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I’ve never liked New Year’s Eve anyway! A common statement made by many friends.
The solution?
New Year’s Eve getaways.
What better way to ring in the bells of the new year than exploring how another culture does it, visiting friends in faraway lands or even celebrating in another city in your home country?
We asked travel experts to recommend the best places to spend New Year 2024 to help you decide where and how to celebrate the 31st of December, or Hogmanay, as we call it in Scotland.
So, let’s dive into the best New Year’s Eve ideas!
You may also like: the best places to spend Christmas abroad
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
United States of America
Atalanta, New Year’s Eve
As they have done for three decades, the band Widespread Panic performs at The Fox Theatre over three nights.
A number of venues, such as the convention center, hotels, and clubs, also host New Year’s Eve events in the city.
Be prepared to book early to avoid disappointment.
Austin, New Year’s Eve
The world’s music capital, Austin, sure puts on a show all over the city.
Check out Cheer Up Charlies on Red River, Hotel Vegas, and Emo’s for big kid parties and the free fireworks at Vic Mathias Shores for a family-friendly vibe.
Pack a chair and blanket and get ready to watch an early New Year fireworks show.
Visiting for Christmas?
Here’s our guide to the most festive activities and attractions in Austin.
New York
NYC is my hometown, and we have a New Year’s Eve that rocks.
The iconic crystal ball has been counting down the minutes and dropping into 42nd Street, Times Square, every year since December 31st, 1907.
People start gathering in the streets around 6 pm.
Many bring foldable seats and snacks to keep them going for the long night ahead.
Despite the freezing weather, about one million people congregate in the streets by 12 o’clock.
The TV programs covered the event for hours, showing people stomping their feet to stay warm and yelling “Happy New Year” into the cameras.
The excitement is palpable.
Emotions run high, fed by the flashing neon lights and live bands playing on the cold night.
The anticipation of the countdown grows as the clock ticks towards midnight.
At 11:59 the countdown starts…
10…9…8. The crystal ball begins its descent…3…2…1!…until midnight when the flashing lights spell out “Happy New Year!” in unison.
It is an electrifying experience. After midnight, people head home via the crowded subways, with many stops for one last nightcap at the bars that remain open late.
I highly recommend Times Square’s New Year’s Eve experience.
Everyone should try it at least once.
By Talek Nantes, Travels With Talek
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Image credit: Countdown Entertainment, LLC.
San Francisco
San Francisco is an excellent option for a New Year’s vacation as it has a fireworks display over the waterfront near the Ferry Building and the SF Bay Bridge.
The display kicks off at 11:59 p.m. and lasts about 15 to 20 minutes.
It’s one of the most attended displays every year, with hundreds of thousands of people participating.
Plan to arrive early for the best seats and grab a spot along the waterfront south of the Ferry Building.
You can watch the fireworks display anywhere along the eastern side of San Francisco by the waterfront.
The fireworks are on a boat that is moored between the Ferry Building and the SF Bay Bridge.
You can also hop aboard a fireworks cruise for dinner, dancing, and drinking before the display starts.
If you would rather pass on the fireworks and just chill with friends, head to Proper Hotel San Francisco’s rooftop bar.
With an amazing 360-degree view, cozy fire pits, and craft cocktails, it is a hot spot to mingle and a perfect place to ring in the New Year in SFO at night.
By Priya Vin, Outside Suburbia
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Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia, is one of the best winter destinations in the USA and a great place to celebrate New Year’s Eve
The best things to do in Savannah on New Year’s Eve are exploring its beautiful streets and squares (with all the lights and holiday decorations), taking a stroll through Forsyth Park, going to Tybee Island (about twenty minutes away from the city center), or spending the afternoon at Savannah’s Waterfront on River Street, which is great for sunsets!
On December 31 and January 1, the New Year’s Eve fireworks show is launched from Tybee Island’s Pier.
The fireworks can be watched from the beach or many restaurants on the island.
A romantic plan for NYE celebrations, especially for couples, includes an old-style sternwheeler riverboat cruise on the Savannah River with dinner, drinks, and unique fireworks that can be seen from the water.
The City Market’s New Year’s Eve Celebration is a must in Savannah. Enjoy live outdoor music while eating or drinking until 1 a.m.
This market is located between Broughton and River Street, and the event is free.
And the morning after NYE, nothing beats having a hot chocolate and a tasty breakfast at B. Matthew’s Eatery or J Christopher’s. (It is recommended that you book in advance.)
Visitors and locals will make memories by celebrating NYE in Savannah!
Savannah is one of Two Scots Abroad’s cities to visit for warm weather vacations in the US.
