With every passing year, reassessing your travel plans is a great way to stay motivated and check off those all-important bucket list destinations. This year, we’ve refreshed our list of fun and festive destinations to celebrate the New Year, so grab a cup of your favourite beverage and read our New Year’s Eve Bucket List Destinations for 2024.
Sydney, Australia
Celebrate the dawn of the New Year in Sydney, where the city’s vibrant energy and stunning landscapes offer an array of festive experiences. Start your day with a stroll along the iconic Bondi Beach, where the golden sands and rolling waves provide the perfect backdrop for reflection and anticipation.
As night falls, immerse yourself in Sydney’s bustling nightlife scene, with an abundance of bars, clubs, and restaurants offering special New Year’s Eve celebrations. From chic rooftop bars with panoramic views of the city skyline to lively waterfront venues, there’s an abundance of locations to stake out a spot along the Sydney Harbour foreshore or book a ticket for one of the many exclusive harbourside events for front-row seats to the spectacular show.
For those seeking a more family-friendly atmosphere, Luna Park offers a whimsical New Year’s Eve carnival experience, thrilling rides, games, and another great spot to take in the fireworks display over Sydney Harbour.
Alternatively, escape the crowds and retreat to Sydney’s scenic vantage points, such as Mrs Macquarie’s Chair or Observatory Hill, for a more intimate viewing experience.
Whether dancing the night away at a glamorous party, enjoying a leisurely beachside picnic, or marvel at the fireworks with loved ones, celebrating New Year’s Eve in Sydney is an unforgettable experience that will set the stage for a year filled with excitement and possibility.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Ring in the New Year with the pulsating rhythm of samba in Rio de Janeiro amongst the breathtaking beauty of this incredible location. Begin your festivities by soaking up the sun on the world-renowned sands of Copacabana or Ipanema Beach, where locals and visitors gather to revel in the festive atmosphere.
As night descends, dive into Rio’s electrifying nightlife, where the streets come alive with music, dance, and revelry. Join the festive street parties in the bohemian neighbourhood of Lapa; there’s no shortage of ways to toast the year ahead.
For a truly immersive experience, join the millions of people who flock to Copacabana Beach for Réveillon, Rio’s legendary New Year’s Eve celebration. Don your finest white attire and prepare to be swept away by the sea of revellers, live music performances, and dazzling fireworks that light up the sky at midnight.
For those who prefer a more tranquil celebration, head to the historic neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, where charming cobblestone streets and colonial architecture provide a picturesque backdrop for intimate gatherings and candlelit dinners.
Alternatively, venture to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain or Corcovado to witness the city’s iconic landmarks glow under the midnight sky, offering panoramic views of Rio’s vibrant energy and boundless optimism for the year ahead.
Whether you’re dancing samba on the beach, sipping caipirinhas under the stars, or marvelling at fireworks over the iconic skyline, celebrating New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro is an experience that will ignite your senses and leave you longing for more.
London, UK
Celebrate the arrival of the New Year in the heart of London amidst centuries of historic architecture. Begin your festivities by strolling along the iconic South Bank of the River Thames, where festive markets and dazzling light displays set the stage for a magical evening.
As dusk turns to night, dive into London’s vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants offering special New Year’s Eve events. Spend your evening in the glamorous cocktail bars in Mayfair or a trendy Shoreditch rooftop; there’s something for everyone to welcome the new year in style.
For a quintessentially British experience, join the crowds gathered along the banks of the Thames to watch the spectacular fireworks display illuminate the London skyline at midnight; alternatively, book a ticket on the London Eye for unparalleled views of the city’s fireworks extravaganza.
For a more relaxed celebration, head to one of London’s picturesque parks, such as Hyde Park or Primrose Hill, for a cosy picnic under the stars with friends and loved ones. Regardless of how you decide to bring in the new year, celebrating New Year’s Eve in London is an unforgettable and exciting experience.
Paris, France
Paris is known as the City of Light, where romance, culture and elegance converge to welcome the New Year in celebration. Imagine beginning your evening with a leisurely stroll along the Seine River, where the shimmering lights of Paris reflect off the water, creating a magical ambience.
As day turns to night, immerse yourself in Paris’s legendary nightlife, with various bars, cafes, and clubs offering special New Year’s Eve soirées. From intimate jazz clubs in Saint-Germain-des-Prés to chic cocktail bars in the Marais, there’s no shortage of stylish venues to toast the year ahead.
Head down to the Champs-Élysées, where the iconic avenue transforms into a bustling street party filled with music, dancing, and revelry, joining locals and visitors alike in the countdown to midnight beneath the dazzling lights of the Arc de Triomphe.
