Discover 27 Awesome Places To Celebrate New Year’s Eve

Hoorah, as the festive season approaches, you may be turning your thoughts to how you might ring in the New Year. But with so many options, how do you decide where to go for New Year’s Eve?

Where to celebrate New Years EveHere to help, I’ve asked a bunch of fellow travel bloggers for their thoughts on the best places to go for New Year’s Eve. For ease, I’ve split these into continents, as there were so many awesome suggestions. Of course, if you feel we have missed one, have your say in the comments, and let us know why your choice should be on our NYE bucket list.

Asia

Asia offers an heady mix of bustling cities, neon lights and towering skyscrapers, plus incredible beaches on tropical islands. If you are in the region this New Year, maybe you could consider heading to one of these hot spots.

Bali – Clemens of Travellers Archive

New Year’s Eve is one of the most anticipated nights of the year. So, what could be better than spending it on the island paradise of Bali? Bali’s New Year celebrations beckon folks not only from Australia and Java, but from afar.

Enjoy picturesque shores in Seminyak and Kerobokan, hike a volcano (preferably not Mount Agung if it is still erupting) and breath in the relaxed island vibes in and around the town of Ubud. The God’s island is not only a true haven for couples and families, but also for party people.

There are various party options, most of them in the Kuta area, that are worth checking out. One thing is for sure: in Bali, colourful fireworks will bring in the New Year with a bang.

New Year in Bali
Source: Pixabay


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Hong Kong – Cacinda of Points And Travel

At the stroke of midnight, millions of people around the world will welcome in the New Year and Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbor is a THE place to be! As one of the world’s most dramatic skylines, Hong Kong will light up the sky with its’ grand finale of a dancing pyrotechnic dragon that appears across the moonlit sky!

Breathtaking fireworks will light up the atmosphere and on land projections of fireworks emanate from harbor barges and skyscrapers. In 2017, the countdown was a 10-minute pyrotechnics’ dream that also included live music. There were many live street parties with performances, specifically at the Avenue of the Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui. The “shooting stars” fireworks go off every 15 minutes after 11.

There is also a replica ball drop every year in Hong Kong’s Times Square shopping mall, to emulate New York City’s famous drop. The display of fireworks grows more impressive every year.

Hong Kong Skyline
Hong Kong Skyline (Source: Pixabay)

Anne: This sounds like the ideal destination for me.

Koh Phangan, Thailand – Tom Of Travelling Tom

With a trip to Thailand you can never go wrong. When it comes to island hopping, this is the ultimate destination for New Year’s Eve fun. NYE can be celebrated on every island, but the best place to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Thailand has to be the Full Moon party in Koh Phangan.

Yes the party is massive, it is super crowded and it is pretty much chaos, but the vibe and energy of  40,000 people celebrating NYE on the beach is simply incredible. Prices for accommodation at this time are steep compared to usual prices, but by Western standards still very affordable.

They charge an entrance fee of a few dollars, depending on which side you walk on to the beach. I don’t even want to talk about how cheap the typical Thai buckets are that will get you drunk however.

Looking for the best island in Thailand to party? Koh Phangan is your place to be for NYE.

Is Thailand the best place to celebrate New Year?
Source: Pixabay

Manila – Christine of The Travelling Pinoys

New Year’s eve in Manila is like no other. Manila does not have impressive buildings to launch fireworks from, like Sydney’s harbor bridge or Taipei 101. But Mansets alight the  ntire city on New Year’s eVe.

Even before the count down begins, the firecrackers and fireworks across Manila can be heard as early as 6pm. Although the major fireworks displays happen at 12am. And it’s not just fireworks. Unlike other places on earth, Manila and the entire Philippines, celebrate the New Year’s eve with a bang literally! And making noise, in any way possible, is a tradition. From firecrackers, to loud speakers, to hornpipes, car’s machines, pots and anything that you can hit to make a noise are acceptable. And at exactly midnight, the entire city glows like no other as each home welcomes the New Year with their own version of fireworks.