By Sara Rodriguez, Mindful Travel
Seattle
Whatever you may have heard about Seattle’s weather, don’t let the potential of rain stop you from heading outside to experience the city during the day or the spectacular fireworks that shoot off the Space Needle at midnight on New Year’s Eve.
You can go to a few places to see the fireworks, depending on how adventurous you are.
Head to the Seattle Center if you want a front-row seat to the choreographed music light show.
Those who enjoy more activity can view the show from the water.
Many vendors will rent kayaks or canoes for you to enjoy Lake Union.
Paddle to the middle of the lake and enjoy the show; you’ll likely be surrounded by local Seattleites.
For an easier commute home after the fireworks show, try booking a hotel within walking distance of Seattle Center or, better yet, find an apartment.
You may also want to read our guide to New Year’s in the USA, which features Seattle and many other cities in the Country.
By Adrian Ann, Adrian’s Travel Tales
Our Seattle Guides
Canada New Year’s Eve
Toronto
Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Toronto is undoubtedly a classic Canadian experience.
While the weather might be a tad on the cold side, there is plenty to do – whatever your style – to ring in the New Year.
For revellers wanting to stay warm, the largest city in Canada is stocked full of bars, restaurants, and clubs all ready to celebrate. For the thousands willing to bear the cold, however, the highlight of a classic Toronto New Year’s celebration is the festival at Nathan Phillips Square.
Located in the heart of downtown, the square is shared with Toronto City Hall, the illuminated “Toronto” sign, and the ice skating rink—which is also free if you bring your own skates!
The Square itself has been converted into a giant festival with lots for everyone to do.
It’s free to enter, and the main stage features top Canadian and international performers in the hours leading up to midnight.
The host takes over the stage at midnight, and the countdown begins. With the crowd huddled together as the clock strikes, fireworks shoot from City Hall in a fantastic display.
The fireworks last for the duration of ”Auld Lang Syne”!
Since it is the beginning of January in Canada, it’s always a good idea to dress warmly when planning to be outside. We made it through the cold evening just fine with the help of a warm winter coat, a winter hat (called a ‘toque’ in Canada), a thick scarf, and gloves for our hands.
Of course, we couldn’t forget the tacky New Year’s glasses – but we certainly weren’t alone wearing them!
By Eric and Lisa, Penguin and Pia
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South America New Year’s Eve
Cali, Colombia
With so many places to spend New Year’s Eve, you may want to experience something different this year.
Visiting Cali in Colombia is a great choice as it’s not only one of the liveliest times of year to be in the city, but the weather is also very favorable for those wanting to escape the cold weather.
You can easily arrive in Cali by plane from most major US cities.
December in Cali attracts people from all over the world for its annual Salsa Festival, the Feria de Cali, and the celebrations don’t stop there.
The party continues right into the New Year, so it’s recommended that you get there for the last night of the festival, just in time for New Year’s Eve.
Since Cali is famous for some of the best salsa dancing in the world you may want to brush up on your salsa dance moves, you can find some impromptu classes in the city.
Look for accommodation in Barrio Granada, a highly recommended spot for nightlife, including many of the best restaurants, clubs, and bars the city has to offer.
You can even stay at the Four Points Sheraton, which is located nearby and makes the perfect place to be for the countdown into the new year.
Last but not least, get yourself down the Canchas Panamericana to try a Cholado, a typical desert in Cali that the locals recommend all its visitors try.
By Daniel James, Layer Culture
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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro hosts one of the biggest New Year’s Eve parties on Earth, and the epicenter of the Brazilian celebration is the famous Copacabana Beach at night.
At this white sand beach, thousands gather in the warm summer night, waiting for the stroke of midnight. There is music, beach volleyball and plenty of partying.
Before you head to Copacabana, start your evening at Ipanema Beach for the traditional candlelight ceremony of building a simple offering to the ocean.
Follow it up with a concert at the beach.
Then, head to Copacabana for the big party with your bottle of champagne. The horseshoe-shaped beach is the perfect setting to watch the huge fireworks at the stroke of midnight.
The fireworks launch from several vessels in the center of the harbor.
Before you go to Rio for New Year’s Eve, take a moment to learn a few Brazilian traditions—like wearing white clothing to help ring in a peaceful new year.
For the best experience, consider splurging and staying in one of Copacabana’s beach hotels.
Some of these hotel rooms face the ocean, allowing you to enjoy the celebration privately.
By Halef and Michael, The Round The World Guys
Salinas, Ecuador
For an incredible cultural experience, you should consider spending New Year’s Eve in Salinas, Ecuador.
The horseshoe bay fills with thousands of people, all looking to celebrate.
Every restaurant and bar is packed, and street vendors can be found all along the Malecon, or promenade, selling cheap and delicious food. People also sell fireworks, balloons, lanterns, and all manner of ‘party’ objects to add to the atmosphere.
