If you're not in Vegas for New Year's Eve, you're about to see a lot of Instagram stories from people who are.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority is projecting between 340,000 and 345,000 visitors for America's Party 2026, which could make this year's celebration one of the biggest in city history.

The Quick Hit

• Expected attendance: 340,000-345,000 visitors
• Hotel occupancy: Approaching 95%
• Fireworks locations: 10 casino rooftops
• Theme: "Rocking into 2026 Vegas Style"
• Room rates: MGM Grand at $1,252/night at the high end

The Numbers Are Wild

LVCVA President and CEO Steve Hill said 340,000 visitors "may be a record." That's a staggering number of people cramming onto the Strip to watch fireworks, lose money at blackjack, and pretend the hangover won't be that bad.

Hotel occupancy is expected to approach 95%, which means if you haven't booked a room yet, you're either paying a fortune or sleeping in your car. Luxury resorts are commanding premium rates — MGM Grand is going for $1,252 per night, while spots like Palazzo ($657), Four Seasons ($590), and Fontainebleau ($565) aren't exactly offering bargains either.

This is Vegas on its biggest night. The city knows what it has, and it's charging accordingly.

The Fireworks Show

The 25th anniversary of America's Party features fireworks launched from 10 casino rooftops: ARIA, Caesars Palace, Fontainebleau, MGM Grand, Planet Hollywood, Resorts World, The STRAT, TI Hotel, The Venetian, and Palms.

For the first time ever, the Palms is participating in the city's NYE celebration. That's a significant addition to what's already the most coordinated pyrotechnics display in the country.

Fireworks by Grucci is handling the production, and there's also a drone show accompanying the fireworks. If you're on the Strip at midnight, you're going to see something spectacular.

Where to Watch

You've got options. The Strip itself is closed to vehicle traffic and becomes a massive pedestrian zone. Plant yourself somewhere between the Bellagio and the Venetian, and you'll have a decent view of multiple rooftop displays.

If you want something more curated, virtually every casino is hosting events. The Plaza downtown, SAHARA Las Vegas, and Resorts World are all running NYE parties with open bars, entertainment, and dedicated viewing areas.

Just be prepared to pay. This is New Year's Eve in Vegas. Nothing is cheap, and nothing is empty.

The Reality Check

Las Vegas visitor numbers are actually down about 6% from last year overall. The city expects about 39.1 million visitors in 2025, compared to 41.6 million in 2024. Rising costs and some policy changes have cooled demand slightly.

But New Year's Eve is different. This is the one night where Vegas operates at maximum capacity regardless of broader trends. People will pay whatever it costs to be here when the clock strikes midnight.

The Bottom Line

345,000 degenerates descending on Las Vegas for one night of controlled chaos. Hotel rooms that cost more than your monthly rent. Fireworks from 10 different rooftops. Drone shows. Open bars. And the collective delusion that 2026 is going to be your year.

If you're there, enjoy it. If you're not, at least you won't have to wait in line for three hours to get into a club.

Happy New Year, degenerates.