Our guide on the Best Countries to Celebrate New Year from cold weather to warm weather around the world.
New Year’s Eve is celebrated in unique ways around the world, with each country offering its own mix of festivities, traditions, and incredible experiences.
Whether you’re looking for fireworks, cultural traditions, or vibrant street parties, here’s a guide to the best countries to celebrate New Year’s and what to do when you’re there.
Each of these destinations offers a unique and unforgettable New Year’s Eve experience, from the wild street parties of Rio and Berlin to the cultural traditions of Tokyo and Edinburgh. Whether you prefer luxurious celebrations, cultural events, or high-energy gatherings, you’re sure to find a destination on this list that promises a New Year’s Eve celebration like no other. So grab your travel gear and ring in the new year in style!
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Best Countries to Celebrate New Year
1. Scotland – Hogmanay in Edinburgh
Why It’s Great:
Scotland’s Hogmanay celebration in Edinburgh is legendary, with traditional Scottish customs, torchlight parades, and a lively street party. Edinburgh turns into a festive wonderland for New Year’s with unique Scottish traditions.
Where to Go: Edinburgh city center, especially along Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle.
What to Do:
Torchlight Procession: Join the torchlight procession through the city on December 30th.
Street Party and Concert in the Gardens: Celebrate with live music, DJs, and performances on Princes Street.
Fireworks at Edinburgh Castle: Enjoy a spectacular fireworks display over the iconic castle.
Loony Dook: On New Year’s Day, brave the icy waters of the Firth of Forth in the annual Loony Dook.
2. Japan – Tokyo’s Unique New Year
Why It’s Great:
Japan celebrates New Year’s (Shōgatsu) with a blend of modern and traditional festivities. In Tokyo, you’ll find vibrant countdowns, fireworks, and a chance to participate in cultural traditions at temples and shrines.
Where to Go: Shibuya Crossing, Zojoji Temple, and Meiji Shrine in Tokyo.
What to Do:
Countdown in Shibuya: Join the lively countdown at Shibuya Crossing for a Tokyo-style celebration.
Temple Visits: Head to Zojoji Temple or Meiji Shrine for the Japanese tradition of Hatsumode, the first temple or shrine visit of the year.
Fireworks in Tokyo Bay: Enjoy beautiful fireworks over Tokyo Bay as the city welcomes the new year.
Omikuji (Fortune-Telling): Draw fortunes at temples and buy lucky charms for a good year ahead.
3. Australia – New Year’s in Sydney
Why It’s Great:
Sydney is one of the first major cities to celebrate the New Year, and it does so with one of the most famous fireworks displays in the world. Celebrations are centered around Sydney Harbour, with breathtaking views of the fireworks.
Where to Go: Sydney Harbour, Circular Quay, and the Opera House.
What to Do:
Harbour Fireworks: Watch two fireworks displays, at 9 pm for families and midnight for everyone else.
Harbour Cruises: Take a cruise in Sydney Harbour for front-row seats to the fireworks.
Opera Bar Party: Enjoy a glamorous New Year’s party at the Opera Bar with live music and stunning views.
Coastal Hike: Spend New Year’s Day exploring Sydney’s beautiful beaches or taking a coastal hike.
4. Brazil – Rio de Janeiro’s Beach Celebration
Why It’s Great:
Rio de Janeiro offers an unforgettable New Year’s experience with lively beach parties, fireworks, and samba music. The main event takes place on Copacabana Beach, where millions gather dressed in white to celebrate.
Where to Go: Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro.
What to Do:
Beach Fireworks: Watch the iconic fireworks display over Copacabana Beach at midnight.
Live Music and Samba: Enjoy live samba and dance performances along the beach.
Dress in White: Join the local tradition of wearing white for peace and luck in the new year.
Jump Over 7 Waves: As per Brazilian tradition, jump over seven waves at midnight to bring good luck.
5. United Arab Emirates – Dubai’s Luxury Celebration
Why It’s Great:
Dubai’s New Year’s Eve celebration is nothing short of extravagant, with record-breaking fireworks, glamorous parties, and rooftop celebrations. It’s perfect for those looking for a luxurious and unforgettable experience.
