We are stepping into the last month of 2024 and counting down to the brand-new year of 2025. Are you craving some not-so-ordinary New Year’s Eve? Then, pack your bags and head to these best places to visit for the new year 2025! See thousands of fireworks bursting into the sky, pop some sparkling wine, and cheer to the countdown on some of the world’s most fabulous streets. Check out the most exhilarating New Year’s Eve events in these fantastic countries!
Best Places to Visit for New Year – Summary
- London, the UK
- Edinburgh, the UK
- Paris, France
- Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- New York, USA
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Sydney, Australia
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Hong Kong
- Tokyo, Japan
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
1. London, the UK
Welcoming the new year in London is nothing less than spectacular. We are talking about massive fireworks dancing in the sky, flashy countdowns in the center of the city, and euphoric crowds waiting for the ‘January 1st’ popping on their phones. It is the time to immerse in the always-bustling Trafalgar Square or enjoy open-air dining at the London Skybar. Besides that, the city invites you for its own fireworks show called London’s New Year Firework. See the skyline of London’s Eye and Big Ben bursting with colorful lights during the time. Incredible – that is the one word that describe New Year’s Eve in London. It is one of the best places to visit for new year 2024.
Things to Do for New Year’s Eve in London:
- Sign up for the London’s New Year Firework to see fireworks from London’s renowned landmarks
- Hop on a New Year’s cruise along the Thames River
- Have a drink and join the countdown in a rooftop bar
2. Edinburgh, the UK
Do you want more than one day to immerse in the new year’s euphoria? Then, travel to Edinburgh! The capital of Scotland knows ‘Hogmanay’ – translated as the last day of the year. One day to celebrate the new year is not enough for the Scots, so they pop a full three-day party! From December 29th to January 1st, Edinburgh bursts with concerts, street parties, and carnivals. Get ready to have a lot of fun while indulging in the extraordinary Scottish culture. Nothing is less than spectacular in Edinburgh – one of the best places to visit for New Year’s Eve.
Things to Do for New Year’s Eve in Edinburgh:
- See the Torchlight Procession (fire and theatrical performances) – happens on December 29th, 2024
- See or join the annual Loony Dook (people dipping themselves into the waters of Firth of Forth)
- dancing and drinking in local pubs
- Watch fireworks in Princes Street Garden and Edinburgh Castle
3. Paris, France
Cherish the new years by savoring fresh cuisine and enjoying a delightful night in Paris. Yes, what can be better than spending the New Year’s Eve in one of the world’s most romantic cities? The dreamy arrondissements of Paris are adorned with fairy lights as the sun goes down. Restaurants and bars stay open, offering French new year’s classic le réveillon. So, hold your special person’s hand and stroll through the cold yet whimsical Parisian streets. Furthermore, Paris is home to Europe’s biggest fireworks show, which you can see in Champs-Élysées.
Things to Do for New Year’s Eve in Paris:
- Watch fireworks in Champs-Élysées
- Have a gourmet dinner in Restaurant Bus, which travels to Champs-Élysées and Saint Germain
- See new year’s special circuses and cabarets
- Cruise along the Seine River
4. Amsterdam, the Netherlands
This capital of the Netherlands is not just about alluring canals and storybook houses. Amsterdam goes crazy when it comes to nightlife. Nightclubs, bars, and live music venues don’t know the word ‘sleep’. Moreover, Amsterdam is known as the hotspot for EDM and trap music, as various world-class artists come from the city. Counting down to January 31st, Amsterdam becomes as awesome as ever. If you are a party animal, visiting Amsterdam in the New Year is a bucket list you should tick off! Besides that, the Dutch has an interesting tradition of New Year’s Swim. People jump into the cold waters of Zaandvoort Beach to welcome a fresh new start.
Things to Do for New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam:
- Go partying some of Amsterdam’s best clubs, such as Melkweg and Shelter
- Join the New Year’s Dip in Zaandvoort Beach
- See fireworks shows in Museumplein
- Attend the Amsterdam Lights Festival
5. New York, USA
Nothing tops New York when it comes to New Year’s Eve celebration. The city is sleepless in regular days, but it turns twice as electrifying in December 31st. We have heard about the countdown in Times Square, which is witnessed by millions of people from all over the world. However, New Year’s Eve in the Big Apple is more than that. Get ready to be stunned by its endless choice of events to welcome the new year, from rave parties to shopping offers. For that reason, it is one of the busiest times in the city. Prepare yourself for packed streets, increasing accommodation prices, and crazy crowds wearing flashy attributes to celebrate the new year.