Throughout the day, people begin their celebrations, and the occasional marching band works its way down the street, dancing along while collecting tips.
The free beachfront concert provides entertainment as people wait for midnight.
Ecuadorians ring in the new year by burning elaborate effigies in huge bonfires.
Unlike other cities, where these fires are scattered around town, Salinas’s beach provides the perfect setting for a long line of bright orange focal points.
As the fires burn, fireworks begin exploding from every direction. O
ur heads were on a swivel as we jumped and gasped at each unexpected bang.
The festivities continue well into the early morning hours as the fireworks give way to music.
For locals, this is a family celebration, and many children join in the fun, but it’s definitely an incredible party for adults, too!
It was by far the most fun we have had on New Year’s Eve, and we can’t wait to have another one.
By Salinas! Claire, Past The Potholes
Europe New Year’s Eve Parties
Amsterdam New Year’s Eve
Amsterdam is the place to be on New Year’s Eve for people who like fireworks, crowds, and noise.
The official fireworks show, organized by the city, will start at midnight but don’t be surprised if you see and hear lots of fireworks all evening.
People shoot them off anywhere and everywhere. In other words, be prepared for a crazy, loud, crowded night.
If you’re skittish about loud noises, this is definitely NOT the place to be!
Stand pretty much anywhere in the city; at midnight, you’ll see fireworks in every direction.
Your best bet for a great view would probably be on one of the many bridges over a canal in the old part of the city.
Street celebrations take place on public squares like the Leidseplein and Nieuwmarkt both before and after the fireworks.
Tip: Try an oliebol, a traditional fried dough ball, with or without raisins.
You’ll find the oliebol kiosks by following the smell. And, of course, most pubs and clubs will have special New Year’s Eve celebrations that extend to the early morning.
If you have any energy left on New Year’s Day, many of Amsterdam’s museums are open, though with shorter hours.
For the famous ones, like the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, or the Anne Frank House, make sure to book your tickets ahead of time.
By Rachel Heller, Rachel’s Ruminations
Berlin, New Year’s Eve (Germany)
Berlin is definitely where you want to be for New Year’s Eve.
While winters in Germany’s capital can be harsh, Berlin puts on a festive display for travelers who come for the holidays.
The atmosphere is incomparable to anything you have ever seen.
As midnight fireworks are about to light the sky, visitors and locals gather between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column.
Germans know how to serve great food, drinks, and music.
You’ll find a wide assortment of food to try, German gifts, quirky presents, and stands serving delicacies from all over the world.
There is a myriad of entertainment options you can choose from for every type of traveler’s taste.
With a few Christmas Markets extending into NYE markets and streets glowing with twinkling lights and joyful decorations, Berlin offers endless possibilities for a fun night.
Sophisticated bars and clubs are plentiful in Berlin, and they usually time their entertainment programmes in a way that allows you to watch the fireworks.
They often provide you with Sekt (sparkling wine) or Champagne to celebrate with.
However, it’s still a good idea to book a table in advance for the special Christmas programs at restaurants and clubs.
Still in doubt why you should celebrate New Year’s Eve in Berlin?
If you’re travelling on a shoestring budget, you will be pleased to know that tickets for New Year’s Eve street parties can be found as cheap as 15 euros.
Last but not least, the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and Tramlines in Berlin will run all night long, so getting around Berlin should not be a problem.
By Ivan, Mind the Travel
Dublin New Year’s Eve
Dublin’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are like most major celebrations in the city—loud and entertaining.
The Dublin New Year’s Eve festival is entering its seventh year, and it seems that it is only getting bigger.
The Custom House is used as the backdrop to the festival, and revellers enjoy a live music light show across the river Liffey and an incredible fireworks show as the clock strikes midnight.
The organisers aim to make this Ireland’s largest New Year’s Eve event.
Traditionally, it is the smaller pub affair that is most popular in Dublin, and you won’t be surprised to hear that Temple Bar always draws the largest crowd of partyiers.
The bars and streets in this popular neighbourhood become packed with people waiting for the countdown to begin.
For the most part, each bar will have its own live entertainment, which goes silent for the countdown, and then it is back to business as usual.
If you are visiting from afar, get into the bars early so you can have a comfortable seat.
Other things to do include visiting the Guinness Storehouse!
Eoin Dolly, DollysQuest
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is arguably the best New Year’s Eve in the UK for visitors.
Scotland’s capital is renowned for hosting the best New Year’s Eve party in the world!
New Year’s Eve in Scotland is known as Hogmanay, and the celebrations last at least three days.
It’s a winter festival with fireworks, street parties, live music and flaming torches; a fantastic and the perfect way to say goodbye to the year.
