20 Best Places Across the Globe to Celebrate New Year’s 2025

When you think of New Year’s celebrations, fireworks, countdowns, lavish parties, and lights might come to mind. London is one of the best places in the world to celebrate New Year's in this iconic way. As Big Ben chimes at midnight, fireworks are set out in the night sky, and the capital is lit with multicolored splendor. A warning, though, is that the New Year’s fireworks display has been a ticketed event since 2014; although, if you don’t care to be at South Bank, the center of it all, then free views are accessible through Greenwich Park. Put on your razzle-dazzle and head to dinner parties around the city, join a cruise party on the River Thames, or enjoy the classical concert at St Mary Le Strand. Embrace London's pub crawl culture for a lively celebration. Make your New Year's memorable with dazzling lights and unforgettable moments in this cosmopolitan hub.

• Best New Year’s celebration spots: Big Ben, Thames River, London Bridge, Westminster Bridge, London Eye
• Affordability of a London tour at New Year’s: $$$$ (London is one of the most expensive cities to celebrate New Year’s if you don’t opt for a budget trip)
• International airports: Heathrow International, London Stansted, London Gatwick, Luton, London Southend, and London City Airport
• Popular accommodation options: Hotels, hostels, and aparthotels

Much like in London, fireworks are the main event on New Year’s Eve in Sydney, Australia, where more than a million onlookers gather at Sydney Harbour to witness the dazzling spectacle. The best way to celebrate includes Coast Harbour Cruises, where you can view the fireworks from the water while enjoying dinner and drinks. Sydney's official New Year's Eve website provides all the information you need for the night, ranging from event schedules to details on vantage points to pre-events across the city.

• Best New Year’s celebration spots: Sydney Harbour, Sydney Opera House, Beare Park, Observatory Hill, Royal Botanic Gardens
• Affordability of a Sydney tour at New Year’s: $$$$
• International airports: Sydney International Airport
• Popular accommodation options: Hotels, motels, caravan parks, and roadhouses

Bring in the New Year with a unique blend of tradition and modernity in Tokyo, Japan. Since 1873, the official Japanese New Year aligns with the Gregorian calendar, offering a fascinating cultural experience. To celebrate in a modern ambiance, head to Tokyo Tower for the New Year’s countdown after chugging bottomless drinks and attending a bonenkai party ( "forget the year party"). Embrace the culinary traditions of New Year's Eve by savoring soba noodles, a customary dish enjoyed throughout Japan. Experience the cultural resonance of Joya no Kane, the ringing of the New Year's Bell, a melodious symbol of new beginnings. Dive into one of Tokyo's more traditional customs, hatsumode, by visiting a shrine on January 1st, 2nd, or 3rd to pay respects and express wishes for a happy and healthy year ahead.

• Best New Year’s celebration spots: Shibuya, Ginza, Roppongi, Asakusa, Ameyoko
• Affordability of a Tokyo tour at New Year’s: $$
• International airports: Haneda International Airport, Narita International Airport
• Popular accommodation options: Hotels, ryokans, and capsule hotels

When it comes to the best place to celebrate New Year's in the USA, New York most definitely tops the chart. As the famous New Year's Eve Ball descends from the flagpole atop Times Square, an estimated one million people gather in person to witness the spectacle, and over r a billion viewers across the globe tune in on TV. Often deemed as having the best New Year celebration, iNew York offers endless options for celebration, including bustling bars and restaurants in Central New York and dazzling lights at the Festival of Lights in Oneonta’s Neahwa Park. Catch the New Year’s Broadway performance or a New Year's Eve cruise for a unique perspective of the fireworks over the city skyline. Then, on January 1, participate in the first-day hikes across various regions organized by the city.

