New Year’s Eve (NYE) is one of the world’s biggest travel moments.
In the U.S. alone, AAA projected 119.3 million people would travel 50+ miles during the 2024 year-end period (Dec 21–Jan 1) — a new record.
Meanwhile, TSA expected ~39–40 million air passengers from Dec 19–Jan 2—another sign that the “last big trip of the year” now rivals summer peaks.
In cities, the crowds are massive: ~1 million in New York’s Times Square, ~340,000 visitors in Las Vegas, 1 million+ around Sydney Harbour, and 100,000 ticket-holders along London’s Thames.
Hotels respond in kind: Manhattan’s Q4 2024 occupancy averaged 89.3% with $421 ADR, and Vegas routinely forecasts ~95% occupancy on NYE.
Key stats: New Year’s Eve Tourism
- Sydney’s NYE spectacle pulls in 1.5-1.6 million people in person at the harbour each year.
- The city invests heavily: for 2024/25, AUD 6.3 million was allocated for the Sydney fireworks show.
- Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach serves as a global landmark for New Year’s Eve, drawing around 2 million people annually.
- In late 2024, Tokyo became the top global NYE destination by accommodation search volume.
- Travel patterns around NYE show people timing their trips: ~20% depart on Dec 30, ~19% right after Christmas (~Dec 26).
- Major NYE festivals like Edinburgh’s Hogmanay attract tens of thousands — ~50,000 for Hogmanay alone.
- Cities globally use NYE events (fireworks, concerts, public gatherings) as seasonal tourism boosters.
What are the headline New Year’s Eve tourism numbers?
- 119.3M U.S. travelers (Dec 21–Jan 1, 2024 year-end period), a new AAA record.
- ~39–40M air passengers screened by TSA (Dec 19–Jan 2).
- Times Square, NYC: ~1,000,000 attendees for the 2024→2025 ball drop.
- Las Vegas: ~340,000 expected NYE visitors; Strip occupancy around 95%.
- Sydney: 1M+ around the harbour; event’s direct economic impact ~A$280M.
- London: riverfront fireworks ticketed for ~100,000 attendees.
How big is the year-end travel rush?
Holiday travel keeps setting records.
AAA’s 2024 year-end forecast called for 119.3 million Americans on the move (driving, flying, rail/cruise).
TSA said it would screen ~39–40 million fliers between Dec 19 and Jan 2, up about 6% year over year.
Planes are full, roads are busy, and airports look like peak summer.
U.S. Year-End Travel (most recent season)
| Metric (dates) | Value |
|---|---|
| Total travelers (Dec 21–Jan 1) | 119.3M (AAA) |
| Air passengers (Dec 19–Jan 2) | ~39–40M (TSA) |
Tip: NYE day itself can be quieter for flights than the days before and after; the crunch is often Dec 26–29.
Where do people ring in the New Year?
From Times Square to the Strip to Sydney Harbour, NYE concentrates visitors into a handful of iconic places — with measurable city impacts.
Top NYE Hotspots (2024→2025)
| City & Event | Attendance / Visitors | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New York City (Times Square) | ~1,000,000 | Official NYC page and local TV reports confirm ~1M on site. |
| Las Vegas (“America’s Party”) | ~340,000 visitors | LVCVA Jan 2 brief; Strip occupancy ~95% forecast. |
| Sydney Harbour | 1,000,000+ | City of Sydney cites 1M+ attendees; ~A$280M direct impact. |
| London Fireworks (South Bank/Thames) | ~100,000 ticketed | Ticketed event managed by the Mayor of London. |
Also notable: Rio de Janeiro (Copacabana) regularly draws 2M+ for Réveillon; officials expected ~2.5M for 2024→2025. (Estimates vary; the scale is unmistakably huge.)
Do hotel numbers spike around NYE?
Yes. In big-city cores, New Year’s caps a strong Q4. Manhattan’s Q4 2024 averaged 89.3% occupancy with $420.74 ADR (RevPAR $375.65), while Las Vegas routinely projects ~95% occupancy on NYE night itself.
Sample Lodging Snapshot
| Market (period) | Occupancy | ADR |
|---|---|---|
| Manhattan (Q4 2024 avg.) | 89.3% | $420.74 |
| Las Vegas (NYE forecast) | ~95% | (varies by resort) |
Takeaway: Expect holiday pricing and minimum-night stays in the core NYE zones (Times Square, the Strip, Sydney CBD/foreshore).
What’s the local economic impact?
NYE is more than fireworks — it feeds city economies. Sydney’s celebration studies estimate ~A$280 million in direct impact.
Las Vegas officials anticipated ~$715.5 million in total (direct/indirect/induced) holiday impact for the 2024→2025 NYE period, alongside near-sold-out rooms.
Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals (Christmas + Hogmanay) generated ~£198 million in 2024–25 — though Hogmanay’s outdoor events were canceled on safety grounds due to severe weather.
Did weather or safety affect events?
They can. Edinburgh canceled its NYE street party and fireworks for 2024 due to storm warnings — a reminder that winter weather can still upend major events.
New York pushed through heavy rain; Times Square still saw ~1 million revelers.
Smart planning: what helps travelers?
- Book early for NYE zones; prices climb and rooms sell out.
- Know the ticket rules (London’s fireworks are ticketed).
- Arrive early to viewing areas; bag checks and road closures are common (NYC, Vegas, London, Dubai).
- If flying, avoid tight connections around Dec 26–29; allow extra time at security.
New Year’s Eve Tourism FAQ
How many people travel for New Year’s in the U.S.?
AAA forecast 119.3 million Americans traveling 50+ miles during the 2024 year-end period (Dec 21–Jan 1).
How busy are U.S. airports?
TSA expected ~39–40 million passengers from Dec 19–Jan 2 for the 2024→2025 holidays.
Which NYE celebrations are the biggest?
Times Square drew ~1M on site; Sydney sees 1M+; Las Vegas anticipated ~340k visitors; London tickets ~100k for the river fireworks.
What about hotels and prices?
Manhattan’s Q4 2024 averaged 89.3% occupancy with $420.74 ADR; Las Vegas typically forecasts ~95% occupancy for NYE.
Did any major city cancel events?
Yes. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay street party/fireworks were canceled in 2024 due to severe weather warnings.
Sources
- AAA — Year-End Holiday Travel Forecast (Dec 21–Jan 1, 2024)
- TSA — Preview: End-of-Year Holiday Travel (Dec 19–Jan 2)
- U.S. DOT — Holiday Air Travel Fact Sheet (Dec 19, 2024)
- CBS News New York — Times Square NYE 2025: ~1 Million Attendees
- NYC.gov — Official Event Page: “An estimated one million people…”
- LVCVA — News Briefs (Jan 2, 2025): ~340,000 NYE Visitors
- Las Vegas Review-Journal — NYE Occupancy ~95%, Impact Estimate
- PwC — Manhattan Lodging Index (Q4 2024)
- City of Sydney — Sydney NYE: 1M+ Attendance; ~A$280M Direct Impact
- Mayor of London — London Fireworks: 100,000 Ticketed
- Unique Events (Edinburgh) — Winter Festivals Impact (£198M, 2024–25)
- The Guardian — Hogmanay NYE 2024 Street Party Canceled (Weather)
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