With the chaos of the holidays looming, having a mini vacation on the horizon might be just what the doctor ordered to get you through. After all, between landing a cozy room at a bed and breakfast, snagging those last-minute flight deals or discovering your new favourite home away from home via networks like Airbnb – getting away for NYE is more affordable than ever! We scoured the web and found the 10 best holiday destinations for that mini getaway that you know you deserve – so go ahead, treat yourself!
/travel/photos/best-mini-new-years-getaways/ 15396

Thinkstock
1 / 10
Whistler
Whistler is where you want to be if you’re looking to celebrate over hot cocoa with a snow-capped mountain backdrop. With extended hours on the slopes, and inviting chalets around every corner by the village, you’ll be planning for next year before you leave!

Thinkstock
2 / 10
Niagara Falls
If you’re looking for incomparable views and don’t mind the cold, then why not ring in a new year overlooking the unofficial 8th wonder of the world? Looking to make an all-nighter out of it? Try your luck in the new year at Fallsview Casino Resort!

Thinkstock
3 / 10
Seattle
Speaking of views, how about getting your fill up top of the sky-high space needle in Seattle? As if being the hometown of Starbucks and classic flick Sleepless in Seattle wasn’t enough to lure you…

Thinkstock
4 / 10
NYC
If ringing in the new year in a BIG way is the goal, where better to do it than the big apple? See the city and all the bright lights like a true tourist – making sure to score a spot in Times Square for the legendary ball drop!

Thinkstock
5 / 10
Montreal
Just a hop, skip, and fun-filled road trip away is Montreal. So if you’re looking to get out of town – but not too far out of town – this may be your best bet! With endless parties happening in the city, and tickets to events ranging from $20 - $200, there’s something for everyone. Be sure not to leave town without indulging one of the best smoked meat sandwiches out there from renowned deli Schwartz’s – they’re open late, so you can start your foodie adventures in 2017 off right once the clock ticks 12! A win-win, non?

Thinkstock
6 / 10
Chicago
A short flight away lies Chicago, a city known for its legendary food scene – and Chi-Town Rising on NYE. To kick the new year off with a bang, why not get in on the windy city’s biggest celebration, back for its second year. Last year’s inaugural event drew a crowd of 90,000, as a stunning fireworks display took place in front of the Hyatt Regency Hotel and the massive “Chicago Star” was lifted in front of the building. Can’t score tickets? No problem, as the unofficial viewpoint for the event lies at a plaza across the river – no passes required!

Thinkstock
7 / 10
Grand Haven
If small-town out-of-town fun is what you’re after – might we suggest Grand Haven in Michigan? Named one of America’s “happiest seaside towns,” you can get your fill of good bistro-style eats and local restaurants with live music. We hear the place to be when the clock strikes midnight is Kirby’s for their annual balloon drop!

Thinkstock
8 / 10
Las Vegas
For a party scene epic enough to toast the past year and cheers the new one, there’s no place quite like Vegas. Sin City has endless parties and fireworks displays on for the evening – and if you’re feeling lucky, take your pick of 24-hour casinos before hitting one of their legendary casino buffets.

Thinkstock
9 / 10
Stay Local, Rent a Cabin Nearby
If a flight is out of the budget, but you’ve saved just enough for a cozy rental, why not make a road-trip out of it and head up north for a NYE cozy-cabin style? If you like the idea of heading north, but not so much the thought of being cut-off in cottage-country, try looking into some local lodges and inns, where they cater to the holiday crowd with fun activities and events for their guests to enjoy and mingle.

Thinkstock
10 / 10
Stay-Cation at a Hotel in the City
If the thought of partying the night away doesn’t appeal to you, and the idea of spending more time in your car road-tripping up north than you already do in traffic day-to-day just won’t do, we’ve got something for you. We suggest a stay-cation in the city. One night of self-indulgent celebratory bliss, as you pamper yourself in the spa, order room service and spend the evening watching cheesy holiday movies on the pay-per-view. It’s a new year – you deserve to send the old one off however you want!
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT