The clock is ticking… literally. That familiar buzz is in the air as the year winds down, and the big question pops up in group chats everywhere: “What are we doing for New Year’s?”

If you’re tired of the same old routine and are searching for the absolute best places to go for new years, you’re in the right place. We’re about to travel through the world’s most electrifying, beautiful, and unique new year destinations.

How Does the World Celebrate the New Year?

At its heart, New Year’s is a universal moment of transition. It’s the world collectively closing one book and opening another. But how we celebrate? That’s where the fun really begins. The most common thread, of course, is the countdown to midnight, usually followed by a sky-splitting fireworks display. Think of Sydney’s Harbour, London’s Thames, or New York’s Times Square, it’s a global tradition of welcoming the future with a literal bang.

Beyond the fireworks, though, traditions vary wonderfully. In Spain, you’ll find people frantically eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight, one for each month of good luck. In Brazil, many flock to the beach dressed in white, jumping over seven waves to make wishes. In Japan, the new year, or Oshogatsu, is a more solemn, spiritual affair, often involving a visit to a shrine. From smashing plates in Denmark to massive, city-wide street parties in Germany, every culture adds its own unique flavor to the celebration.

Places to Go for New Years

Deciding where to spend the big night can be tough. Are you looking for a massive party, a romantic getaway, or a family-friendly festival? To help you out, we’ve rounded up some of the best new year destinations across the globe.

North America	New York City, USA | Las Vegas, USA | New Orleans, USA | Québec City, Canada
Europe	London, England | Edinburgh, Scotland | Paris, France | Berlin, Germany | Vienna, Austria | Reykjavik, Iceland | Madrid, Spain | Prague, Czech Republic | Amsterdam, Netherlands
Asia	Tokyo, Japan | Bangkok, Thailand | Dubai, UAE | Chiang Mai, Thailand
South America	Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Oceania	Sydney, Australia
Africa	Cape Town, South Africa

1. New York City, USA

You just can’t make a list of the best places for NYE without starting here. The Times Square ball drop is arguably the most famous New Year’s party on Earth. Being there in the crowd, surrounded by a million people from every corner of the globe, is an electrifying, bucket-list experience. The air crackles with anticipation, live performances build the hype, and when the confetti rains down at midnight, it’s pure magic.

That said, standing in a “pen” for 10 hours in the freezing cold isn’t for everyone. If that sounds like your personal nightmare, NYC still has you covered. Book a ticket for a rooftop party in Brooklyn for a stunning (and warmer) view of the Manhattan skyline fireworks. Alternatively, catch the fireworks in Central Park for a more relaxed vibe, or head to Prospect Park for a great, family-friendly event. The entire city is buzzing, and the holiday decorations are still up, making it a magical time to visit.

2. Las Vegas, USA

If your idea of a celebration is to go big, Las Vegas is calling. On December 31st, the entire four-mile stretch of the Las Vegas Strip closes to traffic and becomes one giant, chaotic, and incredibly fun pedestrian party. At midnight, the casinos coordinate a massive, choreographed fireworks display launched from their own rooftops, turning the whole sky into a canopy of light.

Beyond the Strip, the real party is inside. Every nightclub hosts a world-famous DJ, every theater has a special show, and every restaurant offers a decadent prix-fixe menu. It’s sensory overload in the best way possible. If you want a slightly more “local” (and still wild) vibe, the Fremont Street Experience downtown hosts a massive block party with live bands and its own epic light show. Just be sure to book everything – hotels, shows, dinners – months in advance.

3. New Orleans, USA

Want to swap the winter chill for some Southern charm and jazz? New Orleans does New Year’s with its own unique flair. The main event is in Jackson Square, in the heart of the French Quarter. Instead of a ball, they drop a giant fleur-de-lis from the top of Jax Brewery. The countdown is followed by a spectacular fireworks show over the Mississippi River.

The real reason to go, though, is the atmosphere. You can grab a “go-cup” of your favorite beverage and wander the French Quarter, where music spills out of every bar. Bourbon Street is, as expected, a raucous party, but you can also find amazing live jazz on Frenchmen Street. The weather in late December is typically cool but mild, making it a perfect time to explore the city’s incredible food scene and unique culture without the intense summer humidity.

