Best Towns & Cities for a Quiet New Year’s Eve

Years ago, I had a chihuahua who was terrified of fireworks.

It gave me the perfect excuse to skip crazy New Year’s parties. After all, someone had to stay home with my little bruiser for reassurance cuddles. It worked out great for years.

Unfortunately, my chihuahua is no longer with us. His death has had many implications for my life—and one is that I now have to think of fresh excuses to avoid going out on NYE.

I might be better off trying to convince my friends to head to a quiet New Year’s Eve destination instead.

After all, I’m not alone in my suspicion of loud NYE celebrations; thousands work hard to avoid the chaos in search of a more meaningful and personal NYE experience.

Want to dodge over-the-top parties (and their partiers) in large cities? Head to these quiet New Year’s Eve spots instead.

4 of the best towns and cities for a quiet New Year’s Eve at a glance

Ideal for couples: Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA
Perfect for outdoorists: Jackson Hole, WY
Best for wellness-seekers: Sedona, AZ
Best in quiet luxury: Aspen, CO

Best towns and cities for a quiet New Year’s Eve

Ideal for couples: Carmel-By-The-Sea

Sand beach by the Pacific Ocean coastline in Carmel California near Monterey

Voted the most romantic city in the United States, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a clear pick for a cozy, intimate New Year’s Eve. In case you haven’t heard of this beach town, it’s located in Southern California and renowned for its quaint, historic main street and unique architecture.

On New Year’s Eve, you can choose from various small-scale parties around the city, most of which are themed. From Time Traveler’s Balls to stately dinners, you can join the action at your own pace… or stay at your rental for a private celebration.

Perfect for outdoorists: Jackson Hole

Holiday displays in Jackson Hole (Getty)

Jackson Hole is well-known for outdoor adventurists, stargazers, and rugged thrill-seekers… especially those with a taste for luxury.

While you’ll have more fun in Jackson Hole if your pockets are deep, it’s a fantastic place to spend the New Year for any traveler who wants to get out into the wild for the big night. Budget options abound, in other words.

During the New Year period, you can also join in the festivities. Locals celebrate with live music, public festivities, fireworks, and traditions like the Torchlight Parade. It’s charming, it’s wintery, and it’s drop-dead gorgeous.

Best for wellness-seekers: Sedona

Enjoy a hike in Sedona for New Year’s Day (Getty)

Want to avoid parties and bright lights this New Year’s Eve? If you’re more focused inward, then Sedona is a great option.

The city is renowned for its spiritual interests, from vortex hikes to meditation classes. Regardless of your personal goals, you can find a class, course, or friend in Sedona that’s on a similar wavelength. Many are also offered on NYE for visitors and locals.

It’s also a solid pick for anyone who simply wants to enjoy nature. Whether or not you know who Alan Watts is, you’re sure to feel relaxed when exploring the high desert and red hills around Sedona.

Best in quiet luxury: Aspen

As with Jackson Hole, Aspen has a luxurious reputation. The only difference between the two is that Jackson Hole can be visited on a budget—Aspen makes that a little bit more difficult. It’s harder to reach and its streets are filled with four and five-star hotels.

That being said, if you have the money to splurge, then there’s no better place to soak up quiet luxury. Almost every hotel has its own NYE event for guests to enjoy, which ranges from classy dinners to skiing events to bottomless Dom Perignon parties. Choose your champion!

Coming in 2025: New Airport Lounges from 5 Airlines & Credit Cards

I love end-of-year travel reports that try to predict incoming trends.

Most travel companies focus on a similar range of activities, from solo travel to detour trips to brand-hotel partnerships. Others take a more measured foray into niche territory—and who doesn’t love a unique angle?

This year, one of the more unique trends to grab my attention is the rise of better—even opulent—airport lounges.

Not only are airport lounges way more accessible than travelers think (yes—even for non-members), but they’re also swankier, more diverse, and easier to find than most imagine. And according to Fora’s 2025 Hot List, there are a few major new airport lounge launches coming next year.

These are the new airport lounges you need to keep your eye on, according to Fora. (Aren’t sure if you already have access to certain lounges with your credit card? Check out the list.)

