With New Year’s Eve fast approaching, travellers are considering last-minute getaways to end the year in style.
Maybe you’re a party person and want the best street parties and clubs, or maybe you’re looking for a quiet celebration, somewhere close to nature and with a glass of nice wine. So how do you pick the perfect destination for your very own New Year’s Eve getaway?
We’ve made it much easier by rounding up some of the most spectacular end-of-year destinations. From timeless traditions and extravagant luxury to niche cities and wild nature, these spots have something for everyone.
Visit Dubai for opulent luxury and desert spectacle
Dubai is the ultimate destination if you want to spend your New Year’s Eve in the very lap of luxury.
From endless futuristic firework and laser shows at the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, to fountain shows highlighting synchronised water artistry, New Year’s Eve in Dubai is definitely one to remember.
Apart from Burj Khalifa, spectacular fireworks can be enjoyed from a number of other locations, such as Burj Al Arab, the Palm Jumeirah and nearby public beaches like Black Palace Beach and Kite Beach.
Families will also love the Global Village fireworks, which are made up of a series of seven displays throughout the evening to represent the start of the new year in different time zones.
Not only that, but Dubai also offers a range of desert events to ring in the New Year. These include fire shows, belly dancing, live music, safaris, dune bashing, barbecues and cake-cutting ceremonies at midnight.
Quieter activities include stargazing and shisha lounges, whereas children can enjoy face painting, henna, games and movies under the stars.
Travellers can also opt to stay in luxury Bedouin desert camps for a night, making the experience even more special.
If you’re looking for a more upscale experience, Dubai also has several yacht cruises, luxury parties, high-end gala dinners and cultural events during the run-up to New Year, along with great shopping opportunities.
New York for the legendary Times Square ball drop and rooftop bars
New York is one of the most famous destinations to celebrate New Year’s Eve, offering classic events such as the Times Square Ball Drop, plenty of fireworks and a great mix of parties and rooftop bars for every budget.
Visitors can enjoy live performances and an electrifying atmosphere for free at Times Square while waiting for the Ball Drop, or head over to Central Park or Brooklyn’s Prospect Park for an unmatched view of the fireworks. For a more exclusive experience, travellers can also opt for a cruise to marvel at the fireworks above the Statue of Liberty.
If you’re looking for a quieter and more picturesque experience, a walk along the Brooklyn Bridge offers stunning city and fireworks views, and a respite from the Times Square crowds.
Sports lovers can participate in the NYRR Midnight Run, a four-mile race in Central Park kicking off just before midnight, or go skating at the Rockefeller Center, while culture fans can catch a Broadway show or one of the many special concerts happening around town.
If you are feeling a little more adventurous, why not try a polar plunge at Coney Island? New York also offers a range of New Year’s Eve parties at lounges, nightclubs, rooftop bars and more, some of them with DJs and open bars as well. Don’t forget to plan your trip around road closures and increased crowds, especially at Times Square.
London has Thames light shows, warehouse raves and black-tie balls
London is another iconic spot to spend New Year’s Eve, with something for everyone. Travellers can enjoy the ticketed fireworks from spots like the South Bank or head to Primrose Hill for a free vantage point. Another option for the fireworks is Thames River cruises, which often have DJs, meals and champagne as well.
Choose from a range of parties and events, including warehouse raves, such as the Bashment Warehouse Rave and themed events at museums, such as the National History Museum’s dinosaur-themed party and silent discos. Other New Year’s events include 1920s Berlin parties or things like “prison” themed nights.
If you’re looking for something a little on the glamorous side, try the New Year’s Eve black-tie masquerade ball at The Londoner Hotel, or dinners at Sky Garden. Explore a range of dining options, from fine dining with special set menus at places like Quo Vadis, to alpine pop-ups on the South Bank. If you’re looking for something a little more traditionally British, pop into one of the several classic pubs in Covent Garden and Seven Dials.
If you are up for more after a busy night out, enjoy the Mayor’s Parade with performers and floats winding through the streets of central London on New Year’s Day.
Bangkok for parties and unique Buddhist traditions
Bangkok has fast emerged as another vibrant and budget-friendly destination to spend New Year’s Eve, especially for digital nomads and long-term travellers. Marvel at magnificent fireworks along the Chao Phraya River, or take a leisurely river cruise for the same stunning views with fewer crowds.