Where to Go: Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Fountain.
What to Do:
Burj Khalifa Fireworks: Watch one of the world’s most spectacular fireworks displays at the Burj Khalifa.
Desert Party: Experience a unique desert party with music, dancing, and traditional Arabian entertainment.
Dhow Cruise: Take a cruise along Dubai Creek for dinner, entertainment, and views of the fireworks.
Gala Dinner at Burj Al Arab: For an opulent experience, attend the exclusive gala at Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab.
6. Thailand – Bangkok’s Street Party
Why It’s Great:
Bangkok’s New Year’s celebration is one of Asia’s largest, with fireworks, street parties, and entertainment all night. It’s a great choice for travelers who want a lively, affordable, and culturally rich celebration.
Where to Go: CentralWorld Square, Chao Phraya River, and Asiatique.
What to Do:
Countdown at CentralWorld: Join the countdown party at CentralWorld Square, Bangkok’s equivalent of Times Square.
Fireworks on the River: Watch the beautiful fireworks over the Chao Phraya River from Asiatique.
Rooftop Bars: Enjoy New Year’s Eve at one of Bangkok’s many rooftop bars for a panoramic view of the city.
Temple Visits: Visit local temples for a blessing on New Year’s Day.
7. Germany – Berlin’s Street Party at the Brandenburg Gate
Why It’s Great:
Berlin hosts one of Europe’s largest New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Brandenburg Gate, featuring live music, entertainment, and fireworks. The city’s open-minded vibe makes it a welcoming place for international travelers.
Where to Go: Brandenburg Gate and Alexanderplatz.
What to Do:
Street Party: Join the massive street party from the Brandenburg Gate to the Victory Column, with music, dancing, and food stalls.
Fireworks Show: Enjoy a spectacular fireworks display at midnight.
Clubbing: Berlin’s famous clubs host New Year’s parties that last until morning.
New Year’s Day Brunch: Start the new year with a hearty German brunch at a local café.
8. United States – Times Square in New York City
Why It’s Great:
The ball drop in Times Square is an iconic New Year’s celebration, watched by millions around the world.
New York City’s New Year’s Eve celebration is a bucket-list experience, offering a mix of high-energy events and classic traditions.
Where to Go: Times Square and Central Park.
What to Do:
Times Square Ball Drop: Join the countdown at Times Square to witness the famous ball drop.
Fireworks in Central Park: Enjoy a more relaxed celebration with a fireworks display in Central Park.
Boat Cruise on the Hudson: Take a New Year’s Eve cruise with views of the Manhattan skyline and fireworks.
New Year’s Day Brunch: New York has countless spots for a brunch to kick off the new year.
9. South Africa – Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront Celebration
Why It’s Great:
Cape Town celebrates New Year’s with style, offering beautiful summer weather, fireworks, and outdoor festivities. The city’s New Year’s Eve events combine African traditions with modern parties and concerts.
Where to Go: V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain, and Camps Bay.
What to Do:
Waterfront Fireworks: Watch the impressive fireworks display over the V&A Waterfront.
New Year’s Concerts: Enjoy live music and performances around the waterfront.
Beach Party in Camps Bay: Celebrate with beach parties and sundowners at Camps Bay.
Hike Table Mountain: Start the new year with a sunrise hike up Table Mountain.
10. France – Paris’s Festive New Year
Why It’s Great:
Paris offers a romantic and refined New Year’s Eve celebration, from light shows to fireworks and scenic cruises along the Seine. The city’s iconic landmarks create a stunning backdrop for the festivities.
Where to Go: Champs-Élysées, Eiffel Tower, and Montmartre.
What to Do:
Light Show at the Arc de Triomphe: Watch the light show and fireworks display along the Champs-Élysées.
Seine River Cruise: Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Seine for a scenic New Year’s Eve.
Eiffel Tower Fireworks: Head to Trocadéro Gardens for a view of the Eiffel Tower’s fireworks display.
Cabaret Shows: Experience the Moulin Rouge or other Parisian cabarets for a memorable celebration.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.