New Year leads to new beginnings in life! Some of the best holiday destinations for New Year can be perfect for welcoming new experiences. We all make bucket lists that include many resolutions and plans for the future. But, the one thing that is most common on everyone’s list is to explore and travel to new places. However, our busy schedules capture the right moment to plan a holiday. Why don’t you travel at the very beginning of the year? How about exploring the best places to visit in New Year?
There is no right time and waiting for the right moment will take you nowhere. Let’s just not waste time and be ahead of our resolutions. You can plan a holiday in some of the best places for New Year’s Eve. Depending on your preferences, these places can be anything and anywhere. If you wish to spend holidays somewhere close to your home, you can look for some nearby holiday destinations. However, if you are willing to enjoy a completely different holiday experience, try distant destinations. These destinations have unique cultures and holiday traditions.
Many holiday destinations welcome the New Year in their unique styles. Their traditions will woo you in the best possible way and you will be thrilled to know what’s next. Do you want to know more about the best holiday destinations for New Year? Read the blog to find out about the best countries to celebrate New Year.
1. London, England
The festive vibes and echoing chimes of Big Ben on the arrival of New Year make London one of the best holiday destinations for New Year. There are many exciting things to do in London. Whether you are looking for vibrant festive lights or finding a fun ice skating rink, you will find everything here. You will not regret spending your time in the capital city of England.
There are quite many things to explore when you are visiting London. The Christmas markets that last even after New Year are stunningly decorated with lights and Christmas trees. You should try visiting there and shopping for souvenirs. In addition, ice skating and enjoying the view from the London Eye are some fun activities that people love to do in London.
For New Year’s Eve, you should go see the fireworks displays that are breathtakingly phenomenal. Also, there are many best places in New Year to attend graceful dinner galas. You should try experiencing that for one of the most elegant night experiences of your life. Moreover, you must not miss the cultural displays in the New Year’s Day Parade. It is one of the most awaited events of the year.
5 Best Places to Visit in London During New Year
- London Eye
- Tower Bridge
- Trafalgar Square
- Southbank Centre
- Hyde Park
5 Things to Do in London During New Year
- Watch the New Year's Eve fireworks
- Take a Thames River cruise
- Attend a New Year's Eve party
- Visit Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
- Enjoy a West End show
Main Events:
- London New Year's Eve Fireworks
- New Year's Eve Cruises
- New Year's Eve Parties
- West End Shows
- New Year's Day Parade
Flight Duration from UK
Flying duration from the major cities in the UK to London is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
2. Venice, Italy
Venice is known as the floating city of Italy and is quite popular for its magical view. So, it is surely on our list of best places to visit in New Year. There are so many things happening in Venice during this time of the year. If you choose a holiday here, you will get some unique experiences and a lot of fun, for sure.
The city is famous for its fun activities like gondola rides and motorboat sightseeing adventures. You should try that to enjoy the picturesque views of this adorable city. Moving on to holiday celebrations, Venice Carnival is an exciting place to explore when you are on the run for visiting the best places to visit in New Year. You can find several elements in the carnival that represent the history and culture of the city.
Venice is one of the best places for New Year’s Eve celebrations. You can attend the live music and dance concerts that air on television. Also, you should watch the fireworks glowing up the sky at midnight on New Year’s Eve.
5 Best Places to Visit in Venice During New Year
- St. Mark's Basilica
- Doge's Palace
- Rialto Bridge
- Grand Canal
- Murano Island
5 Things to Do in Venice During New Year
- Watch the fireworks at St. Mark's Square.
- Take a midnight gondola ride.
- Attend a New Year's Eve concert at La Fenice.
- Enjoy a gala dinner at a historic venue.
- Explore the festive markets and ice rinks.
Main Events:
- Festa di San Silvestro
- New Year's Eve Fireworks
- La Fenice New Year's Concert
Flight Duration from UK
The flight duration from the UK to Venice is approximately 1 hour 55 minutes.
3. Berlin, Germany
If you are looking for a dynamic holiday experience then you must visit Berlin. It is one of the best holiday destinations for New Year that organises the most awaited festivities. Fireworks, festive decor, holiday markets, live music, DJs, and many other things make Berlin the most festive city in Germany.
Every single part of the city is covered in an enchanting holiday spirit. The decorations will blow your mind and for better experiences, try visiting some of the landmark sites of Berlin. Brandenburg Gate is a popular place for New Year’s Eve parties. Also, for city exploration, you must visit the Reichstag Building, Berlin Cathedral, East Side Gallery, and many other places.
Furthermore, Germany is the best country to celebrate New Year where you can find many lively pubs. Many cities like Berlin welcome the New Year with many fine events. But, the open-air parties, festival of lights, and ball drop tradition in Berlin make the holidays memorable and special.
