The Best New Year’s Day Parades and Parties Across the Country

1. New York City

What it is: Times Square Ball Drop

Date: Dec. 31, 2017

Location: 1 Times Square, New York, NY 10036

Time: 7 p.m. until late (arrive sooner!)

There is no ball drop more iconic than the one in NYC. Although many people avoid it because of the massive crowd, experiencing it at least once is a must. The entire day is filled with activities and your energy will definitely carry you all the way until midnight! If you plan to view the ball drop from the streets, give yourself plenty of hours (yes, hours) in advance to find a spot. We highly recommend watching from inside so you’re cozy and have plenty of champagne. Restaurants like T.G.I Fridays and Chevys, and hotels like the Premier Hotel NY and Marriott Marquis have tickets so you can enjoy ringing in the New Year with food, friends, and heaters!

More info here.

2. Los Angeles

What it is: Rose Parade

Date: Jan. 1, 2018

Location: Orange Grove Boulevard, Pasedena, CA 91104

Time: 8 a.m. until late

The New Year brings a lot more than a new calendar number, especially for sports fans. The first of the month also kicks off a handful of football bowls to finish out the season. So whether you’re geared up to root for your favorite team, looking for a parade to ring in the New Year, or both, the Rose Parade is your happy medium. Not only will every float look fabulous, but according to the Los Angeles Times, 18 million flowers are used to create the decorations and designs in the parade. Soak up the sights and scents by purchasing tickets for seats in the grandstands or pulling up a chair to watch streetside for free.

More info here.

3. Chicago

What it is: Navy Pier New Year’s 2018

Date: Dec. 31, 2017

Location: Navy Pier 600 E Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Time: 10 a.m. until late

Who wouldn’t want to spend New Year’s Eve in Margaritaville? The restaurants and businesses lining the shore of Lake Michigan are the perfect spots for wining and dining during the countdown — including Margaritaville. Festivities start at 10 a.m. and you can even purchase tickets for a dinner cruise to view the rest of the night’s surprises. A bright, glittering firework show will begin at midnight to finish off your night (or start it). The bars and parties certainly won’t be quiet that night!

More info here.

4. Houston

What it is: Children’s New Year’s Noon Bash & Parade

Date: Dec. 3, 2017

Location: Children’s Museum of Houston 1500 Binz St., Houston, TX 77004

Time: 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Going out or staying up until midnight isn’t easy for kids, enter the solution: the Noon Year Eve parade in Houston. Those crazy late night hours can be reserved for you and your boo once the babysitter arrives, and you’ll be happy knowing the little ones had a blast ringing in the New Year too. On top of the parade, there are party hat making stations and even an after party with a DJ and dancing.

More info here.

5. Philadelphia

What it is: The Mummer’s Parade

Date: Jan. 1, 2018

Location: S. Broad Street and S. Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Time: 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.

If you’re looking for a wild time outside of the clubs and countdowns, the Mummer’s Parade will definitely fill that need for you. We can promise you that this funky combo of drag queens, over-the-top costumes, and enough noise and color to satisfy you for the rest of the year will be nothing like you’ve ever seen. The Mummers split into four categories and do everything from strut their stuff in outfits they’ve worked on all year, to play a whole host of instruments. Kind of confused? So are we, but it doesn’t have to make too much sense to admire the chaos and drool over the fab costumes.

More info here.

6. San Antonio

What it is: Celebrate San Antonio

Date: Dec. 31, 2017

Location: Hemisfair Park 434 S Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78205

Time: 6 p.m. until late

Everything’s bigger in Texas, and this rings true even with their New Year’s parties! This event is similar to a fair and has the nostalgic carnival rides and delicious fried festival foods everyone secretly loves. Three stages will pump you up with music from DJs and live bands to keep you going through the night. A gigantic firework show will be an exciting way to literally enter 2018 with a bang.

More info here.

7. Boston

What it is: First Night/First Day Boston

Date: Dec. 31, 2017-Jan. 1, 2018

Location: Boston Common 139 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02111

Time: Dec. 31, 2017 11:50 a.m. until late;

Jan. 1, 2018 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

This two-day event is perfect for both adults and families. The first firework show is at 7 p.m. and is perfect for families with little ones who can’t keep their eyes open until midnight. Ice sculptures will be on display at several different locations around Boston Common, and a parade will kick off the night at 6 p.m. Head home after the super sparkly firework show at midnight so you can be refreshed for the kids activities in Copley Square the next day. No kids? Check out their website for a list of hangover brunches and the Polar Plunge location.

More info here.

8. San Francisco

What it is: Epic New Year’s Eve 2018

Date: Dec. 31, 2017

Location: The Park Central 50 3rd St., San Francisco, CA 94103

Time: 9 p.m. until late

For the disco divas and party animals, the dance fest that’s going down at one of Union Square’s luxury hotels is the perfect spot for your NYE celebrating. Glow sticks, four dance floors, and a crazy countdown will def make this evening unforgettable. Get your tickets and rock that party dress to ring in the New Year at a glamorous, upscale bash.

More info here.

9. Jacksonville

What it is: Jacksonville Light Boat Parade

Date: Dec. 30, 2017

Location: Riverwalk 1001 Museum Cir., Jacksonville, FL 32207

Time: 7:30 p.m. until late

Grab your girls and a piping hot cup of coffee (or buttered rum) to watch the sparkling boats float by on the river. A parade on the water means less traffic and road blocks, so you don’t have to linger at a bar waiting for it to clear up — though we don’t see a problem with stopping for drinks either way. On top of this dazzling show, you’ll get to see more glitz, but up in the sky. The fireworks to follow definitely won’t disappoint!

More info here.

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