LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The Las Vegas Valley is gearing up to ring in the new year Wednesday night, here’s what you need to know before you head out the door.
Where can I celebrate?
Several resorts on the Las Vegas Strip are participating in the dazzling “America’s Party 2026,” which will feature a large-scale fireworks show launched from multiple rooftops. These properties include the ARIA, Caesars Palace, Fontainebleau Las Vegas, MGM Grand, Planet Hollywood, Resorts World, The STRAT, Treasure Island, and the Venetian. As well, for the first-time, the off-Strip property, the Palms will be joining the display.
The performance will last 8 minutes.
In Downtown Las Vegas, the Plaza will launch its own fireworks show for “Countdown Under the Canopy” on Fremont Street.
The Nevada National Guard will also be deployed in both areas to assist local law enforcement with security efforts.
On Tuesday, Boulder City officials announced that their New Year’s Eve Street Party has been cancelled due to forecasted rain during setup and event hours.
In a statement posted to X, officials said, “With outdoor staging, sound, lighting, and electrical production involved, this puts us beyond our safety and production threshold for moving forward. Our downtown businesses and event partners and talking through the risks, we’ve made the decision to cancel the New Year’s Eve Street Party.”
Officials said residents can expect to see the event return this summer.
What shows can I see?
If you’re looking to close out 2025 with a concert, multiple artists across many genres are inviting fans to celebrate with them on the Strip.
These performers include the Backstreet Boys, who will return to the Sphere on Dec. 30-31 and Jan. 2-3, TOTO, who will be bringing their 1970s and ‘80s musical stylings into the new year at Fontainebleau, and Jennifer Lopez, who will be kicking off an all-new residency at Caesars Palace.
Other acts include Bruno Mars at Park MGM, Kings of Leon at The Venetian, and Jelly Roll at the Cosmopolitan.
What time are things getting started?
The Strip will begin shutting down at 6 p.m. and won’t reopen until nearly 2 a.m., according to the tourism board. Some properties will begin opening viewing areas and additional party spaces around 5 p.m., though this varies by location.
Visitors are reminded to have their hotel keys ready as they return to their rooms, as most properties may require proof of a room key for entry.
What will traffic be like?
The Nevada Department of Transportation is advising motorists to arrive early to the Strip or Downtown, before significant closures on I-15 begin around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Las Vegas Metro Police will be assisting in enforcing these closures, which include:
- North and southbound I-15 off-ramps to Tropicana Avenue
- North and southbound I-15 off-ramps to Flamingo Road
- Northbound I-15 off-ramp to Harmon Avenue
- Eastbound Flamingo Road between Valley View Boulevard and Las Vegas Boulevard
- Eastbound Tropicana Avenue between I-15 and Las Vegas Boulevard
- Hotel Rio Drive at Dean Martin Drive
NDOT is urging drivers to use caution, follow all posted signage, and directions from law enforcement and traffic control personnel as they head into the area.
RTC is also offering free rides on all transit routes from 6 p.m. until 9 a.m. on Thursday. All riders can board any RTC bus route without purchasing a pass or presenting fare.
The Las Vegas Valley is gearing up to ring in the new year Wednesday night, here’s what you need to know before you head out the door.
What will the weather be like?
Wednesday’s forecast shows a high chance of rain ahead of the festivities, with the highest chances of showers coming between 4 p.m. and midnight.
Showers that do come through the valley are expected to be mainly light to moderate. Roads are expected to be wet.
Temperatures will hover in the upper 40s and low 50s throughout the night and into the morning.
Wind, which usually has the biggest impact on fireworks, is expected to be light throughout the night.
Police expect over 300K people on the Strip and Fremont; glass ban and traffic controls in effect. Fireworks may be delayed by wind—use sober rides.
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