Ring in the new year right at one of these top New Years Eve Destinations in the RV!
New Years Eve typically conjures up images of Times Square, elaborate fireworks and toasts to new beginnings. And while ritzy New Years celebrations and watching the ball drop on TV can be fun, we’d argue that hopping in the RV and ringing in the start of the next year immersed in The Great Outdoors can be an equally enjoyable experience. Sure, you could go see some epic fireworks displays in a big city, but there are plenty of incredible places around the country where you can have a non-traditional New Years Eve, avoid the crowds, and still start the year in style. It’s the perfect time to squeeze in one last RV trip before life returns to its normal routine after the holidays. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best New Years Eve Destinations in the RV.
Lake Tahoe
To kick off our list, we’ll start with a classic wintry destination. This lake on the border of California and Nevada is home to multiple ski resorts and a plethora of activities to ring in the New Year. For starters, there are fireworks everywhere you turn around the lake during the new year. You can see fireworks from an ice skating rink, from the water and from the slopes, put on by various resorts in the area.
The Tahoe Donner Downhill Resort even hosts a New Years Eve snowshoe tour that ends in a fireworks show. But the sky isn’t the only place you can look to for a light show here. Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows hosts a torchlight parade, where skiers of all ages ride down the mountain holding colorful LED lights and creating a spectacle on the slopes. You can join in on the fun or watch all the action from the comfort of your RV with a hot cocoa in hand.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole, Wyoming is another spot for an awe-inspiring torchlight parade down the slopes. This location made our list for where to spend Christmas in your RV as well, so we think it’s the perfect place to come before Christmas and stay all the way through the new year! There are 3 major ski resorts in the area – Jackson Hole Mountain, Snow King Mountain and Grand Targhee – and each one hosts a torchlight parade and fireworks. The famous Jackson Hole town square will be buzzing with partygoers and venues hosting live music. When you’re ready to get away from the hustle and bustle of the celebrations, you’re right around the corner from the Grand Tetons.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls in the summertime is a sight to behold. But a frozen Niagara Falls in winter is something else altogether. If you’ve never seen the iced over falls, New Years is the perfect time to go. Of course, the colder the winter and the more consecutive days below freezing, the more majestic the ice formations over the falls. Ice or not, Niagara Falls sure knows how to celebrate New Years Eve. We recommend the Canadian side of the falls for the best vantage point, so be sure to bring your passport and reference our article that will tell you everything you need to know before traveling to Canada in your RV. From here, you’ll be able to enjoy free musical entertainment at Queen Victoria Park, the Falls lit up in a colorful light display, and of course, an epic fireworks show atop the main attraction.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Another destination that needs to be seen both in summer sun and covered in snow, Bryce Canyon National Park is a highly underrated spot to visit for New Years Eve. You won’t even need fireworks with a view this amazing! But if you’re still in the mood for tradition, you can head about an hour west to the town of Brian Head for their annual torchlight parade and fireworks display. You’re also right around the corner from Zion National Park, so you can mark off two parks in one trip. For those wanting to make a whole week of it, REI actually provides a Zion Lodge New Year’s Hiking Adventure trip where you can join guides for a 6-day nature experience based at Zion Lodge.
Flagstaff, Arizona
Typically when you think Arizona, you think of a dry desert expanse covered in cacti. But travel north of Phoenix up into the mountains near Flagstaff and you’ll discover an entirely different climate. At 7,000 feet altitude in Flagstaff, you’ll be able to enjoy the winter wonderland that is associated with the new year, as well as your traditional countdown to midnight. Here, the midnight tradition is The Great Pinecone Drop that started in 1999. Party in the streets at Aspen Avenue and Leroux Street as you wait for the pinecone to be lowered, and head over to the Grand Canyon when you’re all rested up on New Years Day.
Panama City Beach, Florida
If bundling up for your New Years toast is just not up your alley, then Panama City Beach is the place to be. They do a ball drop of their own, but instead of a crystal covered ball, it’s fittingly a beach ball. The beach ball drop is held at Pier Park along with live music and entertainment. The best part is: there’s a beach waiting for you the next morning.
New Years Eve Destinations in the RV
Pack your party hats and your confetti poppers and hit the road to one of these amazing New Years Eve Destinations in the RV. It’s not your cliche New Years celebration, but we guarantee you’ll make memories you couldn’t anywhere else.
