Given a free hand which US (or Canadian?) city would you chose for a short (5 ~ 6 days) break at New Years? We like to spend Christmas at home and then get away for New Years.

The brief is:

Stay downtown, nice walking city (no car so metro an advantage).

Interesting history/architecture/museums.

Some decent restaurant options, maybe the chance for one night at a theatre or show.

Probably on the East Coast (West coast too far from Europe for 6 days).

Nice Christmas/New Year ?feel?, maybe a street party or similar on New Years Eve.

Very happy with warm or truly cold weather, don?t want 40 degrees and rain!

In the frame so far are Boston, NYC, Washington DC, possibly New Orleans. Any thoughts on any of these? Or other suggestions?

Thanks for any input, Greybeard

Key West would be my first choice.

Miami Beach
Palm Beach

Definitely New York City.

... yes, the weather in Key West is great that time of year! We did the same thing, and it was fabulous. Key West!!!

Quebec City. I've never been, but reading all about it, it would be my first choice.

I think, first, you've got to decide whether you want a warm climate (like Key West or Palm Beach) or cold weather area (like New York or Quebec City).
All four are excellent destinations, but the similarity ends there!
Since you will be relying on public transportation, it would that the northern destinations make more sense.

As long as you don't mind "truly cold," Boston fits all your requirements. Home of the first "First Night," you'll find that outdoor block party feel for New Year's Eve, plus lots of artsy, theatrical, musical venues as part of the "admission." Good public transport, plenty of museums and history, theatre options, and good eats abound!

Thanks for all your input so far. I think in general truly cold wins over warm. The last 2 years we have been to Prague (minus 5C) and Copenhagen (minus 20C at night) and loved both. BUT it was dry with some sun during the day. We get more than enough wet and slightly cold during a British winter.

We were in Key West spring of 2002, had a great time. Mentioned New Orleans for the food, the jazz, and because downtown is relatively compact.

Must admit Boston or DC were my original thoughts.

Further input would be greatly appreciated, Greybeard

Not the east coast, but I've been to New Orleans twice at that time of year and enjoyed it. The weather varied from cold, wet and miserable the first time to crisp, cool and dry the second.

I live here so I'm biased but New Orleans is a great choice for New Years! It's always fun, although weather can indeed be variable.

New York City New York City New York City New York City New York City New York City New York City New York City!!!!

Did I mention New York City?

Hi,
we travelled to New York City for new years 2004. What can I say the weather was cold and crisp, the sun was shining not a cloud in the sky. So much to do and see - highlights were skating in Central Park, seeing a Boradway show, strolling around looking at all the fabulous decorations and Christmas trees. As for New Years Eve we waited nearly 6 hours in Times Square to watch 'the ball drop' would not recommend this quite an anti-climax really hardly any entertainment put on for the waiting crowds.I Would however recommend booking New Years Eve at the Marriot Hotel on Times Square which holds a "Party Within A Party," the hotel's annual New Year's gala, complete with Champagne, dinner, dancing, entertainment and a laser light show. Hope this helps
Michelle

Chicago has got it all along with the friendlest people in the world.

Chicago is a great town, no question, but I have lived in all four (mainland)US time zones at one point or another, and celebrating New Year's anywhere but on the East Coast is anticlimactic, a big fizzle. TV just rebroadcasts the ball drop in Times Sq. in NYC, and this sense of being a rerun infects the street parties, too.
So--as you know, greybeard, Wise One --NYC has the street party to end all street parties, attractions galore, so enough said about that, you can't go wrong with a trip to the Big Apple. DC's New Year is very lowkey, but it's got the history/architecture/museum area covered for you, plus good eats and festive decorations in public areas. Haven't been to Boston or NO for the holiday...I'd be curious to hear which you choose!

New York is the ultimate New Year's city; Boston fits your desciption if you want a smaller city. Weather wize, anywhere on the East coast is more often cold and dry, but a 40 degree rainy day is certainly possible.

Thanks for the input everybody. The jury is still out but looks like a straight choice between Boston and NYC.

Boston is a little more compact downtown and maybe will have a better New Years atmosphere. NYC has more attractions outside of the New Years thing.

Guess we will save DC for another trip. I'm told spring is a good time, the city looks beautiful and the tourists haven't arrived.

Thanks again, Greybeard

I don't know about Boston, but for NYC, lots of hotels book up completely way ahead, so if you want to go there, I wouldn't wait long to reserve a room. Have a great time!

Oh, greybeard, the tourists are in DC in full force at various times in spring because of the dreaded Spring Break! We visited in early May one year and the museums were overrun with high schoolers. Doesn't mean you shouldn't go then--just be prepared!

Does NYC have a First Night celebration? That is the kind of outdoor party you seem to be interested in. Boston's is The Best!

Boston has a great New Year celebration as has been mentioned plus many direct flights from UK. From what I've read here in the past NY is all about paying big bucks to get into a club whereas Boston is all about very inexpensive art celebrations, a quirky parade, bell ringing followed by with lots of fireworks at Midnight.