Find A First Night Celebration For Your Family
Havent heard about the First Night tradition? TravelingMom contributor Kendra Pierson reports that the first First Night was held in 1975 as a gathering of artists in Boston to celebrate a spirit of community. She says that many cities host them now the New Years Eve events are generally alcohol-free and have free admission.
Here are a few worth checking out:
- Boston Where First Night was founded, the party kicks off at 10am and hosts two fireworks celebrations, a family-friendly 7pm showing followed by a midnight display. Staying the weekend? Check out more cool things to do in Boston with kids.
- Portsmouth, NH Make a day of it with a Childrens Museum of NH visit for countdowns to midnight during the day complete with glittery disco balls and confetti.
- Dahlonega, GA To celebrate the towns history in the Gold Rush, Dahlonega will host a Nugget Drop at 8:45pm.
- Charlottesville, Virginia Canceled due to Covid for New Years 2021, check back next year for the 2nd oldest First Night.
- Tacoma, WA 2021 info is not yet available but in the past, Tacomas First Night has featured a version of The Iditarod race, teams of human-powered dogsleds racing 400 yards! If you stay a little longer, be sure to check out our list of FREE fun things to do in Tacoma.
- Pittsburgh The party kicks off at 6pm with fireworks. Theres storytelling, a variety of performances and the 2021 event is free for all ages.
New Years Deals To Start 2023 Off Right
Ready to travel in 2023? We thought so. With New Year’s Eve just around the corner, we wanted to make sure to get our special deals in front of you with time to spare. Whether you’re looking to spend a New Years vacation away from home, perhaps on a NYE cruise in New York, or kick off with fireworks in a top destination for NYE parties, we’re sure you can find something special here.
Family Getaways For New Years Eve
NYE celebrations always seem so focused on the impending clock striking midnight, and its not always possible for little ones to stay up that late, or to even keep them from being bored. But if you are looking for family getaways for New Years Eve, there are quite a few destinations around the world that have early evening entertainment and are a great option for a New Years Eve break with children.
So Ive reached out to some fellow bloggers for their suggestions of family friendly New Years Eve vacations and the best places to spend New Years Eve with kids. Let me know if youve any to add!
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Panama City Beach Florida
Looking for a change of sight to celebrate the coming year? What about going to the beach? Feel the sand in your toes and watch an 800-pound colorful beach ball glide 100 feet in the air. This makes it look more like a seaside take of the iconic and sparking ball drop in Times Square. But this highlight isnt the only thing the place can offer. Your little ones can enjoy the carnival atmosphere early on as you take them to the boardwalk before the main event.
Let them watch some fun street performers and stilt walkers that surely work like a charm or let them play in bounce houses. In case youre wondering, the beach ball drop takes place at 8 PM which is perfect if you dont like your children staying up late.
Cheap And Warm Destinations For Christmas And New Year Holidays
Obviously cheap is a relative term, but these are the cheapest holiday resort areas around the world that also have warm and sunny weather in late December and early January.
Hotel rates listed are current as of June, 2022.
On Mexicos Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta remains as one of the countrys tourism jewels. Not only has it avoided the safety problems that a few other resort areas have struggled with in recent years, but its also regarded as the most interesting and authentic of Mexicos resort areas.
The weather during Christmas time is pretty much perfect for anyone wanting to escape the cold, and the large international airport also has good deals on flights from many North American cities as well. Puerto Vallarta has grown more popular lately, especially with Americans and Canadians, so its not as cheap as it used to be, just like everywhere else.
Our hotel search in summer of 2022 showed lots of great deals, so booking early seems like the best idea, but do check the cancellation policies.
- 3-star hotels from: US$90 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$175 per night for two people
If you want to take boat tours and such, or if you like to hop around between restaurants and bars, its best to stay somewhere close to the marina in Cabo San Lucas. But if you prefer a quiet place where you mainly stay at a resort with its own restaurants and bars, you are better off between the two towns or in San José del Cabo itself.
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Where To Stay: Sign Of The Dove Bed & Breakfast
New York celebrates New Years with a ball drop. And Marion, NC just a short drive from Asheville celebrates New Years with a Gold Nugget Drop.
The 80-pound gold nugget sculpture is slowly lowered into a giant donut. But wait, theres more you can eat the donut!
This quirky tradition has brought national attention to Marion. After all, where else can you eat a 10-foot, freshly baked donut with a gold nugget in the middle? And its all in honor of the states gold mining history.
New Years Eve in downtown Marion is a great destination for all ages. Festivities include a scavenger hunt, a costume contest, street dancing, the Resolution Run 5K, miniature train rides, and a sparkler display after the midnight gold nugget drop. Wagon and miniature trains are available for the kids.
