With 2025 soon approaching, there’s no better way to celebrate the arrival of a fresh start than by experiencing one of the world’s most iconic New Year’s Eve 2024 countdowns.
Whether you’re seeking breathtaking pyrotechnics, electrifying parties, or unique local celebrations, get ready for some of the best New Year’s Eve events you’ll ever experience.
From the world-famous ball drop in New York City to the epic fireworks at Sydney Harbour, this guide will take you through the top cities to ring in the new year, each offering its own magical charm and excitement.
So get ready to pack your bags and join the global countdown to 2025 in one of these spectacular NYE destinations! (We’ve also included some top activities to look forward to in each of these destinations so you can spend New Year’s Day having even more fun!)
1. Marina Bay Sands, Singapore: treat yourself to a night of free fireworks and light shows
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Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands is one of the top destinations for celebrating New Year’s Eve 2024.
The city’s skyline lights up with a stunning display of free fireworks visible from many vantage points around Marina Bay. Prior to the New Year’s countdown, locals and visitors alike flock to the bay for a night filled with live performances, waterfront celebrations, and family-friendly activities.
If you want to splurge, consider the exclusive rooftop parties at Marina Bay Sands SkyPark or cruises around the bay to catch an uninterrupted view of the dazzling fireworks show.
What to do in Singapore on New Year’s Eve:
- Watch the iconic fireworks from locations like the Merlion Park or the Helix Bridge.
- Attend the Marina Bay countdown celebration with local artists and light shows.
- Elevate your experience with dinner at one of Singapore’s many rooftop bars or luxury restaurants – CÉ LA VI, LAVO Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar, or Spago Bar & Lounge are all located at Marina Bay Sands.
Nearby Attractions:
- Pop into the ArtScience Museum and enjoy its futuristic, forward-looking exhibitions.
- Take a relaxing stroll through Gardens by the Bay post-celebration for a breath of fresh air away from the crowds.
2. Manila, Philippines: dance to street festivities and enjoy grand fireworks by the bay
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If you want to celebrate New Year’s Eve without venturing too far abroad, head to the Philippines! Here, New Year’s Eve is a lively affair with celebrations centred around family traditions, local street parties, and spectacular fireworks.
Manila’s Roxas Boulevard, stretching along Manila Bay, is one of the best hotspots for NYE festivities. Thousands gather here for breathtaking fireworks shows and street parties, accompanied by a mix of music, dance, and unique Filipino New Year’s customs, such as “Media Noche” (midnight dinner) and wearing polka dots for prosperity (Filipinos believe that round objects bring good luck). The fireworks here are so spectacular they leave the air smoky even through the next day so be sure to plan for indoor activities on New Year’s Day!
What to do in Manila on New Year’s Eve:
- Watch the grand fireworks display over Manila Bay, a highlight of the city’s New Year’s Eve celebration.
- Join the street festivities at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena, where live music, dance performances, and street food stalls create a festive atmosphere.
Nearby Attractions:
- Explore Intramuros, Manila’s historic walled city, for a blend of culture and history.
- Visit the National Museum or take a stroll through Rizal Park to unwind before or after the celebrations.
3. Hong Kong: admire dazzling fireworks over Victoria Harbour
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Hong Kong’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are among the most dazzling in the world, thanks to the city’s spectacular skyline and the iconic Victoria Harbour. As the clock strikes midnight, fireworks burst into the sky, lighting up both sides of the harbour. Thousands gather along the waterfront and at rooftop venues like Ozone Bar at The Ritz-Carlton and Wooloomooloo Steakhouse for an unforgettable countdown experience.
What to do in Hong Kong on New Year’s Eve:
- Watch the stunning fireworks display over Victoria Harbour from popular spots like the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade.
- Enjoy a festive dinner cruise along the harbour to get the best views of the skyline.
- Head to Lan Kwai Fong for lively street parties and late-night NYE celebrations.
