The year 2020 was like no other since 1918. What better way to bid it hail and farewell than by welcoming 2021 safely and affordably?
The world celebrated the arrival of 2020 twelve months ago with the bang of colorful fireworks seen and heard around the world, and celebrants toasted each other at Roaring-Twenties-themed New Year’s Eve parties that ushered in a new decade.
Within two months, the sound of holiday cheers was replaced with the ominous quiet of empty streets, shuttered businesses and anguished tears for the dead and dying felled by a new contagion spreading across the globe.
New Year’s Eve 2021 brings new hope and new resolutions for a better year, even if celebrations are likely to be much more subdued and socially-distanced while the novel coronavirus remains a health hazard. That doesn’t mean once-a-year festivities have to dampen spirits or break the bank, according to WalletHub.
To determine the best cities for counting down to 2021, WalletHub compared 100 of America’s largest cities using 15 key indicators of an enjoyable New Year’s Eve celebration, then ranked the top 10 by measuring them across two dimensions: Safety and Accessibility (70 points) and Entertainment and Food (30 points). A score of 100 represents the most favorable conditions for New Year’s Eve partiers, while 0 represents the least favorable.
Here, in ascending order, are the top 10 best U.S. cities to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2021.
10. Anaheim, Calif.
Home to California’s Disneyland Resort and numerous pro sports teams, Anaheim knows how to throw a party, even during a pandemic. The city ranks 28th in Entertainment and Food, and 12th in Safety and Accessibility. Total Score: 72.48.
9. San Diego
Celebrate the New Year in San Diego’s casinos; on a dinner cruise along the San Diego Bay; or safe and sound from the virtual comfort of your own home. San Diego ranks 58th in Entertainment and Food, and tenth in Safety and Accessibility. Total Score: 72.59.
8. Santa Ana, Calif.
Californians living in Orange County can mix and mingle with the world’s glitterati by livestreaming the Worldwide New Year’s Eve 2021 Virtual Festival. Ten percent of the admission price goes to charity. Santa Ana ranks 42nd in Entertainment and Food, and eighth in Safety and Accessibility. Total Score: 72.99.
7. Lincoln, Neb.
This year, forgo the usual NYE high-price dinner and dancing in favor of curbside pick-up of a gourmet meal and pre-made cocktails in jars from your favorite high-end restaurant. Lincoln ranks 46th in Entertainment and Food, and nineth in Safety and Accessibility. Total Score: 73.07.
6. Chula Vista, Calif.
You don’t have to dress up to let your hair down and party in this San Diego suburb; instead of spending a week’s salary on a single night’s festivities, enjoy New Year’s Day breakfast out with family and friends – together, but apart. Chula Vista ranks 74th in Entertainment and Food, and sixth in Safety and Accessibility. Total Score: 73.77.
5. Irvine, Calif.
Orange County residents can count down to 2021 from the safety and comfort of their home by tuning in or logging on to Grand Park’s NYELA 2020, or by enjoying a virtual concert by the San Diego Symphony. Irvine ranks 93rd in Entertainment and Food, and second in Safety and Accessibility. Total Score: 73.95.
4. Fremont, Calif.
This year, New Year’s Eve revelers will not be rubbing shoulders with the multitudes craning their necks to watch the annual fireworks display over the San Francisco Bay, but there’s plenty to do virtually while keeping one’s distance. Fremont ranks 89th in Entertainment and Food, and fourth in Safety and Accessibility. Total Score: 74.56.
3. Plano, Texas
Covid-19 safety precautions will be in place this year, but residents of this Dallas suburb can still enjoy in-person fireworks shooting from the ball atop Reunion Tower, or watch them safely and securely on their home TV. Plano ranks 50th in Entertainment and Food, and fifth in Safety and Accessibility. Total Score: 75.39.
2. Honolulu
Honolulu is located in one of the last time zones to celebrate New Year’s Eve, and the city always does it with a bang by launching a spectacular fireworks display over the world-famous Waikiki Beach. Watch it in-person or stream it live. Honolulu ranks 88th in Entertainment and Food, and first in Safety and Accessibility. Total Score: 75.64.
1. Virginia Beach, Va.
There’s free, family-friendly fun every NYE at the Last Night on the Town party in this beach-front, fun-loving town. Virginia Beach ranks 57th in Food and Entertainment, and third in Safety and Accessibility. Total Score: 77.08.
