Planning a holiday during the New Year is a wonderful way to welcome a new phase of your life. The festive lights, decorations, and people in a cheerful mood make these holiday destinations for New Year Eve more special. Every year, millions of people travel to different countries to enjoy their holidays and New Year together.
There are many picture-perfect New Year destinations that look fascinating in the twinkling lights. The Holiday markets give life to these destinations for New Year’s Eve. People make resolutions and manifest new beginnings in a place surrounded by positivity and happiness.
The blog mentions 12 popular holiday destinations for New Year Eve where you can go and have tons of fun. Learn about the things you can try and places to discover and make your holidays more memorable. Read more to find out more about the best places for New Years.
Speciality of Holiday Destinations for New Year Eve
Many people believe it is a good idea to plan holidays during the New Year. They love to plan their holidays in family-friendly places where everyone can enjoy themselves. From beautiful holiday decorations to enjoying New Year holidays in the sun, you can find so many special things. The holiday destinations for New Years Eve are special for numerous reasons.
- The holiday decorations and wonderlands are very captivating and interactive.
- You will find lots of shopping, gifting, and eating options.
- Many popular holiday destinations host concerts and musicals for New Year’s Eve.
- You can try many fun holiday activities like skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and whatnot.
- The places to go for New Years Eve with family are age-appropriate for everyone.
- Many epic destinations for New Year holidays in the sun are known for their beach parties and unique traditions.
1. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is one of the popular holiday destinations for New Year Eve where the celebration reaches the next level. The torchlight procession at midnight is a years-old tradition of this place that is a big deal. People are in complete holiday spirit which is visible in the holiday markets and street decorations.
Hogmanay, Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street, and more are some of the most recommended places that you should visit. The street parties are so epic and you will enjoy the beats of the live performances. In addition, the midnight countdown is celebrated with lots of fireworks displays that make the sky look phenomenal.
5 Best Places to Visit in Edinburgh
- Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
- The Real Mary King's Close
- National Museum of Scotland
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
- Dynamic Earth
5 Things to Do in Edinburgh
- Attend the Hogmanay Street Party
- Watch the Concert in the Gardens
- Enjoy the Torchlight Procession
- Experience the Loony Dook
- Visit the Edinburgh Christmas Market
Temperature During New Year
During New Year, the temperature in Edinburgh typically ranges from 1°C to 7°C.
Flight Duration from the UK
The approximate flight duration from the UK to Edinburgh is 1 hour and 10 minutes.
2. New York City, USA
You should try the delicious festive treats and hot chocolate, the season’s speciality. The holiday decorations along with the giant Christmas trees are decorated with twinkling fairy lights. The entire atmosphere is filled with love and laughter. NY City is known for its peppy year-end parties and famous midnight ball drop ceremony at Times Square. You can enjoy musicals, theatre performances, broadway shows, and live telecasts of New Year’s celebrations.
5 Best Places to Visit in New York City
- The Vessel at Hudson Yards
- Edge Observation Deck
- Little Island
- Summit One Vanderbilt
- The High Line
5 Things to Do in New York City
- Watch the Times Square Ball Drop
- Enjoy the New Year's Eve Fireworks near the Statue of Liberty
- Attend a New Year's Eve Cruise
- Visit the New Year's Eve Party at the Met Opera
- Experience the New Year's Eve Celebration at Central Park
Temperature During New Year
The expected temperatures in New York City during the New Year’s are -1°C minimum and 7°C maximum.
Flight Duration from the UK
Approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes is the expected time to fly from the UK to New York City.
3. Sydney, Australia
Sydney is one of the top holiday destinations for New Year Eve celebrations. The vintage points, holiday events, festive decorations, unique displays, and more will grab your attention. You can visit some of the top attractions like the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, etcetera.
You can go for a private boat party and enjoy the festive decorations of Harbour Bridge and parts of the city. In addition, there are many best places for New Years where you can enjoy lively parties, food, and fireworks. The shimmering displays of fireworks enchant the sky with their illumination.
