Five Cities to Visit This New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is one of those holidays that should be remembered, written about and documented on your social media channel of choice. It’s a great time to festively reflect on the past year and toast it up with your friends, your family and your love. If you’re looking to do it up a little different this year we’ve pulled together five Amtrak served cities that might do the trick for your New Year’s Eve celebration.

Austin
Party it up with your crew or grab dinner with you boo, Austin is a great spot for folks with all types of interests. Yes it’s a college town with some spirit (just ask Johnny Football), but it’s also laid back with some heart. Couples can take in a dinner cruise on the river, while families can enjoy New Year’s Eve at noon at a variety of kid-friendly events around the city.
Route: Texas Eagle

Atlanta
Hot Lanta’ has something for everyone. Traveling with little ones? Then head over to the Legoland Discovery Center for their Noon Year’s Eve celebration.  While this one is geared towards the kiddies, we have a sneaky feeling that even the child at heart will have fun building, playing and enjoying all things Legoland, including a balloon drop. Meanwhile football fanatics headed to The A should look into the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, a tradition like no other played at the Georgia Dome. While the teams aren’t set yet, the game will not disappoint.
Route: Crescent

Chicago
This year Chicago promises to give NYC a running for epic-est New Year’s Eve party, with Chi-Town Rising. Dress warm and prepared to dance as a variety of local musicians grace the stage to keep the energy up as the crowd rings in the New Year.
Routes: California Zephyr, Hiawatha, Lake Shore Limited, Michigan Services and more.

New York City
No proper New Year’s Eve list is complete without a shout out to the city that never sleeps. Looking for a concert? They have that. Want a fabulous dinner for your two? Check. Want to stay warm at a hotel party? Yup, got that too. Need family fun? Sure thing. Pretty much anything your heart desires for New Year’s Eve can be found in good ole’ New York City. Now all you have to do is decide on what to do.
Routes: Adirondack, Acela Express, Empire Service, Northeast Regional and more.

Vancouver
If you’re itching to ring in the New Year in another country we suggest giving Vancouver a try. The city is prepping for a new New Year’s Eve tradition simply called New Year’s Eve Vancouver. It’ll feature free music, food trucks, firetrucks and even an early countdown for the little ones.  All you have to do is hop a train, plan your night and enjoy the ride.
Route: Amtrak Cascades