• Best New Year’s celebration spots: Times Square, Oneonta, Downtown Saratoga, Long Island
• Affordability of a New York tour at New Year’s: $$$$
• International airports: John F Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, Laguardia Airport
• Popular accommodation options: hotels, motels, flats, bed & breakfasts

Looking for a popular place to spend New Year's in Europe? Look no further than Madrid in Spain. The famous Puerta del Sol square is the focal point of the festivities, where thousands gather to eat 12 grapes at midnight, symbolizing luck and prosperity. Indulge in cava, the sparkling Spanish wine that adds effervescence to the celebration. Join a lively New Year's Eve party, locally known as cotillón, where the atmosphere is electric with joy and excitement. For a culturally enriching experience, attend a traditional flamenco show in Plaza Mayor showcasing the passionate artistry of Spain.

• Best New Year’s celebration spots: Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Gran Vía, Cibeles Fountain
• Affordability of a Madrid tour at New Year’s: $$ (It is one of the most affordable cities in Europe to travel to, in general)
• International airports: Adolfo Suarez Madrid–Barajas, Torrejon Airport, Cuatro Vientos Airport
• Popular accommodation options: Hotels, boutique lodgings, and guesthouses

Embark on a New Year's journey infused with vibrant culture and lively entertainment in Bogota, Colombia. The heart of the celebration is the dazzling fireworks show illuminating the sky from the iconic Torre Colpatria. Join the locals in a unique New Year's Eve tradition by swiftly running around your neighborhood with an empty suitcase, symbolizing a year filled with exciting travels. Bogota's nightlife comes alive on New Year's Eve with pulsating beats and lively rhythms emanating from its eclectic nightclubs. While Cartagena may be the go-to for many tourists, Bogota stands out for its diverse array of activities.

• Best New Year’s celebration spots: Torre Colpatria, Bogota Nightclubs, City Center
• Affordability of a Bogota tour at New Year’s: $$ Bogota falls in the top ⅓ most inexpensive cities in the world)
• International airports: El Dorado International Airport
• Popular accommodation options: Hotels, hospedajes (guest houses), cabins, tourist farms

Reykjavik, Iceland, transforms into a breathtaking canvas for New Year's festivities. Head to Skólavörðuholt hill, centered around Hallgrimskirkja church, for a prime location to capture the dazzling fireworks illuminating the night sky. Klambratun Park and Landakotstun Park offer designated areas to launch your fireworks, enhancing the celebratory spirit. As the clock nears midnight, Reykjavik's residential neighborhoods come alive with the glow of bonfires, fostering a communal atmosphere. Join locals in this New Year’s Eve tradition, usually from 8 pm onwards. For post-midnight plans, have to Reykjavik's Grandi harbor district, which beckons with late-night pubs, ensuring your New Year's celebration extends into the early hours.

• Best New Year’s celebration spots: Hallgrimskirkja, Klambratun Park, Landakotstun Park, Geirsnef, Skerjafjordur, Ægisida
• Affordability of a Reykjavik tour at New Year’s: $$$$ Prices here generally exceed the European Union average
• International airports: Keflavík Airport
• Popular accommodation options: hotels, apartments, lodges, cottages

Ring in the New Year under the glow of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. Locals gather in Syntagma Square at midnight to watch spectacular fireworks over the ancient ruins as they toast to the coming year. Music, dancing, and feasting fill the streets late into the night. Make sure to hang a purple onion wreath on your door on New Year’s Eve to bring good luck and prosperity. According to folk traditions, the first person to enter your home in the new year should tap the onion wreath to wake it up and release its protective powers. After the festivities, join the polar bear club for a New Year’s Day swim in the brisk Aegean Sea to revive yourself and symbolically wash away the previous year.

