Top New Year's Eve celebrations and holiday spots
Top New Year's Eve celebrations and holiday spots
Famous fireworks displays and New Year's Eve parties
How you want to spend New Year's Eve says a lot about what kind of year you are hoping to start and the best destinations reflect that same range of moods.
Some travellers want a huge countdown with fireworks over a famous skyline, the kind of moment you see year after year on television, like the ball drop in New York or the fireworks over Sydney Harbour. Others prefer something quieter and more personal, maybe a waltz through the streets of Vienna or a small town square with local traditions passed down for generations. Even the weather plays a part, since ringing in the new year on a warm beach feels completely different from doing it in the snow.
The destinations on our list cover that whole range, from iconic fireworks displays to quieter spots where the new year arrives with a little more calm. Wherever you spend it, the first moments of the year tend to stick with you.
Lists by region
City in United States
New York City
Five boroughs of skyline, food and museums
The Times Square ball drop has been a New Year's Eve tradition since 1907. The crystal ball is covered with thousands of sparkling crystal panels. Confetti falls on the crowd when the ball reaches the bottom. Runners join the Midnight Run and fireworks in Central Park.
City in United States
Chicago
Skyline, Deep-Dish and Jazz Nights
Fireworks at Navy Pier launch over Lake Michigan at midnight and light the skyline. A family show often starts earlier in the evening for children. The Riverwalk lights up with holiday displays through the season. Maggie Daley Park has an ice skating ribbon open in winter.
City in United States
Las Vegas
Lights, Luxury and Limitless Fun
The Strip closes to cars on New Year's Eve for a huge street party. Fireworks launch from the rooftops of major casinos at midnight. Fremont Street Experience adds live bands under its huge light canopy. Big hotel shows and DJ sets run all night in resort venues.
City in France
Paris
The city of love, art and history
The Arc de Triomphe glows with a light show at midnight. Big crowds fill the Champs Elysees and cheer at the countdown. The Eiffel Tower sparkles with 20,000 lights for five minutes every hour after dark. Seine boat cruises serve dinner and champagne beneath the lit bridges.
State/Prefecture in China
Hong Kong
Where East Meets West
The Lunar New Year flower market fills Victoria Park with blossoms and plants. Shoppers buy peach blossom and kumquat trees for luck. Crowds line up at Wong Tai Sin Temple at midnight to offer incense. A night parade and fireworks light the harbour on the second day.
City in United States
Miami
Vibrant City of Sun and Fun
A giant lit orange drops from a tall crane at Bayfront Park at midnight. Free concerts and fireworks fill the waterfront under the skyline. South Beach clubs and Ocean Drive restaurants host packed parties all night. Warm December weather keeps beaches busy from sunrise until late.
Waterfall
Niagara Falls
A Thundering Natural Wonder
Midnight fireworks burst above the Horseshoe Falls in Ontario on New Year's Eve. Coloured lights bathe the falling water each evening in winter. The Winter Festival of Lights fills the parks with glowing displays and trees. Skylon Tower offers wide views of the falls and fireworks.
City in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
A fusion of cultures and skyscrapers
Fireworks explode around the Petronas Twin Towers at midnight in the city centre. KLCC Park below the towers fills with picnickers, families and food stalls. Dataran Merdeka hosts a big countdown concert on a stage. Chinese New Year adds lion dances and red lanterns at Petaling Street.
City in Thailand
Bangkok
The city of contrasts and chaos
A huge countdown party fills the front of CentralWorld each 31 December. Fireworks and light shows follow at riverside malls along the Chao Phraya. Rooftop bars offer wide skyline views of the midnight fireworks. Many Thais also visit temples to make merit on 1 January.
City in United Kingdom
London
A Tapestry of History and Modernity
Big Ben chimes at midnight as fireworks blast from the London Eye. Tickets are needed to enter the fireworks area along the Thames. The New Year's Day Parade marches through central London each 1 January. Marching bands, dancers and floats fill the route past Big Ben.
City in Netherlands
Amsterdam
Canals, culture and a vibrant spirit
Locals call New Year's Eve Oudejaarsavond and gather with friends at home. They eat oliebollen, warm fried dough balls with raisins and powdered sugar. At midnight church bells ring and fireworks glow over the canals. The Magere Brug, a white drawbridge over the Amstel, glows at night.