New Year's Eve in Manila
Source: The Travelling Pinoys

Siem Reap – Anne of Traveltheglobe4less

Siem Reap may be better known as the gateway to the ancient temples of Angkor, but it also packs a punch as a party destination. The sleepy town of the noughties that my friend described, has been replaced with alleys and doorways stuffed with bars, and Pub Street certainly lives up to its reputation.

New Year’s Eve is a raucous affair, tinged with an innocence not experienced in Western cities. Instead of plastic cups of wee being whirled through the air, revellers attempt to douse fellow party-goers in talcum powder. Even the police get in on the dancing and fun. The best part is that you can pick up spirits and sodas for a pittance on the side of the road!!

Singapore – Cal of Singapore N Beyond

While Singapore isn’t necessarily your typical New Year’s Eve destination, if you do find yourself spending the night in the city-state, you’ll find a huge, infectious party atmosphere. By far the most exciting and anticipated event is the fireworks that explode at midnight in an array of color that lights the night sky. The best part of the fireworks? They’re free to watch! (Anne: yay, here at TTG4l, we love FREE)

Budget-friendly options include the Marina Barrage, Kallang Wave Mall, Bay East Garden or anywhere in the Marina Bay area. You can also splash out at one of the many rooftop bars, like 1-Altitude or the Marina Bay Sands, although this will not be the best value for money. A unique and cheaper experience is in Haji Lane and Arab Street, where you’ll find the biggest street party at Piedra Negra.

It’s sure to be a fantastic, multi-cultural bar-hopping extravaganza, and should not be left off your list. Selosa Beach Club on the sands of “the State of Fun” Sentosa is also pretty good value. It costs SGD48 per ticket for one of the biggest parties of the year. Expect a throng of crowds in any outdoor area, but the vibe is lively and exciting.

celebrate New Year's Eve in Singapore
Source: Pixabay

Tokyo – LC of Birdgehls

If you’re after a New Year’s celebration that’s more than just a drinking session, then Tokyo should be firmly on your radar. New Year’s Eve in Japan is a spiritual holiday, mostly celebrated with family. Those who are keen to make a night of it head to a nearby shrine (such as the Meiji Shrine). It is turned into a mini-fairground on the night, filled with music, colour, food and people, locals and foreigners alike.

The night is rife with traditions. If you make it to the site early, you receive a slip of paper, on which you write down your “wish” for the New Year. You then receive a balloon and you tie the paper to the string. When the clock ticks over to midnight, everyone lets go of their balloons, which lazily drift into the night sky, taking the wishes with them.

Rather than head home after midnight, there is a rush to enter the temple. After queuing to enter (which can admittedly take hours), you flick in a coin and make another wish for the New Year.

New Years Eve in Tokyo
Source: Pixabay

Europe

There’s so many cosmopolitan city choices throughout Europe, it is hard to decide where to go for New Year’s Eve. From medieval towns, to beer lovers’ paradise, here are some of our favourites.

Barcelona -Kalena of Lost And Abroad

Walking around the city streets close to New Year’s Eve, you may notice numerous cava and grape sellers. Typically families eat dinner together at home and tune in to one of the national live broadcasted events.

To count down the last few seconds of the year, everyone eats one grape for each of the 12 tolls of the bell. Tradition states that those who manage to eat all of their grapes in time with the tolls will have good luck in the New Year. Trust me, it’s not as easy as it sounds! (Anne: especially after a drink I imagine!)

The main public New Year’s Eve event in Barcelona is usually held in Montjüic at the Magic Fountains. The free celebration begins around 11 p.m. and includes music, dance, light displays, the tolling of the bell, and a final firework show to ring in the New Year.

Don’t forget to bring along cava and grapes, or you’ll have to buy them from street vendors with a markup. After the cava runs dry, massive crowds head to the metro, ready to party until morning at one of Barcelona’s famous bars and nightclubs.

