A record crowd of 340,000 people is expected to descend on Las Vegas for New Year’s Eve 2026, with the main celebration—“America’s Party 2026”—set to light up the Strip in grand fashion. The event, marking its 25th year, will feature eight minutes of fireworks and, for the first time, a large-scale LED drone light show.
The theme for the night is “Rockin’ into 2026 — Vegas Style.” Fireworks and drones will be synchronized to a rock music soundtrack broadcast on KOMP 92.3 and 97.1 The Point, with organizers encouraging attendees to use the stations’ app for an optimal listening experience.
Pyrotechnics will be launched from the rooftops of ten properties: MGM Grand, Aria, Planet Hollywood Resort, Caesars Palace, TI, The Venetian, Resorts World Las Vegas, Fontainebleau, The Strat, and, for the first time, the off-Strip Palms. The Rio will serve as the event’s command center. The Sphere will also join the festivities, broadcasting live images of global New Year’s celebrations and providing the official countdown clock for Las Vegas.
The music lineup after midnight includes classics such as “Auld Lang Syne,” “Rock You Like a Hurricane” by the Scorpions, “Rock of Ages” by Def Leppard, and “Wherever I May Roam” by Metallica, among others.
Downtown Las Vegas will host its own party, “Fremont Street Experience’s Countdown Under the Canopy,” featuring fireworks from the Plaza and live performances from artists including Robin Thicke, CeeLo Green, Common Kings, Pertinence, and Sammy Johnson. Tickets for the downtown event are $60 and provide access to all three stages and the midnight countdown.
This year’s celebration comes with a price tag of just over $1 million, funded by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) through room tax revenue. The budget covers the fireworks, drone show, and public safety expenses.
Organizers emphasized the scale of the operation, which involves five days of rooftop installations, 74 pyrotechnicians, and over 100 additional staff for security and logistics. The drone show’s best viewing location will be announced on December 30, promising a three-dimensional spectacle visible along the Strip.
The end of the fireworks show will include a patriotic tribute to America 250, commemorating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Officials noted that closing Las Vegas Boulevard for the event is a major undertaking, giving thanks to local fire and police departments, hotel partners, and event coordinators for making the party possible. With a record crowd anticipated, Las Vegas is set to reaffirm its reputation as the premier destination for New Year’s Eve celebrations.