New Year’s Eve Events: Top Concerts, Shows and Things to Do

The last night of the year has always attracted some of the biggest celebrations in the world and 2025 is no different. 

From iconic televised performances to citywide parties, live music events, fireworks spectacles, family-friendly traditions and unique local twists on the countdown, there are plenty of ways to ring in 2026 with style. 

Whether you’re in New York, Los Angeles, Tampa, Phoenix, Pittsburgh or elsewhere in the U.S., here’s a guide to the top confirmed New Year’s Eve events this year and ideas for making your night unforgettable.

Times Square’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve”

The classic NYE television celebration in New York City

One of the most famous traditions on December 31 is Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve broadcast from Times Square in New York City. Produced annually and aired live on ABC, this event draws millions of viewers nationwide and features music performances, countdown moments and the iconic ball drop as midnight approaches.

For Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2026, the lineup includes some of the year’s biggest names in music. Artists scheduled to appear on the broadcast include Mariah Carey, Post Malone, Demi Lovato, Chappell Roan and Maren Morris. 

The celebration also features performances from 50 Cent, Charlie Puth, OneRepublic, Pitbull, Ciara, Goo Goo Dolls, Lil Jon, Little Big Town, Madison Beer, New Kids on the Block, Jordan Davis and The All-American Rejects, among others. 

Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora will host in Times Square, with additional coverage from Chance the Rapper in Chicago and Rob Gronkowski and Julianne Hough in Las Vegas. 

Attending the Times Square NYE celebration in person is iconic, but it requires early arrival, warm clothes and a willingness to stand outside for hours. 

Alternatives include joining ticketed viewing areas, lounges and NYE parties around Times Square that offer music, food, drinks and access to the midnight moments without camping out on the street. 

Live Music and Parties in Tampa

High-energy concerts and nightlife celebrations

Tampa’s New Year’s Eve scene has a diverse range of events from street parties to club shows and live music. 

One notable example for 2025 is ACRAZE at The RITZ Ybor — an EDM and electronic music show that runs into the early hours of January 1. Tickets for this event typically include access to the live concert, music from the internationally known DJ and options for VIP bottle service. 

In addition to big club shows like ACRAZE, Tampa hosts several public NYE events along the waterfront and around Sunset Walk, including free concerts and fireworks shows. For instance, the “Rocking New Year 2026” street party with live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display. 

Whether you’re dancing late into the night at a concert venue or joining a family-friendly free celebration, Tampa offers something for many different tastes on New Year’s Eve.

New Year’s Eve in Orlando

Dinner, views and entertainment by the water

Orlando’s waterfront celebrations make for a memorable transition into the new year. At Evermore Bay on December 31, 2025, you can find a scheduled NYE lineup featuring dinner service followed by a live party with entertainment and panoramic views of nearby fireworks. 

Events like this often include reserved seating, beverage packages and midnight toasts that make them popular choices for visitors who want something a bit more curated than a street party. 

With Orlando’s warm winter weather compared to many northern cities, this area remains appealing for visitors looking for a celebratory night that feels less like winter survival and more like a festive evening celebration.

Phoenix Symphony’s “All-American Dance Party”

A musical start to the new year with classical flair

Not all NYE events revolve around dance music and parties. Some are cultural and musical in a different way. The Phoenix Symphony hosts its New Year’s Eve: All-American Dance Party at Symphony Hall on Dec. 31, 2025. 

This festive concert, led by conductor Stuart Chafetz, features an eclectic mix of seasonal favorites, symphonic music and a complimentary champagne toast as the clock inches towards midnight. 

For classical music lovers or families seeking something more structured and concert-based, NYE symphony performances offer a joyful alternative to dance clubs and open-air parties.

Pittsburgh’s First Night Celebration

Free family-friendly arts and fireworks in the Cultural District

Pittsburgh’s First Night celebration on December 31, 2025, is a long-running community tradition that attracts locals and visitors alike. 

The day begins in the early evening with interactive art installations, live music, caricature artists, ice sculpting and performances across multiple indoor venues in the Cultural District. 

