As the clock counts down to midnight on 31 December, destinations around the globe transform into dazzling stages of celebration, from beachfront spectacles to historic street parties. Whether you’re chasing the sun in the Southern Hemisphere or centuries-old customs in Europe, these are our bucket-list NYE locations that we think should be experienced at least once in your lifetime.
In Brazil, New Year’s Eve celebrations are known as Réveillon, which means ‘Awakening’ and provides a strong hint that you might be partying until dawn. The main festivities are centred around the iconic Copacabana Beach, where partygoers gather to enjoy the atmosphere created by live music, samba dancing and a truly epic fireworks display at midnight.
Pro tip: if you want to stay somewhere near the beachfront, either at Copacabana or at neighbouring Ipanema Beach, you will need to book well in advance. Party-goers tend to arrive early to secure a good spot on the beach, and you should wear white if you want to fit in with local tradition.
There are few New Year’s Eve moments that are as instantly recognisable as the final countdown to the Times Square ball drop in the heart of the Big Apple. Over 100,00 people pack the famous intersection to watch the moment in person, but there are usually at least another million revellers jamming the surrounding streets to join the fun. Live performances keep the mood light during the hours leading up to midnight, with Chappell Roan and Post Malone among the stars slated for 2025/26.
Pro tip: many revellers arrive up to eighteen hours early to secure their spot in Times Square, and if you exit before midnight – even for food or bathroom breaks – you won’t be allowed back in. However, there are plenty of amazing rooftop bars in the neighbourhood where you enjoy the night’s electric atmosphere, complete with confetti and the collective roar of “Happy New Year” at the key moment.
Australians are well accustomed to the concept of spending New Year’s Eve on a beach, but there’s something special about celebrating the holiday beneath the palm trees of Waikiki Beach, Mai Tai in hand. We’re talking oceanfront luaus, complete with island music and Honolulu’s signature brand of laid-back beach culture, creating the perfect setting for the main event: an epic fireworks display over Waikiki Beach.
Pro tip: if you’re travelling with kids, ask your personal travel manager to reserve you a hotel room or apartment that overlooks Waikiki, so you can enjoy the festivities from your balcony while the little ones nap, ready to wake up and enjoy the fireworks spectacular at midnight.
Dubai is renowned for its innovation and flair for the dramatic, which is why it is fast becoming one of the world’s biggest and brightest destinations to celebrate New Year’s Eve. You can head to Downtown Dubai, where the soaring tower of the Burj Khalifa forms the centrepiece of a midnight spectacular you have to see for yourself. It’s a multi-sensory show that combines synchronised fireworks and intricate LED light displays with heart-stopping music to create a jaw-dropping lead-up to midnight.
Pro tip: book early to secure your spot at one of Jumeirah’s beach clubs, which host open-air NYE parties where you celebrate in style. Another favourite option is to take a dinner cruise on Dubai Creek, where you’ll be treated to fabulous cuisine, live music and unparalleled views of the midnight fun.
Actually, let’s forget about New Year’s Eve for a moment – in Scotland, it’s all about Hogmanay celebrations, which typically extend for several days. On the big night, tens of thousands of people pack the streets of Edinburgh, from the Royal Mile to the epic street party that is Princes Street. The famous Torchlight Procession is an unmissable sight, with thousands of flaming torches carried through the cobbled streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town, accompanied by fire performers, pipe bands and drummers, ending the journey in the courtyard of Edinburgh Castle.
Pro tip: Midnight in Scotland is not a tropical celebration, so dress warmly and be prepared to pace yourself as celebrations can run well into the wee small hours.
Where are you planning to spend your next New Year’s Eve? This is just a small selection of the epic New Year’s Eve celebrations that take place around the world – we have plenty more to add to your bucket list, ranging from family-friendly fun to gloriously glamorous affairs. Wherever you decide to see in the New Year, we recommend booking early, so why not get in touch with your personal travel manager and start making your party plans now.
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