Alternatively, escape the crowds and retreat to one of Paris’s many scenic vantage points, such as Montmartre or the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin, for a more intimate, private celebration with panoramic views of the city’s skyline.
No visit to Paris on New Year’s Eve would be complete without indulging in the city’s world-renowned culinary scene. Treat yourself to a gourmet meal at one of Paris’s Michelin-starred restaurants, or savour traditional French delicacies at a cosy cafe.
Whether dancing the night away on the Champs-Élysées, sipping champagne with loved ones in a cosy cafe, or watching fireworks light up the Eiffel Tower, celebrating New Year’s Eve in Paris will linger in your memory for years.
Berlin, Germany
Begin your festivities by exploring Berlin’s iconic landmarks, where, at the historic Brandenburg Gate and bustling Alexanderplatz, festive markets and dazzling light displays set the stage for a night of revelry.
In the evening, Berlin’s legendary nightlife delivers an eclectic array of clubs, bars, and underground parties catering to every taste and style. Dance until dawn in one of the city’s world-renowned techno clubs, or sip cocktails in a trendy cocktail bar in the hip neighbourhoods of Kreuzberg or Friedrichshain.
For a night to remember, join the crowds gathered at the Brandenburg Gate for the city’s epic New Year’s Eve celebration. With live music performances, spectacular light shows, and fireworks illuminating the sky at midnight, it’s an unforgettable way to ring in the new year in the heart of Berlin.
For those interested in a cosy experience with friends or loved ones, head to one of Berlin’s picturesque parks, such as Tiergarten or Viktoriapark. No visit to Berlin on New Year’s Eve would be complete without first indulging in the city’s diverse culinary scene. From traditional German fare to international cuisine, there’s something to satisfy every palate as you toast to the year ahead in this dynamic city.
Prague, Czech Republic
Welcome to the New Year, amongst the timeless beauty of Prague. Begin your festivities by wandering through the Old Town’s cobbled streets, where historic architecture and its festive decorations and charm set the scene for a night to remember.
Prague’s vibrant nightlife, with an array of bars, clubs, and beer gardens, offers special New Year’s Eve events. There’s something for everyone in the trendy neighbourhood of Vinohrady and Žižkov, with its cosy pubs, traditional Czech brews, and sleek cocktail bars.
Join the crowds in the historic Old Town Square for Prague’s spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display with the iconic silhouette of Prague Castle as a backdrop. Alternatively, escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre and head to one of Prague’s scenic vantage points, such as Petřín Hill or Letná Park, for a more intimate celebration with panoramic views of the city’s skyline.
Of course, a visit to Prague on New Year’s Eve would be complete with indulging in hearty Czech dishes like goulash and dumplings. With international dining options, there’s no shortage of delicious dining options to satisfy every palate as you toast to the year ahead.
Whether you’re watching fireworks light up the sky in the Old Town Square, dancing the night away in a trendy nightclub, or enjoying a cosy meal with loved ones, celebrating New Year’s Eve in Prague will be filled with warmth, charm, and excitement.
Vienna, Austria
Experience the New Year amongst the imperial grandeur of Vienna, where tradition, elegance, and sophistication combine to create a truly enchanting celebration. Begin your festivities by walking through the charming streets of the city centre.
As your evening progresses, immerse yourself in Vienna’s vibrant nightlife. With so many bars, cafes, and wine taverns offering New Year’s Eve events, from elegant cocktail bars in the historic Innere Stadt to lively beer gardens along the Danube Canal.
Join the crowds before the magnificent Rathaus (City Hall) for Vienna’s legendary New Year’s Eve Gala. Experience live music performances, traditional Austrian cuisine, and a breathtaking fireworks display lighting up the midnight sky in an abundant display that captures the essence of Viennese charm and sophistication.
Alternatively, escape the city centre and venture to one of Vienna’s picturesque parks, such as the Prater or the Vienna Woods, for a more intimate celebration amidst nature’s tranquillity.
Whether you waltz the night away in a grand ballroom, sipping champagne under the stars, or marvelling at fireworks over the historic skyline, celebrating New Year’s Eve in Vienna perfectly balances elegance, charm, and old-world glamour.
New York City, USA
For those looking for excitement, diversity, and iconic landmarks, celebrate the arrival of the New Year in the vibrant heart of New York City. Begin your day by taking a stroll through the bustling streets of Times Square, where the anticipation builds amidst the dazzling lights and larger-than-life billboards.
In the evening, immerse yourself in New York’s legendary nightlife, an abundant array of bars, clubs, and lounges with panoramic views of the city skyline. Join the crowds of revellers gathered in Times Square for the iconic New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. With live musical performances, celebrity appearances, and confetti raining down from the sky at midnight, it’s an electrifying spectacle that captures New York’s indomitable spirit.