Visit Montjuic for New Years Eve
Source: Kalena

Berlin – James of Worldwide Shopping Guide 

Forget all the stereotypes about Germans being uptight, organised, and reserved: on New Year’s Eve all that goes out the window. New Year’s Eve is the one time of year when German people really let their hair down, and, if you’re going to Germany, where better than Berlin?

Of course, only properly letting your hair down once a year means that all that excitement turns into disorganised chaos. This is most noticeable with the amateur fireworks displays that Germans love to set off, many of which bounce off the windows of nearby apartments, and some even rip down the street horizontally.

The real fireworks displays are better organised, obviously. Brandenburg Gate in the heart of Berlin, has one of the best displays in the whole of Europe and is usually packed all of the way from Brandenburg Gate to Victory Column. If you’re looking for somewhere to spend NYE this year, put Berlin at the top of your list.

Berlin for NYE
Source: Pixabay

Anne: need inspiration for a place to stay? I have visited Germay a few times for New Year’s Eve and wholeheartedly agree, its crazy fun. a few times for Then check out the Crowne Plaza, Berlin

Budapest – Gabor of Surfing The Planet

Budapest, like most Eastern European cities, is rather cold in winter. Thus, you might not think of it as a great destination for New Year’s Eve. However, both a variety of historical landmarks to visit in Budapest, and a great atmosphere, makes this city an interesting travel destination for New Year’s Eve.

You can enjoy the warm pools in Széchenyi Thermal Bath, where everything is covered with snow or you can skate in the huge City Ice Rink. New Year’s Eve offers great parties, and many restaurants offer special NYE menus. Although the weather is cold, there are street parties and concerts everywhere.

One of the greatest ways to spend the evening is however, to do a cruise on the Danube, where dinner and fancy parties are waiting for guests. At midnight you can enjoy fabulous fireworks over the Danube River.

Edinburgh – Jessica of Independent Travel Cats

Edinburgh has a great holiday program of events each year, and it is a fabulous city to visit at Christmas or New Year.

Each year, Edinburgh is home to the largest New Year’s celebration in Scotland, and this is also one of the largest New Year’s Eve celebrations in the world. The organized Edinburgh Hogmanay festival events change a bit each year, but always include a torchlit procession through the streets of Edinburgh, an outdoor street party, cèilidh dancing events, a candlelit concert or other event at St. Giles’ Cathedral, several music performances, singing of “Auld Lang Syne”, and New Year’s Eve fireworks.

Celebrate New Year's Eve in Edinburgh
Source: Independent Travel Cats

On New Year’s Day, the events include Loony Dook, a fancy dress parade that ends with a dip in the freezing Firth of Forth in nearby South Queensferry! Other New Year’s Day public events may include open door performances at local businesses throughout the city, or an illuminations show.

If you are planning to visit Edinburgh for New Year’s Eve, we’d recommend booking your lodging early, as Hogmanay draws a lot of international visitors, and hotel prices can be much higher this time of year.

London – Hadas of The Fashion Matters

London is a perfect NYE destination due to the variety of things to do. If you’re after a nice romantic meal with your partner, head to one of London’s most popular restaurants such as Yautcha, Duck & Waffle or Sushi Samba. If you’re into socialising, you could go to some of London’s most exclusive venues, such as The Shard or Sky Garden which also offer the most amazing Skyline views.

During NYE, almost every bar and venue in London is transformed into a NYE party, with some events offering dinner and party combos. In addition, London’s beautiful streets are so nicely decorated for the holiday season. Then, of course, there’s the fireworks in Central London which can be best seen from town or from Primrose Hill.

Anne: I have to confess that, although born and bred in the Uk, I have never visited for NYE. Probably because I expect the prices to be extortionate and everything to be too crowded. Maybe next year I need to get organised and book my hotel in January! I do love the Christmas decorations in London though. They are so classeeeee! I also love the Sky Garden!

Celebrate New Years Eve and Christmas in London
London Christmas decorations

Prague – Sara of Just A pack

Prague’s buzzing atmosphere and eclectic mix of people make it one of the best places in central Europe to welcome in the New Year. There’s always a party in Prague, whether it’s on the streets, or in some of Europe’s biggest and best clubs. The Czechs don’t hold back when it comes to celebrating.