Best new airport lounges from airlines & credit cards

American Airlines launches Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge at Philadelphia Airport

American Airlines is looking to elevate its presence at PHL with two brand-new lounges. Both clubs will open in the Terminal A – West section of the airport.

The Flagship Lounge will offer an elevated stopover before members head to the gate, including upscale dining, craft cocktails, and suites that include full bathrooms with showers.

Capital One is rolling out two new lounge options at select airports nationwide: Capital One Lounge & Capital One Landing

Capital One has focused on two elements to improve its lounge experience: better menus and work-lounge stations.

One of its latest openings, a Capital One Landing lounge in Crystal City Virginia (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport) even includes a menu that was designed by a Michelin-starred chef. For great eats, head to a Capital One Landing lounge.

On the other hand, the Capital One Lounge program is designed to offer fliers a relaxing place to unwind or get some work done. You can expect new openings at LGA, JFK, and LAS (Las Vegas).

Chase Sapphire is rolling out the red carpet at LAS, SAN, PHX, & PHL

As one of the most accessible airport lounge schemes out there, I highly suggest any Chase Sapphire Reserve members use their credit card status to hang out in one of the Sapphire lounges.

Next year, the company is going to double its presence at US airports with new openings in Las Vegas, San Diego, Phoenix, and Philadelphia.

Centurion & American Express Are Opening a New SLC Lounge

The American Express Centurion Lounge will open in Salt Lake City Airport in 2025, exclusively serving card members.

This swanky new lounge will include an outdoor lounge era with winter heating, local food and beverage products, and a cocktail and mocktail bar.

JetBlue set to open its first lounges across the US

JetBlue is opening its very first lounges across the United States starting with JFK and BOS. Though reports are still limited, it looks like lounges are set to open at both airports in late 2025.

Forget the Balls—These Are the Best NYE Drops in the US

Who cares about the ball drop in Times Square—did you know that partiers in Mobile, Alabama roll a 200-pound, 12-foot-tall MoonPie off a building every New Year’s Eve?

I’ll never be swayed by a fancy disco ball again.

This glorious United States is chock-full of alternative NYE drops, and each one is better than the last.

Want to hear the shortlist of the coolest (and oddest) ball drops in the United States? From veggies to candy to shoes, here’s what Americans are dropping nationwide to ring in the New Year.

Best alternative NYE Drops in the US

Idaho Potato Drop, Boise ID

The spud might be the Item of the Hour at this New Year’s Eve party—but Boise’s annual celebration is way more high-production than you might think. Every year, thousands gather in downtown Boise for a day of family fun.

Though the winter chill is no joke in Idaho’s capital, it’s a great way to spend the evening – especially if you’ve had alternative NYE drops on your radar this year.

Along with the drop, you can enjoy events like the 2025 Urban Jam Snowboarding Competition, along with live music, food trucks, and local vendors selling their goods.

If you’ll be around, check out these resources:

Beach Ball Drop, Panama City FL

In case you didn’t know, the Florida Panhandle is one of the best places in the US for family-friendly vacations and events. That’s definitely the case with the Beach Ball Drop in downtown Panama City.

Not only is it geared toward families, but it’s also got a big-name sponsor this year: Coca-Cola. You can expect tons of great entertainment starting at 4 pm with live music. There are also DJ sets, laser shows, fireworks, and two separate ball drops.

The first is at 8 pm for kids, while the second midnight drop is a bit more adult.

If you’ll be around, check out these resources:

Peeps Chick Drop, Bethlehem PA

I roped you in at the start of this article with a one-liner about a 200-pound MoonPie—but that’s not the only van-sized treat that’s dropped on New Year’s in the United States. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania is the birthplace of the Peeps Chick, an Easter staple.

It’s also the home of the Peeps Chick Drop, aka Peepsfest—and it’s double the size of the MoonPie. (Oh no, have I buried the lead?) This multi-day festival includes fun for the whole family that culminates in the NYE drop.

At that time, a 400-pound, 4’9 bright yellow Peep is gently lowered toward the ground (very dignified) before a fireworks show blasts off.