• Best New Year’s celebration spots: Syntagma Square, Thissio, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, Gazi
• Affordability of an Athens trip at New Year’s: $$ It is a mid-range cost destination
• International airports: Athens International Airport
• Popular accommodation options: hotels, bed & breakfasts, guest houses, rented rooms

Celebrate New Year's Eve at Kansalaistori Square in Helsinki, Finland, where top Finnish artists entertain crowds. Private parties feature buffet-style meals, local drinks, and the Finnish tradition of tin casting, predicting the future with molten metal shapes. The iconic Cathedral adds to the festive atmosphere with joyous bells. Fireworks are exclusive to the period from 6 p.m. on December 31st to 2 a.m. on January 1st, lighting up the Helsinki skies in a dazzling display. Private gatherings offer a unique blend of culinary delights, cultural traditions, and a vibrant atmosphere, ensuring a memorable start to the new year in the heart of Finland.

• Best New Year’s celebration spots: Kansalaistori Square, Esplanadi Park, Old Church Park, Kaivopuisto
• Affordability of a Helsinki tour at New Year’s: $$$$ It is the most expensive city in Finland
• International airports: Helsinki Airport
• Popular accommodation options: Hotels, bed & breakfasts, caravans, cabins, hostels, camping

New Year's Eve, or Bisperas ng Bagong Taon in the Philippines, is a big deal. Filipinos prepare for a fresh start to the year with vibrant celebrations, festivities, and traditions. On December 31st, families come together for the media noche, a lavish midnight feast of traditional Filipino dishes that lasts until the following morning. Round shapes are thought to bring good luck and prosperity, so people wear polka dots, and tables are adorned with 12 round fruits to represent the 12 months in a year. Lighting fireworks and firecrackers is a widespread tradition in the Philippines. As midnight strikes, the night sky bursts into colorful displays and loud sounds thought to drive away evil spirits. You’ll also hear a cacophony of sounds from trumpets, drums, car horns, and other loud instruments at midnight to ward off evil.

• Best New Year’s celebration spots: Manila, Quezon City Circle, Cebu City, Davao City, Baguio City, Iloilo City, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Tagaytay, Subic Bay
• Affordability of a Philippines tour at New Year’s: $
• International airports: Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), Mactan-Cebu Airport (CEB), Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO), Clark International Airport (CRK)
• Popular accommodation options: hotels, resorts, hostels, guesthouses

Dubai does nothing in half measure, and New Year’s Eve has become one of the most awaited events in the city. Hailed as one of the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve, Dubai rings the new year in with jaw-dropping firework shows across legendary landmarks. Head to the Burj Khalifa, Burj al Arab, Ain Dubai, and the ultra-glamorous Atlantis the Palm to marvel at the Guinness World Record-breaking fireworks shows. Celebrations and parties abound, from exclusive yacht and beach club parties with famous DJs and celebrities to dinner at fancy restaurants and helicopter rides. Dance into the new year at top clubs like Basarati and the Bahri Bar, or catch a stellar show at the Dubai Opera. If you prefer something quieter, you can celebrate the new year in Bedouin-style on a desert safari.

• Best New Year’s celebration spots: Burj Khalifa, Burj al Arab, Atlantis The Palm, Ain Dubai, Dubai Opera
• Affordability of a Dubai tour on New Year’s Eve: $$$
• International airports: Dubai International Airport (DXB or OMDB), Al Maktoum International (DWC or OMDW).
• Popular accommodation options: hotels, resorts, aparthotels

Jump into the new year quite literally in Copenhagen. At midnight, Danes traditionally jump from anything raised above the ground to avoid entering the space between the Old Year and the New Year. The last day of the year begins at 6 pm when the Queen addresses the Danish people from Amalienborg Palace. And then the party starts! Copenhagen comes alive on New Year’s Eve with fireworks, poppers, bullhorns, and champagne bottles popping across the squares. The main New Year's attraction takes place in the City Hall Square. Thousands of Copenhageners brave the cold and venture towards the plaza to count down with the City Hall Tower Clock and ring in the New Year with a dazzling fireworks display.