As the clock strikes midnight, join revellers in Prague’s main square and immerse yourself in the celebrations. If crowds aren’t really your thing, then head to Charles Bridge or Petrin Hill to avoid the chaos. Take in the breathtaking beauty of Prague from afar as it lights up with bright fireworks.

If you’re looking for a more romantic start to the year, you can take in the festivities from the safety of the water with a river boat cruise. Whether you want to end the year with a bang, or glide into the new year with your pride still intact, then Prague is sure to provide a celebration to suit you.

Celebrate New Year in Prague
Source: Just A Pack

Split – Ron and Michele of Legginit

Often seen as a summer destination, Croatia is a really good off-season destination, especially over Christmas and New Year. Split is great value, with accommodation close to the action on the Riva for around 30 Euros per night . This is the area that has the most action, filled with Advent Markets and restaurants where you can while away the day people watching and enjoying local delicacies. There are also numerous activities, choir performances, and salsa dance classes.

New Year’s Eve hosts a big concert, and although the music is all in Croatian, it does not matter. The atmosphere is electric, the local crowds drink and party the night away. As midnight approaches, the sky over the water lights up with an amazing fireworks display. With their normally mild winter climate, it is the perfect place to escape and enjoy New Years Eve and a bit of winter sunshine.

New Year Eve in Split
Source:

St Petersburg – Alya of Stingy Nomads

St Petersburg is mainly a summer tourist destination, but what could be better than experiencing a real white Christmas and New Year? By the way, New Year in Russia comes before the Orthodox Christmas, which is on the 7th January. Russian winter festive holidays start with the Catholic Christmas and continue through New Year and Orthodox Christmas, finishing with Old New Year on 12th January (a strange custom to celebrate New Year according to the Julian calendar). Anne: Sounds like a great excuse for another party to me!

The decoration, lights and snow together create a very special festive mood in the city. For culture vultures, St.Petersburg offers a great range of options. Classical ballet, such as the Nutcracker, probably the most Christmassy classical masterpiece, in the Mariinsky theatre is a must. Children will also enjoy meeting Ded Moroz (the Russian version of Santa Clause) ‘driving’ his sledge through the city centre.

For outdoor activities though it can be quite cold (Anne: not kidding! When I was there, it was -19C). Go to one of the suburbs and enjoy traditional Christmas celebrations with pancakes, troikas (a traditional Russian harness driven by three horses) and ice skating. For party lovers, city bars and clubs are open constantly. Just keep in mind, New Year is a very busy time in St Petersburg so be sure to book accommodation and plane tickets well in advance.

Russian NY Eve
Beautiful St Petersburg

Africa

Now if you fancy something a little more exotic, with wildlife of both the animal and partying variety, Africa might be the destination for you. Only one city made it onto the list but it sure packs a punch.

Cape Town – Natasha of The World Pursuit

Cape Town, South Africa is one of the best places in the world to celebrate New Year’s Eve. At the southern most point of Africa, it is a great place to travel to in general, but around the holidays and at New Years, it really comes alive. The city lights up and there are amazing shows, parties, fancy dinners, and even boat cruises to celebrate.

My favorite thing to do around this time is head to the V&A Waterfront. Easily one of the poshest areas in the city, the V&A holds one of the biggest parties in South Africa. There are circus performances, musicians, plenty of local bands, dancers, and even floats.

There’s also plenty of restaurants and bars. The best part is, it’s free entry, so you have no excuse not to celebrate in South Africa!

Head to Cape Town for New Year Eve
Source: Pixabay

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Australasia

Auckland – Liz of It’s A Drama

You are going to love celebrating New Year in Auckland, and there is something for everyone’s budget.

Wondergarden is Auckland’s New Year’s Eve musical extravaganza. Held at Silo Park, this is a festival for party people of all ages, as well as music lovers from all walks of life. Beginning in the afternoon, the day is packed with top of the line stage artists, roaming performers and children’s entertainment.

