In a surprising turn of events, Orlando, Florida has been named the best place in the United States to celebrate New Year's Eve, surpassing the iconic New York City, according to a study by personal finance company WalletHub. This shift in prominence reflects the ongoing trend of Florida's rise and New York's decline in recent years.

The study ranked the 100 largest cities in America based on 26 different metrics across three categories: entertainment and food, costs, and safety and accessibility. Orlando secured the top spot due to its vibrant nightlife options and affordable restaurants rated 4.5+ stars. WalletHub also highlighted Orlando's long firework displays and the fact that consumer fireworks are legal in the city, allowing people to set up their own shows.

San Diego, California claimed the second spot on the list, thanks to its mild weather and lower chance of precipitation on New Year's Eve. The city's clear skies make it an ideal location for outdoor gatherings and fireworks shows.

New York City, despite its iconic Times Square celebration, fell to third place mainly due to its high costs. The study revealed that celebrations in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago would cost the average couple $872. This price tag contributed to New York's lower ranking, with WalletHub stating that the city was less affordable compared to Orlando and San Diego.

Tom Harris, president of the Times Square Alliance, dismissed the study, arguing that it was like "comparing apples to oranges." Harris emphasized New York City's long-standing tradition of being the go-to destination for ringing in the New Year, with millions of people flocking to Times Square and billions watching the festivities worldwide.

Despite Harris's dismissal, the study's findings align with nationwide trends favoring Florida over New York. Florida surpassed New York in population, electoral votes, and representatives in Congress following the 2020 U.S. Census. Moreover, New York has lost over 100,000 residents in the past year, more than any other state, while Florida's population continues to grow. The Sunshine State has also seen an influx of billions of dollars in new income, while New York has experienced significant losses in taxable income.

Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando, welcomed the recognition, stating that it reinforces Orlando as an ideal location for New Year's Eve celebrations. Matej highlighted the city's family-friendly outdoor attractions, in addition to its world-famous theme parks, as reasons why Orlando stands out as the nation's top destination for welcoming the New Year.

As the countdown to 2024 begins, millions of people across the country will be preparing for New Year's Eve celebrations. While Orlando takes the crown this year, other notable cities on WalletHub's top 10 list include Washington, D.C., Denver, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, Las Vegas, and New York. The rankings were based on various factors, including fireworks legality, nightlife options, walkability, and restaurant costs.

Despite Orlando's rise in prominence, New York City's Times Square celebration continues to captivate audiences around the world, with a million people expected to gather in Times Square and billions tuning in to watch the ball-drop spectacle. The battle for the top New Year's Eve destination remains fierce, with Florida's boom and New York's historical significance both playing significant roles in shaping the holiday landscape.