Nearby Attractions:
- Take the historic Star Ferry for a scenic ride across the harbour.
- Visit The Peak for breathtaking views of Hong Kong’s skyline.
- Explore the bustling Mong Kok markets or the upscale shops at Harbour City.
4. Tokyo, Japan: pay a nod to tradition with Hatsumode
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In Tokyo, New Year’s Eve is a blend of festive and spiritual celebrations. Many locals ring in the New Year by visiting temples and shrines for Hatsumode, the first prayer of the year. This tradition is followed by a more modern celebration with fireworks and countdown parties across the city.
What to do in Tokyo on New Year’s Eve:
- Visit the Meiji Shrine or Sensoji Temple to witness the tradition of Hatsumode.
- Attend a countdown party in Shibuya or head to the Tokyo Tower for fireworks.
- Experience a quieter New Year’s Eve by dining at a traditional kaiseki (Japanese multi-course meal) restaurant.
Nearby Attractions:
- Explore the vibrant shopping districts of Shinjuku or Harajuku where you can buy anything from tech accessories to tote bags.
- Visit Tokyo Disneyland for a magical New Year’s Eve celebration.
5. Sydney, Australia: attend one of the world’s first New Year’s Eve celebrations
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One of the most famous New Year’s Eve fireworks displays happens at Sydney Harbour.
As one of the first major cities in the world to ring in the new year, Sydney’s fireworks are broadcast globally. The show illuminates the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, making it one of the most picturesque countdown spots. Thousands gather at viewing spots around the harbour, while others opt for exclusive cruise parties or rooftop events at venues like Opera Bar, Blu Bar on 36, and The Glenmore.
What to do in Sydney on New Year’s Eve:
- Secure a spot at the Sydney Harbour Bridge or Circular Quay for the best views.
- Join the family-friendly fireworks show at Darling Harbour earlier in the evening.
- Experience a New Year’s Eve cruise on Sydney Harbour for an intimate view of the fireworks.
Nearby Attractions:
- Explore the Sydney Opera House or go on a scenic walk through The Rocks.
- Visit Taronga Zoo, where you can camp overnight and watch the fireworks from a different vantage point.
6. Times Square, New York City: watch the legendary Times Square Ball Drop
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New York City’s Times Square Ball Drop is one of the most iconic New Year’s Eve parties. Every year, millions gather in Times Square to witness the glittering ball descend as the countdown to midnight begins. The atmosphere is electric, with performances from top-tier artists, confetti showers, and dazzling fireworks. Watching the ball drop live in Times Square is a bucket list event for many.
What to do in New York City on New Year’s Eve:
- Arrive early to secure a prime spot in Times Square.
- Attend VIP New Year’s Eve parties in nearby hotels and rooftop bars with a clear view of the ball drop such as The Knickerbocker Hotel, The Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel, and The Skylark cocktail lounge.
- Keep an eye out for free concerts and celebrity appearances.
Nearby Attractions:
- Visit the Empire State Building for panoramic views of NYC.
- Ice skate at Rockefeller Center to complete the winter holiday experience.
7. Edinburgh, Scotland: immerse yourself in a three-day New Year’s celebration
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Scotland’s Hogmanay is not just a New Year’s Eve event; it’s a three-day festival of music, dancing, and fireworks. The streets of Edinburgh come alive with concerts, torchlight processions, and traditional Scottish ceilidh dancing. The highlight of Hogmanay is the stunning midnight fireworks over Edinburgh Castle, making it one of the most majestic New Year’s Eve 2024 experiences in the world.
What to do in Edinburgh on New Year’s Eve:
- Watch the torchlight procession that winds through the city’s Old Town.
- Dance the night away at the Hogmanay Street Party.
- Be captivated by the fireworks over Edinburgh Castle, followed by live music performances.
Nearby Attractions:
- Explore the historic Royal Mile or plan a nighttime picnic at Arthur’s Seat for incredible views.
