Welcome back to The Velvet Runway, and our guide to The Ten Best Places to celebrate New Year 2025, by Hannah REES.
Does anyone else feel the pressure to have the perfect New Year’s Eve? Whether you love it or hate it, it’s the time to say Goodbye to the current year and Welcome in the New Year, and I, for one, love to celebrate in a new place, as it feels an appropriate way to start a New Year.
Everyone has a different idea about what makes the best place to go for New Year’s Eve, and I have even been wondering if it’s possible to celebrate the New Year twice, and you can as long as you move Eastwards across the International Dateline! In fact there is one place in NSW, Australia (Cameron Corner) where you can even celebrate three times, as long as you are happy to celebrate in the desert!)
The Ten Best Places to celebrate New Year 2025.
Whether you are looking for a place to party, or a place to relax on the beach as you welcome the New Year, we’ve got you covered with these top ten destinations around the world !
1. Sydney, Australia.
As one of the first places in the world to celebrate the New Year, it isn’t surprising that Sydney goes all out ! If you go there, you’ll be treated to an impressive display of fireworks over the Sydney Opera House.
For the best views, consider booking a spot at one of the many waterfront events or joining a cruise in the harbor. Families can enjoy the earlier 9 PM fireworks, while the midnight display is a grand spectacle you won’t want to miss.
And while you’re there, make sure you also check out some of the other attractions in the area, such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, otherwise known as the “coathanger“, Bondi beach and the iconic pool at the Bondi Icebergs club.
Manly beach is also a great spot for surfing and if you’d rather just walk around, head over to Hyde Park, which is one of Australia’s oldest parks !
Other must-see places during a trip to Sydney are the Royal Botanical Gardens, Darling Harbour and the Victoria Building for some shopping !
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2. Cairo, Egypt.
To celebrate the New Year in style, head over to the Land of the Pyramids ! As soon as you arrive, you’ll be able to soak in Egypt’s rich history ! Make sure you visit the Cairo Citadel, home to the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, a showcase of Ottoman Empire design.
Of course, a stay in Egypt means a visit to the the pyramids of Giza and the impressive Sphinx. But make sure you also plan some time to see other attractions the city has to offer : the Al-Azhar Mosque and the Al-Azhar park, the historic neighbourhood of Coptic Cairo, which boasts some of the oldest churches and the Coptic museum, and the Museum of Islamic Art.
Another must-see is the famous bazaar and souk, Khan El-Khalili as well as some well-known historical sites such as Saqqara (home to the oldest complete stone structures in Egypt) and Dahshur.
Many luxury hotels and resorts host elegant parties featuring traditional Egyptian music and cuisine. Take a sunset cruise on the Nile River and then head to one of Cairo’s rooftop bars for fantastic views of the city lighting up at midnight.
Cairo offers a magical mix of ancient and modern, with a chance to celebrate in the shadow of one of the world’s most famous landmarks.
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3. Goa, India. .
Known as the party state of India, Goa has a very laid back feel to it and is the perfect place to celebrate the New Year ! If you want to do so on the beach, head over to Agonda beach, the second largest beach in South Goa or Calangute beach, the largest beach in North Goa.
While you’re there, make sure you visit some of the attractions nearby such as the impressive Dudhsagar Falls, the Mahadev temple, Se Cathedral, the Basilica of Bom Jesus and for anyone interested in Indian cuisine, the Sahakari spice farm.
Make sure you also spend some time in Fontainhas, the oldest of Goa’s well-preserved Portuguese quarters and explore the Anjuna flea market or the Arpora Saturday night bazaar. If you’re a fan of books or libraries, head over to the Singbal’s book house.
Fireworks light up the sky as the clock strikes midnight, and you can dance the night away at some of the most famous clubs in the region, like Tito’s and Club Cubana.
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4. Reykjavik, Iceland.
If the cold weather doesn’t scare you, head over to Reykjavik, Iceland for New Year’s Eve. One thing is for certain, few people know how to party like the Icelanders! Festivities start early, with huge bonfires and then epic firework displays. If you want to find a good spot, head over to the hill at the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church.
While you’re there, make sure you take the time to do some whale watching and head over to the main shopping street, Laugavegur, filled with little shops and cafes (the lower part of this street is also known as the Rainbow Street, a symbol of LGBTQ acceptance, and is one of the most popular photo spots in the city).
Other fun activities to do are some ice-skating on the frozen Tjornin pond or at the Ingolfstorg square, and eating out at the old harbour.
If you’re looking for a unique New Year’s Eve experience, Reykjavik delivers with a combination of fiery tradition and natural wonders, and if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights might make a special appearance.
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5. Edinburgh, Scotland.
Hogmanay needs to be experienced once in a lifetime and if you can bare the cold, you can explore everything on foot. A great way to explore the city is to join a walking tour in the heart of the city. They run multiple times per day and are usually free.
Make sure you also visit Edinburgh Castle, sitting on an extinct volcanic rock and from there, walk down the Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyrood House where you’ll find lots of traditional pubs and you can try the local specialty, haggis.
Other must-sees in Edinburgh are the St. Giles’ Cathedral, Calton Hill at sunset and a hike to Arthur’s Seat, a dormant volcano.