Noon Years Eve Events
Not prepared to take the toddler to a nighttime New Years celebration? A Noon Years Eve event followed by a nap can be a lot of fun. Lots of our favorite museums and science centers are hosting Noon Years Eve events.
- The 2021 Noon Years Eve Countdown at the Hands On Childrens Museum in Olympia Washington features a Fairy Tales and Dragons theme.
- Confetti cannons will be firing fun at the Mississippi Childrens Museums Noon Years Eve event.
- The Oak Lawn Childrens Museum in Illinois is one of 10 childrens museums in Illinois and Indiana with daytime events for the New Years holiday.
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Check Out Nye At The Zoo
Who needs noisemakers when you can listen to a lion roar? If youve got a local zoo, check out the events calendar to see if its hosting a New Years Eve celebration. For example:
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- Head to New Yorks Bronx Zoo and enjoy the live animals until 4pm when the exhibits close. Then stay for the Holiday Lights show.
- The San Diego Zoo continues its holiday celebration through New Years which includes lots of kid-friendly entertainment plus the amazing Aurora light show.
- The Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, NY, gears its celebration towards the littles. Their Noon Years Eve celebration includes a dance party and ball drop at noon!
Where To Stay: Hocking Hills Inn And Coffee Emporium
For a peaceful New Years celebration, try scenic Hocking Hills, OH. This relaxing getaway will help you greet the new year rejuvenated.
Make your holiday unforgettable with winter hiking, brewery visits, spa treatments, and much more. Rekindle the romance with your sweetheart at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls. Enjoy a stress-free stay with Cedar Falls New Years Eve Special.
Or take a ride on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway. Enjoy wine and cheese instead while taking the scenic route through town. And at midnight, marvel at a spectacular fireworks display.
Another NYE options in Hocking Hills is the family-friendly New Years Eve Gala at the Dairy Barn Arts Center.
And on New Years Day, try a hike through Hocking Hills State Park.
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Adventure Vacations Ideas For Nye
Off to Iceland
Jody Rains, travel consultant for Strong Travel, encourages jet-setters to head to Iceland for the holidays. “Reykjavik is offering many holiday activities and it is all about the Northern Lights. With more direct flights to Reykjavik, it becomes an easy and quick trip.”
Made for the Maldives
Reconnect with nature by way of a Maldivian holiday. Baros Maldives‘s annual New Year Festive Program offers memory-making experiences such as coral reef planting, snorkeling safaris, fishing by twilight, French wine dinner on the sandbank, and of course, a luxury cocktail party on New Year’s Eve.
Adventure To Aruba
Looking to escape the chilly winter temps. Travel to this Caribbean island where the weather is warm and the festivities are aplenty. Considering Aruba is a mere 21 miles long, hitting multiple celebrations is not only a possibility, it’s a must. The “one happy island” is chock-full of daytime activities including windsurfing, Jeep tours, hikes, and, of course, beach-dwelling. But evenings are not to missed either, particularly on NYE. In addition to epic fireworks, there are endless parties to attend at one of the island’s many resorts. Settle on one or party hop around the island for night you won’t forget!.
Where To Stay: Hotel Tybee
Tybee Island is known as Savannahs Beach. If youre ready for a dose of warmth and sun by the time December 31st rolls around, Tybee Island is a perfect choice.
First, theres the New Years Eve Fireworks on Tybee Island, the largest New Years Eve fireworks show in the Southeastern US. See the show from from any of Tybees eastern beaches.
Back in Savannah, theres plenty to do. For instance, theres Up the Cup Countdown. Just before midnight, join in the countdown as Savannahs six-foot tall cup up ascends its pole. Then, hang around for fireworks over the river.
Or try the Savannah Riverboat Cruise. Choose from the 6 PM to 8 PM Dinner Cruise, the 9:30 PM to 12:30 AM Party Cruise, or the more formal Gala Cruise, also 9:30 PM to 12:30 AM.
You can also enjoy New Years Eve at Savannah City Market. While there, eat at any number of the markets fine restaurants while listening to live music and enjoying the markets lovely ambiance.
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What Kinds Of Vacation Can I Get A Deal On
Whether you want to choose from our package deals and book a vacation to Bali or just stay local with a staycation deal, you can find the ideal getaway on Expedia.
When it comes to late travel deals, US and Canada getaway cities are worth considering, as they offer the perfect opportunity to de-stress on city breaks, especially as you can book cheap hotel deals for just one or two nights. If youre looking for something a little more epic, youll find a number of adventurous options, including travel deals to Thailand and offers on vacations to Ibiza.
New Years Party In Miami
Miami boasts of good New Year parties. But the best is when 250,000 plus locals and international tourists land up at Bayfront Park.
There are live bands, activities for people of all age groups, and fireworks over Biscayne Bay.
There is a touch of the beach in everything Miami does and it exists even in the case of New Year parties.
