The New Year is knocking at the door and it is time to explore the global celebration of New Year for different cities and countries with more than 30 top locations.
2025 is almost here and the New Year is welcomed by every nation around the world with a grandiose celebration. As midnight hits with the countdown, people want to go all out. There are some of the best destinations to do that you should know. With cultural diversity of people food and nations, every New Year offers an opportunity to spend it in a different country. Let’s find out some of the best foreign destinations where you embark on the New Year with a blast.
31 Best Places to Kick-start New Year
- Sydney, Australia
Sydney is best known for the Australians who know how to party and they welcome the New Year in a complete party mode. The mesmerizing sight of fireworks and light shows beside the water body surely makes it more memorable. Many music artists also come for tours at this time which offers an added bonus to hit a concert or rave. Several shows and events take place all over the place and kids who cannot get tipsy like the adults can enjoy their time at the Taronga Zoo. Cruises from different countries arrive in Sydney at this time and you could be one of them. You can also enjoy the indigenous smoking ceremony of the aboriginals but can hit you hard!
- Edinburgh, Scotland
If you want to be a part of the Scottish Culture on New Year’s Eve, you might just want to start dancing on the street and let yourself go. Other than the fabulous fireworks at midnight, Scottish people are famous for dancing on the street to celebrate the New Year. Several music concerts also take place in Scotland this time which makes it perfect. Edinburgh University is the hub for students from around the world and the youth makes sure to celebrate the New Year with adventurous experiences. Make sure to take part in the three-day-long Hogmanay Celebrations or you can also jump on the freezing water of the River North.
- New York, United States
New York is perhaps one of the first places that come to mind when it comes to the New Year celebration. Thousands of people gather at Times Square to welcome the New Year and the night is further celebrated with pyrotechnic light shows, tons of confetti, celebrity music acts, and being authentic with whatever outfit you like. It is like Halloween once again with a bigger celebration. Make sure not to miss out on the countdown moments while the Grand 12 football is dropped from the Time Square building. The city offers a lavish and luxurious party life as well as some of the best street food. Choose wisely!
- Berlin, Germany
Berlin is perhaps the best European destination where you can find the authentic taste of European New Year celebration. They say, “The 1.8 km stretch between Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column gets over brimmed with about one million people ready to do anything to celebrate the new year and party.” The streets of Berlin are highly crowded on 31st December to welcome the New Year with fireworks, lights, and happiness. Starting from music shows, food, dance to booze, magic, and adventure; there are plenty of activities you can participate in in Germany. Make sure to visit the 3-storey Berlin TV Tower which turns into a dance platform.
- Paris, France
They say, Paris is the city of love and perhaps they are right. The capital of France is desired for many reasons, whether it is the luxurious perfumes, fashion, art, or the coffee and croissants; New Year in Paris offers the experience of a lifetime. The magical fireworks on the iconic Eiffel Tower can take your breath away. It is one of the most spectacular visual experiences one can have. You can also participate in the River cruise on the Seine River as the party must go on. Musical night, wine and a sky full of stars surely sound like a dreamy initiation of a New Year.
- London, England
Do you want to spend your New Year in the English way? London can offer you an exquisite experience of embracing the New Year with its charm that connects the past with the present. A crowd of more than 250 thousand people gather the Big Ben at midnight to chant the countdown. It is further complemented with a light show and spectacular fireworks, and London turns into a fairyland. You can also join the marching parade and procession of Queen’s horses to make your journey more memorable and impactful. The best part is that you can find cuisines from every corner of the world.
- Hawaii, Pacific US
The beauty of Hawaii is hard to explain in words. This island country is surrounded by the North Pacific Ocean and consists of pristine natural beauty which attracts people from all around the world. The entire set of islands turns into a platform of celebration when it comes to the New Year. It is true that the dreamy landscaping views of Hawaii can be enjoyed the best during the day time but at night, it can turn into a fairly land especially on the last day, 31st December. The beaches of Hawaii can offer a warm and relaxing start to your year which gets more enticing by the night. It goes without saying that you can get the best seafood here.