Looking for a party? Head to the lively Khao San Road street party for backpacker vibes and countless food stalls, or to rooftop bars like Sky Bar at Lebua or Vertigo, at Banyan Tree. For a more relaxed, family-friendly vibe, consider Lumpini Park’s party.
Spots like Mahanakhon Skywalk and riverfront malls like ICONSIAM have light shows and major countdowns too.
Don’t forget to book well in advance, as river cruises and rooftop bars sell out very fast.
Aside from the usual fireworks and festivities, Bangkok also offers a range of unique Buddhist traditions for those who want a more spiritual start to the year. This includes Suad Mon Kham Pi (Praying Across The Year), also known as the Thai Watchnight.
This is when monks and other participants gather in temples to chant prayers together until past midnight, a tradition that is believed to bring an auspicious start to the year and provide spiritual protection. There are also a number of blessings and symbolic rebirth rituals happening across the city’s temples for those who want to participate.
Prague offers a Gothic fairytale city and medieval winter charm
Prague has revealed itself to be another surprise spot to have an unforgettable New Year’s Eve.
Join one of the massive parties in Old Town Square with lively music and fireworks, or head to Petřín Hill or Letná Park, which is especially popular with locals for a quieter time and panoramic city views.
Travellers can take a festive cruise along the Vltava River as well, with all-inclusive dinner and drinks, with secluded banks to enjoy the fireworks in peace. Several restaurants like the Four Seasons’ Gallery Lounge and La Republica offer special New Year’s Eve menus, while clubs like the Cross Club have themed parties and offbeat music.
Culture lovers can enjoy classical music and operas in historic churches, or catch a festive ballet show like The Nutcracker. Keep your wits about you in Wenceslas Square, which can be crowded and chaotic, with unsupervised fireworks and pickpockets as well.
Cartagena has beach parties and Caribbean cultural fusion
Colombia’s Cartagena has been a surprisingly atmospheric spot to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the last few years, offering beautiful colonial architecture and Caribbean fusion.
Enjoy vibrant street parties in the Walled City for modern, Caribbean-style celebrations in an iconic historic setting. Watch the fireworks along the city walls near Baluarte San Francisco Javier or in Getsemaní for unbeatable views, street food and bohemian vibes. Official displays can also be enjoyed from the waterfront.
Cartagena also has a number of beach and island parties, at beach clubs and hotels like Blue Apple Beach, or Sofitel Barú. These are often themed parties, with DJs, open bars, fireworks and the occasional poolside brunch the following day.
Some parties also take place on nearby islands like Tierra Bomba, for a tropical, high-energy start to the new year, or on exclusive yachts and at historic ruins, for a more unique experience.
Love to dance? Head to local salsa and champeta clubs like La Movida and Crazy Salsa Bar for a chance to let loose and authentic Colombian nightlife.
Dine at restaurants with stunning views of the city walls, or at the waterfront, like Mar y Zielo, tucking into traditional Colombian dishes such as coconut rice and posta negra (braised beef in a rich, sweet and savoury sauce).
Travellers can partake in local Colombian traditions such as eating 12 lucky grapes for 12 months of good luck at midnight, wearing yellow underwear and carrying empty suitcases for good fortune too.
Cape Town for dramatic nature and wineries
Cape Town is a great option for New Year’s Eve, especially for wine and nature lovers. Enjoy huge music festivals such as Get Lucky Summer, which often feature big artist lineups and multiple stages.
Travellers can watch fireworks at the V&A Waterfront, which also has cruises, and family-friendly hubs like the Cape Wheel. Try a sunset cruise on a catamaran for a picturesque view of the city lights from the water.
Spots like Clifton and Camps Bay also host lively beach parties, with fireworks, DJs and other cultural events.
Wine lovers can celebrate New Year’s Eve at wine estates like Benguela Cove or Quoin Rock, whereas nature lovers can hike up Lion’s Head for panoramic views of the city as the sun rises on New Year. The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens also often has its annual Summer Sunset concerts on New Year’s Eve, for a celebration in a natural amphitheatre.
Choose from many dining options, such as exclusive New Year’s Eve dinners with set menus at The Silo, The Ritz and Pepperclub Hotel, or head to Ferrymans Irish Tavern or The Wild Fig for a festive atmosphere and local delicacies.
Don’t miss the historic Kaapse Klopse Minstrel Carnival, which starts in January.
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