The Best New Year’s Eve Celebrations Around the World

And just like that, another year has come and gone! It’s now time for reflection, gratitude, and resolutions – but we can’t forget to celebrate, too!

New Year's Eve is synonymous with some of the most incredible parties, festivals, and celebrations in the world.

While this year’s plans are likely already finalized, planning ahead for something special for next year is never a bad idea! Booking a trip far in advance leaves more time to plan the perfect itinerary, and can even save money on travel expenses.

To make choosing the destination a no-brainer, we have rounded up five of the most vibrant and exciting places to spend the holiday. These New Year’s Eve celebrations around the world will stay on your mind (and on your map!) long after the clock strikes midnight!

For Couples: Paris, France

The most romantic city in the world also happens to host one of the most extravagant New Year’s Eve celebrations! It’s the perfect place to ring in the new year with the very special person in your life. 

While the fireworks show at the Eiffel Tower is the most iconic experience waiting in Paris for obvious reasons, there is enough going on in the city to keep the party going all night long! Paris is home to some of the finest gourmet restaurants in the world, so it’s easy to enjoy a delicious dinner before catching the show.

Night clubs, cruises, live entertainment, and block parties will be going on all night long for those looking to ring in the new year in style. Plus, all public transportation is free from 5:00 p.m. on NYE until the next morning!

For Cultural Tourists: Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is known for its rich culture, incredible cuisine, and tourist-friendly attractions. But did you know that it also hosts a week-long New Year’s Eve celebration?!

That’s right! In Tokyo, the celebration lasts from December 29th until January 4th each year, so there’s no pressure to enjoy all of the festivities in one night! There are vibrant and stunning fireworks shows held in nearly every public square of the city each night, including Shibuya Crossing, which hosts one of the most popular NYE parties in the world! Around the city, you can find food carts, vendors, live music, and other traditional shows for your enjoyment. 

For travelers looking to take part in the local culture, Zoji-ji Temple is open to locals and tourists alike who want to witness the culturally important moment when a monk rings the bell 108 times to welcome the new year.

For Foodies: Madrid, Spain

When it comes to New Year’s Eve celebrations around the world, there’s nowhere tastier to spend the holiday than Madrid! 

Restaurants around the city ring in the new year by serving a traditional dinner of lamb or seafood. And, of course, wine is a must no matter what time of year you visit. Most restaurants close by 7:00 pm on NYE, so be sure to make a reservation and get your fill early before the real fun starts! 

Many restaurants will offer a special for the holiday that includes an incredible meal, wine, and 12 grapes to eat as the clock strikes midnight, as is tradition in Madrid. The next day, head out for tapas in any of the local eateries around the city to get a full taste of the Spanish flavors waiting for you in Madrid!

For the Art Lover: Venice, Italy

With its stunning architecture, extraordinary museums, and the famous La Fenice Opera House, Venice has everything an art enthusiast could ask for! And it also happens to be one of the best places around the world to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

Dinner cruises along the canals, wine tastings under the fireworks, and live music and theatre brings artsy folks from around the world to Venice to celebrate. And there is no shortage of spectacular parties around the city that are open to locals and tourists alike.

Once you get your fill of food and entertainment, head to a rooftop to sip champagne and watch the fireworks show! Or take a romantic gondola ride along the canals for a picture perfect NYE celebration. 

From its rich culture and art to its stunning scenery and unbeatable cuisine, there's something for everyone on New Year’s Eve in this iconic seaside city.

Photo Credit: Paulo Ordoveza from Washington, DC, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

For the Family: Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA

When it comes to finding the perfect destination to celebrate New Year’s Eve as a family, a low-key locale is more desirable, particularly if you have children. The annual NYE celebration in Hershey is the perfect mix of excitement and family-friendly fun for travelers of all ages!

Hersheytown (yes, Hershey as in “kisses!”) is a chocolate-themed amusement park that hosts a majority of the kid-friendly events over the holiday, including chocolate cooking classes, gingerbread house decorating, dance parties, and special amusement park rides. 

Afterward, you can take your crew downtown to enjoy live music, an eclectic mix of street vendors, and the opportunity to see a giant Hershey Kiss lifted into the sky at midnight! What sweeter way to enjoy New Year’s Eve?

No matter which of these unique destinations from around the world that you pick for your New Year’s Eve celebration, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience. So let’s break out our passports, pop the champagne, and make this year our very best yet!