Alternatively, escape the crowds and retreat to one of New York’s scenic vantage points, such as Brooklyn Bridge Park or Central Park. Whether dancing in Times Square, sipping cocktails in a trendy bar, or watching fireworks light up the sky over the Statue of Liberty, celebrating New Year’s Eve in New York will be filled with excitement, energy, and endless possibilities.
Las Vegas, USA
Las Vegas is a city of glitz, glamour, and endless entertainment. Begin your festivities by exploring the iconic Las Vegas Strip, where the dazzling lights and vibrant energy set the stage for a night of revelry. As the sun sets, experience the electrifying atmosphere of Las Vegas’s legendary nightlife, with world-class clubs, bars, and lounges offering special New Year’s Eve events.
For a truly extravagant experience, join the crowds gathered along the Strip for Las Vegas’s spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display. With casinos and resorts competing to outdo each other with dazzling pyrotechnics and light shows, it’s an awe-inspiring spectacle that epitomises the city’s reputation for excess and indulgence.
Alternatively, escape the hustle and bustle of the Strip and retreat to one of Las Vegas’s luxurious resorts or spas for an intimate celebration in style and comfort.
A visit to Las Vegas on New Year’s Eve wouldn’t be the same without indulging yourself in one of the many celebrity chef restaurants serving up gourmet cuisine to all-you-can-eat buffets offering an array of culinary delights; there’s something to satisfy everyone as you toast to the year ahead.
Whether you’re dancing the night away in a lavish nightclub, trying your luck at the casinos, or watching fireworks light up the sky over the iconic Las Vegas skyline, celebrating New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas is an exhilarating experience for all that will endure in your memory a lifetime.
Dubai, UAE
Dubai is a dazzling city where luxury, opulence, and innovation combine to create an unforgettable celebration. Imagine beginning your festivities by day, basking in the sun on the pristine sands and sparkling waters of Jumeirah Beach.
As twilight descends, immerse yourself in Dubai’s vibrant nightlife with a choice of world-class clubs, bars, and lounges offering panoramic views of the city skyline to stylish beach clubs along the Palm Jumeirah. There’s something for every taste and style to kick off the celebrations in style.
For a truly extravagant experience, head to the iconic Burj Khalifa. At midnight, the world’s tallest building transforms into a dazzling spectacle of lights and fireworks. Join the crowds gathered in downtown Dubai to witness the breathtaking display against the city’s stunning skyline backdrop.
Alternatively, escape the city’s hustle and bustle and retreat to one of Dubai’s luxury resorts or desert camps for a more intimate celebration under the stars. You can also spend a romantic evening with your partner savouring the culinary delights of Arabian cuisine or an international dish.
Whether dancing the night away in a glamorous nightclub, cruising along the Dubai Marina, or watching fireworks light up the sky over the Burj Al Arab, celebrating New Year’s Eve in Dubai promises an evening of endless possibilities.
For our guide on the best places to stay in Dubai? Check out the best hotel options in Dubai.
Tokyo, Japan
Celebrate the New Year in the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo; begin your festivities early by exploring the bustling streets of Shibuya and Shinjuku, a neon-lite city with lively crowds anticipating a night of excitement. In the evening, immerse yourself in Tokyo’s eclectic nightlife, with an array of bars, clubs, and izakayas offering special New Year’s Eve events, visit trendy nightclubs and neighbourhoods of Roppongi and Ginza, or the intimate sake bars in the historic district of Asakusathere’s.
For a truly authentic experience, join the crowds gathered at Tokyo’s iconic temples and shrines for the traditional ringing of the temple bells at midnight. Visit historic sites such as Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa or Meiji Shrine in Harajuku to participate in the age-old custom of joya no kane, where temple bells are rung 108 times to symbolise the casting away of sins and impurities of the previous year.
Alternatively, escape the city’s hustle and bustle and retreat to one of Tokyo’s serene parks or gardens, such as Yoyogi Park or Shinjuku Gyoen, for a more tranquil celebration amidst nature’s beauty.
It goes without saying that a trip to Tokyo on New Year’s Eve wouldn’t be truly fulfilling without treating yourself to the delights of the city’s culinary landscape. From traditional Japanese cuisine like sushi and ramen to international fare worldwide, there’s something to satisfy every palate as you toast to the year ahead.
Whether watching fireworks light up the sky over Tokyo Tower, sampling street food at a local festival, or counting down to midnight at a temple ceremony, celebrating New Year’s Eve in Tokyo is filled with tradition, excitement, and endless possibilities.
No matter where you decide to celebrate the New Year, one thing is certain—with these amazing locations as your backdrop you’re in for an unforgettable night! So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today and get ready to have your best New Year’s Eve yet.