4. Québec City, Canada

If you want to feel like you’ve been transported to a European Christmas market for New Year’s, Québec City is your spot. This historic, walled city is pure magic in winter, often covered in a blanket of snow. The main celebration takes place on Grande Allée, where outdoor bars, heated terraces, and stages with live music create a massive, festive street party.

This is one of the best new year destinations for those who actually love winter. You can go ice skating, explore the charming, cobblestone streets of Old Québec, and enjoy the city’s cozy, French-inspired cuisine. At midnight, fireworks light up the sky over the iconic (and castle-like) Château Frontenac. It’s cold, yes, but it’s also incredibly romantic and festive, like stepping inside a real-life snow globe.

5. London, England

London goes all out for New Year’s Eve. The main event is the spectacular fireworks display over the Thames, centered around the London Eye. This is a ticketed event, and you have to book one of the specific viewing zones to get close to the action. The sight of the fireworks exploding over Parliament and Big Ben is truly iconic, and the atmosphere in the crowd is fantastic.

If you can’t snag a ticket (they sell out fast!), don’t worry. Many people gather on bridges like Vauxhall or Lambeth Bridge for a free (though more distant) view. Pubs across the city are packed with revelers, and countless clubs host special NYE parties. The following day, don’t miss the New Year’s Day Parade, a massive procession of performers, floats, and marching bands that weaves through the city center.

6. Edinburgh, Scotland

They don’t just “do” New Year’s in Edinburgh; they host “Hogmanay,” a three-day festival that is, without a doubt, one of the best parties in the world. This is not just a one-night affair. It kicks off on December 30th with the stunning Torchlight Procession, where thousands of people create a “river of fire” through the Old Town.

On the 31st, the main event is the “Party at the Princes Street Gardens,” a massive outdoor concert with big-name bands and traditional Scottish music, all set beneath the dramatic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. At midnight, one of the most impressive fireworks displays you’ll ever see explodes from the castle ramparts. It’s an energetic, joyous, and truly unique cultural experience. Just be sure to book accommodation a year in advance – I’m not kidding.

7. Paris, France

For a more romantic (but still massive) celebration, Paris is a classic choice. The main gathering spot is the Champs-Élysées, which becomes pedestrian-only. Crowds gather for a view of the Arc de Triomphe, which hosts a spectacular light and video show in the lead-up to midnight, culminating in a burst of fireworks. The vibe is festive, with people sharing champagne on the street.

If a massive crowd isn’t your style, another popular option is to gather in the Montmartre district, near the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city’s fireworks. For a truly unforgettable night, book a Bateaux Mouches dinner cruise on the Seine, which gives you a front-row seat to the lights and fireworks, including the sparkling Eiffel Tower, as you dine.

8. Berlin, Germany

Berlin is famous for its party scene, and New Year’s Eve, or “Silvester,” is the biggest party of the year. The main event is a massive open-air festival at the Brandenburg Gate, stretching for two kilometers along the “Party Mile.” It’s a completely free event with live music, international DJs, food stalls, and a stunning fireworks show at midnight.

Be warned: Berliners have a love affair with personal fireworks, and the streets can feel a bit like a (fun) warzone. It’s chaotic, loud, and incredibly liberating. If the massive street party is too much, the city’s legendary techno clubs, like Berghain and Tresor, host marathon parties that last well into New Year’s Day… and often the day after. This is one of the best places for NYE if you truly want to dance until dawn.

9. Vienna, Austria

For a New Year’s celebration filled with elegance and old-world charm, look no further than Vienna. The city swaps a chaotic party vibe for one of refined joy. The main event is the Silvesterpfad (New Year’s Eve Trail), a series of open-air stages and food stalls set up through the city’s historic center. You can waltz in the street to classical music in one square and dance to a pop band in the next.

At midnight, fireworks erupt over the Prater park and the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, where its famous bell, the Pummerin, rings out. The next morning, the city’s most famous tradition takes place: the New Year’s Concert by the Vienna Philharmonic, broadcast to millions worldwide. You can even watch it on a giant screen outside the City Hall. It’s a civilized, beautiful, and music-filled way to enter the new year.