I hate Peeps, but I love this event.

If you’ll be around, check out these resources:

MoonPie Over Mobile, Mobile AL

A look back at the 2015 MoonPie Over Mobile event

It’s a massive party in Mobile every New Year’s Eve—and the treat of the night is that 200-pound MoonPie I talked about at the start of the article.

This massive event includes two MoonPie drops—one for kids at noon and another at midnight for adults. That’s the twist here: It’s a day party for kids that turns into a more adult scene at night.

MoonPies aside, there are multiple stages with live performances, fireworks, and even a second line. Plus, unique events like an umbrella decoration contest and the ‘cutting of the MoonPie’.

If you’ll be around, check out these resources:

Whiskey Row Boot Drop, Prescott AZ

Prescott, Arizona is well-known for its cowboy roots and historic downtown area. Now, it’s also sliding onto the map with its popular Whiskey Row Boot Drop celebration.

People from around Northern Arizona come for the carnival rides, food trucks, vendors, and giveaways. Think of it like a block party that spans the abandoned cowboy village. Anyone who likes classic American fare won’t find any better alternative NYE drops out there.

At midnight, a neon-lit boot sign is lowered from The Palace (a famous hotel on Whiskey Row) to ring in the new year. Live music performances continue throughout the night.

If you’ll be around, check out these resources:

Christmas Wish List: Perfect Stocking Stuffers for Travelers Under $25

Stocking stuffers are the test of a good gift-giver.

They need to be small enough to fit inside a stocking but useful enough not to end up in the trash. Candy and socks aside, it can be tough to find the right items for your loved ones.

That’s doubly true if you’re shopping for a traveler.

I left home at age eighteen and have lived in dozens of places since then—which makes me very hard to shop for.

Will the gift fit in my bags in case I pack up and take off? Is it okay to send the gift through the mail? Do people in Spain (my current home) even stuff stockings for Christmas? (They beat a log until its poops out their gifts—but that’s another story.)

I know firsthand hand: shopping for travelers like me can be a nightmare.

As penance for all those who have pulled my name in White Elephant, here’s a little cheat sheet. I’ve rounded up a handful of great stocking stuffer ideas for the traveler in your life. They’re affordable, they’re portable, and they’re helpful.

No more stressing.

Perfect stocking stuffers for travelers

CAILLU Cord organizers

Tech is helpful for all types of travel needs—but those cords can be a nightmare to deal with when packing, unpacking, and repacking. This is one of those tiny gifts that will make a massive impact.

BAGAIL Compression Bags

I’m sorry to bring up compression bags again, but they’re infinitely better than those basic packing cubes. These items let travelers overstuff their bags—no need to learn discipline.

Silicon Ear Plugs & Eye Mask

It’s not the cutest set out there, but that silicon is comfortable as hell—take my word for it. I’m a huge fan of silicon earplugs because they block my earholes better than the soft foam ones. (That’s hard science, baby.)

SARISUN Head Wrap Pillow

Like the compression bags, I recommend this sleep solution often—and I’m not going to let up anytime soon, so might as well make the purchase already. I’m convinced that this is the future of comfortable sleeping on planes.

VYLEE Universal Charger

This dynamic solution gives you the power to charge electronics in every single socket on Planet Earth. Buy it once and the traveler in your life is set for life—no matter where they wander next.

I highly recommend this selection for avid travelers, as it’ll save them time and money. I’ve probably spent a few hundred dollars over the years because I forgot to bring an adapter with me.

Looking for more suggestions?

Keep shopping around for the perfect stocking stuffers for travelers with a list of great picks under $20 and the top picks for new travel products of the year. Happy shopping!

Las Vegas Throws the Biggest NYE Party In the US—Here’s How to Join the Fun

Once upon a time, Las Vegas was known for its Strip.

Throughout the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, most Americans regarded the Strip as a sleazy place where vices seemed to collude. From casinos to title fights, Vegas slowly became an entertainment mecca. But the moniker of ‘Sin City’ fit well.

By the early 2000s, Las Vegas was evolving into a new approach to entertaining the masses. One that refocused on bright-lights showmanship more than your-secrets-are-safe-here type of establishments.