5 Best Places to Visit in Berlin During New Year
- Brandenburg Gate
- Reichstag Building
- Berlin Cathedral
- Museum Island
- East Side Gallery
5 Things to Do in Berlin During New Year
- Watch the fireworks at Brandenburg Gate.
- Attend a New Year's Eve concert at the Berlin Philharmonic.
- Enjoy a festive dinner at a top restaurant.
- Explore the Christmas markets.
- Party at one of Berlin's famous clubs.
Main Events:
- New Year's Eve at Brandenburg Gate
- Berlin Philharmonic New Year's Eve Concert
- Silvesterlauf (New Year's Eve Run)
- New Year's Eve Party at Spandau Citadel
Flight Duration from UK
The flight duration from the UK to Berlin is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.
4. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is one of the best holiday destinations for New Year which hosts the world’s most amazing outdoor celebrations. The best thing about visiting there for New Year’s is that you will not find the place overcrowded. The roads are surprisingly less crowded but extremely beautiful. Basically, it is the best time to visit here and experience some of the great events of the New Year.
Edinburgh has many events during the New Year. Some popular events are Concert in the Gardens, Classical Candlelit Concert, and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay which lasts for multiple days. Street parties, the procession of torchlight, candlelight concerts, live music, fireworks, and many exciting activities make the festive celebration quite fascinating. Other than that, the castle looks really charming. Travellers from all over the world adore the holiday decorations of these castles.
Furthermore, the concerts and clubs are undoubtedly the best places to visit in New Year. Everyone is engaged in the spirit of welcoming the New Year and should not miss that too. You will surely love visiting these peppy clubs to celebrate the most wonderful year-end parties.
5 Best Places to Visit in Edinburgh During New Year
- Edinburgh Castle
- Calton Hill
- Princes Street Gardens
- Royal Mile
- Holyrood Palace
5 Things to Do in Edinburgh During New Year
- Watch the fireworks at Edinburgh Castle.
- Join the Hogmanay Street Party.
- Participate in the Torchlight Procession.
- Attend a New Year's Eve concert.
- Explore the Christmas markets.
Main Events:
- Hogmanay Street Party
- Torchlight Procession
- Concert in the Gardens
- Loony Dook
Flight Duration from UK
It would take approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to fly from the UK to Edinburgh.
5. Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland is the best country to celebrate New Year and enjoy the Northern lights. Reykjavik is simply a breathtaking place, especially during the holiday season. The festivities completely uplift the entire atmosphere of the city as if it’s a fantasy born out of some storybook. Simultaneously, the winter landscapes create a charming and cosy set-up to make your entire holiday experience worth it.
Watching fireworks, gathering around bonfires, getting ready in sparkly dresses, and more are some of the popular things that people in Reykjavik do during New Year. Moreover, the Northern Lights or aurora borealis are undoubtedly one of the top attractions of this holiday destination. Every year, travellers from around the world crave just a glimpse of this natural phenomenon.
Moving on, you must not miss the natural hot springs to soothe yourself in the icy cold weather. Other than that, street parties and jamming to live music are the highlights of the festive season. You should try that too while gazing at the sky covered with twinkling fireworks.
5 Best Places to Visit in Reykjavik During New Year
- Hallgrímskirkja Church
- Perlan
- Harpa Concert Hall
- Sun Voyager
- Laugavegur Street
5 Things to Do in Reykjavik During New Year
- Watch the fireworks at Hallgrímskirkja Church.
- Join a bonfire tour.
- Experience the Northern Lights.
- Enjoy a New Year's Eve party at a local bar.
- Visit the Blue Lagoon.
Main Events:
- Áramótaskaup (New Year's Comedy Show)
- Bonfires
- Fireworks Show
Flight Duration from UK
Flying from the UK to Reykjavik will take approximately 2 to 3 hours.
6. New York, United States
New York is hands down one of the best places to go for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. It is one of the best places for New Year’s Eve celebrations with your family, mates, partners, and anyone. Whether you are looking for an energetic holiday experience or for some quality time with your loved ones, the city has got you covered.
The weather can be too cold during this time but the festive decoration and holiday spirit make it absolutely worth every effort. There are many iconic places that are perfect for saying goodbye to the previous year and joyfully welcoming the coming one. You have plenty of options to spend your holidays in the best ways possible. For starters, you can explore the Christmas markets and shop for homemade decor and craft items. Then, there are holiday confectioneries and hot chocolates.
Other than that, the cabaret shows, live events, dance parties, and ice skating rinks are some of the fun parts of the New Year holidays in New York. Furthermore, New York is one of the best holiday destinations for New Year where you can have fun at the Times Square ball drop celebration. It is one of the major highlights of the city and should be on your bucket list.
