Summary
The arrival of the new year is an event celebrated globally, with each nation presenting unique traditions. For those seeking adventure, consider traveling to one of these 10 remarkable cities that offer extravagant and memorable celebrations.
From beach parties to breathtaking fireworks displays, urban cruises, and enchanting evenings at Disney, there is something to suit every taste.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
With its warm climate, stunning vistas, and infectious samba rhythms, New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro is truly exhilarating. The festivities here rival the city’s renowned Carnival, culminating in one of the most celebrated gatherings at Copacabana Beach, where approximately two million participants convene for music, swimming, soccer, barbecues, and an impressive fireworks show. Other lively beaches such as Ipanema and Flamengo also provide engaging atmospheres. Due to the high demand, making early reservations at restaurants along Copacabana is advisable. Be sure to visit the local favorite, Bip Bip for live music and Pavão Azul to savor octopus rice and the local beverage batida de coco, a cocktail crafted from coconut cream, condensed milk, and cachaça, which is a spirit derived from fermented sugarcane juice.
Rome, Italy
The New Year celebration in Rome features magnificent fireworks illuminating some of the world’s most iconic monuments. Join the festivities at Circus Maximus for La Festa di Roma, a complimentary full-day event featuring entertainment, activities, and attractions for all age groups. Arrive by 10 PM to secure an optimal viewing location as the clock strikes twelve, and enjoy the vibrant spectacle as the Colosseum dazzles under a colorful fireworks display. For a more relaxed celebration, you may find a welcoming atmosphere at Trastevere, ideal for enjoying a festive dinner. Should you wish to extend the celebrations into January 1st, consider attending the New Year’s Day parade at Piazza del Popolo.
New York City, USA
With the renowned Ball Drop, Times Square hosts one of the world’s most iconic New Year’s Eve celebrations. Attendees typically begin queuing in the frigid temperatures around noon on December 31st to enjoy live performances followed by a rendition of “New York, New York” at midnight. However, New York City offers numerous other celebratory options. A river cruise, such as Gatsby’s Fireworks Yacht Party, provides not only a festive atmosphere but also spectacular views of the fireworks illuminating the Midtown skyline. New York’s rooftop bars are also excellent venues for celebration, with the largest indoor/outdoor space at Magic Hour offering stunning views of the Empire State Building. For those preferring to avoid the frenzy of Manhattan, consider a walking tour across the Brooklyn Bridge, where you can admire the twinkling skyline and potentially catch a glimpse of midnight fireworks.
Tokyo, Japan
One of Tokyo’s premier New Year events is Countdown Japan, a four-day music festival that extends into New Year’s Day. However, securing a ticket is quite competitive, with the event already sold out following two lottery rounds. Fortunately, Tokyo presents numerous alternatives for welcoming the new year, including Tokyo Disney’s countdown event. This is a rare opportunity to experience the park’s attractions well past midnight, along with special New Year culinary offerings. For a more subdued experience, visitors may wish to attend local temples for the traditional ringing of the bell. At midnight, monks ring the temple bell 108 times, symbolizing the purification of worldly desires recognized by Japanese Buddhism. The historical Zōjō-ji, dating back to 1393, attracts both locals and tourists for hatsumōde, a pilgrimage to the first shrine of the new year. For a lively atmosphere, Yokohama across Tokyo Bay features laser light shows, as well as countdown cruises. The Roppongi district is also a vibrant site for New Year’s Eve festivities, filled with various events and musical entertainment.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town enters its summer season on New Year’s Eve, creating an ideal backdrop for celebrations. The options for your New Year’s experience in this beautiful destination are truly remarkable. Immerse yourself in South African culture by attending the three-day Get Lucky Summer festival, running from December 30 until January 1. For a distinctive experience, consider attending Alcazar’s New Year’s Eve party, offering a sensory feast with performance art and music that continues until 4 AM. Alternatively, enjoy a harbor cruise to witness the stunning sunset as you close out the year. To secure a splendid view of the fireworks display, bring a picnic and take the cable car to the summit of Table Mountain.
Sydney, Australia
On New Year’s Eve, the spotlight focuses on Sydney. Throughout the city, numerous viewing areas for the iconic harbor fireworks attract visitors all day on December 31. It is advisable to check online for anticipated capacity filling times, as many spots close by early afternoon. The Royal Botanic Garden serves as an excellent (and complimentary) venue to celebrate the arrival of the new year, alongside Sydney Harbour National Park, which offers various celebratory events across three islands and parks on either side of the harbor. For a more extravagant experience, the House of Splendor party at the Sydney Opera House is available (with tickets starting at a remarkable AUS$950), along with an NYE boat party on the harbor. Additionally, family-friendly activities, such as obstacle courses, music, and face painting, will be hosted at The Greens North City.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, renowned for its vibrant nightlife, certainly delivers on December 31. The CentralWorld Plaza serves as a hub for much of the celebration, featuring a beer garden and live entertainment, while the outdoor night market, Asiatique, is another popular destination, with restaurants providing special menus for the evening. Bangkok boasts numerous impressive rooftop bars and dining options, allowing patrons to indulge in the luxurious experience at the Lebua hotel in Statetower, which offers four altitude-defying restaurants and bars, including the world’s reputedly highest outdoor bar. If a romantic evening is what you seek, consider a river cruise complete with Thai cuisine, live music, and fireworks.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai is renowned for hosting spectacular parties. The brilliant fireworks display at the Burj Khalifa is visible throughout the entire UAE. Numerous venues in the city provide vantage points from which to appreciate the fireworks, such as the spectacular Kite Beach, where visitors can bring picnics. Opulent galas and gourmet parties abound, particularly at the luxurious Atlantis, highlighted by free-flowing champagne, Michelin-starred culinary stations, and an impressive fireworks display. The eagerly awaited celebration at Zero Gravity features a daytime pool party until sunset, followed by an evening filled with international DJs, ensuring a memorable transition into 2024.
Quebec City, Canada
In winter, temperatures in Quebec City average around 16°F (-9°C), yet this charming city comes alive on New Year’s Eve with heated terraces and outdoor fireplaces, not to mention the warming effects of a caribou cocktail—a mix of red wine, hard liquor, and maple syrup. The principal NYE celebration occurs at Grande Allée, featuring a winter village, live music, dancing, carnival rides, and impressive fireworks, while Place de l’Assemblée-Nationale showcases musical performances. Savor Quebec’s distinctive cuisine at Auberge Saint-Antoine’s Chez Muffy restaurant, known for its focus on local produce. Before you indulge, engage in some tobogganing at the famous Terrasse Dufferin or take a leisurely skate under the stars at the ice rink located at Place d’Youville.
Las Vegas, USA
The Las Vegas Strip transforms into a vibrant party zone on New Year’s Eve, closing to traffic starting at 8 PM, inviting visitors to take to the streets for the largest block party globally. The fireworks exhibit, orchestrated from seven different casino rooftops, illuminates the skies over Nevada. North of the Strip, don’t miss the Fremont St party downtown, featuring pyrotechnics, live bands, and a music stage showcasing aerialists and dancers. This year, catch performances from Bruno Mars at Park MGM, Adele at Caesars Palace, and Demi Lovato at The Cosmopolitan. Another unforgettable way to welcome the new year is aboard a pod on the High Roller, the tallest observation wheel in the world, offering panoramic views of Sin City.
This article was originally published on October 29, 2019, and was updated on November 27, 2023.