It isn’t just about the 31st, though.
On Hogmanay Eve, you can join the Vikings as they march flaming torches through the city centre; then, on Hogmanay, there’s a huge street party complete with several stages playing everything from chart-toppers to ceilidh.
January 1st, the wild (like myself) head down to South Queensbury and other beaches to cure their hangovers.
It turns out that the best cure for a New Year’s Day hangover is to run into the freezing Scottish waters.
Scots are typically off work for the New Year’s Eve holidays, which includes the 1st of January.
By Hannah, That Adventurer
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Efteling, Netherlands
One of the most magical places to spend New Year’s Eve is the Dutch theme park Efteling.
The place is absolutely enchanting at night when all the lights are on. In winter, Efteling is festively decorated, and there’s artificial snow to complete the illusion that you are in a Winter Wonderland.
On New Year’s Eve, all attractions and rides, besides the water coasters, are open, so what better way to say goodbye to the old year than by making a few loops or by falling from 37,5 m into a mine shaft with 90 km/h, or by simply taking a stroll in the Fairytale Forest.
Throughout the evening, there is live entertainment on the various squares in the park, and the spirits are pretty high.
And if it’s too cold, there are campfires at each square to warm up your hands. When the clock strikes midnight, spectacular fireworks lit up the sky.
You should try one thing on New Year’s Eve – oliebollen.
This Dutch take on the doughnut is eaten warm and dusted with powdered sugar. It’s the traditional snack after midnight on the New Year’s Eve.
There will also be plenty of mulled and fizzy wine in the Efteling.
If you are still hungry, take a bowl with Snert (Dutch split pea soup with pieces of smoked sausage) and a brood Unox (the Dutch version of the hotdog with Unox sausages).
The New Year’s ticket for the Efteling gives you access to all attractions and festivities in the park from 7:00 p.m. on 31 December until 1:00 a.m. on 1 January. The parking fee is included in the price.
By Daniela, Ipanema travels to…
Lapland, Sweden
Who needs New Year’s Eve fireworks when you’ve got Mother Nature’s very own light show going on overhead?
There’s no more epic way to ring in the New Year than trying to spot the Northern Lights in Swedish Lapland.
One caveat, though—New Year’s Eve falls during the “Polar Night,” when the sun doesn’t rise for several weeks due to how far north you are.
Still, during the “Polar Night,” it is not all darkness, so it’s possible to get several hours of blue hour and twilight during the day.
It can still do exciting outdoor activities like dog-sledging with huskies or ice-climbing during the “day.” Within Swedish Lapland, you have a few options on where to stay.
Outdoorsy types could spend the days around New Year’s in Abisko National Park, where Sweden’s Northern lights are the most visible and where there are plenty of outdoor activities to be done, such as snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
Alternately, the small but lively town of Kiruna has the only true nightlife scene in Swedish Lapland, so it’s a good place to celebrate for bar-hoppers who want a drinking scene on New Year’s Eve.
For those who want a bit of luxury, there is the Icehotel in Jukkasjarvi – imagine spending the night in a room made entirely out of ice at -5 C, popping champagne and trying to spot the Northern Lights!
By Allison, Eternal Arrival
Lisbon, Portugal
When it comes to New Year’s Eve in Lisbon, there’s something for everyone.
Street parties with live music and fireworks take place in several locations across the city, and for those who like to party hard, many bars and nightclubs stay open until the early morning hours.
The main street party and the biggest event take place at Praça do Comércio. There is live music from around 10 pm until midnight, when the spumante (Portuguese fizz) is opened, and the fireworks are set off.
After that, you can finish up the evening or join the other revellers at bars in Cais do Sodré and the Bairro Alto.
For those who don’t fancy standing elbow-to-elbow in a crowd or partying until after the sun comes up, don’t worry.
There’s something for you, too: many Lisbon restaurants have Fim De Ano menus that are staggered over several hours, pausing for a break at midnight to take in the fireworks and to wish everyone dining a Happy New Year.
You don’t have to if you want to eat but don’t want to spend the night sitting at a table.
You’ll find plenty of restaurants offering simpler menus with just a few courses, allowing you to try a few of Portugal’s most famous dishes before you head out to watch the fireworks.
There’s also the option of watching a fado performance, and many of Lisbon’s fado houses will put on special shows to ring in the New Year.
You’ll find more information about this on their Facebook pages in the weeks leading up to the end of December.
New Year’s Day is fairly quiet in Lisbon, and most businesses don’t open.
The exceptions are Chinese restaurants or Chinese-owned businesses and restaurants in the more touristy parts of the city, such as Baixa.
One place that opens on January 1st is Pastéis de Belém, the first bakery to begin selling pastéis de nata.