10. Reykjavik, Iceland

Celebrating New Year’s in Iceland is a truly unique, community-driven experience. There are no official, city-sponsored fireworks. Instead, the entire Reykjavik participates. Families and friends gather for dinner, then head out to massive bonfires (brennur) around the city to sing songs and celebrate.

After the bonfires, everyone goes home to watch Áramótaskaupið, an annual TV comedy special that satirizes the year’s events. It’s a huge tradition. Then, just before midnight, the city explodes. Literally. Every single family buys their own fireworks (to support the national search and rescue teams) and sets them off. The result is a 360-degree, beautifully chaotic fireworks show over the entire city. It’s one of the most incredible places to go for new years, and in December/January, you also have a great chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

11. Madrid, Spain

In Spain, New Year’s Eve, or Nochevieja, is all about one thing: tradition. The epicenter of the celebration is Puerta del Sol, the city’s main square. Thousands gather here to watch the clock on the Casa de Correos building. The tradition is to eat 12 uvas de la suerte (lucky grapes), one for each chime of the clock at midnight. It’s harder than it sounds and results in a lot of laughter.

Once the grapes are eaten (and the cava is popped), the square erupts in celebration. But the night is far from over. This is Madrid, after all. The real party starts after midnight, as locals head to discotecas and parties that go until 6 or 7 AM. The traditional end to the night is stopping for churros con chocolate on the way home as the sun rises.

12. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague, with its fairytale skyline of bridges, cathedrals, and cobblestone streets, is a stunning backdrop for New Year’s. The city doesn’t have one single “main” event but rather a series of celebrations. People gather in the Old Town Square to hear the Astronomical Clock chime in the new year, or they line the banks of the Vltava River for incredible views of the (unofficial) fireworks.

For the best views, head to Letná Park or the hills of Vyšehrad. The city hosts an official, family-friendly fireworks display, but it’s often held on January 1st in the early evening. On the 31st, the atmosphere is festive and a bit wild, with personal fireworks being a popular pastime. It’s a great choice for a beautiful and affordable European New Year’s.

13. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam offers a lively, spirited New Year’s celebration. While the city’s official fireworks display has moved to the Museumplein, you’ll find unofficial parties happening in all the main squares like Dam Square and Rembrandtplein. The city is famous for its canals, and many people opt for boat parties, giving them a unique perspective on the city’s celebrations.

A word of warning, similar to Berlin: the Dutch are serious about their fireworks. The streets become an impromptu display zone, which is thrilling but can be intense. For a slightly more organized (and safer) experience, find a bar or club hosting a “new years event near me” (as the locals would search) and book a ticket in advance. The atmosphere is convivial and energetic, a perfect way to ring in the new year.

14. Tokyo, Japan

New Year’s in Tokyo is a fascinating blend of modern party and sacred tradition. For the party vibe, head to Shibuya Crossing. While the official countdown event has been canceled in recent years to manage crowds, the area is still packed with thousands of revelers creating their own electric atmosphere. Tokyo Tower also hosts a countdown and fireworks display.

For the more traditional experience, do as the locals do and participate in Hatsumōde – the first shrine visit of the year. At midnight, major temples like Meiji Jingu (shrine) and Zōjō-ji (temple) are filled with people praying for good fortune. At Zōjō-ji, you can hear the Joya no Kane, the ringing of the temple bell 108 times to cleanse the 108 human sins. It’s a peaceful, spiritual, and deeply cultural way to begin the year.

15. Bangkok, Thailand

If you’re looking for one of the best places for NYE with a guaranteed party, Bangkok is a top contender. The weather is perfect, and the city is ready to celebrate. The main event is at CentralWorld, Bangkok’s version of Times Square, which hosts a massive concert and a spectacular fireworks display.

Another fantastic option is to celebrate along the Chao Phraya River. Many luxury hotels and restaurants offer gala dinners with prime views of the fireworks. You can also book a river cruise for a mobile party. For a more local feel, the vibrant nightlife areas of RCA and Thonglor are packed with clubs and bars hosting countdown parties. Or, for something completely different, join the candle-lit mass prayers at a temple like Wat Arun.

