The best places to spend New Year’s Eve

Welcoming the New Year is a celebration shared across cultures and continents, with every corner of the world putting its own spin on the festivities. From burning scarecrows in Ecuador to smashing plates in Denmark and eating 12 grapes in Spain, some New Year’s Eve traditions are truly unique. But if you’re more interested in the party than the customs, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a quick list of where to spend New Year’s Eve if you’re looking for an unforgettable celebration.

1. Cape Town, South Africa

Capetonians have turned New Year’s Eve into a three-day celebration, taking full advantage of the summer weather with a packed lineup of outdoor events alongside the traditional festivities. If you’re wondering where to spend New Year’s Eve, Cape Town is a top contender. Head to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront for live music and a front-row seat to the dazzling midnight fireworks. For a sweeping view of the city and the fireworks show, many locals and visitors alike head to Table Mountain, complete with a picnic hamper, champagne, and gourmet treats. On January 1st and 2nd, the party continues with beach outings and the vibrant New Year Carnival parade through downtown Cape Town.

2. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Fancy some warm weather while you celebrate New Year’s Eve at the party to beat all parties? Then Rio it is. This is a city that puts you on a high with its spellbinding location before you’ve even started on the champagne. Crests of rock loom above dazzling beaches and the blue of the ocean beyond, and you can take it all in with two million fellow party goers who all gather on Copacabana beach to dance the night away in true style, many dressed all in white. The tipple of choice while watching the mega fireworks display is champagne, and it’s not unusual for the beach to still be packed with revelers at dawn.

3. Reykjavik, Iceland

With short, dark winter days, Icelanders are more than ready for a reason to celebrate by the time December 31st rolls around, and they do so with incredible enthusiasm. If you’re looking for a truly unique option for where to spend New Year’s, Reykjavik should be high on your list.

The evening kicks off with symbolic bonfires held throughout the city, where people gather to burn away the troubles of the past year and welcome the new one with fresh energy. As midnight approaches, crowds fill the city center, and while there may be an official fireworks display, it’s often hard to spot—because nearly everyone brings their own fireworks to launch at midnight. The result is an unforgettable city-wide celebration. For one of the best views of the fireworks, head to Öskjuhlíð Hill and take in the magic as Reykjavik lights up the night.

4. Hong Kong, China

They are calling it a ‘pyro-musical spectacular’ and we can only agree. Spectacular is most definitely the word to describe the fireworks that light up the Hong Kong sky on the 31st of December each year. Arrive early at Victoria Harbor to bag the best spots to watch the show for free, or join one of the many harbor cruises for a brilliant view of the light show and its reflection in the water. There are loads of live music gigs, special club nights and glamorous parties happening throughout the city too, but the combination of that famous skyscraper-filled skyline, a sparkling pyro-musical show, and the atmosphere along the shoreline are hard to beat.

5. Edinburgh, Scotland

Scotland’s world-famous Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh are the stuff of legend. Revelers from around the globe flock to the city, making it a top choice for where to spend New Year’s. Hogmanay is Scotland’s most important winter holiday, and while it’s centered around New Year’s Eve, the festivities typically stretch over three to four days.

In the lead-up, the city buzzes with excitement, winter markets pop up, and a magical torchlight parade winds its way through Edinburgh’s historic streets. On the big night, expect live music with headline acts, dramatic castle illuminations, and a spectacular fireworks display. When the clock strikes midnight, massive crowds link hands to sing Auld Lang Syne before dancing and celebrating late into the night.

6. Sydney, Australia

Sydney Harbor provides a spectacular backdrop for Australia’s biggest New Year celebrations and fireworks extravaganza. The pyrotechnics are set off from multiple points around the harbor, so there are many great vantage points to see the action, most of these are now completely free. Another option is to book a ticket for a boat party and see the action from the water with a glass of champagne in hand. From the deck, you’ll enjoy unhindered views of the dazzling pyrotechnic displays bursting over the Sydney Opera House and reflected in the water. Many people will choose their favorite rooftop bar or terrace with a harbor view and see in the New Year from there. 

What makes being in Sydney extra special is you’ll be one of the first in the world to greet the new year. It’s the height of summer too, so hitting the beach the next morning is a great tonic.

7. Goa, India

Goa is India’s prime party state, and New Year’s celebrations here are all about the beach. Dance the night away with sand between your toes and the bright twinkle of stars overhead. New Year’s Eve is like the ultimate full moon party with added fireworks over the ocean. Big-name DJs play to hundreds of revelers around the larger beachside resorts, such as Anjuna. Further south on quieter jungle-backed beaches, the beach bar shacks host more intimate parties with trance dance on the turntables and plenty of cocktails. 

8. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Thailand’s northern city of Chiang Mai is a magical place to welcome in the New Year. The whole city comes out to enjoy the evening and there are colored light displays in all the parks and public areas. Popular Thai pop bands will play on large outdoor stages and the city’s temples are open all evening for prayer and meditation – this means that almost everyone comes out to celebrate in their own way. As midnight approaches crowds of people shout the countdown in unison while scooters and cars add to the cacophony blasting their horns in celebration. Hundreds of paper lanterns are released with a wish and float up ethereally into the night sky before it erupt into fireworks.

9. Valparaiso, Chile

This colorful port city is within easy reach of Santiago and is one of the best places to spend New Year’s Eve as it claims to host the biggest firework display in South America. The giant sparklers are set off from ten locations all around the bay simultaneously, making it a truly sky-filling display.

The party begins in earnest in the early evening when the one million visitors begin jostling to find the best vantage point for the midnight pyrotechnics. Head for Paseo Yugoslavo by funicular or on foot for a view and an up-for-it crowd. Vendors selling snacks, mojitos, beers and soft drinks are everywhere, and post-fireworks a DJ takes over to take the revelers through dawn. Plaza Bismarck is a little higher with even better views of the dazzling show and a more relaxed atmosphere.

10. Moscow, Russia

Yes, it’s cold. Very cold. But it’s also party central at New Year. This is the major national celebration in Russia, and Moscow comes alive with more lights than you ever thought possible adorning the city, hundreds and hundreds of decorated ‘New Year trees,’ ice rinks, outdoor revelry and immense firework displays. The Kremlin has the most famous display but there are many others in parks all over Moscow. And because the Russian Orthodox Christmas falls on 7th January the festivities in the first week of January don’t let up. In short, what are you waiting for?

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So, what are you waiting for? Click the links above to learn more about these incredible destinations for where to spend New Year’s. Our local experts can create a customized itinerary based on your preferences making your dream trip easier than ever to plan.