At midnight on New Year’s Eve, you can watch the fireworks over Edinburgh Castle and join in singing “Auld Lang Syne” with thousands of fellow revelers. On January 1st, brave souls can take a dip in the icy waters of the River Forth as part of the Loony Dook tradition.
Edinburgh’s Christmas Market is open from Friday 15 November 2024 to Saturday 04 January 2025, so you can also enjoy the last of the Chrismas festivities and shopping.
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6. Tallinn, Estonia.
Tallinn may not be as famous as others on this list for a New Year’s travel destination, but rest assured that it’s just as good ! The capital of Estonia, located on the Baltic Sea, has lots to offer from Toompea Castle which now houses the Parliament of Estonia to the Tallinn TV Tower.
Make sure you also explore the old town of Tallinn, as well as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Kadriorg Palace and St. Olaf’s church.
But rest assured, you don’t need to walk all over town, you can get around with the hop-on-hop-off bus that goes around the city.
Tallinn’s fairytale-like Old Town, adorned with twinkling lights (and maybe snow), is a magical place to celebrate the New Year. The city hosts public celebrations in Freedom Square, where locals and visitors gather to watch the fireworks display.
Many of the city’s medieval buildings are transformed into cozy venues offering traditional Estonian food and music. The Christmas market in Town Hall Square is also a must-visit for some last-minute holiday cheer.
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7. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Whether your name is Lola or not, chances are you’ll have the best time partying on Copacobana beach. And at New Year’s there is the biggest party on the planet with over two million people who come to celebrate on the beach !
And if you are in Rio, make sure you also see the iconic Cristo Redentor on top of Corcovado mountain.
Other things to do are explore Tijuca National park, the Selaron Steps, Parque Lage and the Royal Portuguese Reading Room.
And make sure you take a cablecar ride up Sugarloaf mountain. And if you want to try out other beaches, why not head over to Ipanema beach, made famous by the Bossa Nova song. And if you have the time, head over to Ilha Grande for the day.
New Year’s Eve, or Réveillon, is an electrifying celebration held on the iconic Copacabana Beach. Millions of people, dressed in white for good luck, gather to enjoy live music, dance, and watch a phenomenal fireworks display over the Atlantic Ocean.
The party continues into the early hours, with samba beats and dancing in the sand. Make sure to join the tradition of offering flowers to the sea goddess, Yemanjá, for a year filled with blessings.
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8. Vieques, Puerto Rico.
Whether you go to Vieques for its bioluminescent bay or for its sand beaches that can easily be seen as the best in the Caribbean, such as Caracas beach, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for.
It’s just off the coast of Puerto Rico, and it’s very easy to access by ferry or by plane.
If you go there, make sure you visit the town of Esperanza on the south side of the island, as well as playa de El Cayo, playa La Chiva and of course, Black Sand Beach, and the Sugar Mills Ruins.
Spend the evening at one of the island’s beachside parties, then take a midnight kayak tour in Mosquito Bay to see the water glow with bioluminescent plankton—an enchanting way to greet the new year. And make sure you eat 12 grapes at midnight for good luck !
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9. Nassau, The Bahamas.
The Bahamas sound heavenly and that’s because they are! Turquoise waters, night-long parties and delicious food – it’s got it all, and the great thing about the Bahamas is that there are many many beaches you can relax on.
If you want to experience the Bahamas fully make sure you head over to Bay Street for Junkanoo on New Year’s day, where you’ll be able to see large groups parading in traditional and elaborate costumes to traditional music !
Starting in the early hours of January 1st, this lively festival features dancers in elaborate costumes, rhythmic drumbeats, and energetic parades through the streets. Before the parade, enjoy a romantic beachfront dinner or join one of the island’s luxurious New Year’s Eve parties. The fireworks over the crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas make for a picture-perfect celebration.
While you’re there make sure you visit the hotels such as the Baha Mar, famous for its casino and its swimming pool and the iconic Atlantis hotel.
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10. Dubai.
Other must-sees are the museum of the future, the Miracle Garden, the Dubai Mall, the Palm Jumeriah which you can see from space. If you have some time, why not go dune buggying or even to Abu Dhabi for a day trip.
Dubai’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are legendary, with a level of extravagance that is hard to match. The main event is the incredible fireworks display at the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, which is synchronized with a mesmerizing light and fountain show.
Luxury hotels host glamorous parties, and there are plenty of options for rooftop dinners with unbeatable views of the skyline. For a more traditional celebration, head to the desert for a Bedouin-style New Year’s Eve under the stars.
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Final words on The Ten Best Places to celebrate New Year 2025.
Each of these destinations offers a unique way to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2025, from the stunning natural beauty of Vieques and Reykjavik to the high-energy parties of Rio and Goa. Whether you prefer a lavish celebration or a simple gathering with loved ones, these locations promise a memorable start to the new year. So, pack your bags and get ready to toast to 2025 in one of the most incredible places on Earth!
I hope you enjoyed this feature about The Ten Best Places to celebrate New Year 2025 and you can also have a look more of our travel features.
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Article By Hannah Rees
Hannah Rees is a writer based in Paris. She currently divides her time between completing her second novel, writing songs on her guitar and working as a fashion designer for private clients. She has a strong fashion background, having studied fashion design in Paris, and counts Prada, Lemaire, House of Marlow, Saint Laurent and Stella McCartney among her influences. She loves discovering the world and dreams of going to Iceland.
