There are several major cities where you can celebrate New Year’s Day traditions to the hilt. So, from NYC to Chicago and more, there are several fantastic attractions lined up in store for you over the holidays. Let’s dive deeper into it below. 

Iconic Parades, Celebratory Streets, and New Year Celebration in New York City

New York City offers opportunities to experience multiple celebratory streets, famous parades, and other events geared toward enjoying the New Year in a big way! You shouldn’t miss the Lunar New Year Parade, which is celebrated in a big way in NYC, along with celebratory streets like Times Square, home to its iconic ball drop tradition, witnessed by thousands of people. 

There’s also the NYRR Midnight Run on New Year’s Eve at Central Park for adventure lovers. Of course, watching the 11,875-pound and 12-foot ball drop from the One Times Square building right at midnight. You can enjoy the celebrations from strategically located hotels, rentals, furnished apartments, and restaurants near Times Square as well. 

Chicago’s Winter Wonderland, Magic on the Riverfront & Holiday Events

If you’re in Chicago, you’ll be able to enjoy the spectacular Winter Wonderland experience as part of the Winter WonderFest at the Navy Pier. There are also the fabulous light displays here, along with indoor rides, and the stunning Centennial Ferris Wheel. The iconic displays of fireworks happen over Lake Michigan for New Year’s Eve, with spectacular views from the lakefront and also from the Navy Pier. 

You can also enjoy the Christkindlmarket (a traditional German holiday market) at Daley Plaza, go ice skating at the Maggie Daley Park and Millennium Park rinks, and take part in the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival along Michigan Avenue. Some other experiences worth enjoying include the CTA Holiday Train, the official Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park, Navy Pier NYE events, and riverfront projections and fireworks sponsored by the City of Chicago and ART on THE MART. You can view these from the Upper Wacker Drive between McClurg Court and Franklin Street. 

Toronto’s Waterfront Celebrations, Culture Events & Firework Nights

You can enjoy multiple attractions in Toronto for New Year’s Eve, including pop-up performances taking place till midnight from 10 PM. These take place at three prominent locations near Toronto’s waterfront: the Toronto Music Garden, the Harborfront Center, and Sherbourne Common. The latter even offers dance lessons in association with The Dance Together Festival to ensure an ideal environment for dancing into the coming year. INCIRQUE performers will also stun audiences at the Toronto Music Garden and Sugar Beach. 

You can also enjoy extraordinary short-film selections from the National Film Board of Canada projected onto the Canada Malting Silos. The countdown to midnight will be spearheaded by Makayla Couture and Mayor Olivia Chow. Enjoy the waterfront celebrations or hop over to Nathan Phillips Square. The former will wow you with the fireworks display over Lake Ontario, while the latter is about ice skating, a festive countdown, and live music. You can catch great views from the HTO Park, Harborfront Center, and the Toronto Islands. New Year’s Day in Toronto is also about exploring the Distillery District for comforting brunches, taking walks along the Queens Quay, or starting the year with a fabulous view of the lake. 

Denver’s Mountain Views, Downtown Fireworks & Outdoor Fun

Denver offers a superb downtown fireworks display, gorgeous mountain views, and multiple outdoor activities. The main display takes place over the 16th Street Mall, and you’ll find several strategic locations to capture the fireworks against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. The main celebrations cover two free fireworks shows at midnight and 9 PM, while you can also check them from the Lookout Mountain Nature Center & Preserve, a short ride away from the city. 

Ruby Hill Park and the City Park are also hotspots to view the fireworks, along with several rooftop lounges. You can go ice skating outdoors at the Downtown Denver Rink, Skyline Park, or take a look at the incredible light displays at the Denver Botanic Gardens’ Blossoms of Light or the Chatfield Farms’ Trail of Lights. There’s also the Mile High Tree, which is 110 feet tall, and a gorgeous multimedia art installation at the Tivoli Quad on the Auraria Campus. Other options include hiking in Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater or Genesee Park, and snow tubing and skiing at nearby resorts like Vail and Breckenridge—these host torchlight parades on New Year’s Eve, along with fireworks displays as well. 

City Highlights: Music, Food, Winter Events & Festive Hotspots

Staying strategically at top vacation rentals in Chicago, NYC, or Denver will keep you close to major festive hotspots in all three cities. Stay near the heart of the action while enjoying the premier winter events, music performances, delicious food, and loads of outdoor entertainment and activities.  

Stay with TheSquare in Major Cities Across the Americas

Be it holiday apartments in Toronto or furnished apartments in New York, you can stay comfortably in all major cities with TheSquare. Expect standardized, comfortable apartments that offer great hotel-like service and amenities, coupled with luxurious furnishings, strategic locations near major winter events and landmarks, and home-like comfort, space, and privacy.