Las Vegas is preparing for one of its busiest New Year’s Eve celebrations as tourism officials anticipate hundreds of thousands of visitors converging on the city to usher in 2026. Forecasts from local tourism authorities and national travel analysts point to strong demand, elevated hotel prices, and heavy traffic on roads and at airports as the holiday period reaches its peak.

Tourism officials estimate that between 340,000 and 345,000 people will be in Las Vegas for New Year’s Eve festivities tied to “America’s Party 2026.” Steve Hill, president and chief executive officer of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, said the projected numbers could place this year among the city’s strongest New Year’s Eve showings. “I think that 340,000 visitors this year may be a record,” Hill said according to Las Vegas Review-Journal. “When we’re full, we’re in the 330,000-335,000 range. For New Year’s Eve, we get a little more full. We get a few more people per room.”

Hotel inventory remains slightly lower than in previous years, with about 150,126 rooms currently available across the city. That figure reflects lingering impacts from the closures of the Tropicana and The Mirage in 2024. Plans are underway for Hard Rock International to reopen the Mirage property in the second half of 2027, while Bally’s Corp. has yet to announce final plans for the Tropicana site, which is slated for construction of a Major League Baseball stadium for the Athletics.

High Demand Pushes Room Rates Up

With fewer rooms available and heavy demand expected, hotel pricing has surged. A survey of 111 Las Vegas properties conducted through Hotels.com showed an average nightly rate of $293.82 from Dec. 31 through Jan. 4. Downtown properties averaged $194.79 per night, well above typical January pricing. For comparison, the LVCVA reported that average daily rates in January stood at $201.48 on the Strip and $95.01 downtown.

Luxury resorts posted some of the highest prices, including $1,252 per night at MGM Grand. Other notable rates included $657 at Palazzo, $590 at Four Seasons, $565 at Fontainebleau, and $533 at Bellagio. Downtown Las Vegas also saw elevated pricing, with Circa reaching $337 per night. At the same time, lower-cost options remained available, including rates under $100 at properties such as Circus Circus, Arizona Charlie’s Boulder, and Silver Sevens.

Occupancy levels are expected to approach 95 percent, according to the LVCVA, even as total visitation comes in slightly below the past two years. The authority projected 345,000 visitors for New Year’s Eve, compared with 349,000 last year and 347,000 in 2023. In a statement, the agency said, “While record visitation is a possibility, our New Year’s Eve 2025 forecast of 345,000 visitors and occupancy approaching 95% reflects strong demand, while accounting for the softer visitation levels we’ve experienced this year.”

Fireworks and Entertainment Take Center Stage

New Year’s Eve celebrations will once again feature an extensive fireworks display along the Las Vegas Strip, marking the 25th anniversary of America’s Party. Fireworks by Grucci, which has produced 21 of the 25 shows, will coordinate pyrotechnics launched from 10 resort rooftops, accompanied by a drone show. The theme for this year’s event is “Rocking into 2026 Vegas style.”

Hotels participating in the fireworks include MGM Grand, ARIA, Caesars Palace, The Venetian, Resorts World, Fontainebleau, and The STRAT, among others. Scott Cooper of Fireworks by Grucci credited collaboration with local agencies and resort partners for making the event possible.

Downtown celebrations will continue at the Fremont Street Experience with “Countdown Under the Canopy,” featuring live performances by Cee-Lo, Robin Thicke, Common Kings, and others. Tickets were priced at $60 through Dec. 27 and increased to $65 afterward, with doors opening at 7 p.m.

The Sphere will also play a role in the festivities, hosting countdown displays from cities around the world throughout the day leading up to midnight in Las Vegas. Hill noted that the event also serves as the opening celebration for America’s 250th birthday, which will be observed throughout the year.