Top New Year's Eve celebrations and holiday spots in Asia
Top New Year's Eve celebrations and holiday spots in Asia
Asia rings in the new year through two very different traditions, sometimes just hours apart, from massive countdown parties to quiet temple visits meant for reflection rather than celebration.
Major cities across the region put on some of the world's biggest fireworks displays, with Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour lighting up the skyline in front of huge waterfront crowds. Japan takes an entirely different approach, where many spend the final hours of the year at a temple listening to bells rung one hundred and eight times before heading home for a quiet family meal. Southeast Asian cities tend to combine both moods, with street festivals and countdown concerts that stretch well past midnight. Weather stays warm across most of the region, which keeps celebrations outdoors even after dark.
The New Year's Eve destinations on our list for Asia carry that same range, from loud countdown moments to quieter, more reflective ones.
Lists by region
State/Prefecture in China
Hong Kong
Where East Meets West
Crowds gather in Tsim Sha Tsui or Central to watch the harbour light show and count down together. Lan Kwai Fong, a street of bars, is crowded with partygoers. Wong Tai Sin Temple is busy with people who light incense for luck at Lunar New Year.
City in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
A fusion of cultures and skyscrapers
Malaysia declared independence at Merdeka Square in 1957. The area still hosts big countdown events today. Thousands also gather around the Petronas Twin Towers and KLCC Park for fireworks and music. Malls and rooftop bars stay open late. Hotels in Bukit Bintang are close to the action.
City in Thailand
Bangkok
The city of contrasts and chaos
The Chao Phraya River has been the centre of this city since it became Thailand's capital in 1782. Riverside hotels and the ICONSIAM mall host countdown shows with fireworks over the water. CentralWorld, a huge shopping centre, holds a free street party with live music. Wear light clothes because the night is warm and busy.
Country
Singapore
Tropical city-state of hawker food and gardens
Crowds gather on the waterfront at Marina Bay to count down together. Fireworks light the sky above the water, with Marina Bay Sands and the Esplanade in the background. Gardens by the Bay has a light show nearby. Trains and buses run late on New Year's Eve, so getting home is easy.
City in United Arab Emirates
Dubai
Glamour, Adventure and Desert Charm
The last night of the year is busy. Hotels near Downtown Dubai are often booked far ahead. The Burj Khalifa has a light and fireworks show at the turn of the year. The weather is mild at around 24 degrees Celsius. Beach clubs and rooftop bars host parties.
City in Turkey
Istanbul
Where East meets West in stunning contrast
Unlike most places on this list, this city sits on two continents, split by the Bosphorus strait. Taksim Square and the streets around Galata Tower are crowded with music on New Year's Eve. Dinner cruises on the Bosphorus give views of the lit bridges and old mosques. Restaurants serve special menus.
City in Japan
Tokyo
Japan's capital of temples, towers and food
This huge capital on Honshu island has hundreds of temples and shrines. Temples ring their bells 108 times on 31 December. Zojoji Temple does this beside Tokyo Tower. Shibuya Crossing is crowded for the countdown. Many people visit Meiji Shrine in early January to pray for the year.
City in South Korea
Seoul
Where Tradition Meets High-Tech Marvels
About nine million people live in this capital. Thousands of them gather at Bosingak Pavilion in Jongno to hear the bell rung 33 times. The ceremony is a tradition that goes back to the Joseon era. Concerts, fireworks and warm street snacks are found around the city. Bring a heavy coat.
City in Taiwan
Taipei
A vibrant blend of old and new
Unlike most skylines, this city's tallest tower is itself the fireworks stage. Fireworks shoot from the sides of the 101 floor tower for a few minutes at the turn of the year. Free concerts are held at City Hall Plaza nearby. Night markets such as Shilin sell hot snacks.
City in Thailand
Chiang Mai
Ancient temples and mountain escapes
This northern Thai city is much smaller and calmer than Bangkok, so it suits a relaxed New Year. Countdown events are held in the old city near Tha Phae Gate. Nimman Road has bars and live music. The weather is cool and dry in December, which suits temple visits.
City in China
Shanghai
A dazzling mix of modernity and tradition
Visit the Bund on the last evening of the year to see the skyline lights across the Huangpu River. Lunar New Year in late January or February is the bigger holiday here. Lantern displays at Yu Garden are colourful and busy. Families eat dumplings and rice cakes. Restaurants offer special holiday menus.
City in India
Mumbai
India's bustling coastal metropolis
Loud, crowded and glamorous, this city on the Arabian Sea treats New Year's Eve as a big night out. Marine Drive and the Gateway of India are full of crowds and street food. Rooftop bars and clubs in Bandra and Colaba host DJ nights. Hotels fill early.
Region in Indonesia
Bali
Tropical beaches, vibrant culture and adventure
This island in Indonesia has beaches on the south coast, rice terraces inland and temples beside the sea. Beach clubs in Seminyak and Canggu hold parties with DJs and fireworks on the sand. Many resorts add gala dinners with live music. Quiet travellers can go to Ubud for a calm start to the year.
City in China
Beijing
Ancient history meets modern dynamism
Formal and historic, this capital is calm on 31 December but lively for Lunar New Year. Temple fairs at Ditan Park have red lanterns, snacks and folk shows. Families eat dumplings together on the eve of the festival. Crowds also visit the Lama Temple to light incense for the new year.
City in Nepal
Kathmandu
Temples, chaos and Himalayan magic
This valley city lies high in the Himalayan foothills, so winter days are dry and clear. Thamel, a lively tourist district, has bars, live music and rooftop parties on New Year's Eve. Temples such as Swayambhunath are calm places for a peaceful start to the year. Views of the Himalayas are clear on dry days.
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