- Miami, Florida
When it comes to parties and celebrations, there is no better place than Miami in Florida. The place hosts some of the hottest events of the year at this time and people from all around the world join these events to welcome the New Year with a blast. Dance, food, music, booze, the beach, and the sea; you can find everything in Miami. It is one of those places where every individual can find exactly what they are looking for, whether it is a crowd or an escape from the crowd. Don’t miss out on the ball Drop from the 35-foot neon ‘Big Orange’.
- Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is best known for its luxurious lifestyle, nightlife, and party people. This party capital of America makes the craziest New Year celebrations where thousands of people gather in the streets to enjoy what are vehicle prohibited from, the night. More than 300 thousand people in Las Vegas prep up for the celebration with decorations, food, beautiful outfits, drinks, and whatnot. The festive air surely makes everyone friendlier than the other days. You might also find a few on the way whether you roam through the streets or spend a lucky night at the casino. Other than amazing fireworks, you can also enjoy many shows that take place all around the city.
- Bahamas
You can some of the most serene beaches around the world in the Bahamas and the serenity turns into chaos when the New Year comes. The pristine beaches get into a fiery wild aura on the 31st of December and other nights of this time. The ferocious parties in the Bahamas come with extreme ideas that include, street dance, informal beach gatherings, masquerades, light shows, carnival walks and the list of activities goes on. You can enjoy the traditional Caribbean flavors along with a cultural dose that features diversity in celebration. Make sure to participate in the Junkanoo Parade which is one of the attractions of Hawaii. Extend your vacation to enjoy the turquoise sea, beaches, and volcanic mountains.
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
You can enjoy the wildest Nye Party At Copacabana Beach in Rio De Janeiro. Brazilian people are humble and down to earth. They know exactly how to celebrate New Year with friends, family, and people from all over the world. The city is covered with enthralling marches and carnivals where you can also participate. New Year celebrations in Brazil can blow your mind with some of the wildest people and immaculate energy. More than 2 million people try to fit within a two-and-a-half-mile stretch of beach. You can find the tastiest Brazilian food here along with energetic Portuguese and Latin American music.
- Hong Kong, China
China is best known for its unreal shows of fireworks and the Dragon Firework Show is the best example of creativity and ingenuity. Hong Kong offers a dazzling finale to the passing year with a colorful and bright fireworks show that can make everyone stunned. Currently, they use drones for the fireworks display which offers a more immersive experience. Astonishingly, China has a replica of every top city around the world, and visiting there on New Year can actually offer you a global tour. Most people gather at the Victoria Harbour which becomes the epitome of the New Year celebration for the night and next couple of days.
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
People who have a hard time with planning and execution can visit Amsterdam on New Year as it is the best place for impromptu plans. The city has a lot to offer and people here have a chill and laid-back attitude that welcomes all from every corner of the world. This Dutch capital is the best location for your New Year celebration if you want to spend a lot of time with your friends. You can be a part of both Impromptu street parties as well as well-organized events in the city related to music, art, and culture. Make sure to most crowded places of interest such as Rembrandtplein, Nieuwmarkt, Museumplein, and Dam Square. You will find endless clubs, bars, cafes, and restaurants to fill your needs.
- Bangkok, Thailand
If you want to enjoy the hippest and the craziest New Year’s Eve, Bangkok can be the dream destination for you. This South Asian country has a lot to offer and is filled with a fine amalgamation of natural beauty and luxurious city life. People from all around the world visit this bustling metropolis to find an escape from their monotonous busy lives. Nightlife is quite attractive here with some of the best clubs, pubs, street food joints, karaoke joints, CBD parlors, and spa clubs. A massive gathering takes place at the Central World Square and a fabulous display of fireworks takes place at midnight. You can also find a handful of live concerts.
