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Is New Year’s Eve an affordable time to travel?
The festive season can be one of the most expensive times of year to fly, but having a little flexibility in your schedule can save you hundreds of dollars when flying, especially if you’re planning on heading to parties! You’ll find the best deals on flights if you’re prepared to fly on December 24th or 25th. The days after Christmas typically see the highest prices of the year, but you can also find great deals if you’re able to fly on New Year’s Eve itself.
Where to go for New Year’s Eve around the world
While we often associate New Year’s Eve with watching fireworks displays and setting our resolutions for the year ahead, every culture has their own way of celebrating. Most major cities will host celebrations with fireworks and live entertainment as the clock counts down to midnight. Below, we’re spotlighting 13 places to consider visiting this December 31st and the most popular activities for waving “au revoir” to 2025.
1. New York, USA
Where to stay: Arlo SoHo
New York is one of our favorite family-friendly destinations, and few cities can rival the buzz of NYC on New Year’s Eve. The main celebrations happen in Times Square, where the iconic ball drop marks the official countdown to midnight with fireworks, music, and live entertainment. You can expect a lively atmosphere throughout the city with most Broadway shows offering extra performances over the week of New Year’s.
The main celebrations happen in Times Square.
Photo by Simon Dux Media on Shutterstock
You’ll want to arrive early in Times Square to guarantee a good viewing spot for the ball drop. Alternatively, head to Brooklyn or New York Harbor for some of the best fireworks views. If you want something quieter, make sure to book a table at a bar or restaurant at least a few weeks ahead to guarantee availability.
2. London, UK
Where to stay: Strand Palace Hotel
If you’re looking for a stunning firework display, London will be your ultimate New Year’s Eve destination. The main celebrations happen along the River Thames at Westminster Bridge in the city center, with tickets available to the public in two waves.
If you’re looking for a stunning firework display, London will be your ultimate New Year’s Eve destination.
Photo by r.classen on Shutterstock
If you’re not lucky enough to get a ticket, there are still plenty of things to do in London, including lots of parties. Most of the main attractions are open on both New Year’s Eve and January 1st, including Winter Wonderland, while nightclubs and rooftop bars offer live entertainment.
3. Sydney, Australia
Where to stay: Ovolo Woolloomooloo
Do you want to be among the first people to welcome 2026? Australia is one of the earliest time zones in the world and takes its responsibility as the first major country to welcome the New Year very seriously. Over 400 million people every year watch the fireworks from Sydney, making it one of the most-watched globally.
Over 400 million people every year watch the fireworks from Sydney.
Photo by Glanzpunkt on Shutterstock
Sydney is a great option if you want to see the New Year in from the beach with plenty of parties to keep you out all night long.
4. Paris, France
Where to stay: B Montmartre
It’s no secret that Paris is one of our favorite destinations in the world. Whether you’re planning on proposing during the fireworks or want to see the Eiffel Tower as it sparkles at midnight, this city has a certain magic to it during the holidays.
Paris has a certain magic to it during the holidays.
Photo by Melinda Nagy on Shutterstock
There’s no shortage of bucket-list-worthy activities you can do to mark the end of the year, from a dinner cruise on the River Seine to watching the fireworks from Montmartre. You can even head to Disneyland for the day!
5. Reykjavik, Iceland
Where to stay: The Reykjavik Edition
Have you always dreamt of seeing the Northern Lights? The next year is one of the best times to see the Northern Lights as we reach the peak of the 11-year solar cycle. You can plan an unforgettable New Year’s getaway to Reykjavik in Iceland, but you’ll want to venture out of the city for your best chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis.
You can plan an unforgettable New Year’s getaway to Reykjavik.
Photo by MartiBstock on Shutterstock
It’s customary in Iceland to celebrate New Year’s Eve with a bonfire and fireworks. You can expect these displays to start around 11:30 pm with the main event happening along the waterfront in Reykjavik, including near Hallgrimskirkja Church. These fireworks are usually done in support of the volunteer Icelandic Search and Rescue Teams.
6. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Where to stay: Radisson Barra Rio de Janeiro
While most of us think of late December as being a cold time of year, you can welcome 2026 on the beach in Rio de Janeiro. This city is a beach lover’s paradise, and over 2 million people descend on Copacabana Beach every December 31st to wave goodbye to the year as part of one major party.
Rio de Janeiro is a beach lover’s paradise.
Photo by Yusuke Koike on Shutterstock
Make sure to bring a white outfit to join in on the celebrations and pack your comfiest travel shoes.
7. Edinburgh, Scotland
Where to stay: Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa
New Year’s Eve is known as “Hogmanay” in Scotland and was historically seen as the most important holiday, marking the winter solstice. Previously, December 31st was when most families would exchange gifts, and while the tradition has changed, New Year’s Eve remains an important part of Scottish culture.
