Discover the Top New Year’s Eve Destinations to Ring in the New Year in Style
Written by Kaelie Piscitello
It’s almost time to start anew in 2025 for a new year filled with anything you want. Spending more time with friends and family, working towards a promotion, and investing in a new project are great New Year’s resolutions. This year, however, try setting a resolution to visit a new place, and what better time than New Year’s Eve?
Whether you ring in the new year in a quieter space or out partying with friends on a rooftop bar, many cities have their unique take on the tradition. People say how you spend the first day of the year sets the tone for the rest, so start it in style in a new city!
New York, New York
Everyone knows New York City is the best place to spend the holidays, so if you visit then, make sure you stay through New Year’s Eve. Of course, no event in New York can trump Dick Clark’s annual New Year’s Rockin’ Eve celebration. Each year produces a star-studded lineup with Cardi B, Jellyroll, Sabrina Carpenter, and Post Malone taking the stage for the 2025 show.
If you don’t love large crowds, take a Statue of Liberty cruise to see the fireworks booming over the Statue of Liberty at midnight. You can get to the island early and watch them from there or view them from one of the many nearby boats, including New York Harbour Tours, Liberty Cruise, and the Circle Line.
You can also celebrate in Central Park. Each year, the New York Road Runners host a midnight run you can join or watch from afar. Central Park also offers a spectacular view of the fireworks each year. Many also choose to watch them from the Brooklyn Bridge or celebrate on one of the city’s many rooftop bars.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Celebrate the new year in Dubai with one of its fabulous, famous parties. This year, Lionel Richie will host a giant New Year’s celebration at Atlantis, the Palm, complete with a performance by him, a buffet, an open bar, and private butlers for each guest.
If you don’t love parties, stop by the Global Village to visit several markets, see lights, and enjoy live performances throughout the night. It feels like a huge carnival with people from all over the world.
You can also view fireworks at the Burj Khalifa or take advantage of the many opportunities to book cruises, fancy and romantic dinners, and live shows to ring in 2025.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Celebrate the new year for four whole days in Scotland. Edinburgh hosts a massive street party each year know as Hogmanay that commences with fireworks in front of Edinburgh Castle. Bands play all around the center at various stages, and many ceilidhs and traditional Scottish dance parties occur throughout the streets. Book tickets for the concert in the gardens and celebrate in style.
The Viking-inspired torchlight procession awes locals and tourists as thousands of torchbearers march through the city to create the traditional “ring of fire” to ring in New Year’s. The torchbearers pass through the old town and town and end at the castle, kicking off four days of celebrations.
Remember to attend the Loony Dook, or traditional Scottish polar plunge, at night’s end. People dive into the cold waters of South Queensferry each year to celebrate the coming year. While the divers wade in Queensferry in Edinburgh, this tradition happens all over Scotland.
Bangkok, Thailand
Why not celebrate the New Year in Thailand? Many flock to Khao San Road in Bangkok to view the big screen and stage marking the countdown. People party and dance there all night long.
Many also celebrate in Sanam Luang by viewing fireworks in the park alongside a massive stage with Thai country music singers, dancers, and lots of food stalls. Thai people consider this tradition of the more “relaxing ways” to bring in the new year. Many go to pray for prosperity in the coming months and enjoy the excellent food.
If you want to attend something more upbeat, Bangkok hosts the Meta Music Festival, a two-day celebration with famous DJs from Thailand and the rest of Asia. If you can’t secure tickets to this EDM festival, don’t worry. Bangkok has tons of rooftop bars perfect for ringing in the new year.
Rio de Janeiro
If you like to party in Rio de Janeiro, do it during New Year’s. Many people celebrate by running into the ocean waves at midnight, but of course, you can also celebrate at the bars.
You must attend the Copacabana beach celebration, one of Brazil’s most popular celebrations. Locals and tourists flock here for a night of celebration, and TV networks broadcast the fireworks worldwide. Locals recommend finding a spot to watch on the sand so you can stay close to the water and the show.
If you want a more natural celebration, spend it in the mountains at Sugarloaf Mountain or Morro de Urca. The mountain celebrations have open bars, food, and live entertainment, making it a great way to celebrate the new year.
If you go, remember to wear white and forgo any black clothing to keep up with Brazilian traditions here.
Vienna, Austria
At midnight on “Silvesterpfad” in Vienna, St. Stephen’s Cathedral rings the bell, and radios and TV stations broadcast its chimes. Many have already begun trekking the “New Year’s Eve trail,” or an interlinked set of stages people can explore to enjoy music around the city.
Dozens of food stands line the setup, too, so you won’t go hungry on your night out. Beyond food and music, ballroom dance schools offer waltzing classes that night, so you can spend time dancing in style.
If you missed the Austrian Christmas markets, you can visit the New Year’s market instead. You can also get your fill of music this year at the many historical venues putting on specialty New Year classical concerts and performances. The famous Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra will give a New Year’s concert for only 35 Euros this year.
If you have always wanted to live out your fairytale dreams at a ball, get tickets for the New Year’s Eve Gala at the Vienna City Hall. You’ll have the perfect night of ballroom dancing, fancy outfits, and a nice dinner. Everything you would dream about for the perfect old-fashioned ball!