- Cape Town, South Africa
You can enjoy the wildest Victoria Falls New Year’s Carnival in Cape Town where parties take place in abundance. Almost every other corner of the city has something to offer and global tourists enjoy their time here. Naturally enriched, you can also plan for a wildlife safari for the next days of your extended South African visit. On New Year’s Eve, a concert is hosted by the Victoria & Albert Waterfront which is a spectacular event to enjoy for everyone. You can also find many picnic spots on Table Mountain where you can embrace your presence with local food and booze. The local beaches or Cape Town are heavily crowded at this time.
- Valparaíso, Chile
Chile can offer you a vivid 20-minute-long fireworks show that you are going to remember for the rest of your life. People gather at the Valparaiso harbor on the night of 31st December to enjoy this spectacular display of fireworks. Party people from across the globe visit Chile at this time to experience the best time of their lives. You can hit the party at the Plaza Sotomayor de Valparaíso for added excitement or you can also visit Iglesia La Matriz to gain peace within. Valparaíso is located 107 kilometers away from the nearest airport, Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport.
- Madrid, Spain
You can enjoy the traditional ‘Twelve Grapes’ New Year in Madrid which is well embraced by global travelers. This Spanish capital is best known as the party destination which thousands of people visit every year. Everyone shouts ‘Hala Madrid’ to this city that never sleeps. You can also enjoy the Spanish and Latin American traditions of this place and be a part of their cultural blend. It is a tradition where to eat 12 grapes as the clock hits 12 at midnight and that is how they welcome the New Year. Locals would not mind if you pour some wine along with the grapes.
- Dubai, UAE
Dubai is one of the most glamorous cities in the world that offers both the sea and the desert. Going beyond the difficulties of geo-location, Arab has successfully turned this city into an international hub for tourism, business, and other purposes. Dubai hosts the best New Year events in its highly luxurious cities and the palm island that can captivate everyone. When the clock hits 12 at midnight, fireworks are blasted from the highest sky-scrapper Burj Khalifa which offers a powerful start to the New Year. People who have time can also participate in the adventure sports offered by the country. And guess what? It is a tax-free country
- St. Petersburg, Russia
Want to enjoy a grand fireworks show? Well, then you can visit St. Petersburg in Russia which offers an enjoyable experience. You can enjoy the best fore works at the bridge over the Newa River where thousands of people gather every year. The Peter and Paul Fortress are well-lit decorated at this festive season which offers an amazing view. Make sure to visit the Palace Square to have a better taste of the celebration where the city turns into a dreamy landscape.
- Vienna, Austria
Vienna is one of those popular European cities that is visited by thousands of foreigners throughout the whole year. Well connected by train, Austria is part of every European adventure and Vienna is the hub for people from all races and cultures. The city warmly welcomes the New Year with delicious wine and candy apples while people stroll around the streets which are well-decorated. It feels more artsy and aesthetic with the New Year celebration which is also a part of Vienna’s culture. You can also enjoy the majestic Imperator Train where you can party and rave through each coach.
- Bratislava, Slovakia
The Slovak culture calls for open-air dance parties when it comes to the New Year celebration. Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia and it is one of the most happening cities in the country where you can find plenty of nightclubs and bars to get drunk. This city will make you welcome the New Year with a bang as people here enjoy the parties and intoxication to its fullest. You can also join the musical concerts and other shows that take place over the River Danube. The Vienna Airport is closer to Slovakia.
- Reykjavik, Iceland
If you want your New Year celebration to be lit yet chilled at the same time, Reykjavik is the place you need to be which is in Iceland. While the temperature can go much lower than the freezing point, the people in Iceland are well-equipped to party to their fullest. During Christmas and New Year, Reykjavik stays in full bloom of festivity as this place is also known as the origin of Santa Claus. Make sure to enjoy the shows and concerts at Reykjavik City Theatre and Nordic House which can delight your mood. However, what can offer you an experience of a lifetime is the Aurora Borealis. Visit Perlan to get the most spectacular views.