City in United States
New Orleans
Jazz, Creole Flavors and Mardi Gras Vibes
Fireworks light the Mississippi River near Woldenberg Park at midnight on New Year's Eve. Jackson Square fills with musicians, street painters and jazz bands. King cake season begins on 6 January, the Twelfth Night. Bakeries sell colourful cakes with a small plastic baby hidden inside.
Country
Singapore
Tropical city-state of hawker food and gardens
Fireworks over Marina Bay light up the skyline at midnight on 31 December. Crowds fill the promenade around the Marina Bay Sands hotel. The Gardens by the Bay light show adds colour nearby. River Hongbao is a Chinese New Year fair with lantern displays at Marina Bay.
City in United Arab Emirates
Dubai
Glamour, Adventure and Desert Charm
The Burj Khalifa erupts with fireworks and lasers along its 828 metre frame. Big crowds fill Downtown Dubai around the fountains and the Dubai Mall. Hotels host beachfront parties and fireworks views at Palm Jumeirah. Global Village adds nightly fireworks and cultural shows in winter.
City in Turkey
Istanbul
Where East meets West in stunning contrast
Bosphorus dinner cruises offer live music and views of fireworks over the water. Taksim Square draws large crowds near midnight with music and lights. Many Turks watch the special national lottery draw on 31 December. Bakeries and cafes sell festive cakes and chocolates along Istiklal Avenue.
City in United States
Nashville
Music, hot chicken and honky tonks
A giant lit music note drops from the AT&T Building downtown at midnight. Locals call the pointed AT&T skyscraper the Batman Building. Free outdoor concerts fill lower Broadway with country, rock and blues bands. Honky tonks along Broadway stay open late for dancing and live music.
City in Australia
Sydney
Where urban life meets stunning beaches
Fireworks blast from the Sydney Harbour Bridge and barges around the harbour at midnight. A family show runs at 9 pm for younger children. Thousands of boats crowd the harbour for close views of the show. The show is watched by people around the world on TV.
City in Japan
Tokyo
Japan's capital of temples, towers and food
Temple bells ring 108 times on New Year's Eve in a ritual called Joya no Kane. Zojoji Temple rings its bell with Tokyo Tower behind it. Many families eat toshikoshi soba noodles for a long life. Millions of people visit Meiji Shrine in early January to pray.
City in Mexico
Mexico City
Vibrant Culture, History and Street Food
The Zocalo, the main square, hosts a free concert on New Year's Eve. Locals eat twelve grapes at midnight and make a wish for each. Families share bacalao, a rich salted cod stew, at late dinners. Fireworks light the skyline above the Torre Latinoamericana at midnight.
City in South Korea
Seoul
Where Tradition Meets High-Tech Marvels
The Bosingak Bell in Jongno rings 33 times at midnight in Seoul. Officials, singers and citizens take turns striking the huge bell. Families eat tteokguk, a warm rice cake soup, on New Year's Day. Some people climb Namsan or head to the coast to watch the sunrise.
City in Germany
Berlin
Wall history, Museum Island and all-night clubs
Silvester is the German name for New Year's Eve in Berlin. A huge open air party fills the road at the Brandenburg Gate. Many Germans watch the comedy sketch Dinner for One every year. Friends melt tin and read the shapes for fortunes in the new year.
City in Spain
Barcelona
Vibrant City of Art and Beaches
Locals eat twelve grapes at midnight, one for each chime of the clock. Many people wear red underwear for luck in the new year. The Magic Fountain of Montjuic hosts a light and fireworks show. Cava, Catalan sparkling wine, is poured at parties across the city.
City in Denmark
Copenhagen
Scandi-cool vibes and world-class food
Danes jump off chairs at midnight to leap into the new year. The monarch gives a televised address at 6 pm that many families watch. Crowds gather at City Hall Square and Tivoli Gardens for fireworks. Kransekage, a tower of marzipan rings, is served with champagne.
City in Australia
Melbourne
The heart of culture and coffee
Fireworks launch from Yarra River barges and city towers at midnight. A family friendly show runs at 9 pm for younger children. Crowds gather at Federation Square and along the Southbank promenade by the river. Summer evenings are warm and stay light until after nine.
