When one thinks about New Year’s celebrations in the USA, the first places that come to mind are probably New York and Las Vegas. These places are the hosts of some of the biggest, most well known and most spectacular New Year events in the world. However, they are also among the most expensive, and if you are a student without a lot of cash to burn through, you are probably on the lookout for something a bit more affordable. In this article, we will cover some of the best places where you can spend New Year’s Eve without blowing your entire yearly budget on it. They are friendly for all kinds of newcomers, and students willing to have fun on the New Year will certainly find a lot of ways to pass time there.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago may not be the first city that one associates with celebrations, New Year’s, or others, but it is a misconception. It is packed to the brim with parties, fun activities, firework cruises, and all kinds of events. Some of the places to visit are Navy Pier where you will find diverse entertainment and fireworks carefully synchronized with music and Chicago Resolution Gala with more than three dozen bars and buffet stations as long as the famous Lakeview Terrace and Grand Ballroom. Many local hotels are not far behind with their own parties and entertainment.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is one of the best places to visit in the USA at any time, and the New Year is no exception. Friendly locals, wonderful food, warm weather, bars that stay open late, historical sights – whatever you are interested in, you will find something for yourself here. As for the New Year specifically, visiting Jackson Square in the historic French quarter is certainly a must. Musicians playing all night through, midnight fireworks over the Mississippi River and fleur de lis drop, bars and nightclubs hosting top-notch parties throughout the night – any student looking for a good time will find something to do here.
San Antonio, Texas
If you are looking for a fun New Year’s celebration without having to spend a lot of cash, San Antonio is a place for you. It is much more affordable than many of the more popular destinations, which does not mean that it is in any way inferior. One of its many advantages is the weather – even on New Year’s Eve, it will feel like spring. The most picturesque place for the celebration is San Antonio River Walk, with plenty of restaurants and bars offering all kinds of specials and packages for the occasion. San Antonio’s New Year’s Eve celebration always includes lots of music and excellent food, culminating in spectacular fireworks.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco is located on a bay, which makes for some unique opportunities for unique New Year’s events and spectacles, the most prominent of which is probably the fascinating bayfront fireworks show. Firework cruises, boat parties, numerous New Year’s Eve balls (like the famous Passport to the World), and many other types of entertainment are waiting for the city’s visitors.
Portland, Oregon
If you are really looking to hit the bars on your New Year’s celebration, Portland has more opportunities to do so than you will know what to do with. From craft brewpubs to fancy dress ballrooms, it offers all kinds of nightlife, whatever your tastes and inclinations are.
Lake Tahoe, California
If you are looking for an unusual New Year’s Eve to celebrate outdoors, you need not look any further than Lake Tahoe. What can be more exhilarating than a New Year’s celebration in a mountain resort? You will be able to see the year off with lots of activities like skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, ice sculpting, and more. If you are not much for activity holidays, there are plenty of other things deserving your attention.
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is known as the City of Music, and rightly so – this title is reflected in the way it celebrates the New Year as well. Of course, due to the concerns and limitations related to the pandemic, many of the events like Music City Midnight moved to televised and online shows, but there is still plenty of places where any music lover can ring in the New Year in the city.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles offers New Year’s Eve activities and celebrations for every taste and every budget, from upscale affairs to casual and affordable ones. If you like surprises, it should be your destination of choice – locals like to keep things hushed down and do not release the details of their celebrations until the last minute. One of the most popular ways to spend a New Year’s Eve here is a club crawl – with a single ticket buying you admission to multiple clubs, it really is a bargain choice!
Dallas, Texas
Yet another location where you can have fun even taking into consideration all the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. Music, fireworks, and excellent local foods await those willing to take part in the celebrations in Victory Park.
Atlanta, Georgia
Finally, if you are really looking for a bargain-priced New Year’s celebration, you can find what you need in Atlanta, Georgia. Being one of the most pocket-friendly places in the United States, Atlanta still has a lot to offer, and lower prices in no way reflect the quality of entertainment. Here you can explore activities and pastimes like fireworks, music and other types of entertainment. It is an excellent destination for foodies as well.
As you can see, there are many places where you can have a great time even if you are a student and your budget is somewhat tight. So look through these options, pick what is best for you, pack your bags – and good luck having the best New Year’s celebration in spite of all odds!