Normally, there’s a queue that stretches down the street, but the early hours of January 1st are unsurprisingly pretty quiet.
If you’re already up, this could be the perfect opportunity to get in line and break that first New Year’s resolution.
By James Cave, Portugalist
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London, Great Britain
One of our favourite places to spend New Year’s Eve is our hometown, London.
It is famous for having one of the most watched and famous fireworks in the world, which takes place on and around the iconic Millennium Wheel on the Southbank.
Tip: if you’re heading to London for NYE, it gets super crowded, so plan to go early to get a spot.
There are serious crowd control measures in place, which causes delays.
Also, the tube (London Metro) is free on the evening of the 31st and the early hours of the 1st, which is handy.
The fireworks go off at midnight and last for 20 minutes, set to music, and are WOW.
A massive crowd gathers to watch, so there’s always guaranteed a fun atmosphere.
By Stefan and Sebastien, Nomadic Boys
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Madeira, Portugal
The beautiful Portuguese island of Madeira is only a short flight (just under 2 hours) from either Lisbon or Porto.
Known mostly for its unique natural beauty, it is a paradise for outdoor adventure lovers.
However, it also has another claim to fame.
Each year over New Year’s, people flock from far and wide to attend Madeira’s New Year’s Eve festivities, held in the capital, Funchal and having been named one of the best in the world.
Leading up to New Year’s in Madeira, Funchal is already pretty festive but ups the ante with an array of parties and festivals across the city leading up the stroke of midnight on the 31st of December when an impressive firework display lights the sky for about 8 – 10 minutes.
This showpiece (that has even been named one of the biggest by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2006) gets the most attention.
Thanks to Funchal’s amphitheatre-style layout, there are various vantage points from which to enjoy the fireworks across the city.
So, whether you are in the city centre enjoying the street party vibes in Avenida Arriaga, at one of the various hotels or restaurants or down at the waterfront, you will get a pretty good view.
Or better yet, book a yacht or boat party, grab a glass of Poncha (typical Madeira alcoholic drink) and welcome in the New Year in true Madeiran style!
Flights to and from Madeira can be booked on either EasyJet or TAP, and once in Funchal, there is a wide range of accommodation options available.
By Marco Santos, Travel-Boo
NYE in Madrid, Spain
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Spain’s capital, Madrid, to truly understand the meaning of the word ‘fiesta!
After dinner, locals and tourists gather around the Plaza del Sol area to hear the chimes at 12 a.m.
There are exactly twelve chimes, preceded by ‘quarters’, to warn all those gathered that the change of year is imminent.
Next, everyone gets ready to eat the famous twelve lucky grapes.
One for each chime.
Next comes an endless party night on the streets around the center.
Partygoers will most likely celebrate until sunrise and then eat the traditional breakfast of churros before going to bed.
January 1 is a holiday in Spain so that people can rest all day.
By Inma A World To Travel
Paris New Year’s Eve
With its iconic monuments, dazzling glamour, and epic celebrations, it’s hard to imagine a better place to ring in the New Year than in Paris.
Paris New Year’s celebrations offer something for everyone: whether you want to attend the official party on the Champs Elysees and watch the light show over the Arc de Triomphe, attend the more laid-back party on Sacre-Coeur where you can see fireworks go off all over the city, or splurge on a table at a club (Moulin Rouge is said to put on quite the show!), Paris has you covered.
However you decide to ring in the New Year in Paris, you’ll definitely want to plan ahead of time: crowds are predictably enormous and having a game plan – including when and how to arrive and how to get back to your hotel afterwards – is essential to having an epic New Year’s celebration in Paris.
The Paris metro is usually open with full service until 2:15 AM on the night of the 31st/morning of the 1st, and limited service continues afterwards.
For the perfect Paris New Year trip, consider booking a hotel accessible from the celebration you plan to attend. Since, like most cities, most of Paris is closed on January 1st, you may also want to stock your hotel or apartment with some food and drinks before heading out for the celebrations to ensure that when you wake up on January 1st, you won’t have to worry about tracking anything down if you decide the day is better spent in bed.
Even if you’re exhausted, though, try to pull yourself out for at least a brief walk on January 1st – the city is insanely quiet, and it is a fantastic time to wander the streets of Paris in peace (and take photos without the crowds, if that’s your thing!)
By Kate Storm, Our Escape Clause
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Iceland New Year’s Eve – Reykjavik
Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is one of the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the world.
In Iceland, New Year’s Eve is celebrated BIG, and Reykjavik is the largest city in the country and the most popular place to celebrate.
In Iceland, a volunteer brigade donates and puts on the fireworks.
Everyone in the community donates throughout the year for the spectacle.
