Ringing in the New Year means spending time with family and friends, eating great food, possibly popping open a bottle of Champagne, and—of course—watching fireworks. There is nothing quite like being bundled up next to loved ones as you gaze up at the clear night sky to see a pop of bursting colors.
Fireworks are the perfect way to start the New Year—and any New Years resolutions—off with a bang. That’s why we’ve rounded up 7 of the best places to watch the show.
When people think about fireworks on New Year’s, cities like Las Vegas or New York City often come to mind—after all, it’s where the largest displays are created. Although they’re not televised, you may be surprised to know there are many towns throughout the U.S. that have their own stellar firework shows. Some may even be right around the corner.
1. Orlando, Florida
While you may or may not find yourself bundled up in the tropical paradise, you will love every second of this fireworks show. Held at The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, this event is catered toward families with parades, star performers and sky-tacular fireworks shows.
The Countdown Fireworks show at Epcot begins at 11:40 p.m. on Dec 31, with the countdown to the New Year being projected onto Spaceship Earth—all while fireworks light up the sky. What’s great for families with little children is that there will also be a display at 6:30 p.m. in case the little ones don’t make it to the night one.
Also at Walt Disney World is the Fantasy In The Sky Fireworks at Magic Kingdom Park. These sparkling lights make fairytales come to life as they illuminate Cinderella’s Castle from above. The Magic Kingdom will be showing Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks on Dec. 30 and 31 with two shows each night at 6:30 and 11:50 p.m.
2. Denver, Colorado
The mile high city sits at the perfect elevation for fireworks. With crisp, cool air above, and a backdrop of a Rocky Mountain silhouette, this is why the New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show in Denver makes the list.
Located at the 16th Street Mall, with two showtimes—one at 9 p.m. and one at midnight—you’ll see Downtown Denver light up like never before. And with both shows created along with a synched playlist from live DJ’s, you’ll get to dance the night away under the lights.
3. San Antonio, Texas
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and that includes New Year’s Eve fireworks.
For years, San Antonio has provided residents and visitors a New Year’s celebration like no other. In fact, in years past, the New Year’s Eve events have brought upwards of a quarter of a million visitors to the downtown area.
This free event has live entertainment and music, with this year’s headliners including local Spurs legend Matt Boner as DJ Red Mamba, a 60-minute Rolling Stones tribute by The Satisfactions and much more. The event will go from 6 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 2 a.m. on January 1, with fireworks beginning just before midnight.
4. Seattle, Washington
The Space Needle has undergone new renovations just in time for its annual fireworks show—a show that’s launched from the structure itself!
You read that right. New Years at the Space Needle is considered one of the world’s largest structure-launched fireworks displays, with fireworks launching from nearly 90 different points. And according to Geekwire.com, the preparations for this year’s show began back in July with the wiring of more than 10,000 pounds of explosives.
According to the article on Geekwire.com, “The opening show sequence will feature a unique water-based component beginning with hundreds of white strobes that float directly on the water’s surface. As the accompanying music builds in intensity, the sea of strobes will erupt into a series of twirling silver tourbillons coupled with the same effect in the sky. The finale will contain thousands of effects originating from the surface of the barge deck to over 1000 feet in elevation and covering and an area nearly 1500 feet across.”
This will no doubt be something you’ll have to see to believe. New Year’s at the Space Needle begins its firework display at 12 a.m. on Jan. 1.
5. Chicago, Illinois
Seeing fireworks overhead is no doubt magical. But seeing them below in a reflection over a lake—well, nothing quite compares. This is why the fireworks show at the Navy Pier makes our list.
Enjoy a special New Year’s Eve fireworks show over Lake Michigan as you experience the lights from above and below. The show will start promptly at 12 a.m. on New Year’s Day and will last 15 minutes, ringing you into the New Year in style and splendor.
6. Los Angeles, California
If you’re in the LA area for New Year’s, but aren’t planning on landing at any of the nearby theme parks, you might want to try the Marina del Rey New Year’s Eve Fireworks and Glow Party.
The event starts at 7 p.m featuring live music, dancers, face painting, free giveaways and food trucks. Just before 9 p.m., there will be an early countdown to watch the Times Square ball drop, followed by a 10-minute fireworks display, and then another one starting just before midnight. This is a family friendly event with no alcohol or smoking allowed.
You’ll be able to watch the fireworks from Burton Chace Park, Fisherman’s Village, or many of the waterfront restaurants in Marina del Rey.
7. Hastings, Minnesota
Now, before you think that we’ve forgotten the midwest, think again. Yes, we know it will likely be extremely nippy and require you to stand a little closer to that special someone, but it will be well worth it, once you experience a fire-filled night at the Afton Alps in Hastings, Minnesota.
Afton Alps is located in the St. Croix Valley just outside Minneapolis and St. Paul, and each year, the ski resort organizes an annual New Year’s Eve Extravaganza. With a purchased ski pass, you’ll enjoy skiing and snowboarding until 10:30 p.m., followed by a torchlit skiing parade, live music until midnight, and a bonfire. In the midst of all that, hillside fireworks will begin at 9 p.m., lighting up the night sky.
If you don’t want to participate in the skiing or snowboarding events, the fireworks and party are free along with a lift ticket, allowing you to ring in the New Year like never before.
