12 underrated New Year’s Eve destinations to ring in 2026
Big cities might get the spotlight every December 31, but there’s something special about celebrating the new year somewhere unexpected—where you can actually see the stars, snag a dinner reservation, or hear the ocean instead of a crowd countdown.
From red-rock canyons to cobblestoned streets, here are 12 underrated New Year’s Eve destinations that’ll make your midnight moment one to remember.
Swap fireworks for stargazing among red rocks. Sedona’s spiritual, scenic energy makes it ideal for a reflective New Year’s reset—with bonfires, wine tastings, and sunrise hikes instead of packed dance floors.
How to celebrate New Year’s Eve:
Join a sound bath or guided meditation at one of Sedona’s resorts, enjoy a prix fixe dinner with red-rock views, and toast the new year beneath the stars at Airport Mesa.
Pro tip: Book a stay with a hot tub and desert views—perfect for toasting midnight under the stars.
Zion’s winter magic flies under the radar. Trails are quiet, the red cliffs often dusted with snow, and you can actually find solitude in places like the Emerald Pools or the Canyon Overlook trail.
How to celebrate New Year’s Eve:
Spend the day hiking, then head into nearby Springdale for dinner and drinks at a local spot like Bit & Spur or King’s Landing Bistro. Keep it cozy with a vacation rental and champagne by the fireplace.
Pro tip: Bundle up for a sunrise hike on New Year’s Day—the light hitting the canyon walls is unforgettable.
A charming alpine town at the edge of Glacier National Park. You can ski by day, then ring in the new year at a cozy bar downtown.
How to celebrate New Year’s Eve:
Watch skiers descend with flares during the annual Whitefish Mountain Resort torchlight parade, then enjoy fireworks and live music at The Bierstube or The Great Northern Bar.
Pro tip: Stay slopeside for a front-row view of fireworks over the snow.
A mountain paradise with rivers, forests, and endless outdoor adventure. Bend combines cozy cabin vibes with small-town charm for a peaceful winter escape.
How to celebrate New Year’s Eve:
Hit the slopes at Hoodoo Ski Area or Mt. Bachelor and enjoy lodge music, food, and festive vibes. Downtown Bend offers cozy bars, breweries, and family-friendly options like early "Noon Year’s Eve" balloon drops, ice skating, and bonfires in the snow.
Pro tip: Choose a vacation rental near downtown or the mountains for easy access to both slopes and nightlife.
This quiet stretch of the Oregon Coast is perfect for those who’d rather trade champagne towers for coastal calm.
How to celebrate New Year’s Eve:
Bundle up for a walk on the sand to watch the sunset behind Haystack Rock, then enjoy a candlelit dinner at The Stephanie Inn or Pelican Brewing.
Pro tip: Check out nearby Seaside or Manzanita for small-town NYE events.
Historic charm meets Southern coastal calm. Live music, waterfront fireworks, and warm hospitality make for a memorable yet mellow celebration.
How to celebrate New Year’s Eve:
Attend the downtown waterfront fireworks show, sip craft cocktails at the Backstreet Pub, and stroll the marina lights before midnight.
Pro tip: Spend New Year’s Day on the Crystal Coast beaches for a serene start to the year.
Skip Miami’s crowds for the nation’s oldest city, where cobblestone streets glow under millions of holiday lights.
How to celebrate New Year’s Eve:
Stroll the historic district, enjoy a riverside dinner, and catch the Light Up the NIGHT! fireworks at St. Augustine Beach Pier Park at 8:30 p.m. Family-friendly, with shuttles and parking available, plus local bars and live music for a low-key celebration.
Pro tip: The city’s holiday light display runs through early January—don’t miss it.
Beyond the beach clubs, Tulum offers boutique eco-conscious communities, cenote adventures, and a serene, tropical vibe that’s perfect for ringing in the new year.
How to celebrate New Year’s Eve:
Enjoy a beachfront dinner with Mayan-inspired cuisine, then watch fireworks over the Caribbean or join a small, intimate beach party at one of Tulum’s chic resorts or beach clubs.
Pro tip: Book early—Tulum’s charming homes fill quickly for New Year’s week, and an oceanfront stay makes the midnight toast unforgettable.
Live bluegrass, craft beer, and mountain charm give Asheville a creative twist on the classic NYE.
How to celebrate New Year’s Eve:
Hop between local breweries, catch a show at The Orange Peel, or experience the all-ages Electro Lust at Grey Eagle Music Hall for an energetic mix of electronic funk, Latin, and Afrobeat. For a quirky twist, join the Early NYE Pajama Party at The Whale in West Asheville from 6–9 p.m.—midnight is at 9 p.m., so you can be in bed by 10!
Pro tip: Stay near downtown to walk to breweries, music venues, and other festive spots.
Adobe charm, art galleries, and luminarias make Santa Fe’s New Year’s celebrations as unique as the city itself.
How to celebrate New Year’s Eve:
Join the free New Year’s Eve on the Santa Fe Plaza starting at 8 p.m. with live music, bonfires, and free hot chocolate and biscochitos. At midnight, a handcrafted Zia symbol rises as fireworks light the sky—welcoming 2026 in true Santa Fe style.
Pro tip: Spend the next morning skiing at nearby Ski Santa Fe or soaking in Ojo Caliente’s mineral springs.
Historic streets, rooftop bars, and mild weather make Charleston a classy yet relaxed New Year’s escape.
How to celebrate New Year’s Eve:
Dress up for Charleston Wonderland at Festival Hall (8:30 p.m.–1 a.m.), the city’s all-inclusive VIP celebration with live music, performances, and a midnight balloon drop in the heart of downtown. Traveling with kids? Head to New Year’s Eve at Aquarium Aglow, a family-friendly bash with lights, music, and an early ball drop before bedtime.
Pro tip: Stay near downtown for easy access to events, dining, and waterfront views when the fireworks go off.
Historic squares, moss-draped oaks, and a charming downtown make Savannah a perfect urban escape for New Year’s Eve.
How to celebrate New Year’s Eve:
Ring in midnight with 10 minutes of fireworks over the Savannah River, enjoy dinner at a riverfront restaurant, and stroll the historic district’s lantern-lit streets for a romantic, festive vibe.
Pro tip: Book a downtown vacation rental so you can walk to all the action and enjoy the city’s unique charm at your own pace.