City in Taiwan
Taipei
A vibrant blend of old and new
Fireworks shoot out from many floors of Taipei 101 at midnight on 31 December. The tower's show lasts several minutes and lights the whole district. Big crowds fill the streets and plazas around the Xinyi District. Free concerts and light shows run at nearby city squares.
City in Canada
Vancouver
Where mountains, ocean and city life meet
Swimmers plunge into cold English Bay on 1 January in the Polar Bear Swim. The event has been held every year since 1920. Thousands of people join the plunge or cheer from the sandy beach. Fireworks and live music fill Canada Place on New Year's Eve.
City in Argentina
Buenos Aires
Where Tango and Culture Thrive
Families gather for a late dinner and toast at midnight with cider. Pan dulce, a sweet bread with fruit and nuts, sits on most tables. Fireworks light the sky over Puerto Madero and the river. Warm summer nights keep many parties outdoors on rooftops and terraces.
City in Thailand
Chiang Mai
Ancient temples and mountain escapes
Songkran, the Thai New Year in mid April, brings big water fights. Crowds throw water in the streets around the old city moat. Locals also pour scented water gently over Buddha images at temples. In November the Yi Peng festival fills the sky with paper lanterns.
City in Spain
Madrid
A vibrant mix of culture and nightlife
At midnight the clock in Puerta del Sol strikes twelve chimes. Spaniards eat one grape with each stroke for good luck. Big crowds fill the plaza in front of the old Royal Post Office building. Chocolate con churros is a common breakfast after a long night.
City in China
Shanghai
A dazzling mix of modernity and tradition
The Bund fills with crowds and colourful lights along the Huangpu River at night. Old European style buildings glow beside the water in warm light. The Oriental Pearl Tower with its round spheres shines across the river. Yuyuan Garden holds a lantern show during Lunar New Year.
City in Austria
Vienna
A Symphony of Culture and Elegance
The Silvesterpfad is a walking route of stages and music across the old town. At midnight the Blue Danube waltz plays and people dance in the streets. The Vienna Philharmonic plays a New Year's Concert each 1 January. The concert takes place in the golden Musikverein hall and is broadcast worldwide.
City in Greece
Athens
Where ancient ruins meet urban energy
Fireworks explode over the Acropolis and the old city at midnight on New Year's Eve. Families cut vasilopita, a sweet bread with a hidden coin. Whoever finds the coin is believed to have good luck all year. Syntagma Square hosts concerts and a large lit tree until January.
City in Egypt
Cairo
Where ancient history meets bustling life
Dinner cruises on the Nile mix buffets, live music and belly dancing. Cairo Tower, a 187 metre landmark, is lit with coloured lights. Restaurants and hotels along the river host midnight parties with live bands. Egypt also celebrates Coptic Christmas a week later on 7 January.
City in India
Mumbai
India's bustling coastal metropolis
Crowds gather at the Gateway of India beside the Arabian Sea at midnight. The Taj Mahal Palace hotel glows brightly across the harbour. Marine Drive, a curved seaside promenade, fills with families and friends. Bars and clubs across the city host live music and DJ nights.
City in Italy
Rome
The Eternal City of history and charm
Piazza del Popolo hosts a large free concert and countdown party each year. Italians eat lentils and cotechino sausage at dinner for luck and money. Many people wear red underwear at midnight in the new year. Fireworks light the sky above the domes and ancient ruins.
City in Czech Republic
Prague
A fairy-tale city with rich history
Fireworks explode above the Vltava River and Prague Castle at midnight. Big crowds fill Old Town Square and Charles Bridge to watch. Czechs often eat lentil soup at lunch to bring money luck in the new year. Vltava boat cruises serve dinner and live music.
Region in Indonesia
Bali
Tropical beaches, vibrant culture and adventure
Beach clubs in Seminyak and Canggu host DJ sets and fireworks on 31 December. Jimbaran Bay restaurants serve grilled seafood at tables set on the sand. Kuta Beach fills with crowds who watch fireworks over the surf. Locals also celebrate Nyepi, their own new year, in March.
City in Canada
Quebec City
Old World Charm in North America
The Carnaval de Quebec fills winter streets with ice sculptures and parades. Bonhomme, a friendly snowman mascot, greets visitors in a red sash. Hotel de Glace is a hotel built entirely of ice and snow. Visitors can sleep in rooms with ice beds and thick sleeping bags.