New Year’s Eve is known as “Hogmanay” in Scotland and was historically seen as the most important holiday.
Photo by Graham Gaw on Shutterstock
The main event is the Hogmanay Festival, which has been running since 1993, usually with a 3- or 4-day itinerary. Some of the main events include a headline concert, culture trail, fireworks, and torchlight procession. Whether you’re watching the fireworks at a party or inside a pub at midnight, make sure to join in during the traditional singing of “Auld Lang Syne.”
8. Bangkok, Thailand
Where to stay: TRIBE Living Bangkok Sukhumvit 39 by AccorHotels
If “The White Lotus” was your favorite show of 2025, you’ll want to consider Bangkok as an option for your NYE vacation. While Thailand has long been a popular option for budget travelers, the country is quickly pivoting to attract luxury enthusiasts with wellness-focused retreats and five-star hotels.
Nagaraphirom Park also offers one of the best firework viewing points.
Photo by Gamjai on Shutterstock
Most of the NYE celebrations happen at CentralWorld in the city center, while Nagaraphirom Park also offers one of the best firework viewing points. If you want to immerse yourself in Thai culture, make sure to visit Wat Arun Temple and light a lantern to represent your hopes and ambitions for 2026.
9. Tokyo, Japan
Where to stay: APA Hotel Nihombashi Bakurocho Ekimae
Japan is everywhere you look when scrolling through social media content online, from the modern capsule hotels in Tokyo to Universal Studios in Osaka. If you’re thinking of visiting Asia over the holiday season, consider a stop in Tokyo to say farewell to 2025.
Tokyo Tower and the Shibuya Crossing are the focus of most of the NYE celebrations.
Photo by Savvapanf Photo on Shutterstock
Tokyo Tower and the Shibuya Crossing are the focus of most of the NYE celebrations, but Tokyo is a city where the new and old live side-by-side. While you can expect to hear bells ringing out at midnight to mark the New Year, you’ll also want to spend January 1st visiting the original Buddhist shrine to pray for good luck as part of the tradition known as “Hatsumbode.”
10. Nashville, Tennessee
Where to stay: Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown
Live entertainment is one of the best ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Nashville is famous for being “Music City,” and it’s a paradise for country music enthusiasts, landing itself a spot as one of the new must-visit spots in the U.S.
Nashville is famous for being “Music City”, and it’s a paradise for country music enthusiasts.
Photo by jdross75 on Shutterstock
Many of the most popular bars in the city are owned by A-list celebrities, including Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Kid Rock, and Garth Brooks. Head downtown early to grab a spot if you want to see the New Year with some famous company.
11. Hawaii, USA
Where to stay: OUTRIGGER Waikiki Paradise Hotel
If you’re thinking of a New Year’s Eve getaway, you might be thinking of taking a longer vacation over the festive period. Hawaii is the perfect option if you want a tropical vacation with direct flights from a U.S. airline and you can celebrate by exploring some of the 130+ islands that make up Hawaii.
Hawaii is the perfect option if you want a tropical vacation.
Photo by David John Schwartz on Shutterstock
December is one of the best times to visit Hawaii, as you’ll still enjoy warm weather without uncomfortably high temperatures. Most private resorts offer an exclusive itinerary of parties and events over New Year’s, including traditional torchlight processions and luau feasts, but you’ll also find the main public fireworks at Waikiki Beach.
12. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Where to stay: Millennium Place Barsha Heights Hotel Apartments
When it comes to celebrating New Year’s in the Middle East, it’s hard to look past Dubai. The main celebrations and parties happen at the Burj Khalifa, but you’ll want to get there early to grab the best spot for the fireworks.
The main celebrations and parties happen at the Burj Khalifa.
Photo by MT Exposures on Shutterstock
If you prefer to avoid the crowds, get a takeout from your favorite restaurant, and watch from the beach.
13. Orlando, USA
Where to stay: Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
New Year’s is a great opportunity to spend time with your family after the hustle and bustle of Christmas. If you’re looking for a vacation that will get your kids excited and works for all generations, consider a trip to Orlando and “The Most Magical Place on Earth.”
If you’re looking for a vacation that will get your kids excited and works for all generations, consider a trip to Orlando.
Photo by Silhouette Vector Cut on Shutterstock
Kickstart 2026 with an adrenaline rush by exploring Walt Disney World or visiting the portals at Universal’s Epic Universe, the first new theme park in Orlando in over 20 years.
Start 2026 with your dream vacation with ZenHotels
At ZenHotels, we’re here to help make New Year’s Eve 2025 your most unforgettable one yet, whether you’re heading to a party or dancing on the streets. You can explore accommodation options to suit every budget, whether you’re a solo backpacker, luxury traveler, or somewhere in between. Looking for other options for your next vacation, maybe Vienna or Cape Town? Explore top destinations on ZenHotels and get more expert-curated travel tips by visiting our blog.