• Best New Year’s celebration spots: City Hall Square, Dronning Louise's Bro (Queen Louises Bridge)
• Affordability of a Copenhagen tour on New Year’s Eve: $$$
• International airports: Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup
• Popular accommodation options: hotels, hostels, aparthotels, vacation rentals

Nobody does it better than Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, when it comes to celebrating New Year. Nearly three million people descend on Copacabana Beach in Rio every year for the world’s largest and wildest New Year’s Eve party. Known as Reveillon, the party sees millions of Cariocas (Rio natives) congregate on the beach wearing stark white attire with red (symbolizing romance), green (for good health), and yellow and gold (for prosperity) accessories. In a fascinating blend of local culture and African rituals, Brazilians pay homage to Lemanja, the goddess of the sea. If you join the party, don’t wear black—Brazilian lore believes it is an evil omen.

• Best New Year’s celebration spots: Copacabana Beach
• Affordability of a Rio de Janeiro tour on New Year’s Eve: $
• International airports: Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International, Santos Dumont, Jacarepaguá Airport
• Popular accommodation options: hotels, hostels, aparthotels

Known for its gorgeous beaches, tropical weather, and lively nightlife, Goa is one of the top destinations in India for revelry on New Year's Eve. The celebrations center around popular beaches like Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Vagator, Candolim, and Colva which host giant open-air parties as thousands descend for music, dance, food, and drinks. The night sky lights up with brilliant fireworks displays along the coastline at midnight, welcomed by cheering crowds. Many restaurants and beach shacks host costume parties, dance performances by international DJs, and live concerts by popular bands and singers.

• Best New Year’s celebration spots: Mobor Beach, Baga, Calangute, Ashwem Beach, Palolem Beach
• Affordability of a Goa tour in New Year’s: $
• International airports: Goa International Airport, Manohar International Airport
• Popular accommodation options: hotels, beachside resorts, bunker hostels

One of the best places to spend New Year’s Eve in Europe is undoubtedly Paris! The vibrant Champs-Elysees is the center of the party on New Year’s Eve, where thousands of people gather to see the Eiffel Tower light up with millions of lights and a dazzling fireworks display. For relaxed apartment soirees, climb the hill to the laid-back neighborhood of Montmartre or wander into the buzzing red-light district of Pigalle and catch a cabaret at the racy Moulin Rouge. For a romantic New Year’s Eve experience, book a place for a bateau-mouche (riverboat) dinner cruise along the Seine and toast the new year in style. But the celebrations don’t stop when the day dawns. For the entire month of January, Parisians exchange bises (small, platonic kisses) and greet each other with ‘Bonne Annee!’ (Happy New Year!). They also send cards and little gifts up until February 1st.

• Best New Year’s celebration spots: Champs-Elysees, Montmartre, Pigalle, the Seine
• Affordability of a Paris tour on New Year’s Eve: $$$
• International airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport, Orly Airport, Beauvais-Tillé Airport
• Popular accommodation options: hotels, hostels, aparthotels

New Year’s Eve in Cape Town is all about getting out and enjoying the beautiful summer weather. From stylish beach bars overlooking the ocean to the buzzing V&A Waterfront and its spectacular fireworks display, there are various fun things to do to ring in the New Year. Packed with buzzing restaurants and bars and plenty of entertainment for the kids, V&A Waterfront is a popular spot for families. If you want to catch the fireworks show without the crowds, head up to Signal Hill for incredible views over the city and the waterfront. For a dose of glitz and glamor, head to one of the many chic beach bars and clubs along the Camps Bay strip to sip bubbles with the cool crowd.

• Best New Year’s celebration spots: V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay, Clifton
• Affordability of a Cape Town tour on New Year’s Eve: $
• International airports: Cape Town International Airport
• Popular accommodation options: hotels, aparthotels, guesthouses, vacation rentals

Bangkok offers a multitude of ways to celebrate the Gregorian calendar New Year’s Eve — from riverside parties to sky-high rooftop celebrations. The iconic CentralWorld Square hosts one of Southeast Asia's biggest outdoor countdown celebrations. Get there early to secure a good view of the midnight performances and extravagant fireworks display that lights up the Bangkok skyline. High-end hotels offer exclusive parties overlooking the Chao Phraya River. Temple hopping is also popular; make a New Year's wish at the sacred Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Pho. With glittering temples, delicious street food, and a lively nightlife scene, Bangkok makes for an unforgettable New Year's celebration.

