New Year's Eve across the nation brought together various celebrations, marked by distinct community spirits and unique entertainment. While some areas enjoyed star-studded performances and glamour, others faced challenges and sought joy regardless of the circumstances.
West Palm Beach, Florida, was abuzz on New Year's Eve with President-Elect Donald Trump's exclusive celebration at his Mar-a-Lago resort. The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the outstanding performance by Angelina Alexon, a Las Vegas singer renowned for her powerful vocals and impressive five-octave range. Invited to entertain at this high-profile event, Alexon became the sole Las Vegas performer at the celebration, which included a mix of eclectic talent.
Producers had long admired Alexon’s work, influenced by her viral social media performances over the years. Trump himself personally approved her performance, allowing her to join the ranks of entertainers like Cee Lo Green and Lynyrd Skynyrd who graced the venue. Known for her ability to sing across eight languages, Alexon captivated the audience with covers of songs from legends like Mariah Carey and Celine Dion, showcasing her remarkable versatility. "It was magical—truly the perfect way to ring in the New Year," said one enthusiastic partygoer.
Meanwhile, Puerto Rico faced its own struggles as residents woke up on December 31 to complete darkness. A significant blackout left nearly all of the island’s 1.47 million utility customers without power, just as the New Year’s festivities were set to commence. This frustrating situation became part of the day’s narrative for many families. Mayra Ortiz, 21, from Cabo Rojo, shared her disappointment: "Another papelón in Puerto Rico. There are so many families who were planning to have their New Year’s Eve dinner, and now they won’t be able to. It’s frustrating to keep living under the same circumstances.”
Despite the blackout, hundreds gathered for La Parguera's iconic street party to celebrate. Many residents expressed their anger over the power outages, attributing them to systemic failures. Ortiz highlighted the continued struggles under the new government, as protests were staged against the private company managing the island's power grid, LUMA Energy, which has been widely criticized since its controversial contract began. “It’s chaos, especially during New Year’s,” expressed Beatriz Vélez, another frustrated resident.
Cesar Causal, celebrating his 62nd birthday on New Year's Day, lamented the recurring outages: "I was born in the ’60s, and power was a luxury then. It's sad we’re still dealing with this.” Despite these challenges, many Puerto Ricans remained determined to welcome the New Year with resilience, gathering around candles and fireworks. Jeannette Montalvo, 69, shared her approach: "Every year, we find ways to celebrate and make the best of it, hoping for light and change to come.”
Contrasting with the high-tension environment felt by many Puerto Ricans, the town of Vail, Colorado, managed to hold their New Year's Eve celebrations without any arrests—a stark difference from years past. Vail has experienced notable challenges with alcohol-related incidents during the festivities, often leading to numerous arrests. This year, thanks to various safety measures and community efforts to create a family-friendly atmosphere, New Year’s Eve proved to be calm and uneventful. Police Chief Ryan Kenney noted, "Everyone was very well behaved,” reflecting on the conscious efforts to maintain order during the celebrations.
Vail’s transformation from a party hotspot for young people to promoting safer family gatherings demonstrated significant community commitment. A historical review by council member Dave Chapin captured the town’s evolution, recounting packed streets and numerous previous arrests. "We did what we had to do to keep everyone safe," Chapin remarked, noting how revenues have increased as families returned to the area.
Overall, New Year’s Eve 2025 reflects the myriad ways Americans celebrate the arrival of the New Year—all under different circumstances and levels of festivity. While some enjoyed enchanting performances and extravagant parties, others faced power outages and systemic difficulties, yet still embraced the spirit of celebration. The contrasting narratives from West Palm Beach, Puerto Rico, and Vail encapsulate the diversity of experiences surrounding the New Year—a time often regarded as one for reflection, resilience, and hope.