While Reykjavik is the largest city for viewing the New Year’s Eve display, each of the smaller communities pitches in for the festivities as well!
The community tradition is strong and makes for a fun and festive spectacle on New Year’s!
By Victoria, Follow Me Away
Our Iceland Guides
Vienna, Austria
The friendly people of Vienna know how to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
Straight after Christmas, which includes twenty markets around the city, locals join in parties on the streets all over the city.
This is called the New Year’s Eve Trail.
Wintertime in Vienna is popular with ball-dancing lovers.
On December 31st, you can watch locals and visitors waltzing around Graben!
There are also several other events at Vienna’s historic buildings and even on the Danube River.
Like many European cities, Vienna welcomes the new year with fireworks and music.
Our Vienna Travel Guides
Asia New Year’s Eve
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok attracts thousands of people throughout the year, and tourists come to enjoy great street food, many different types of markets, adventurous tuk-tuk rides, and seemingly countless opportunities to celebrate and dance.
One of the tourist hot spots is the famous Khao San Road, which turns into a huge festival mile during the New Year’s Eve celebration.
It’s almost impossible to walk along the street that night. It’s wise to go there early (around 7 p.m.) to grab a spot and start making friends with the people around you.
Everyone is happy, and when the clock comes close to midnight, join in the countdown from 10 to 0 to welcome the new year with loads of hugs and cheerful laughter.
The only downside of this location is the high buildings that make it almost impossible to see the fireworks.
So, if you’re after the lightning show, you’re better off watching it from the river shore or one of Bangkok’s many great rooftop bars.
Whatever location choice you make, be prepared to celebrate until the early morning hours and enjoy the funky vibes of Thailand’s capital city.
By Julia Jerg, Jey Jetter
Our Thailand Guides
Seoul, Korea
Seoul is more commonly associated with music and cosmetics than a New Year’s Eve countdown, but Seoulites never turn down a good party.
While the Lunar New Year is a larger-scale celebration across Korea, the Western NYE celebration has become a time for locals and expats to gather in the Korean capital.
Restaurants are packed with big groups of friends and young families ending December with a nice meal, looking to usher in good luck for the upcoming year.
Chicken and barbeque places are typically open late already and thus draw the biggest crowds.
Meals are always paired with beer or soju, the local liquor, and the drinking continues into the street (Korea has no open container laws).
Since it’s technically a foreign holiday, Koreans only get New Year’s Day off from work, but there’s also no price inflation for booze or meals.
Many of the expats can be found in the Hongdae, Gangnam, or Itaewon neighborhoods, attending fancy NYE parties and counting down to midnight over cocktails & canapes.
At midnight on the dot, a huge fireworks display is set off over the Han River, which cuts the city in half.
There are other smaller fireworks displays in each of the neighborhoods in Seoul, so there’s no chance of missing midnight. Just remember to bundle up, as it’s very common to see snow around NYE in Seoul.
By Max Gandy, Dame Cacao
Tokyo, Japan
Japan is an unforgettable country, and Tokyo is the perfect city to ring in the New Year!
Japan is less busy during the winter than in the spring or fall, so visiting all the iconic Tokyo locations is easier and less stressful!
Plus, the entire city is decoratively festive with traditional shimekazari ornaments and kadomatsu, which invite prosperity and good fortune.
Tokyo Disney is also at maximum festivities and is one of the most organized and relaxed Disney parks in the world!
During winter, Japan is cold, but it’s also the perfect weather to indulge in traditional Japanese comfort foods like ramen, nabe, and oden!
Tokyo is a hotspot for NYE parties, a dime a dozen in the nightclub area of Shibuya, or head to the water for the Tokyo Bay booze cruise!
Sensoji Temple holds “joya no kane” for a sober countdown, a ritual performed a few minutes before midnight to purify souls and minds for the new year.
Or visit Kasai Seaside Park (it has the largest Ferris Wheel in Japan!) for fireworks!
Once January 1st strikes, the best shopping sale of the century begins in Fukubukuro. This tradition involves shops selling “lucky bags” containing a random assortment of fun store items, but discounted at steep percentages!
Planning a trip to Japan? Here’s our guide to Japan’s off-the-beaten-track hidden gems.
By Kay, The Awkward Traveller
Taipei, Taiwan
New Year’s events in Taipei, Taiwan, are an exceptional spectacle.
The annual fireworks and light show are broadcast and watched around the world, alongside other globally recognized celebrations in Sydney, London, New York, and Hong Kong.
When it was launched in 2005, this spectacle was the first-ever fireworks show to be launched from a skyscraper.
Lasting for just 35 seconds, this less-than-one-minute wonder became a global hit.
Since then, CNN has listed it as one of the top ten New Year’s destinations worldwide and broadcasts live in over 100 countries.