5 Best Places to Visit in Sydney
- The Sydney Opera House
- Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Bondi Beach
- Taronga Zoo
- Darling Harbour
5 Things to Do in Sydney
- Watch the New Year's Eve Fireworks at Sydney Harbour
- Attend a New Year's Eve Cruise
- Enjoy a New Year's Eve Party at the Opera House
- Visit the Royal Botanic Garden for New Year's Eve celebrations
- Experience the New Year's Eve festivities at Taronga Zoo
Temperature During New Year
During Christmas, the temperature in Sydney typically ranges from a minimum of 19°C to a maximum of 25°C.
Flight Duration from the UK
The flight duration from the UK to Sydney is approximately 21 hours and 30 minutes.
4. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro is one of the best places to enjoy New Year holidays in the sun. You can experience a vibrant as well as romantic atmosphere during this time of year. The street parties are full of life and you should not miss the opportunity to celebrate on Copacabana Beach. It is a world-renowned place and home to the most celebrated Year-end parties.
Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Botanical Gardens are some of the highlighting places to visit. Watching the colourful fireworks from the beach will make your New Year more cheerful and enjoyable. You will surely like the live performances from Brazilian bands and performers who set the stage on fire.
5 Best Places to Visit in Rio de Janeiro
- Christ the Redeemer
- Sugarloaf Mountain
- Copacabana Beach
- Ipanema Beach
- Tijuca National Park
5 Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro
- Watch the New Year's Eve Fireworks at Copacabana Beach
- Attend a New Year's Eve Party at Morro da Urca
- Enjoy a New Year's Eve Cruise on Guanabara Bay
- Visit the New Year's Eve Celebration at Ipanema Beach
- Experience the New Year's Eve Festivities in Lapa
Temperature During New Year
The temperature of Rio de Janeiro ranges between a minimum of 24℃ and a maximum of 30℃ during New Year.
Flight Duration from the UK
The estimated flight duration from the UK to Rio de Janeiro is approximately 12 hours.
5. Paris, France
When it comes to holiday romance, Paris is surely the place you should visit. It is one of the most-liked holiday destinations for New Year Eve celebrations. Especially for couples, Parish holds a bunch of magical possibilities to make your night more memorable. The festive lights sparkle the highlighting attractions of the city like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, and more.
The Christmas markets are decorated with lights and festive decorations. There are lots of places to go for New Years Eve with family and also where you can enjoy the light shows and fireworks. You can also take a river cruise which is quite a perfect idea for a romantic date with your special one. At midnight, Paris turns into a magical place where you can see colourful lights brightening up the sky.
5 Best Places to Visit in Paris
- Eiffel Tower
- The Louvre
- Notre Dame Cathedral
- Arc de Triomphe
- Montmartre
5 Things to Do in Paris
- Watch the New Year's Eve light show at the Arc de Triomphe
- Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Seine River
- Attend a New Year's Eve party at a Parisian cabaret
- Visit the Christmas markets
- Experience ice skating at the Grand Palais
Temperature During New Year
During New Year, the temperature in Paris typically ranges from 10°C to 18°C.
Flight Duration from the UK
The approximate flight duration from the UK to Paris is 1 hour and 15 minutes.
6. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is one of the special places to consider when looking for holiday destinations for New Year Eve. Harpa, Hallgrímskirkja, the National Museum of Iceland, and more are nice places for exploration. For a relaxing experience, try the geothermal pools as they can divert your attention from the frigid weather. Whale watching and ice caving are some popular things that people love to do in Reykjavik.
Moving on, you can also explore the beautiful landscapes of Iceland on a snowmobile. The snow-covered landscapes look quite magical under the Northern lights. You will love the festive atmosphere as it looks more magical when the fireworks start to burst in the sky. The New Year parties and bonfires will make you feel entertained and cosy at the same time.
