from the Las Vegas Strip, or 40 USD if you want to do the countdown from the city.

Wherever you are, after midnight the evening will progress however you wish, you’ll certainly not be short of things to do. And start off the next New Year's on the right foot, don’t forget:

• To request your travel authorisation for the USA at least 72 hours before your departure.
• That the minimum drinking age in the USA is 21 years old.
• No matter how old you are, don’t drink and drive. Think about booking a taxi or taking public transport (check the New Year’s Eve transport timetables on the websites for each city).

All you’ll need to get the new year started is an ESTA authorisation and a big dose of energy!