16. Dubai, UAE

Dubai is a city that does nothing by halves, and New Year’s Eve is its ultimate showpiece. The main event is the mind-blowing light and fireworks show at the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. It’s a jaw-dropping spectacle of pyrotechnics and LED wizardry that attracts hundreds of thousands of onlookers.

You need to stake out a spot at the Dubai Mall or Souk Al Bahar very early to get a good view. Alternatively, many restaurants in the area offer (very expensive) packages with guaranteed views. Another massive fireworks display happens at Atlantis, The Palm, which is best viewed from the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk or one of the many beach parties. If you want over-the-top glamour and a show you’ll never forget, Dubai is it.

17. Chiang Mai, Thailand

For a New Year’s experience that is less “wild party” and more “breathtakingly beautiful,” head to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. The city is famous for its Yi Peng (lantern festival) in November, but it reprises the magic for New Year’s. The main event is a mass lantern release, where thousands of glowing paper lanterns are released into the night sky, carrying away the past year’s misfortunes.

This magical, moving spectacle takes place around the Tha Phae Gate and along the Ping River. The sky fills with these “stars,” creating a moment of collective peace and hope. It’s an incredibly photogenic and spiritual experience. This is complemented by live music, traditional performances, and, of course, a healthy dose of fireworks at midnight.

18. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Welcome to Réveillon, the world’s biggest New Year’s beach party. On December 31st, over two million people, all dressed in white (to symbolize peace and new beginnings), gather on the legendary CopacabANA beach. It’s a spectacle of music, dancing, and tradition.

The celebration is deeply spiritual, with many Brazilians leaving offerings of flowers and candles for Iemanjá, the Afro-Brazilian goddess of the sea. At midnight, a massive fireworks display is launched from barges in the ocean, and tradition dictates you must jump over seven waves, making a wish for each one. With massive stages set up along the beach playing everything from samba to electronic music, the party rages on until sunrise. It’s hot, it’s soulful, and it’s unforgettable.

19. Sydney, Australia

As one of the first major cities to ring in the New Year, Sydney sets the bar incredibly high. The fireworks display over the Sydney Harbour, with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge as its centerpiece, is broadcast around the globe. There’s an early, family-friendly fireworks show at 9 PM, followed by the main, jaw-dropping “midnight fireworks.”

Getting a good view is a military operation. You can join the (free) crowds at spots like Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair or the Cahill Expressway, but you’ll need to camp out all day. A more civilized option is to book a ticket for one of the many harb-side parks that host parties, or go all out and book a spot on a boat in the harbor itself. The weather is pure summer, making it a perfect, warm-weather new year destination.

20. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is a stunningly beautiful city, and its New Year’s celebrations take full advantage of the setting. The main party hub is the V&A Waterfront, which hosts a family-friendly festival with live music, food stalls, and a fantastic fireworks display over the harbor with Table Mountain as the backdrop.

The party doesn’t stop on January 1st. On January 2nd, the city hosts the Kaapse Klopse, or Cape Town Minstrel Carnival. This is a vibrant and historic parade where thousands of performers, dressed in colorful suits and face paint, march through the streets playing music. It’s a joyous, loud, and culturally rich event that celebrates the city’s Creole history and is a fantastic extension of the New Year’s celebrations.

FAQ

Q: Where is best to go for the new year?

This really depends on your style! For a massive, iconic party, the best new year destinations are places like New York City (Times Square), Rio de Janeiro (Copacabana), or Sydney (Harbour). For a more historic and charming vibe, consider European cities like Edinburgh (Hogmanay) or Vienna. For a unique cultural experience, Tokyo or Chiang Mai are incredible.

Q: Where is the cheapest place to travel for new years?

While major cities like London and NYC are notoriously expensive, you can find more affordable options. Destinations in Southeast Asia (like Chiang Mai, Thailand, or Hanoi, Vietnam) and Eastern Europe (like Prague, Czech Republic, or Budapest, Hungary) generally offer great value. You’ll find that food, accommodation, and even the new years events are much more budget-friendly, allowing you to have a fantastic celebration without the hefty price tag.

Q: How can I find new years events near me?

If you’re not looking to fly far, check your city’s tourism website, local event listings, or social media for NYE concerts, fireworks, countdown gatherings or hotel parties. Even in smaller cities you can find festive events.