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Top New Year's Eve celebrations and holiday spots in Asia

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Singapore
Tropical city-state of hawker food and gardens
9.5
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏮 Wander through Chinatown’s temples and traditional shophouses
  • 🌳 Visit Gardens by the Bay and its iconic Supertree Grove
  • 🌆 Admire the futuristic skyline from Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
Tokyo
Japan's capital of temples, towers and food
9.7
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.
Highlights:
  • 🖼️ Visit the teamLab digital art museum
  • 🌆 Enjoy panoramic city views from observation decks
  • 🍣 Savour sushi at a local eatery
Hong Kong
Where East Meets West
9.3
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.
Highlights:
  • 🥢 Shop and eat street food in Mong Kok’s bustling markets
  • ⛴️ Sail across Victoria Harbour on the iconic Star Ferry
  • 🌇 Ride the Peak Tram and admire skyline views from Victoria Peak
Istanbul
Where East meets West in stunning contrast
8.7
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.
Highlights:
  • 👑 Explore the opulent Topkapi Palace and its imperial treasures
  • 🚤 Cruise along the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia
  • 🕌 Admire the grand Hagia Sophia’s domes and mosaics
Bangkok
The city of contrasts and chaos
8.6
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌇 Watch the sunset over Wat Arun by the Chao Phraya River
  • 🚤 Take a boat ride through Bangkok’s bustling floating markets
  • 🏯 Visit the glittering Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple
Chiang Mai
Ancient temples and mountain escapes
8.1
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.
Highlights:
  • 🛕 Visit the sacred Doi Suthep temple atop the mountain
  • 🍲 Join a traditional Thai cooking class with locals
  • ⛩️ Explore the ancient temples of the Old City
Shanghai
A dazzling mix of modernity and tradition
9.0
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌸 Wander through Yu Garden and explore its traditional pavilions
  • 🏙️ Take the world’s fastest elevator to Shanghai Tower’s observation deck
  • 🌃 Admire Shanghai’s skyline from The Bund promenade at night
Seoul
Where Tradition Meets High-Tech Marvels
8.6
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌇 Admire Seoul’s skyline from N Seoul Tower at sunset
  • 🛍️ Shop and eat street food in bustling Myeongdong
  • 🏯 Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace and watch the royal guard ceremony
Bali
Tropical beaches, vibrant culture and adventure
8.2
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.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Visit Uluwatu Temple perched high on a seaside cliff
  • 💦 Swim beneath the cascading Tegenungan Waterfall
  • 🌋 Watch the sunrise over Mount Batur volcano
Taipei
A vibrant blend of old and new
9.0
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.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Relax and soak in the Beitou hot springs
  • 🍢 Wander through the bustling Shilin Night Market and try local snacks
  • 🏙️ Take in the skyline views from the Taipei 101 observatory
Kuala Lumpur
A fusion of cultures and skyscrapers
8.1
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.
Highlights:
  • 🪷 Visit the Batu Caves and climb the colorful staircase to the temple
  • 🛍️ Shop and dine in the bustling Bukit Bintang district
  • 🏙️ Stand beneath the towering Petronas Twin Towers and take in the view
Beijing
Ancient history meets modern dynamism
8.9
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌸 Explore the Summer Palace’s gardens and lakeside pavilions
  • 🧱 Climb the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu
  • 🏯 Walk across Tiananmen Square and visit the Forbidden City
Dubai
Glamour, Adventure and Desert Charm
9.2
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏜️ Take a desert safari and ride camels over golden dunes
  • ⛷️ Shop and ski inside the Dubai Mall and Ski Dubai
  • 🏙️ Ascend the Burj Khalifa and watch the city from above
Mumbai
India's bustling coastal metropolis
7.7
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.
Highlights:
  • ⛴️ Explore the ancient Elephanta Caves by ferry
  • 🌅 Stroll along Marine Drive at sunset
  • 🗽 Visit the historic Gateway of India monument
Kathmandu
Temples, chaos and Himalayan magic
6.9
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏰 Explore ancient palaces in Kathmandu Durbar Square
  • 🕉️ Visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of Asia’s largest stupas
  • 🐒 Climb 365 steps to the iconic Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
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