Using impressive fireworks and LED displays, the lights took over the building from the 35th floor to the 90th floor for a total of six minutes.
The show is notable for using eye-popping LED lights in cooperation with traditional fireworks to create a mind-blowing experience that aims to be more environmentally friendly than past shows have been!
The Taipei New Year experience also comes with countless other entertainment, activities, and celebrations all around the square to ring in the New Year!
By Kaila, Kaila Yu
Australasia
Canberra, Australia
Whilst Sydney, Australia, is famous for its big bang Sydney Harbour fireworks, the nation’s capital city of Canberra, is a great alternative for escaping the crowds and enjoying a more laid-back, peaceful welcome to the new year.
Canberra hosts two fireworks sessions: one at 9 p.m. for families and the other at midnight. A family concert, usually hosted in the Canberra CBD, is a great start to the night.
People flock to Civic to have a bite to eat from the various food stalls, watch the free live concert, and take part in the various fun activities on offer, including a ride on the beautiful antique carousel.
Children run about and play with fluro stick wands and windmills and families lay out picnic blankets on the numerous parkland areas surrounding the central fireworks point.
When the fireworks go off, they are spectacular, with surrounding national landmarks such as Black Mountain Tower providing an impressive silhouette against their fiery colour display.
Canberra’s New Year’s Eve atmosphere is laid back, family-friendly, and no-stress – a fantastic option to ring in the new year, just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Sydney.
By Bryan, Let’s Go Mum family lifestyle and holidays
NYE in Melbourne
Melbourne has always had the stigma of being second best to the extravaganza, as displayed by our arch-rivals Sydney on NYE!
There has always been a decent amount of rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne; however, the Sydney fireworks with the Sydney Harbour backdrop are pretty hard to beat. Sigh.
Unlike most other places in the world, Australia is in the middle of summer when NYE rolls around, so we are all out in force in our shorts and thongs (flip flops) to enjoy the festivities our cities put on each year.
Melbourne is a little different to Sydney in that we have two fireworks displays, one at 9pm for families and the other at the chime of midnight.
Our fireworks change each year. Recently, however, the City of Melbourne has favoured a five-location fireworks display that runs simultaneously in different parts of the city to spread the crowd out a little and ensure that people can enjoy the spectacle from different parts of the city.
There will generally be one in the areas of Docklands, South Wharf, along the Yarra, Birrarung Marr, and Federation Square.
The good thing about this is that the crowd is not centralised and is able to disperse much quicker, allowing for less congested traffic and public transport options.
Many restaurants and bars along the Yarra River will hold private pre-paid parties on NYE, which is a great option as you’ll get a good vantage point for the fireworks.
However, just a blanket on the Yarra River banks is fine for families with young kids.
Public transport runs all night to ensure all NYE party revellers can get home. The other option is to get a taxi or an Uber, but these would be scarce and pricey in the evening.
Ny Sally, Our3kidsvtheworld
NYE in Sydney
Undoubtedly, one of the biggest New Year’s Eve events has to take place in Sydney, Australia.
Since the early 1990s, I have spent most of New Year’s Eve in my hometown of Sydney, watching fireworks from somewhere in the city centre.
Sydney hosts one of THE biggest NYE parties in the world, with over 1.5 million people heading to the harbour foreshore to watch the two fireworks shows.
There is a family show at 9 p.m. that runs for eight minutes or so, and then the main event at midnight, when 12 minutes of fireworks light up the sky and the bridge itself.
In total, over seven million dollars went up in smoke last year!
Each year, the theme is different and kept secret until show night. Last year, we celebrated the passing of the same-sex marriage laws with a rainbow waterfall of colour off the harbour bridge at midnight.
Along with the main event, there is the Harbour of Light Parade, which runs from 9.15 p.m. until midnight. Boats and ferries covered in party lights parade up and down the harbour, creating quite a spectacle.
The challenge of enjoying NYE in Sydney is learning how to cope best with all the people. My tip is to plan ahead because this is not a night you can wing it!
You basically have three options: pay a big $$$ for a ticket to one of the private areas by the harbour or camp out for 12 hours or more to secure a spot in one of the free zones.
Or bypass it all and attend one of the city’s dance parties and restaurant events.
While some people find the crowds and the fuss a bit tedious, I think it’s hard to beat the electric atmosphere created by so many people in a good mood waiting to welcome the New Year together.
In my book, I say that many smiles are hard to beat.
By Paula, Sydney Expert
Middle East New Year’s Eve
Iran
Iran is unusual for New Year’s Eve because it’s just another day!
In Iran, the New Year celebration is called Nowruz and is celebrated every year on March 21st, the first day of spring, to symbolize renewal.