5 Best Places to Visit in New York During New Year
- Times Square
- Central Park
- Brooklyn Bridge
- Rockefeller Center
- Empire State Building
5 Things to Do in New York During New Year
- Watch the ball drop in Times Square.
- Take a New Year's Eve cruise.
- Enjoy a festive dinner at a top restaurant.
- Attend a New Year's Eve concert.
- Explore the holiday markets.
Main Events:
- Times Square Ball Drop
- New Year's Eve Fireworks at Grand Army Plaza
- New Year's Eve at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
- NYRR Midnight Run
Flight Duration from UK
The flight duration from the UK to New York is around 7 hours and 30 minutes.
7. Bangkok, Thailand
New Year celebration is incomplete without a bang-on countdown event. Bangkok is one of the best holiday destinations for New Year countdown parties. These parties are quite popular among tourists which might be the reason why lots of people visit here for their year-end parties. As a matter of fact, Bangkok is one of the holiday destinations which is popular among tourists who are looking for a perfect party environment.
Songkran festival is one of the popular events during this time of the year. In this festival, people celebrate the festive spirit more on the wild side. They take part in the loud music celebrations, play water fights, and dance and sing to the loud music. Apart from that, the dazzling displays and fireworks make Bangkok one of the best holiday destinations for New Year parties.
Moving on, the riverside music madness, New Year countdown dinner cruises, Bangkok Central parties, rooftop bar parties, and many more events make the celebration a must-awaited time of the year. Therefore, you must not miss New Year’s Eve in one of the most celebrated cities among the party crowd.
5 Best Places to Visit in Bangkok During New Year
- CentralWorld
- Asiatique
- ICONSIAM
- Khao San Road
- Sanam Luang
5 Things to Do in Bangkok During New Year
- Watch the fireworks at CentralWorld.
- Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River.
- Party at a rooftop bar.
- Explore the festive markets.
- Attend a New Year's Eve concert.
Main Events:
- CentralWorld Countdown
- ICONSIAM Fireworks
- Khao San Road Street Party
- Asiatique Countdown
Flight Duration from UK
The flight duration from the UK to Bangkok is approximately 11 to 12 hours.
8. Madrid, Spain
Madrid is among the best holiday destinations for New Year celebrations and its own holiday traditions. At midnight, the locals eat 12 grapes every time the Real Casa de Correos clock rings a bell. It is a symbol of good luck and seeking prosperity in the coming year. This is quite a unique Spanish tradition. So if you wish to learn something new during your holidays, try planning a holiday in Madrid.
Spain is undoubtedly the best country to celebrate New Year and other holidays. Every holiday destination in Spain is full of surprises. Madrid is an exquisite place to encounter Spanish culture, cuisine, history, landmark sites, tourist attractions, and holiday traditions. Especially for New Year celebrations, Puerta del Sol is a charming place to visit. You can see the gorgeous fireworks dazzling the sky and other festivities.
Furthermore, the Flamenco show is a classic thing to discover in Madrid. The colourful celebrations and special performances on New Year’s Eve will make you fall in love with the celebrations. In addition, the dinner parties, New Year’s Eve celebrations, and countdown at Puerta del Sol are some of the events in the city that you must attend.
5 Best Places to Visit in Madrid During New Year
- Puerta del Sol
- Plaza Mayor
- Royal Palace
- Retiro Park
- Gran Vía
5 Things to Do in Madrid During New Year
- Watch the fireworks at Puerta del Sol.
- Enjoy a festive dinner at a top restaurant.
- Explore the Christmas markets.
- Attend a New Year's Eve concert.
- Join the San Silvestre Vallecana race.
Main Events:
- Puerta del Sol Countdown
- San Silvestre Vallecana
- New Year's Eve Parties
- Flamenco Shows
Flight Duration from UK
It would take approximately 2 hours to fly from the UK to Madrid.
9. Cape Town, South Africa
Nothing is limited in Cape Town when it comes to fun. You can enjoy your holidays here throughout the day and night. For starters, you can hike and enjoy the view from Table Mountain. Use a cable car and see how the city’s decoration looks from the top. In addition, you should go for a wine tour to taste some of the authentic and rich wines.
The beaches are exquisite for outdoor activities and enjoying fascinating landscapes. While you are in Cape Town for a New Year’s celebration, you should have fun at the nightclubs and rooftop bars. They are simply perfect for enjoying the midnight fireworks and the New Year’s Eve dinner.
5 Best Places to Visit in Cape Town During New Year
- Table Mountain
- Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
- Camps Bay Beach
- Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
- Cape Point
5 Things to Do in Cape Town During New Year
- Watch the fireworks at the V&A Waterfront.