> > Plan your Miami itinerary on Viator
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Relaxing New Year’s Eve Getaways
Chill Out in The Cotswolds
Set off to the area of outstanding beauty, a.k.a the quaint village of Broadway in the UK. Stay at the newly-refurbished boutique property called The Lygon Arms for a two-night New Year’s Eve party including champagne afternoon tea, a five-course gala dinner with live entertainment , and plenty of cocktails, canapés, and even a decadent New Year’s Day brunch.
Escape to Tahoe
Take in the breathtaking views of the south lake shoreline from a room at Edgewood Tahoe in Lake Tahoe, California. This year, the hotel is throwing a dinner party inspired by Truman Capote’s iconic Black and White Ball, which will include an eight-piece band, a four-course wine paired meal, and old Hollywood films topped off with a round of fireworks to kick off the new year.
Cozy Up In Upstate New York
It doesn’t get much more quintessentially cozy than an upstate mid-nineteenth century candle-making factory converted into a boutique hotel. The Wick, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel located in Hudson, New York, is throwing a low-key masquerade party with hors-d’oeuvres, dancing, and a champagne toast at midnight. Easy peasy.
Are These Deals For Nye
Be sure to look closely at the dates of each of our deals. Some offers are for travel on or before New Year’s Eve, so that you can find the perfect holiday party, visit friends and family, or just get away from it all and recharge the batteries others are deals on post-NYE travel. We wouldn’t call these last minute new year’s deals, but if you bookmark this page and come back regularly, you might find the perfect fit.
Be sure to check out our 2022 Christmas vacation deals as well, in case you’re reading this a bit early.
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New Year 2022 Celebration With Mayfair Masquerade Gala Dinner Party In London
The hub for parties and more, London is surely the top place in the world for celebrating New Year 2022. Each year this city brings something new and unique to mark the eve and make it a memory for all tourists. This year there is a grand Masquerade Gala Dinner being hosted for the party enthusiasts to mark the eve with an unforgettable event. The feast will start on Fri, 31 Dec 2021 at 19:30 and last till Sat 1 Jan 2022, 03:30 GMT. The intimate settings and delighting menu of the night are all you need to make the night a fancy memory. Apart from music, dance, and food, the night will have the most exclusive and exciting Countdown for the night.
Slip-on your Masquerade Ball dress and head off to London Hilton on Park Lane to be a part of the most exclusive event of the season.
Other New Year 2022 Celebration In London:
- NYE Rooftop Party at 12th Knot
- London New Year’s Eve Ball at Evolution London
- NYE River Cruises on the Thames
- London New Years Day Parade
- New Years Eve Party at the Tate Modern
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Experience Fun With Kid
Taking the kids to Florida is a popular American pastime, and that’s no accident. Kid-friendly vacations to this state can include time at the beach or an adventure farther inland to the Theme Park Capital of the World in Orlando. Either way, the state is remarkably kid-friendly around virtually every turn provided you visit a beach town outside of spring break.
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Wacky New Years Eve Ball Drops
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Everyones familiar with the big onethe epic ball drop in Times Square. But, did you know, that there are a number of others that happen on the holiday across the US? The marina near my sisters home in Florida, for example, hauls an illuminated cooler to the top of a boat mast and drops it on the dock when the clock strikes midnight. Weird? Yes. But fun nonetheless.
- At PEEPSFEST in Bethlehem, PA, a giant yellow replica of the beloved candy chick is dropped at 5:30, the highlight of this family-friendly festival.
- The Peach Drop returns to ring in 2022, one of many fun New Years Eve activities in Atlanta.
- Moonpie Over Mobile draws thousands of visitors to Alabama each year to celebrate, Mardi Gras-style. Theres a traditional second line brass band parade through the city and a fireworks and laser show. But the star of the night is Mobiles favorite sweet treat, the Moonpie. Each year a giant edible version is unveiled, cut and consumed by 200 lucky revelers. Another inedible one is dropped at midnight and it weighs 600 pounds!
When To Book A Sunny Christmas Or New Years Holiday Trip:
As soon as possible
There is all kinds of research showing the cheapest time to book flights and even research showing that hotel prices often drop a month or two out, but the key exception to both of those is around big holidays like Christmas. Suppliers do adjust prices as the months come and go, except for when they know theyll have no trouble filling up even at the last minute. The best December destinations in Asia contains many great beach choices that are cheaper than most of the rest of the world.
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Jekyll Island Club Resort
Once an elite members-only club for millionaires, the Jekyll Island Club Resort is now a family-friendly yet still oh-so-grand hotel on Georgia’s Jekyll Island. TheNew Year celebration, at Morgan Center, is fun for parents and kids alike, offering an array of activities such as biking, ice skating, horseback riding, croquet, and more. The three-night New Year’s Eve package includes accommodations, daily breakfast, and a New Year’s Eve dinner and party.