- New Orleans, Louisiana
If you are in the US or looking forward to living your American dream from outside, make sure to visit New Orleans for your New Year celebration. This city in Louisiana is known for its parties and the authentic US culture which is partying like mad till the dawn. Make sure to hit the clubs in the French Quarters for a wild adventure with intoxication, happiness, and a lot of friends you make that night. You can enjoy a gala time here without any worries about overboard. Make sure to experience the kaleidoscopic fireworks by the Mississippi River. You can also find live concerts in the Louisiana capital.
- Moscow, Russia
As mentioned before, Russia is best known for its high-octane fireworks and you can find the best example in Moscow. This Russian capital is best known for its clean and colorful appearance which is further enhanced on New Year. The display of fireworks will delight the hearts of global travelers who are trying to enjoy the nightlife in Russia. This historic city offers some of the ancient architecture and it is especially favorite for the communists as it is the birthplace of Lenin. If you want to enjoy the essence of Russian fine dining, then make sure to book your reservations at Ritz-Carlton.
- Tokyo, Japan
Well, Japan is not only famous for its anime but also some of the wildest parties that take place on New Year’s Eve. You need to plan your trip to Yokohama which is slightly away from the capital city of Tokyo. You will get to see the finest fireworks here. The city also offers parties and after-parties that last all night long. The city is bustling with everything that one might need to make their New Year better. For a unique experience, you can also visit the Buddhist temples where monks play the bell 108 times which is considered necessary to cleanse your soul for the New Year and proceed gracefully.
- Athens, Greece
If you are looking for a Vintage Style NYE Celebration, then Greece is the place you need to place. The capital of this country, Athens can take you back to ancient times with the reminiscence of history and the Greek culture. The ancient city is utilized during this time for some of the most captivating musical concerts and being a part of it can offer you an experience of a lifetime. Life music, fireworks, lights, Greek cuisines, and wine; sounds like a complete package. You can also extend your tour by visiting the local places of interest.
- Venice, Italy
Venice in Italy is famous for many reasons and other than its boat rides, the city is also a popular choice for New Year celebrations. People here gather at St Mark’s Square where they can enjoy live music and shows along with a cheerful crowd who can lift your spirits for the celebration. You can also find stalls by the road where you can savor authentic Italian cuisine. Make sure to enjoy the fireworks and hit the club afterward as the New Year calls for it! Venice is also known to be a romantic city and it is recommended to visit with your loved ones.
- Denpasar, Bali
Want to enjoy the taste of traditional Balinese style? Then, it is time for you to book your international vacation in Denpasar where you can spend the best New Year’s Eve. The Traditional Tet Festival is famous among the locals as well as foreigners. It takes place at Puputan Badung Park in Denpasar which is one of the best places in Bali to embark on your New Year. Join the locals by wishing them ‘Selamat Tahun Baru’ which means ‘Happy New Year’ in the Balinese language. Find some of the best seafood and Balinese cuisines here.
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and its capital Ho Chi Minh can also offer you a great kick start to your New Year. You can enjoy the celebration of traditional Vietnamese New Year where the largest parade goes out on Tao Dan Park. You will be amazed to witness the traditional lion dance performances along with colorful bells ringing and gongs sounding loudly. You can also enjoy some of the best Vietnamese street food through the Tet Vietnam Festival where everybody receives a warm welcome.
- Maldives
The unreal beauty of the Maldives is impossible to describe in words. This island country is famous for its pristine beauty that makes it secluded from the loud city culture. Millions of people around the world visit this place as it is one of the most popular international destinations in the whole world. With the beautiful sea, islands, clean beaches, delicious seafood, and unlimited spirits; you can find a complete dose of relaxation and enjoyable vibes here. The mood is further enhanced at night with a gala celebration for the New Year.
- Queenstown, New Zealand
New Zealand is best known for its vibrancy and the Queenstown is the best example of that. The city hosts some of the most iconic shows and live concerts during this time and the show for fireworks is too good. The celebration of festivity offers free access to everyone such as the concerts at the lakefront which are mostly open to all. You can enjoy a luxurious New Year in this city.
Stay tuned to find out more about the exotic locations for your next journey.