Add to that, the spread of NZ’s most sumptuous street food, and you have yourself a day and night to remember. For those on a budget, grab a picnic and head to a high place such as ‘One Tree Hill’ to watch the superb fireworks that shoot from Auckland’s Sky Tower.

This is New Zealand’s summer, so enjoy the warm evening and toast the New Year in with a glass of local wine. It’s also pretty special knowing that Auckland is one of the first cities in the world to celebrate the New Year!

celebrating New Year’s Eve in Auckland
Source: Photo by Joe Leahy on Unsplash

Brisbane – Tom of The Travelling Tom 

If you’re looking for an alternative to Sydney, when it comes to bringing in New Year’s Eve in Australia, you can do worse than Brisbane!

Brisbane may not have the iconic landmarks that Sydney does, but it does have the fireworks! The display I witnessed from the terrace at my hostel was incredible. It lasted for five minutes and was one of the best displays I’ve seen.

If you can’t find a view over the river, head down to the southbank to get a ringside seat for the display. There are also bands and shows down there, to carry the entertainment on well into the night!

Brisbane is a great option for NYE in Australia, especially if you’re priced out of visiting Sydney!

Celebrate NYE in Brisbane

Sydney – Paula of Sydney Expert

Every year, Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks show is the first to hit TV screens around the globe. With the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge taking starring roles, it’s a very memorable scene. All this publicity has helped put this event high on lots of travellers’ wish lists, and visitor numbers in the city start to swell from late December when people flood into the city.

There are two fireworks shows. The first, aimed at families, starts at 9 pm and the second show at Midnight. Each year there is a different theme. This year will feature a rainbow waterfall cascading from the harbour bridge in celebration of the recent legislation allowing same-sex marriage in Australia. 1.5 million people watched the show from the harbour foreshore last year, and the atmosphere is always electric.  If you get the chance, come and see it. You won’t regret it.

Just make sure you sort out your plans a few months in advance. This is one expensive party if you don’t.
New Year Eve in Sydney

Anne: I have spent two NYE in Sydney and think I have to agree, it is the best by a mile. It was better before 9/11, when you had access to roam freely around the city, picking up tinnies on street corners. Even in 2003 however, it was pretty awesome, although a midnight argument with my ex is not the best way to see in the New Year.

The Americas

Now as you can imagine there are quite a number of places fighting for your $ on New Year’s Eve Stateside. From tropical beaches to glitzy cities, which would you choose?

Bahamas – Nick and Val of Wandering Wheatleys

What better way to ring in the New Year than to dance in the street to heart-pumping drum beats alongside locals wearing the most elaborate, colorful, and creative costumes you’ve ever seen? This is Junkanoo – the massive street carnival where groups participate in an all-out competition to be crowned the best-of-the-best on the island of Nassau in the Bahamas.

Each group has spent months creating amazing themed costumes out of little more than Styrofoam, cardboard and crepe paper. They’ve perfected coordinated dance routines and music selections that they will perform on cowbells, whistles, horns, and goatskin drums.

The main streets of Downtown Nassau are jam-packed for blocks with die-hard fans rooting for their favorite troop and swaying to the music. Crowds begin arriving before midnight to score a front row view of the spectacle. If they can’t get a front-row seat some even opt to climb the trees and street lights for a better view!

Don’t expect to head home early. By the time the groups have danced their way twice through the streets and past the judges it will be after 10:00 in the morning!

Celebrating NYE
The incredible Junkanoo parades
Nassau New Years Eve celebrations
Celebrate NYE in Nassau

Bahamas NYE

Anne: OMG Nick and Val’s pictures transport me into this party place. I almost feel like I am there. One photo could never do this celebration justice!

Honolulu – Michelle of Intentional Travelers

More than any other holiday celebration throughout the year, enthusiasm and tradition peak at New Year’s Eve for residents of Hawaii. Perhaps it’s the pleasant temperatures that allow for outdoor activity, or the proximity to China that gives easier access to fireworks, but we’ve never seen New Year’s celebrations so festive anywhere else in the States.

