With 2023 looming, it’s time to figure out where to ring in your New Year. Will you be kissing your partner when the ball drops, sharing a drink with old friends, or making resolutions that you probably won’t keep? Maybe you’ll find a restaurant serving Hoppin’ John and cornbread?

Sure, you could go to Times Square and stand in the cold. Or you could think outside the box, and start the New Year in these locations.

At Home

It may seem counterintuitive to stay at home after years of COVID, but you don’t have to be alone. We’ve got traditions and superstitions! Make your spot the hub for New Years with your favorite family staples. Just be sure to deep clean your home the day before to get out old energy and make room for new intentions. Control who walks over your threshold first after midnight to set intentions for the New Year. Be there to open your windows on New Year’s Day to blow out the old, stale air and welcome in the new.

Charleston, South Carolina

Celebrate a traditional Watch Night at a church in Charleston. Historically known as Freedom’s Eve, the Gullah Geechee people gathered in churches on December 31, 1862 to wait for the Emancipation Proclamation to go into effect. This historic moment continues to be observed every year and the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission publishes a list of churches that have services.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Get seats to the college football Allstate Sugar Bowl in the afternoon at Caesars Superdome. Hit up one of the many jazz clubs and bars hosting concerts to feed the soul before the New Year. Alternatively, get tickets to the 10th Big Night New Orleans with its silent disco, several party stages, and local food. Spill out onto Bourbon Street after the countdown and take in the festive atmosphere.

Chicago, Illinois

Brave the midwestern cold to celebrate the season in ChiTown for an LGBTQIA+ NYE hotspot. Head on over to the oldest recognized queer neighborhood called Boystown (Northalsted) for parties, drinks, and drag. Of course, the city also has the usual masquerade balls, galas, fireworks, and boozy bars you could want. The city also has an annual 5k the next day if getting outside and running is your speed.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Chill out, max, relax all cool this year in Philly. If you were lucky enough to win the Philly Sweepstakes, The city ran The Ultimate New Year’s Celebration in Philly Sweepstakes until December 19 and the winner gets two tickets to various NYE events. The City of Brotherly Love has also dedicated a bus route for shopping black and brown businesses. On the Delaware River, there will be two fireworks shows for those that need to get kids to bed early; one at 6 P.M. and another at midnight.

Los Angeles, California

Want a little bit of everything? LA is full of choices outside of viewing the ball drop or dancing the night away. Check out a Kat Williams performance or join the Caribbean Dance Party. There are also productions of To Kill A Mockingbird at Segerstrom Center for the Arts and a Cuffing Season Party at Regent Theatre to find a short-term beau for winter.