The festivities culminate with two fireworks displays and the unique “Future of Pittsburgh Ball” rise, a 75-foot feature that marks the countdown to midnight. 

First Night events are ideal for families because they’re largely free, accessible, and spread out so attendees can choose a mix of indoor and outdoor activities without feeling stranded in the cold.

Countdown Parties and Social NYE Events Across the U.S.

From club bashes to citywide coaxers

Across the country, NYE events range from themed parties to multi-venue celebrations that may not be widely televised but draw big crowds locally. 

For example:

• Rock & Rave NYE Party at Capella on 9 in 2025 features live music, a DJ, food, photobooths and a midnight toast. 

• Cities like Santa Monica, San Diego, San Francisco and Newport Beach host bar crawls and pub-style celebrations that start early and mix nightlife with countdown fun. 

• NYC itself offers a range of parties around Times Square from lounges to yacht cruises, barbecue buffets and cabaret-style celebrations with music and dinner. 

These local celebrations are great for people who want to mark midnight with a party atmosphere but prefer to avoid the crowds and logistics of the Times Square ball drop.

Large-Scale Music Shows Around New Year’s Eve

Electronic music and multiple date concerts

In some cities, concerts are scheduled just before and including December 31 that make NYE part of a multi-day musical experience. 

For example, San Francisco’s Pier 80 has hosted major electronic music shows around New Year’s, featuring artists like Skrillex and Swedish House Mafia, typically with a concert on Dec. 30 followed by a major headliner on NYE. 

While not all details may be fully public, this pattern reflects a trend of large-scale dance and electronic shows surrounding NYE weekend. 

Similarly, smaller music venues across the country often schedule jam band shows, EDM sets and rock concerts on NYE itself. Listings on ticket platforms frequently include this range of events, from intimate club shows to high-energy dance parties, for December 31. 

Classic Experiences: Fireworks, Cruises and More

Beyond concerts: iconic ways to ring in the new year

Not every New Year’s Eve celebration revolves around concerts or clubs, and these classic experiences offer iconic ways to ring in the new year with atmosphere, views, and tradition.

• Fireworks Cruises in NYC: In New York City, several cruise experiences on December 31 offer dinner, music and views of fireworks over the harbor, a scenic alternative to street-level celebrations with great skyline views. 

• Central Park and Outdoor Fireworks: While Times Square gets global attention, many New Yorkers enjoy outdoor countdowns with smaller fireworks and gatherings at parks and public spaces throughout the city. 

• Family-Friendly Gatherings: Many cities host balloon drops, countdown parties with kids’ zones and early-evening fireworks that let families celebrate midnight a bit earlier for younger guests.

These alternatives are ideal for travelers and locals who want the NYE spirit without the packed crowds of the largest televised events.

How to Pick the Best NYE Event for You

With so many options this year,it helps to think about what kind of experience you want:

Live Music Nightlife

For concerts and big electronic shows, cities like Tampa, San Francisco, and urban club venues offer dance-centric celebrations that go until the early morning.

Iconic Television Moments

Times Square’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve remains the most watched NYE broadcast and draws music fans worldwide.

Family-Friendly Countdowns

Events like Pittsburgh’s First Night or fireworks cruises provide atmosphere and celebration without limiting evening plans to bars or clubs.

Classical or Cultural Evenings:

Symphony Hall celebrations in Phoenix and similar concerts around the country give a more refined start to the new year.

All-Night Parties & Social Events:

Bar crawls, themed nights and multi-venue celebrations give flexibility to hop between music, drinks and countdown experiences.

Final Thoughts

New Year’s Eve 2025 promises a wide variety of ways to welcome 2026, from the iconic ball drop and superstar-filled telecast in New York City to high-energy parties, local traditions, cruises, fireworks and community celebrations across the U.S. 

The key to a great night is matching the event to your vibe, whether that means a glitzy concert, a family-friendly festival, a cultural performance or a multi-venue party scene.

Explore tickets on SeatGeek, compare experiences, and find the right NYE event near you so your final night of 2025 becomes one of your best memories of the year.