The public fireworks displays and parties across the island are numerous. And all around Honolulu, families and neighbours gather to enjoy their own fireworks displays in the streets. In years past, firecrackers were so plentiful, they would leave huge smoke clouds hovering over the neighbourhoods, and new regulations had to be put in place.

Many Hawaii families also have other New Years traditions tied to their Asian roots – like eating traditional foods that symbolize good luck, long life, and prosperity for the coming year.

Check out more great things to do on Oahu, Hawaii and places to stay on the island.

best new year's eve destinations in America
Honolulu at New Year

Anne: I am such a big kid when it comes to fireworks, that I am sold!! Where can I book my flights for next year?

Key West – Patrick of the German Backpacker

When me and my friends ended up in Key West for New Year’s Eve, we had no knowledge of the crazy street party that awaited us in America’s most southern point.

After spending the day on the beach, we made our way into the city, where crowds already gathered on the streets, ready to celebrate into the New Year. We didn’t know that Key West was a famous NYE destination for the LGBTQ+ community and were surprised by the number of strippers and drag queens dancing and performing in the streets.

Key West New Year Eve party
I love this!!

We joined the crowds in front of New Orleans House and witnessed the red high heel drop and the crazy street party under the warm sky. After quite a few drinks, my friend Thomas and I found ourselves on the big stage next to the famous red high heel, dancing and cheering at the crowd together with some strippers (I still don’t know how this happened), having the time of our lives.

If you’re up for a good time, spend your NYE in Key West – you certainly won’t regret it.

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Quick note: Accommodation gets extremely expensive and booked out on tiny Key West, so make sure to organize in advance – or just celebrate all night long and sleep on the beach the next day.

Anne: OMG I love this story. Jason and I spent NYE in Key West about five years ago and it was bonkers. It reminded me of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, with drunken revellers throwing beads fom balconies. I love the daiquiris down there too!

Key West New Years Eve celebrations
Giant red shoe in Key West

Miami – Talek of Travels with Talek

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Miami? Swaying palm trees, beaches and chic restaurants, right? Well, there’s that, but Miami is so much more.

Miami’s first European explorer, Ponce de Leon arrived in 1513 searching for the fountain of youth. Since that time, visitors have continued to come to Miami, this time in search of fun and sun. And Miami has plenty of that too!

The city is also a great party town to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Ocean Drive on South Beach closes to the public in preparation for a massive street celebration. This is a unique avenue, about two miles long.

Miami New Year Eve
Source: Taleks Tales

On one side are the art deco hotels drenched in multi-colored neon. On the other side, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S. Restaurants spill onto the streets and impromptu dance parties erupt all over the avenue. As midnight approaches, people begin to line the beach side of the street. They know the fireworks will begin to explode at midnight.

Anne: Oh, I would love to go back and see this. I have been in Miami a few times at this time of year but heading off on cruises! I missed out.

New York – Erin of Explore with Erin

It’s on everyone’s bucket list. New York City. The Big Apple. The famous ball drop. We loved New Year’s Eve in New York.

We decided to skip the street party. My idea of a fun night was not standing in one spot from 4pm until midnight in the freezing cold. Instead we booked in for a party in the heart of town. I have celebrated twice, once at Gotham Hall and the other time at AMC Theatre.

I highly recommend the AMC. It was 7 floors of parties. Each floor had a DJ and dance floor. Drinks and food were plentiful, and if you really were exhausted from all the dancing, you could walk into any cinema and catch a movie. On top of all that, we were able to flood out onto the balcony to watch the iconic ball drop.

It’s a magical beginning and a dream come true to spend New Years Eve in one of the world’s most famous spots. Make sure you plan the evening well, because heading home afterwards can be a nightmare. In fact just stay out a bit longer until the crowds have died down and keep bringing in the new year in style.

