Does your ideal New Year’s Eve involve sticking your toes in the sand on the beach or gliding across a ballroom to the sounds of a Viennese waltz? Every country has its own way to welcome the new year, bringing joy, good wishes, and, yes, plenty of par-tays around the world. So come on, pack your luggage and say goodbye to the bad stuff the last 365 days brought to your life by traveling to any of these 17 destinations to celebrate New Year’s Eve!

London, England

One of the world’s largest shows of fireworks, live music, and street performances takes place in London every New Year’s Eve. Some of the best places to be when the party begins include the riverfront at Victoria Embankment, Westminster Abbey, and the Waterloo Bridge. To many, on the other hand, nothing compares to enjoying the memorable spectacle right next to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

The Bahamas

Get away to the islands of the Bahamas to enjoy their world-famous parades! Junkanoo is one of the best examples of this. You’ll get to experience a Bahamian Mardi Gras of sorts filled with all kinds of elaborate costumes, live bands, street performers, and plenty of merrymaking. These parades lead to the beach just in time for midnight fireworks, prolonging the celebrations throughout most of January 1st.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin is an awesome destination for revelers looking to dance the night away and ring the New Year in raucous style, which makes it one of the hottest party capitals of Europe. Festivities around the Brandenburg Gate draw up to a million people on New Year’s Eve. Many claim it to be the biggest street party not just in Germany but across the whole continent.

Cape Town, South Africa

With majestic Table Mountain as the perfect backdrop, Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront is quite a fine setting to rock in the New Year. Lots of locals also like to actually party atop this peak to enjoy the twinkling lights and massive midnight fireworks from a lofty perch. January 2nd, locally known as Tweede Nuwe Jaar (Second New Year), sees the annual Cape Town Minstrel Carnival parade — or Klaapse Klopse — that showcases thousands of performers, honoring a tradition that dates back to the 19th century.

Edinburgh, Scotland

In the grand Scottish city of Edinburgh, New Year’s Eve means Hogmanay (the Scots’ word for “last day of the year”) for the throngs of folks from near and far that take the party to the streets. Believe it or not, you’ll actually need two nights to enjoy it to its fullest! Hogmanay festivities kick off on the 30th, with a torchlight procession through town that culminates with a giant fireworks display. On the following night, New Year’s Eve celebrations are focused on Princes Street with more fireworks, street parties, and outdoor concerts.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s famed New Year’s Eve fireworks show gets bigger and bigger every year but still culminates with a dragon dancing above Victoria Harbor’s sky. Savvy locals know that the best opportunities to see great views of the city’s skyline are by hopping into one of the boats in the harbor or attending a rooftop party. Many others, though, prefer to go to the Time Square shopping mall to see a recreation of the world-famous New York ball drop!

Las Vegas, Nevada

Looking for a party? You’re in the right place! Practically every club, casino, hotel, resort, restaurant, and bar in Las Vegas (and there are a lot of each of these!) throws its own special bash on New Year’s Eve. Plus, they all have tons of concerts and shows to get you revved up for midnight. The Downtown Countdown at the Fremont Street Experience is, of course, among one of the best outdoor areas to welcome in the new year and see the city’s fireworks.

Madrid, Spain

Celebrating New Years’s Eve (or Nochevieja, as it’s known to Spaniards) in Spain’s capital is such a memorable experience. Just head to Puerta del Sol a few hours before midnight and join the crowds. But be sure to bring a dozen grapes with you; you’ll want to partake in the country’s tradition of eating 12 grapes for each month of the year as the clock strikes 12. It’s harder than it sounds, especially after you’ve had a few glasses of cava!

Miami, Florida

As if you needed an excuse to party in Miami! The club scene, the Latin rhythms, and the beach all add up to a hot NYE in this sizzling South Florida destination. Downtown official celebrations kick off around 8 pm with live entertainment, dancing, and, of course, fireworks. Over at Miami Beach, Lummus Park is the scene of an all-night outdoor party lasting well into the wee hours of the morning.