I’d call this the start of the City of Lights era. Family establishments and kid-friendly shows popped up, along with luxury services of all stripes.

This latest iteration of Vegas is a lot more varied than its predecessor.

Do you like nature, for example? Head to Seven Magic Mountains or take a helicopter to the Grand Canyon.

What about culture? From fine arts to world-class performances, you won’t have time to fit it all into your weekend trip.

Are you a foodie instead? You can eat your heart out at top-tier eateries.

I could go and on. From spas to art galleries to fringe museums, Vegas has it all. (Except a reliable source of fresh water, but I won’t spoil the mood.) And there’s no better way to experience that full range of entertainment than on New Year’s.

According to some estimates, a whopping 400,000 head to the city to ring in the new year.

Want to see the City of Lights at its brightest? Here’s what you need to know about celebrating at the biggest parties on New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas.

Best parties on New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas: the basics

There are three rules you must follow for a good experience over NYE in Las Vegas.

Book as early as possible—the city is flooded with almost half a million partiers around the end of December
Save up—prices balloon over NYE
Stay together when you go out or decide on a meeting place just in case—the city will turn into a zoo on the big night

Best parties on New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas

Fremont Street Experience

This is the New Year’s Eve party in Vegas, thrown by the city and home to four massive live-performance stages. Fremont is a five-block entertainment district that has overtaken the city’s oldest streets.

You’ll get to soak up live music, street performances, LED light shows, and the SlotZilla zip line—an 11-story zipline attraction. Plus, casinos. Casinos everywhere.

Omnia Nightclub

Steve Aoki is headlining NYE at Omnia. As one of the world’s most popular electronic DJs, he’s a well-known quantity. Oh, and he likes to interact with the crowd by ‘caking’ people.

That’s exactly how it sounds: you show up with a sign begging to get caked, then Mr. Aoki pulls out a family-sized dessert and throws it at you—and he’s dangerously accurate. (He once threw a cake over 80 feet to hit one of his wheelchair-bound fans.)

My point: Steve Aoki is fun as hell, even if you aren’t a fan of EDM.

Marquee Nightclub

The Marquee Nightclub is just as famous as Omni in the city and has been a mainstay of the Cosmopolitan for years. This year, Alesso is headlining—which means you’ll get standard EDM music all night long with plenty of crowd favorites.

Though I’m a techno or drum’n bass girly myself, I wouldn’t mind spending the night throwing my hands in the air to a few remixes of well-known hits. It’s fun when there are lyrics!

Hakkasan Nightclub

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 17: Sparklers and celebration as 1800 Tequila toasts the Latin Grammy Awards at the Latin Grammy After Party for the 23rd Annual Latin Grammy Awards at Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant and Nightclub at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on November 17, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for 1800 Tequila )

DJ Pauly D is headlining Hakkasan Nightclub, one of the bougiest new projects in the city from MGM. (Yes, that Pauly D from MTV’s Jersey Shore.)

While that might seem like a far cry from Steve Aoki, it might not be in terms of entertainment. I imagine the music is better at Omnia and Marquee, but Pauly D knows how to throw a party. Plus, Hakkasan has a slight edge compared to other major Vegas clubs.

Sahara Las Vegas

If you aren’t wooed by an outdoor block party or an exclusive nightclub, then don’t worry—you’ve got options. The Sahara Las Vegas throws a pretty solid party for New Year’s Eve at its on-site AZILO Ultra Lounge & CASBAR.

You can choose from different ticket tiers that include open bar options and dining. There’s also a pool in case you want to swim into 2025.

Rainforest Café

NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO, CANADA – FEBRUARY 28: Rain Forest Cafe on February 28, 2015 in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. (Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)

Here’s my favorite family-friendly selection. Though many events are strictly 21+ in Las Vegas, the Rainforest Café has a blowout party that’s fun for people of all ages.

The New Year’s Eve event includes a buffet dinner with unlimited soft drinks. After dinner, the party gets started with a fireworks show, face painting, and a live DJ and dancefloor.