When is the cheapest month to visit the States?
Source: Pixabay

Rio de Janeiro – Hannah of Story V

As one of the biggest events in Rio de Janeiro, millions of people from all over the world flock to “Copacabana Beach for New Years Eve”.

When we spent New Years Eve 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, 2 million people thronged Copacabana Beach. Just imagine that for a second… 2 million people on one beach! I am not going to lie, it was crazy but definitely an unforgettable experience (even if we did get caught up in a cloud of pepper spray).

Throughout the night, there were 3 main stages set up on the beach showcasing bands, dancers, samba schools and more. Then, when the clock struck 12, an explosion of fireworks lit up the sky over the South Atlantic Ocean.

Many people wore white, as it is said to bring good luck in the New Year. Others wore a little pop of red for romance, yellow for success or green for health. Another tradition you’ll notice is the tossing of flowers into the sea throughout the evening as a tribute to Yemanja, the goddess of the seas.

It is extremely important to be street smart if you’re planning to celebrate on the beach, as it is very easy for things to go missing. For example, do not hold your phone up in the air to take a photo – it will be taken!

If you’re not sure the craziness of Copacabana Beach is for you, stay in one of the beachside hotels, such as Copacabana Palace, where you’ll have amazing views and the chance to party the night away without the chaos of the beach!

NYE in Rio
Source:  Porto Bay Events 

Valparaiso, Chile – Brian and Amanda of Eat Work Travel

Travel to Valparaiso, Chile for NYE was a “bucket-list” destination for us. This colorful, vibrant city is situated across the bay and is known for the largest firework display in South America! Arrive a day or two before New Year’s Eve, as several streets are closed on New Year’s Eve in preparation for the festivities.

There are actually 17 simultaneous displays across the bay for a magnificent and exciting show. There is a spot along the harbor in Valparaiso, that is the central party area, where crowds start gathering early in the morning.

For a more luxury experience, we opted to stay at a hotel on the top of the hill overlooking the area. It resulted in a prime viewing spot and private party so we could enjoy the festivities without the crowds in the harbor below. With the rich history, vibrant street art and cuisine, Valparaiso is a wonderful spot to ring in the New Year!

NYE in Chile

Middle East

Now the Middle East is perhaps not the top of your destinations to party in but don’t let misconceptions fool you. There are some pretty buzzing places in the Middle East.

Tel Aviv – Claudia of My Adventures Across The World 

Tel Aviv is an extremely laid back city, which is why most people who visit fall in love with it. Needless to say, New Year’s Eve in Tel Aviv reflects its easy going attitude. There is no right or wrong way to celebrate here.

Some people like to go to parties at one of Tel Aviv’s famous clubs – there’s one for literally any taste and interest. Others prefer a dinner with friends, and the choice of restaurants and food in town is simply incredible.

Finally, many simply celebrate at home, with a home cooked meal and a few drinks. The idea that there are no obligations, that people are free to do whatever they want without attracting any criticism whatsoever, is what makes Tel Aviv a particularly attractive New Year’s Eve destination and why I am happy to be spending this time of year there.

celebrate New Year's Eve in Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv skyline

Where do you think is the best place to celebrate New Year’s Eve?

Now I have to say, there are a ton of places on this list that I had never even considered visiting for NY. But what about you? Have we featured your favourite destination for New Year’s Eve? Or do you think we have committed a huge faux pas and missed out your party town?

If we have not featured your favourite place to ring in the New Year, let us know which destination you would nominate and why. Maybe we can all find some new inspiration for next year.

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About Anne

Anne is the founder and editor of Frommilestosmiles. If she isn't travelling, she is thinking of travelling or planning her next trip. She has visited over 90 countries on six continents and sampled everything from backpacking to bank bursting travel. Her mission is to help you enjoy more luxurious travel without the luxury price tag through the use of airline and hotel rewards and other money-saving travel tips

27 comments

  1. Amazing list! On my bucket list is to go to Times Square, Sydney Harbour and Easter Island to see the new year in…

  2. That is an awesome list. I haven’t seen the new year at any of these places but surely would love to add few to my list. Watching the ball drop in NY is just a dream. Hopefully next year we make to any of these.,

  3. I have never spent a NYE in any of these cities, but I will be adding some to the bucket list. I would like to go to New York, Auckland, Hong Kong and I would like go to London one day (even thought I’m from the UK), I justly worry about the crowds of people!