It’s incredible that the Nowruz tradition, which is Zoroastrian in origin, survived in Iran even after the 1979 revolution – and it’s still celebrated with massive meals and family gatherings.
However, since Iranian people are incredibly hospitable if you stay at an Iranian home, they will also be more than happy to celebrate ‘our’ New Year’s Eve on Dec 31st – albeit with no alcohol, which is illegal throughout the country.
We stayed up past midnight with our Couchsurfing host family, eating pistachio sweets and toasting with tea—definitely a first on an NYE night! Hotels that cater to an international clientele may also have special dinners or events, but generally speaking, the ‘charm’ of spending NYE in Iran is that it’s a normal day of the year, with nothing going on.
This is amazing for people who don’t love the hustle and crowds of NYE events. To be honest, Iran is such an amazing country that deserves to be visited all year round, NYE or otherwise!
By Margherita Ragg, The Crowded Planet
India New Year’s Eve
Goa, New Year’s Eve
Fancy seeing the New Year with a sunset swim in the Indian Ocean and a curry on the beach?
The palm-fringed beaches of Goa twinkle with fairy lights at this time of year.
The strong Portuguese influence remains, meaning that Christmas is also a big deal if you are planning a longer stay.
Diversity is a key New Year’s Eve drawcard in this coastal region.
If you want to dance the night away, head to the renowned NYE beach parties at Anjuna or Palolem, or you may want to sign up for one of the NYE yoga sessions at Patnem or Arambol.
But if you’re looking for something away from the crowds to welcome in the new year, especially if visiting Goa with kids, I recommend Agonda.
You won’t need to wait until midnight for fireworks.
Bonfires are lit at EVERY bar, spilling out onto the beach, and many people will be enjoying a nighttime swim.
Please note that very limited safety precautions are in place, and there is no police presence, so take care.
Also, as you may expect, this is the time of year when much of India descends on Goa, accommodations get booked up, and prices rocket.
If you’re travelling on a budget, you can find little beach shacks to stay in, but you must arrive a few days beforehand to walk around and negotiate.
To get to Goa either fly direct or take the train.
Taxis are the easiest way to get from the airport and train station, prices are usually fixed when booked from the official tourist stands.
By Jenny, TraveLynn Family
Africa New Year’s Eve
Cape Town, South Africa
New Year in South Africa is in the middle of summer—hot and sunny. It is not like your traditional winter New Year’s Eve breaks with a lot of snow, but more like a summer beach holiday.
It means you can chill on the beach, go surfing or kitesurfing, swim, and do many summer outdoor activities.
Cape Town is a fantastic place to celebrate the start of a new year.
There is a New Year’s Eve party everywhere for every kind of person.
The main celebration is happening at the V&A Waterfront and Long Street, where hundreds of bars and restaurants will be open all night.
Music will play everywhere, and people will dress in Carnival gear—a real festive vibe in the city.
If you prefer to skip the craziness of Long Street and the V&A Waterfront, you can watch the fireworks from a chilled-out picnic on Signal Hill.
Lion’s Head is a perfect spot to spend the year’s last sunset.
It is about an hour’s hike to the top.
As a reward for quite a challenging walk, you get fantastic views of Table Mountain, the ocean and the city bowl.
It is a five-minute drive to Signal Hill from Lion’s Head. Take a blanket, picnic basket and a bottle of sparkling wine and enjoy the fantastic fireworks display from the best vantage point.
Finally, don’t miss a truly unique traditional event, the colorful Cape Minstrels march on 2nd January, the so-called ‘Second New Year’.
By Campbell & Alya, Stingy Nomads
Frequently Asked Questions
When is New Year’s Eve?
New Year’s Eve is on the 31st of December each year. Events normally have some kind of warm-up celebration before the big finale at 12 a.m. on New Year’s Day.
Who is the First Country to Celebrate New Year?
Although Sydney is considered the first city to celebrate NYE, Tonga, Samoa, and Kiribati are actually the first countries.
People likely assume Sydney is the first because the harbour fireworks are well-documented on TV.
Final Words
So will you be ‘out with the old’ in the hot or the cold?!
This international guide to the best New Year’s Eve parties in the world has something for everyone, from the fun city shows to quieter countryside affairs.
One thing that every New Year’s Eve party has in common is the opportunity to celebrate with friends, old and new. Happy New Year!
Where is your preferred place to spend NYE?
Tell us in the comments below.
I really want to go Filipin in the future
I’ve not heard of that. Where is it?
Thanks for including Goa, Of Course the Sun Burn party bash at Goa had a blast! Beach party is also fab over there!
Aw brilliant! Thanks for reading and leaving a comment. Wishing you a happy new year when it comes!