- Enjoy a New Year's Eve dinner cruise.
- Attend a concert at Kirstenbosch Gardens.
- Party at a rooftop bar.
- Explore the festive markets.
Main Events:
- V&A Waterfront Fireworks
- Kirstenbosch New Year's Eve Concert
- Cape Minstrels Parade
- H2O NYE Party
Flight Duration from UK
The estimated flight duration from the UK to Cape Town is about 11 to 12 hours.
10. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is one of the best places for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Mainly because the city is already quite popular for its nightlife. The festive atmosphere and late-night parties make it one of the best holiday destinations for New Year bash.
The holiday markets are beautifully decorated. You can shop for holiday decorations and souvenirs from these markets. Adding to that, the winter wonderlands and many light displays illuminate the city with their attention-grabbing atmosphere. Try ice skating on the rink and have a fun time in Amsterdam.
Furthermore, the canal cruise is quite popular for a romantic dinner date and New Year’s Eve celebrations with your partner. You can seek pleasure in watching the fireworks at midnight. Amsterdam is a tourist hub for night wanderers who enjoy a fun atmosphere in the nightclubs and rooftop bars.
5 Best Places to Visit in Amsterdam During New Year
- Dam Square
- Museumplein
- Vondelpark
- Anne Frank House
- Jordaan
5 Things to Do in Amsterdam During New Year
- Watch the fireworks at Dam Square.
- Take a New Year's Eve canal cruise.
- Party at a rooftop bar.
- Enjoy a festive dinner at a top restaurant.
- Explore the Christmas markets.
Main Events:
- Loveland Festival
- Awakenings New Year's Eve
- Museumplein Fireworks
- Nieuwmarkt Street Party
Flight Duration from UK
Flying from the UK to Amsterdam will take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
11. Paris, France
When talking about holiday places in December and January, Paris will definitely make it to the list. It is called the city of lights which is a justified name, looking at the decorations and festive atmosphere of the surroundings. The entire city is illuminated in the most charming setting.
Paris has quite many places to visit for sightseeing and dining. You must relish the divine French cuisine. You can find authentic taste in the local food in the nearby cafes and restaurants. The rich wine selection is excellent and will go best with your food. You should also try the holiday special menu and order the special dishes of the season. Apart from French cuisine and dining experience, visiting the landmark sites of Paris is a must.
The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre Museum, and many other tourist attraction sites are highly recommended during the festive season. These places depict the beauty of the city and French culture. Moving on to the holiday celebrations, Christmas markets and light shows at the Eiffel Tower will woo your mind with their scenic appearances.
5 Best Places to Visit in Paris During New Year
- Eiffel Tower
- Champs-Élysées
- Montmartre
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Louvre Museum
5 Things to Do in Paris During New Year
- Watch the light show at the Eiffel Tower.
- Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Seine River.
- Attend a cabaret show at Moulin Rouge.
- Explore the Christmas markets.
- Join the celebrations at Champs-Élysées.
Main Events:
- Champs-Élysées Countdown
- New Year's Eve Fireworks
- Seine River Dinner Cruises
- Cabaret Shows
Flight Duration from UK
The flight duration from the UK to Paris is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
12. Sydney, Australia
Australia is the best country to celebrate New Year as it is more than just fireworks and holiday decorations. The holiday spirit dwells in every part of the country. In Australia, Sydney is one of the best holiday destinations for New Year. It is known as “The Harbour City” and has so many busy tourist attraction sites to discover.
You can enjoy a wonderful holiday experience in Sydney while visiting some of the best places in the city. The opera house, harbour bridge, Royal Botanical Garden, and Tower Eye are some of the top places on tourist itineraries. Try visiting there and engage in the divine beauty of the city.
Attending a New Year’s Eve Opera Gala will be a classic way to celebrate the evening. The harbour city shows midnight fireworks displays in several places. All these places are exquisitely perfect. You will also cherish the light displays over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
5 Best Places to Visit in Sydney During New Year
- Sydney Opera House
- Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Darling Harbour
- Royal Botanic Garden
- Bondi Beach
5 Things to Do in Sydney During New Year
- Watch the fireworks at Sydney Harbour.
- Take a New Year's Eve harbour cruise.
- Attend a concert at the Sydney Opera House.
- Enjoy a festive dinner at a waterfront restaurant.
- Explore the Christmas markets.
Main Events:
- Sydney New Year's Eve Fireworks
- Harbour Party at Luna Park
- NYE at The Rocks
- Opera Gala at the Sydney Opera House
Flight Duration from UK
The flight duration from the UK to Sydney is approximately 21 to 22 hours.