Things to Do for New Year’s Eve in New York:
- Witness the Times Square’s New Year Ball Drop
- See fireworks display in Central Park or South Seaport
- Set yourself for fireworks show at the Brooklyn Bridge
- Toast and dance in NYE parties in New York’s top nightclubs
6. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Say hello to 2025 with everything luxurious and fabulous in Dubai. Sumptuous champagne, sensational fireworks display, and blinding multi-colored displays on the Burj Khalifa. As one of the world’s most lavish capitals, New Year’s Eve in Dubai is nothing less than amazing. Fireworks shows can be seen from every corner of the city, especially around Burj Khalifa. However, most of the crowds hunt for a spot in Dubai Marina, which offers a clear view of the world’s tallest building. Alternatively, you can see the spectacular fireworks from the beach or by booking a spot in the city’s rooftop restaurant.
Things to Do in Dubai for New Year’s Eve:
- Enjoying the spectacular Burj Khalifa fireworks
- Have a helicopter ride to see Palm Jumeirah
- Head to Al Qudra Lake and go stargazing
7. Sydney, Australia
This dynamic Australian city gives it all when it comes to New Year’s celebrations. As the clock strikes midnight, Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House are bursting with fantastic fireworks. It is summer in Australia during the time of the year, so why not go to the beach? Bondi Beach features firework shows and beach clubs pumping with parties – an alternative to the crowds in Harbour Beach. The energy is summery and magnetic, making Sydney one of the best places to visit for new year 2025.
Things to Do in Sydney for New Year’s Eve:
- Cruise along the Sydney Harbor for fireworks show
- Party at Bondi Beach
- Have free-flow liquor at Hickson House
- Watch a NYE-special opera.
8. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The beats of Samba go hard during New Year’s Eve – you can say no to dancing! Experience the charming blend of cultural richness and feisty modern lifestyle in Rio de Janeiro. Early on December 31st, the locals in Rio head to Copacabana Beach wearing all-white. They float small boats to the sea – offerings for goddess Lemanjá to wish for good luck and blessings. As the sun comes down, Rio switches to party mode. Dance to the beat of samba in the city’s hottest clubs or the Lapa Street. Spectacular fireworks displays can be seen from the Copacabana Beach and other oceanfront spots in Rio de Janeiro.
Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro for New Year’s Eve:
- Watch the fireworks display at Copacabana Beach
- Enjoy live samba music at Lapa Street parties
- Take a sunset cruise along Guanabara Bay
- Dance the night away at the iconic Rio Carnival-style NYE celebration
9. Hong Kong
One New Year celebration? Hong Kong makes it two! Countdown to January 1st are celebrated with spectacular fireworks shows, feisty street parades, and jubilant music concerts. The firework displays happen in Victoria Harbour, turning the waterfront’s dark sky into a canvas of multiple colors. Both locals and tourists head to the spot at midnight, looking for the 12-minute colorful show. One month after New Year’s Eve, people in Hong Kong celebrate Chinese New Year in February. It is the time when families in Hong Kong get together to pray for good fortune. On the other hand, the streets will be filled with jubilant parades, street markets, and celebrations. You can see parades featuring a gigantic dragon, watch lion dance, or sample some Chinese New Year’s delicacies like mooncakes.
Things to Do in Hong Kong for New Year’s Eve:
- See fireworks display at Victoria Harbour
10. Tokyo, Japan
Witness how the vibrance of new year celebrations melts Tokyo’s cold winter. It showcases the blend between traditional customs and feisty modern life. The celebration happens from December 29th to January 4th, in which you can immerse yourself. Traditionally, the Japanese head to temples and pray for good luck in the coming year. You can also visit the temples, like Sensoji Temple and Meiji Jingu Shrine, and try a good luck charm. Other traditional Japanese celebrations you can witness include the ceremony in Zojoji Temple. As the new year arrives, a monk rings the bell 108 times to mark a new beginning. Fireworks shows are not a big part of Tokyo’s New Year celebrations, but you can see them in places like Disney Sea and Odaiba Island. Moreover, you can join the New Year’s Eve party and countdown at Shibuya Crossing.
Things to Do in Tokyo for New Year’s Eve:
- Immerse yourself in the crowds of Asakusa and Sensoji Temple
- See the New Year’s tradition at Zojoji Temple
- Join the countdown at Shibuya Crossing
11. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Another one-of-a-kind place to visit for the New Year is Chiang Mai. Instead of fireworks, the charming Thai city lights the sky with thousands of paper lanterns. Chiang Mai has a unique yet beautiful way to welcome the changing year. Paper lanterns are released into the sky as a symbol of releasing the old and embracing the new. The ceremony happens on the banks of Ping River, which is attended by both locals and tourists from around the world.
Do you want to welcome the new year in a different way? Then, book a ticket to one of the best places to visit for new year! Join the Times Square Ball Drop or immerse yourself in the local celebration in Rio de Janeiro – everything leads you to unforgettable memories.
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