Christmas Travel Guide: How to Visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland

A little Christmas surprise popped up on my Instagram feed recently: Chiara Ferragni visited Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland.

Even if you don’t follow Italian socialites like Ferragni, you might have heard of Santa Claus Village. It’s one of the world’s most Christmas-happy locations and the hometown of Santa Claus himself.

Every year, around two million visitors fly into Rovaniemi, Finland to get a glimpse of Kris Kringle and enjoy the spoils of his village.

That being said, Rovaniemi isn’t just any typical Christmas-fluff destination.

It’s in the Arctic Circle, for one—which means you need to be more than prepared when packing your bags. Second, it’s a big-ticket venue that’s on par with amusement parks like Disney World, meaning you need to prep for crowds and pricey items.

Still, it’s worth a visit. I don’t even have kids and I’m considering booking a trip—much of which is based on my fantastic winter wonderland experiences near Sweden’s Arctic Circle north of Umea.

So, whether you have kids, whether they like Santa, and whether you ever thought you’d visit the Arctic, it’s the season for miracles.

Here’s how to visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi.

How to visit Santa Claus Village: getting there

Rovaniemi is located in Finland’s Lapland region. It’s a pretty large outpost for the country with around 70,000 inhabitants. Santa Claus village opened its doors back in 1985 just outside city bounds.

Since then, it’s become one of the Western world’s most recognizable amusement parks.

Most visitors reach Rovaniemi via the Rovaniemi Airport. You can find short flights from hubs around the region, including Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Helsinki.

You can also take an overnight sleeper train from Helsinki (the capital of Finland), which takes around eight to 12 hours to reach Rovaniemi.

If you have a little extra time and a sense of adventure, I’d highly suggest booking the sleeper car. It’ll get you started off on the right foot for your Christmas adventure by showcasing Finland’s gorgeous forests.

Where to stay in Rovaniemi to visit Santa Claus village

You’ve got two choices in terms of lodging: stay directly inside the bounds of Santa Claus Village (around eight kilometers outside of the town) or stay in Rovaniemi.

If you’re there to dive headfirst into all things Santa-related, then I suggest bucking up a little extra money to stay at the original Santa Claus Village.

The hotel is highly rated by guests and isn’t that much more expensive than a comparable place in town. (No Disney-level price gouging here.) It’s also really pretty, with snow-banked cabins decked out with pretty lights.

If you want a little distance between you and the fanfare, then head to another hotel inside Rovaniemi. I suggest checking out Arctic City Hotel, Arctic Light Hotel, Arctic Treehouse Hotel, and Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Keep shopping around for hotels in Rovaniemi.

What to do in Santa Claus Village

Santa Claus Village is a sprawling attraction that includes Santa Claus Park (more on this below).

In Santa Claus Village, you can do things like visit Santa Claus’s post office, explore his personal study, take a closer look at his snowmobiles (including the history of snowmobiles), and line up to meet the man himself.

But that’s not all. Personally, I’d be more interested in catching a glimpse of the aurora borealis, which is visible for around 150 days out of the year.

I’d also have my fun jumping crisscrossing over the Arctic Circle line, which carves straight through the village.

When you’ve had your fill of Christmas joy, you can head to Santa Claus Park—an award-winning amusement park that includes dozens more experiences. There’s the Arctic Forest Spa, a secret forest (no idea what Santa does in there), Christmas shows, a gingerbread bakery, and much more.

You might end up spending more time at Santa Claus Park.

Other pro tips for how to visit Santa Clause Village

Like I mentioned uptop, Santa Claus Village and Park are hugely popular—so you need to plan ahead if you want to avoid missed opportunities.

I suggest following these tips from long-time fans of Santa Claus Village and employees of the park:

Book your meeting with Santa as far ahead as possible
Speaking of meeting with Santa, you’ll have two options to meet him: in his office or at his cottage—choose wisely
Don’t underestimate the cold
Give yourself time to explore the village—it’s full of hidden surprises that you won’t notice unless you go slow
Research special events—and make sure to take full advantage of the free ones
Santa speaks English, but it’s still good to know the basics of Finnish (kiitos = thank you)