City in Australia
Gold Coast
Sun, Surf and Adventure
Fireworks shoot from the beachfront at Surfers Paradise at midnight on the Gold Coast. A family show often runs at 9 pm as well. Warm summer nights bring surfers and big crowds to the wide sand. Tall apartment towers glow along the coast behind the beach.
City in United Kingdom
Edinburgh
History, Culture and Festival Fever
Hogmanay begins with a torchlight procession through the Old Town on 30 December. Thousands carry flames along the Royal Mile and up to Holyrood Park. At midnight people link arms and sing Auld Lang Syne. Brave swimmers take the Loony Dook plunge in the Firth of Forth on 1 January.
City in South Africa
Johannesburg
Vibrant city life meets rich history
Vilakazi Street in Soweto has the former homes of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Bars and restaurants along the street fill with live music at night. Long summer evenings suit braais, the South African barbecue, in gardens and parks. Fireworks light up the Sandton skyline at midnight.
City in China
Beijing
Ancient history meets modern dynamism
Temple fairs at Ditan Park fill with snack stalls and folk performers. They run during the Spring Festival, which falls in January or February. Families gather for jiaozi dumplings at big reunion dinners on New Year's Eve. Red lanterns hang along streets and in many courtyards.
City in Morocco
Marrakech
A vibrant maze of colors and spices
Hot air balloons drift over the Palmeraie and the Atlas Mountains at dawn. Jemaa el Fnaa square fills with food stalls and musicians each evening. Riads and hotels host dinner parties with tagine and live music. Mild December days and cool nights make outdoor dining easy.
City in South Africa
Cape Town
Mountains, Beaches and a Vibrant Culture
The Cape Minstrel Carnival, called Tweede Nuwe Jaar, parades on 2 January. Troupes in colourful costumes play banjos and sing through the streets. The tradition grew from celebrations by freed slaves in the 1800s. On 31 December fireworks light the V&A Waterfront beneath Table Mountain.
City in Peru
Lima
Historic Charm Meets Coastal Vibes
Peruvians wear yellow underwear at midnight to bring good luck in the new year. They also eat twelve grapes and make twelve wishes as the clock strikes. The Magic Water Circuit park has 13 fountains and light shows. Miraflores hosts fireworks over the ocean cliffs at midnight.
City in Kenya
Nairobi
Where urban life meets wild adventures
Fireworks burst above the tall KICC tower in downtown Nairobi at midnight. Families grill nyama choma, roasted goat and beef, at parties and homes. The Giraffe Centre lets visitors feed giraffes by hand near Karen. Many residents travel upcountry to family villages for the holidays.
City in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
The heartbeat of Brazil's coast
About two million people gather on Copacabana Beach on 31 December. Most wear white clothes for peace and luck in the new year. Fireworks launch from barges over the Atlantic at midnight. Many people leave flowers and gifts in the water for Iemanja, goddess of the sea.
City in New Zealand
Auckland
Where Urban Life Meets Nature
The Sky Tower launches fireworks and a light show from its top at midnight. The tower stands 328 metres above the city centre. New Zealand greets the new year about 18 hours before New York. Crowds gather at Queens Wharf and along the harbour waterfront.
City in Iceland
Reykjavík
Vibrant city amidst stunning nature
Bonfires burn across the city and the whole harbour area on New Year's Eve. Families gather around the fires with fireworks and warm drinks. Volunteer rescue teams sell the fireworks to raise money for their work. Many Icelanders watch a comedy sketch show called Skaupid before midnight.
City in Colombia
Bogotá
Vibrant Culture in the Andean Highlands
At midnight families burn scarecrow dolls called Ano Viejo, the Old Year. The figures may be dressed like politicians, cartoon characters or celebrities. Some people run around the block with an empty suitcase for travel luck. Many people also wear yellow underwear to bring good fortune.
City in Ethiopia
Addis Ababa
Vibrant capital where history meets modernity
Ethiopia follows a calendar with 13 months and celebrates the new year on 11 September. The holiday is called Enkutatash, which means gift of jewels. Girls in white dresses sing and give out bunches of yellow daisies. Families share injera and spicy stews at home feasts.
