Best New Year’s Eve Destinations around the World

The entire world parties on New Year’s Eve, but there are some places that stand out and are really worth experiencing. One of the best ways to learn more about the culture of a country is by taking part in its New Year’s Eve celebrations. Do you agree with us?

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Many places around the world have a lot to offer when it comes to parties and destinations in welcoming the New Year. Cez and I are privileged to have experienced some of these amazing places and today we’re sharing with you top 10 of the world’s best New Year’s Eve destinations. You might want to consider going there for that special night.

#1 Koh Samui, Thailand

The second biggest island in Thailand is filled with interesting cultural experiences amidst palm-fringed beaches. The best thing about it is that it holds one of the biggest New Year’s Eve parties in Southeast Asia.

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Having experienced the awesome fireworks and fire dances by Chaweng Beach, I’m sure that the New Year’s Eve fireworks on any beach in Koh Samui will be a sight to behold. You can stay in any beach Villa Rentals Koh Samui and have a great view of the fireworks.

#2 Punta de Mita, Mexico

If you prefer a more laid-back beach experience, then Punta de Mita, Mexico is the best place for New Year’s Eve. Dotted with some of the finest resorts with your choice of the lush rainforest or the beachfront as your playground, there are many unforgettable holiday parties to join.

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You will love walking along white sand beaches, kayaking, surfing, or just lounging around watching the sunset. Punta de Mita, Mexico is a place where you can experience all that. 

#3 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

When I’m looking for the ultimate party experience, there is no doubt in my mind that I will not be disappointed spending the New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas, USA. There are numerous activities to choose from, depending on your preferences and Las Vegas can be more affordable than you think! 

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Whether you choose to spend the night partying the night away in bars or catching a special show, I’m sure that you will have a great time.

#4 Sydney, Australia

When it comes to waterside fireworks displays, nothing beats the light show at the Sydney Harbour Bridge with a spectacular show of light shooting off the Sydney Opera House. It’s also the middle of summer there, so the temperature is just right at night.

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With more than a million people flocking the city and partying, spending New Year’s Eve there is truly exciting. While you’re there, you should take the opportunity to explore the rest of the country!

#5 Valparaiso, Chile

One of the largest and longest fireworks display in South America happens on New Year’s Eve on the coast of Valparaiso, Chile. Aside from its New Year’s Eve party, it is worth going to this beautiful coastal city just to see the colorful homes and bohemian vibe.

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Visit the Historic Quarter of the city, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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#6 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

One of the most festive cities in the world becomes ten times more festive on New Year’s Eve. Called Reveillon by the locals, the celebration is a mixture of Brazil’s colorful culture. People traditionally wear white, which is believed to bring good luck for the coming year.

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Families gather at the beach to offer flowers and candles to the goddess of fertility and motherhood, Iemanjá. Copacobana Beach is the centre of the action, and that’s where people go to party the night away and enjoy the amazing fireworks show.

#7 Edinburgh, Scotland

If you prefer a New Year’s Eve celebration that’s steeped in tradition, come to Edinburgh, Scotland for the Hogmanay festivities.

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Hogmanay literally translates to the “last day of the year”, and this is a three-day Scottish celebration, which includes outdoor concerts, street parties, fireworks display over Edinburgh Castle, and culminates with the Loony Dook Parade on New Year’s day.

#8 Hong Kong

One of the best New Year’s Eve celebrations in Asia happens in Hong Kong, a cosmopolitan city full of revellers and party-goers. It features an impressive fireworks show, the best that Chinese pyrotechnics has to offer. It culminates with a breath-taking dancing dragon across the sky.

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The centre of the celebration is on Victoria Harbour, and many revellers hire boats and party all night on the waterfront.

#9 Paris, France

The city of lights is all aglow with a magnificent light show on New Year’s Eve. Parisians love to celebrate the New Year with great food, champagne, and a cruise along the Seine. The best part is seeing the fireworks amidst the tall silhouette of the Eiffel Tower.

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When Parisians ring in the New Year on Champs Élysées with a massive street party, that it is truly a spectacular sight!

#10 Vienna, Austria

The world-famous event in Vienna is the New Year’s Eve Grand Ball, a dignified event held at the Hofburg Palace.

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But for a more down-to-earth experience, which we prefer, you can head down to the city centre where the party starts from 2pm until well after midnight, culminated by a fireworks display in the Prater to ring in the New Year.

Where are you spending New Year’s Eve this year?

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Agness Walewinder
Agness Walewinder
Travel freak, vagabond, photography passionate, blogger, life enthusiast, backpacker, adventure hunter and endless energy couchsurfer living by the rule "Pack lite, travel far and live long!"
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