Three…Two…One…Happy New Year!! Few moments hold as much hope as the seconds leading up to the start of a new year. Many of us believe that the way we start a new year can influence how the year unfolds. Or at least our attitude toward it! So why not celebrate to the fullest? Some truly remarkable places around the world take NYE to the next level. Whether you’re looking to incorporate a quirky new tradition into your celebrations or want the most epic fireworks display around the world, this guide will help you figure out exactly where to celebrate New Year’s Eve for a night you won’t forget.
Best New Year’s Eve Celebrations Around the World
- Copenhagen, Denmark – This city turns into one massive fireworks display brought to you by the civilians! This one’s for the more daring travelers among us. Since civilians can light off the fireworks in the streets, it’s a little chaotic and unlike anything you’d experience in a heavily regulated show, but that’s what makes it fun. We started our NYE show at Tivoli Gardens, which was regulated. Frankly, it was beautiful but underwhelming in how short it was. That said, if you can get to a good spot, it’s well worth the visit. Afterwards, follow the crowds out into the streets and enjoy the civilian fireworks show.
- Berlin, Germany – The Brandenburg Gate street party is one of the largest New Year’s Eve celebrations in the world. It’s more of an all-night festival than a quick fireworks display. This isn’t for the faint-hearted. Get ready for hours of dancing to the mix of DJs and live music in anticipation of the fireworks.
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Cue “Copacabana.” In Rio, the NYE events are equal parts spiritual celebrations and parties. Thousands of people gather on Copacabana Beach dressed in white. And locals give offerings to the goddess of the ocean by tossing flowers into the sea. It’s a lively event that involves more than just standing around watching fireworks.
- Edinburgh, Scotland – Fireworks over Edinburgh Castle?! This spot is near the top of our bucket list. AND as if that wasn’t enough, you can partake in the Hogmanay festival. This unique event includes torchlight processions, dancing, and (not dissimilar to NYC) everyone singing Auld Lang Syne. Except Scotland is the home of the song!
- Dubai, UAE – If you’re a fan of laser light shows and looking for a more futuristic take on NYE, Dubai is the best place in the world to celebrate New Year’s. Fireworks over the Burj Khalifa?! It doesn’t get cooler than that.
- Sydney, Australia – Sydney is one of the best places in the world to celebrate New Year’s Eve with kids. They host two NYE celebrations in one night. The first is a family show earlier in the evening. This way, kids can partake in the festivities before they go to bed early. Then, once the kids are in bed, parents can enjoy the midnight fireworks show over Sydney Harbour.
- Reykjavik, Iceland – For a more off-the-beaten-path NYE destination, consider Reykjavik. There are huge bonfires across the city, and it’s a super community-based event.
Which NYE Celebration is Best for You?
Not sure which NYE celebration to attend? The best place to celebrate New Year’s Eve depends on whether you prioritize partying, immersive experiences, or family-friendly activities. Here’s how to decide which one is best for you.
If you’re a family prioritizing safety and an early bedtime, Sydney, Australia’s NYE celebration is the one for you. If you like traveling to more unique places and escaping the madness and crowds, we recommend Reykjavik, Iceland. For a mind-boggling show, Dubai puts the others to shame! Their high-tech light and laser show truly feels futuristic. Wondering where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Europe? Berlin and Copenhagen are best for traditional city center celebrations. Berlin’s parties are more organized but can be overwhelming with crowds. We think Berlin is the best place to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Europe if you’re looking to party. Copenhagen’s fireworks are often in the hands of civilians, making it authentic yet a bit more chaotic. Rio and Scotland are both excellent spots to watch fireworks on New Year’s Eve, while also incorporating local traditions.
Pro Tips Before You Go
- Book Early – Many of the locations mentioned have celebrations you need to buy tickets for. These are likely to sell out fast, so we recommend booking early to secure your spot.
- Safety – No matter where you celebrate New Year’s Eve, you will likely be part of a massive crowd. Keep valuables tucked away. We love scarves like this one that keep you warm while also keeping your valuables secure in a hidden compartment.
Unique NYE Traditions
Fighting & Fire NYE Rituals
- Takanakuy: Peru – No one wants to bring old conflicts into a new year. So what do the Peruvians do? They engage in bare-knuckle fighting to let out old tensions before the new year begins. This festival actually takes place on December 25 in Santo Tomás.
- Fireball Swinging: Scotland – Even worse than conflict is evil spirits! Keep those spirits at bay by swinging fire overhead as part of the Hogmanay festivities.
- Burning Effigies: Ecuador & Colombia – As a symbol for letting go of the past, effigies of the old year are burned at midnight.
Light & Lanterns NYE Rituals
- Lantern Release: Thailand – Thailand is such a beautiful and communal place to ring in the new year. On New Year’s Eve, people gather to release lanterns into the night sky. This creates the most astounding and spiritual scene. It’s an emotional and grounded way of starting a new year. While not as common as releasing lanterns during the Yi Peng festival in November, it’s still a worthwhile experience. Be sure to do some research, as lantern releases are banned in some areas of Thailand on NYE.
- Fireworks: Worldwide – Ever wondered why we set fireworks off on New Year’s? It’s because people believe noise and light scare off evil spirits.
Food & Eating NYE Rituals
- 12 Grapes: Spain & Latin America – A Spanish & Latin American tradition is to eat one grape per clock chime at midnight for good luck in the twelve months ahead.
- Lentils: Italy, Brazil, & Chile – Lentils eaten at midnight symbolize prosperity due to their shape resembling coins.
- Pork & Sauerkraut: U.S. & Germany – Pork and sauerkraut are eaten either New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day as a meal of luck and abundance.
- Soba Noodles: Japan – These long noodles are eaten late in the day on NYE to “cut off” the hardships of the old year.
- Round Fruits: Philippines – Who doesn’t want to attract wealth and fortune?! To do so, display and eat 12 round fruits at midnight!
Household & Symbolic NYE Rituals
- Sweeping & Opening Doors: China & Philippines – Sweep the bad luck away by cleaning around the house before midnight to welcome good fortune.
- Breaking Plates: Denmark – Normally, making a mess at your friend’s home would be considered a social faux pas. But not in Denmark on New Year’s Eve! People smash plates at their friends’ doors to bring luck for the year ahead.
- Opening Windows/Doors: Worldwide – It’s a superstitious belief that letting fresh air into your home at midnight blows out the bad spirits.
Love, Travel, & Life NYE Rituals
- Colored Underwear: Latin America = Latin Americans believe different colors hold different possibilities. Red brings in love, yellow brings in wealth, and green brings in health and good fortune.
- Suitcase Walk: Mexico, Colombia, & Venezuela – This is one of our favorites as travel lovers! It’s believed that if you walk around the block rolling a suitcase right after midnight, you invite in future travels.
- First Footing: Scotland – Be careful who you let into your home after NYE! The first person to enter your home after midnight sets the tone for the year’s luck.
Water & Nature NYE Rituals
- Jumping Waves: Brazil – Honor the sea goddess by jumping seven waves on the beach right after midnight.
- Throwing Water: Puerto Rico & Cuba – Wash away negative energy by tossing buckets of water out of your windows at midnight.
Experiencing how another country celebrates New Year’s Eve can bring you a fresh perspective on the holiday and inspire new traditions to carry into your own celebrations. Many of these customs can be incorporated at home, no travel required! If you loved exploring these unique NYE traditions, check out our guide on Unique Travel Experiences and Festivals Around the World for even more global inspiration.