City in Brazil
Balneário Camboriú
Sul‑Brazil’s spa oasis amid lush hills
Fireworks light the sky over the central beach in Brazil's Santa Catarina state at midnight. Crowds wear white for peace and jump seven waves for luck. The city has some of the tallest buildings in Brazil. Bars and open air stages fill the seafront promenade.
City in Colombia
Cartagena
Walled city of Caribbean color
Plaza de la Trinidad in Getsemani fills with street parties and live music. Cumbia and salsa bands play beside colourful colonial houses. Boat cruises around the bay offer close views of fireworks over the water. Old Year dolls are burned in some neighbourhoods at midnight.
City in Cuba
Havana
Vibrant Streets, Timeless Rhythms
Cubans roast a whole pig for the New Year's Eve dinner. At midnight some people throw buckets of water out of windows. The water is meant to wash away bad luck from the old year. 1 January also marks the anniversary of the 1959 revolution.
City in Australia
Hobart
Coastal charm meets historic streets
The Taste of Tasmania food festival fills the waterfront from late December. Crews from the Sydney to Hobart yacht race arrive at Constitution Dock. Fireworks light the harbour at midnight above the old sandstone warehouses. Summer evenings stay light until about 9 pm in Tasmania.
City in Morocco
Casablanca
Modern Vibes and Rich Traditions
Amazigh New Year, called Yennayer, is celebrated on 13 or 14 January across Morocco. The country made it an official public holiday in 2023. Families eat couscous with seven vegetables and sweet almond dishes. On 31 December the Corniche fills with hotel parties and dinners.
City in Nepal
Kathmandu
Temples, chaos and Himalayan magic
Nepali New Year begins on Baisakh 1 in the Bikram Sambat calendar in mid April. In Bhaktapur the Bisket Jatra festival pulls giant chariots through the streets. Crowds raise a tall wooden pole beside the old temples. Western New Year on 31 December brings parties in Thamel.
City in Nigeria
Lagos
Buzzing Metropolis with Coastal Charm
Detty December fills Lagos with Afrobeats concerts, beach parties and late night shows. Owambe, a lively Yoruba party, features matching outfits and live bands. Lekki Beach and Victoria Island clubs stay busy until sunrise on New Year's Eve. Street food stands sell suya, spicy skewered beef, at every corner.
City in Colombia
Medellín
The City of Eternal Spring
The Alumbrados, millions of coloured Christmas lights, glow along the Medellin River. The lights stay up from early December until the start of January. Families walk the riverside paths and eat warm bunuelos and natilla. Fireworks light the hills around the valley at midnight on 31 December.
Town in New Zealand
Queenstown
Adventure capital with alpine beauty
Kawarau Bridge, a commercial bungy site since 1988, lies a short drive from town. Jumpers plunge 43 metres towards the green Kawarau River below. Fireworks light the sky above Lake Wakatipu on New Year's Eve. Long summer days give plenty of light for hiking and boating.
City in Malta
Valletta
A historic gem by the sea
Every April the Malta International Fireworks Festival lights the Grand Harbour in Valletta. On 31 December crowds gather along Republic Street and at City Gate. Baroque churches and honey coloured fortress walls glow in the lights. Bars and cafes along the narrow streets stay open late.
City in Ghana
Accra
Vibrant Culture and Coastal Charm
Detty December fills Accra with concerts and beach parties. Labadi Beach fills with music, food stalls and dancers on New Year's Eve. Visitors dress in bright prints and bold colours for the many events. Independence Arch and Black Star Square host big crowds at midnight.
City in Chile
Valparaíso
Colorful Hills, Art and Ocean Views
Big fireworks over the bay draw huge crowds every year on 31 December. Hillsides fill with people who watch from rooftops and colourful houses. Funicular lifts called ascensores carry visitors up the steep hills. UNESCO listed the historic quarter in 2003 for its old port design.
Country
Samoa
Tropical paradise with volcanic mountains
Samoa jumped across the International Date Line in 2011 and skipped 30 December. The change put it among the earliest places to greet each new year. Many villages hold watchnight church services and sing hymns at midnight. Fales, open beach houses, host quiet family feasts.
Town in Yemen
Shibam
Ancient mudbrick city, living heritage fortress
Mud brick towers of several stories rise up to about 30 metres in this old desert city. UNESCO listed the city in 1982 for its dense vertical design. It is often nicknamed the Manhattan of the desert. Check current travel advice before planning a visit to Yemen.
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