New York City

Thousands of people attend the famous ball drop at Times Square with millions more watching from their homes across the globe. Of course, there’s a lot more to the Big Apple than Midtown Manhattan if you want to celebrate with an urban flair. Many locals cross the Hudson River admire the fireworks from Hoboken, in New Jersey. Another popular (and completely free!) option is to go to the Brooklyn Bridge. But be warned, it’s going to be cold out there!

Niagara Falls

Head to this beautiful resort town and get an amazing view of the New Year’s fireworks over the falls.  You’ll see an early display at 9 pm followed by a light show at midnight, which includes plenty of live entertainment and festivities in between!

Orlando, Florida

It’s hard to beat Disney World for the sheer scale of its NYE entertainment, especially for families with small children and kids of all ages. The park stays open until 1 a.m. after ringing in the New Year with a large parade, fireworks, Cirque du Soleil performances, and more!

Paris, France

An Eiffel Tower light show with a firework backdrop? C’est magnifique! You can get the best views from the Montmartre and Trocadero areas, as well as near the fabulous Champs-Élysées. Just be there early enough to ensure you’re not staring at the back of someone’s head!

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The beach at Copacabana is the place to go in Rio for New Year’s Eve. Close to a million Brazilians come to dance the samba and enjoy live music while watching the city’s stunning fireworks display every year. When you go, do as the locals do: wear white for good luck and cast flowers into the sea to honor the Yoruba goddess, Yemanjá.

Sydney, Australia

Fun fact: Sydney is the first major city to usher in the New Year in the entire world due to its proximity to the International Date Line. And, they do it with style. Sydney displays a lavish and expensive fireworks show every year that completely lights up the night sky above the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

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Vienna, Austria

If you’re looking for a more elegant NYE celebration, historic Vienna sets the bar really high. The New Year’s Eve Grand Ball at Hofburg Palace offers a black-tie opportunity to kick up your heels in gala fashion. There’s plenty of fun for the more casually dressed though, with events and festivities held throughout town. This includes a New Year’s Path starting at Sylvesterpfad that begins in the Old City with waltzing and drinking.

But nothing screams New Years’s like the Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year’s Concert in the Large Hall of the Musikverein, a tradition that dates back to 1939. No ticket? Don’t worry. Many locals and visitors have just as much fun watching the concert on a giant screen outside the Rathaus (City Hall).

FAQs: 

Q: What transportation options are available for getting to these New Year’s Eve destinations?
A: Most destinations are accessible via major airports, with local transportation options like taxis, buses, and trains available. For remote locations, consider renting a car or using ride-sharing services.

Q: Are there age restrictions for New Year’s Eve events in these cities?
A: Age restrictions vary. Family-friendly events like Disney World in Orlando cater to all ages, while some clubs and bars in cities like Las Vegas and Berlin might have age limits, typically 18 or 21 years.

Q: Can I book last-minute accommodations for these New Year’s Eve celebrations?
A: While possible, last-minute bookings during New Year’s Eve are often more expensive and limited. It’s advisable to book accommodations well in advance, especially in popular destinations like New York City and Sydney.

Q: Are there special New Year’s Eve dining experiences in these cities?
A: Yes, many cities offer special dining experiences. For example, Paris and Vienna have upscale restaurants with special menus, while street food is a highlight in places like Rio de Janeiro and Berlin.

Q: What are the safety measures in place for these large public New Year’s Eve gatherings?
A: Most cities increase security for large gatherings. This includes increased police presence, crowd control measures, and in some cases, restrictions on large bags. Always stay aware of your surroundings and follow local guidelines.

Q: Are there any cultural customs I should be aware of when celebrating in these destinations?
A: Yes, it’s important to respect local customs. For example, wearing white in Rio de Janeiro for good luck, or participating in the grape-eating tradition in Madrid. Familiarize yourself with these practices to enhance your experience.

Q: What are the options for non-alcoholic New Year’s Eve celebrations in these cities?
A: Many cities offer family-friendly and non-alcoholic events. For instance, Orlando’s Disney World and Edinburgh’s street parties cater to all ages with a variety of entertainment options that don’t focus on alcohol.

Think we missed an international New Year’s Eve celebration worth visiting? Let us know in the comments section below!