  4. Megan Jerrard

    A fabulous list … now which to pick for 2018!!! I’ve celebrates New Years in Edinburgh before, so was glad to see that make your list – really is such a fabulous party with many events in the lead up as well. I would love to watch the ball drop in Times Sqaure, NYC one year – that’s probably at the top of my bucketlist!

    • I quite like the thought of it but I don’t like the idea of freezing in the cold for hours beforehand. I think Hong Kong and Bahamas eased up my list, although Sydney was so amazing I wouldn’t mind going back there too. So many awesome places. It is hard to choose!

  5. Happy New Year! What a great list! I have not been half these places. I remember we had a blast during Y2K in Sydney and Hong Kong is quite good too. It is amazing how some places fills up months in advance!

    • I know. Isn’t it? I spent Y2K in London in a pub which was quite a good laugh but sadly no fireworks! No fireworks for me in Milan for me this year either although there was a pretty cool free concert!

  6. Great piece. I only have one more bucket list NYE to do. Soon!

  7. What a great list this is! I loved to see the parade in the Bahamas! I do think Rio is one of the best places to ring in NYE. Although, there were so many cool places on this list….

  8. New Years Eve in the Bahamas has my name all over it! I think the Junkanoo looks like a winner.

    • Hasn’t it just? It looks amazing. I spent Christmas Day there a few years ago and still hadn’t heard of this but definitely on my hot list now.

  9. I like that you’ve included some obvious and some off-beat places on your list. I would love to spend the next New Year’s Eve in Sydney and catch the amazing fireworks over the Harbour Bridge. I’ve seen many videos and it looks amazing. Even Singapore and Hong Kong with their lovely skylines would have impressive fireworks I am sure. I wish you had included Dubai in this list, it’s yet another New Year celebration destination which has some of the most lively fireworks, parties and events I have ever seen!

    • Yes funnily enough I was thinking about Dubai after reading a post on someone else’s site. I imagine that would be pretty awesome too.

  10. All are exotic places for celebrations! You rightly said planning has to be done well in advance for a good stay.
    I hope to see the fireworks in Edinburgh some day.

    • Oh gosh so do I but I looked at prices for new year 2019 last week and already most places were sold out. need to couch surf for that one! Or pay out ridiculous sums…

  11. Wow!!! Thanks for sharing this post. I really love all of these destinations, they are all lively and the fireworks makes my eyes in a state of being amazed. Well, of these countries are perfect to spend New Year’s Eve with your loved ones but Rio de Janeiro, Edinburgh, and Sydney got me! Again thanks for sharing this post!

  12. I’m in London – and I too avoid our city centre on NYE because it is SOOO crowded. Great though if you want to party. Personally I’d love to visit Sydney – mostly because it’s summer there on NYE – so I could watch the fireworks and not get cold! I can imagine Singapore being pretty amazing too…

    • Sydney is awesome but the first time I went was one of the years when wildfires were crazy and as a result it was really cold! Truly bizarre but it didn’t change the fact that it was truly amazing!!

  13. Pinstack is an amazing place to celebrate new year eve in Texas, US.
    Ring in the New Year at Pinstack!
    Welcome your new year with new possibilities.

  14. I was in the Bahamas last New Year’s Eve and got to experience Junkanoo! It was really cool to see all the dancing, music and floats. The crowd really gets into it. I highly recommend it 🙂

  15. As I’m a froggie living in the UK, Christmas and NYE are now in France, with family, But oh – I do long to spend it in an exotic place – fireworks in Singapore one year, St Petersburg the other… What a dream way to start a new year!

    • Where in France are you from and do you have any top recommendations for visitors to France for New Year? I’ve never done a NYE in France, unless you count Monaco which isn’t really France.

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