5 Best Places to Visit in Reykjavik
- Hallgrimskirkja
- Harpa Concert Hall
- Sun Voyager Sculpture
- Perlan
- National Museum of Iceland
5 Things to Do in Reykjavik
- Watch the New Year's Eve Fireworks at Hallgrimskirkja
- Enjoy a Bonfire Tour
- Experience the Northern Lights
- Attend a New Year's Eve Party at Harpa
- Visit the New Year's Eve Celebration at Perlan
Temperature During New Year
The expected temperatures in Reykjavik during New Year’s are -5°C minimum and 5°C maximum.
Flight Duration from the UK
Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes is the expected time to fly from the UK to Reykjavik.
7. Madrid, Spain
Madrid is one of the finest romantic holiday destinations for New Year Eve. There are lots of iconic scenes, traditions, and events that make your holidays even more special. You will see lots of confetti, holiday decorations, and people in a merry spirit. You can watch fireworks launches from the Royal Palace of Madrid. Live performances, music concerts, and other cultural events are the highlights of Madrid’s popular New Year destinations. Eat churros and chocolate to welcome the new year with a sweet tooth.
New Year in Spain will be a unique experience in terms of traditions. The Twelve Lucky Grapes or las doce uvas de la suerte is a popular holiday tradition in Spain. People eat 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve when the church bell starts chiming. The 12 grapes symbolises the 12 months of the year. Finishing the grapes exactly when the bell stops ringing will bring good luck and prosperity in the next year.
5 Best Places to Visit in Madrid
- Prado National Museum
- Royal Palace of Madrid
- Retiro Park
- Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
- Gran Vía
5 Things to Do in Madrid
- Countdown at Puerta del Sol
- Enjoy a special New Year's Eve menu at a local restaurant
- Eat the 12 grapes tradition at midnight
- Attend a New Year's Eve party at a club
- Watch an authentic Flamenco show
Temperature During New Year
During Christmas, the temperature in Madrid typically ranges from a minimum of 2°C to a maximum of 10°C.
Flight Duration from the UK
The flight duration from the UK to Madrid is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.
8. Dubai, UAE
There are lots of places to go for New Years Eve with family and try the delicious cuisines with a hint of festive touch. You should go to the Global Village, nightclubs, beach parties, dinner cruises, and more. Overall, Dubai is one of the iconic holiday destinations for New Year’s Eve celebrations and to make your experience memorable.
5 Best Places to Visit in Dubai
- Burj Khalifa
- The Dubai Mall
- Palm Jumeirah
- Dubai Marina
- Dubai Creek
5 Things to Do in Dubai
- Watch the New Year's Eve fireworks at Burj Khalifa
- Enjoy a New Year's Eve cruise on Dubai Marina
- Attend a New Year's Eve gala dinner at Atlantis The Palm
- Experience a desert safari with a New Year's Eve celebration
- Visit the Global Village for New Year's Eve festivities
Temperature During New Year
The temperature of Dubai ranges between a minimum of 15℃ and a maximum of 26℃ during New Year.
Flight Duration from the UK
The flight will take approximately 7 hours and 20 minutes to reach from the UK to Dubai.
9. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is one of the great holiday destinations for New Year Eve for lots of reasons. So many amazing things are happening during this time of the year. Berlin is known for being one of the most festive cities where you can enjoy, shop, eat, and be amazed. The surroundings are charmed by the festive atmosphere.
The lively streets are filled with festive crowds who are pleased by the decorations, live music, festive food, parties, and whatnot. There are many New Year destinations in Berlin where you can bring kids to enjoy the atmosphere. The Christmas Markets, light shows, and firework displays will surely entertain the kids as well as grown-ups.
5 Best Places to Visit in Berlin
- Brandenburg Gate
- Reichstag Building
- Museum Island
- Berlin Cathedral
- East Side Gallery
5 Things to Do in Berlin
- Celebrate New Year's Eve at Brandenburg Gate
- Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Spree River
- Attend a New Year's Eve concert at the Berlin Philharmonic
- Visit the Christmas markets
- Experience the New Year's Eve party at a Berlin club
Temperature During New Year
During New Year, the temperature in Berlin typically ranges from -1°C to 3°C.
Flight Duration from the UK
The approximate flight duration from the UK to Berlin is 1 hour and 40 minutes.
10. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is among the top holiday destinations for New Year Eve where you can enjoy plenty of sunshine. It is a perfect place to celebrate your holidays in the sun. The stunning natural beauty and picturesque landscapes make Cape Town popular among the holiday crowds. You can chill on the beaches and go on a hiking tour. The festive environment makes exploring the city more fun.
Cape Town has a family-friendly atmosphere with thriving holiday markets and street parties. Adding on, the beach parties, parades, live music, nightlife, and more are highly recommended to explore during your holidays. New Year’s Eve celebrations uplift the environment to another extent. Moving on, the culinary scenes and wine tours are quite amazing and you should not miss that.
5 Best Places to Visit in Cape Town
- Table Mountain
- Robben Island
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
- V&A Waterfront
- Boulders Beach
5 Things to Do in Cape Town
- Watch the New Year's Eve fireworks at the V&A Waterfront
- Attend the Secrets of Summer Music Festival
- Enjoy a New Year's Eve cruise on Table Bay
- Visit the New Year's Eve party at the Cape Point Vineyards
- Experience the New Year's Eve celebration at the Grand Africa Café & Beach
Temperature During New Year
The expected temperatures in Cape Town during New Year’s are 16°C minimum and 28°C maximum.
Flight Duration from the UK
Approximately 11 hours and 45 minutes is the expected time to fly from the UK to Cape Town.
11. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is one of the most famous cities in the world known for its New Year bash among party animals. Being one of the ultimate holiday destinations for New Year Eve celebrations, it offers a remarkable experience to the tourist. Every year, tons of people travel to the capital city of Thailand to enjoy the grand celebration.
You will see lots of international DJs and performers who jammed up the nightclubs, concerts, and parties. Moving on, you can explore Chinatown to discover Bangkok’s New Year’s Eve celebration in the most authentic way. The fireworks, dragon dancers, cultural performances, and culinary adventures are quite amazing. You can also go on a river cruise to welcome the New Year under the stars and colourful fireworks.
5 Best Places to Visit in Bangkok
- The Grand Palace
- Wat Arun
- Chatuchak Weekend Market
- Jim Thompson House
- Asiatique The Riverfront
5 Things to Do in Bangkok
- Watch the New Year's Eve fireworks at Central World
- Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River
- Attend a New Year's Eve party at a rooftop bar
- Visit the New Year's Eve celebration at Asiatique The Riverfront
- Experience the New Year's Eve festivities on Khao San Road
Temperature During New Year
During New Year, the temperature in Bangkok typically ranges from a minimum of 23°C to a maximum of 32°C.
Flight Duration from the UK
The flight duration from the UK to Bangkok is approximately 11 hours and 25 minutes.
12. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is one of the most unique and best places for New Years celebrations. You will enjoy lots of festivities and Hungarian traditions. Buda Castle is one of the finest places to go for New Years Eve with families and friends. You can join the locals in their traditional celebrations and parties. The festivities, decorations, holiday markets, and more look phenomenal during this time of the year.
The Hungarian dance, traditional dishes, late-night food stalls, local music, and parties are the highlights of New Year celebrations in Budapest. As a New Year’s Eve custom, Hungarians make lots of noise by shouting and banging the pots at midnight. They believe that by doing that, they are scaring off the demons. You can also try that while enjoying the fireworks dazzling up the sky.
5 Best Places to Visit in Budapest
- Hungarian Parliament Building
- Fisherman's Bastion
- Széchenyi Thermal Bath
- Buda Castle
- St. Stephen's Basilica
5 Things to Do in Budapest
- Watch the New Year's Eve fireworks at the Danube River
- Enjoy a gala dinner at the Danube Palace
- Take a New Year's Eve river cruise
- Visit the Christmas Market at St. Stephen's Basilica
- Experience the thermal baths on New Year's Eve
Temperature During New Year
The Temperature of Budapest ranges between a minimum of -2℃ and a maximum of 2℃ during New Year.
Flight Duration from the UK
The flight will take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach from the UK to Budapest.