• Best New Year’s celebration spots: Rama IX Golden Jubilee Temple, ICONSIAM, Central World, Khao San Road, Sanam Luang
• Affordability of a Bangkok tour on New Year’s Eve: $
• International airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang International Airport
• Popular accommodation options: hostels, hotels, guesthouses

Famous for being a city where ‘anything can happen,’ Amsterdam is one of the best places to spend New Year’s Eve in Europe. Nieuwmarkt (Chinatown), Leidseplein, and Rembrandtplein are the most popular spots to gather, with some of the city’s top clubs organizing New Year’s Eve events here. Museumplein hosts the national New Year’s Eve party attended by thousands of Dutch and foreigners, while the city’s official celebrations happen at Oosterdokis with a massive fireworks show. Festivities continue into the morning when Dutch people wake up on January 1st, go to the beach, and dive into the freezing cold sea. It is then customary to eat a Unox hotdog sandwich and drink a beer. This centuries-old tradition is to begin the New Year in a refreshing way.

• Best New Year’s celebration spots: Museumplein, Rembrandtplein, Leidseplein, Nieuwmarkt (Chinatown), Oosterdokis
• Affordability of an Amsterdam tour on New Year’s Eve: $$
• International airports: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
• Popular accommodation options: hotels, aparthotels, guesthouses, vacation rentals

Ecuador is steeped in culture and tradition, and New Year’s Eve sees one of the most popular traditions come to life — the burning of the año viejo (old year). During the week between Christmas and New Year’s, Ecuadorians fill old clothes with sawdust to create effigies of real people or cartoon characters to represent the old year. At midnight on December 31st, the año viejo dolls are set on fire in the street to forget the past ills and welcome better luck in the future. Tradition also dictates that you jump over the resulting fire 12 times to ensure happiness and prosperity in the coming year and eat 12 grapes at midnight for good luck. Neighborhoods come alive with parties, street dancing, and bars belt out karaoke and disco music until the early hours. Many people wear masks, and fireworks are a big part of the New Year’s Eve celebrations.

• Best New Year’s celebration spots: Old Town, local neighborhood plazas
• Affordability of a Quito tour on New Year’s Eve: $
• International airports: Mariscal Sucre International Airport
• Popular accommodation options: hotels, hostels, homestays

Known for being a city of pleasure, Vienna takes it to the next level on Silvester (New Year’s Eve) when the whole city celebrates. The City of Dreams knows how to party, from lavish gala dinners and opera shows to musical concerts and outdoor parties! The epicenter of the celebrations is the Vienna New Year's Eve Trail. Running from Freyung via Am Hof Square, Graben, Stephansplatz, and Kärntner Strasse to Neuer Markt, the trail is lined with venues that provide entertainment, such A bars and restaurants, concerts, laser shows, and DJ line-ups. People also gather on Rathausplatz in front of the Rathaus (town hall) to watch a fireworks display and dance to the Blue Danube Waltz into the new year.

• Best New Year’s celebration spots: Vienna New Year's Eve Trail, Rathausplatz square
• Affordability of a Vienna tour on New Year’s Eve: $$$
• International airports: Vienna International Airport
• Popular accommodation options: hotels, hostels, aparthotels

Global destinations away from home always promise diverse and unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebrations; something everyone should experience at least once in their life. From the iconic fireworks illuminating London's sky to the cultural richness of Tokyo's traditions and the lively atmosphere in Madrid's Puerta del Sol, each city offers a unique experience. Embrace the cultural nuances, indulge in local traditions, and make your New Year's Eve a truly global celebration!