- Take a tour of Edinburgh Castle or sample Scotch whisky at a local distillery.
8. Paris, France: celebrate the new year in the city of love
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Lovers looking for where to go for New Year’s Eve will have to make a stop in Paris. Few places are more romantic than celebrating the arrival of the New Year under the Eiffel Tower, and the city transforms into a magical city with its light displays and fireworks illuminating iconic landmarks. Festivities are centred around the Champs-Élysées, where Parisians and tourists alike gather for street parties and an unforgettable countdown experience.
What to do in Paris on New Year’s Eve:
- Watch the dazzling fireworks show near the Eiffel Tower or Trocadéro Gardens.
- Take a New Year’s Eve dinner cruise on the Seine River.
- Toast the New Year with a glass of champagne at a rooftop bar with a view of the Eiffel Tower, perhaps at Le Perchoir Marais, Terrass” Hotel, or Brasserie Barbès.
Nearby Attractions:
- Visit the Louvre Museum or the Palace of Versailles for a touch of French history.
- Walk along the Seine River and enjoy the romantic city lights.
9. Nassau, the Bahamas: participate in a lively Junkanoo Parade
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If you’re pondering what to do on New Year’s Eve that isn’t just the typical fireworks, head to Nassau in the Bahamas to witness the lively Junkanoo Parade. This cultural celebration is one of the Caribbean’s most exciting ways to ring in the New Year. Locals and visitors dance in the streets to the rhythms of traditional music, while colourful costumes fill the night with excitement.
What to do in Nassau on New Year’s Eve:
- Experience the Junkanoo Parade, which kicks off in the early morning hours of January 1st.
- Celebrate with locals at beachfront parties or resort events featuring live music and fireworks.
- Dance to the beats of traditional Bahamian music at the Junkanoo street party.
- Enjoy a fireworks display by the water as you usher in the New Year.
Nearby Attractions:
- Relax on the pristine beaches of Cable Beach or Love Beach or take a boat trip to Blue Lagoon Island.
- Visit the famous Atlantis Paradise Island Resort for a luxury start to the new year, complete with family-friendly entertainment.
10. London, United Kingdom: say cheers to New Year’s Day by the river
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London is one of the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve with a big bang – or should we say, a Big Ben? The iconic clock tower’s loud chimes combined with the incredible fireworks display over the River Thames makes for a moving experience. For a quintessential London NYE, many opt to watch the fireworks from riverside locations like Coppa Club Tower Bridge, 12th Knot, and The Shard or aboard a Thames River Cruise. The city’s famous landmarks, including the London Eye and Tower Bridge, are illuminated as the night sky explodes in colour.
What to do in London on New Year’s Eve:
- Book tickets to the official New Year’s Eve fireworks event along the Thames.
- Take a Thames River Cruise for a front-row seat to the fireworks show.
- Enjoy a night of live music, street performances, and celebrations in Trafalgar Square.
Nearby Attractions:
- Tour Westminster Abbey or explore Covent Garden for festive cheer.
- Visit The Shard for unbeatable views of London.
11. Berlin, Germany: usher in a new year at the Brandenburg Gate
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Berlin is known for some of the best and biggest NYE street parties, with the largest one happening at the Brandenburg Gate. With live music, entertainment, and spectacular fireworks displays, it feels like the one night a year everyone gets a chance to dip their toes into the city’s legendary club scene.
What to do in Berlin on New Year’s Eve:
- Join the street party at Brandenburg Gate, which attracts thousands of revellers each year.
- Enjoy the countdown followed by a fireworks display that lights up the night sky.
- Explore Berlin’s famous clubs and bars for an after-party like The Monkey Bar, Solar Restaurant, and Klunkerkranich.
Nearby Attractions:
- Visit the Berlin Wall Memorial or tour the Reichstag Building.
- Take a stroll through Museum Island for a dose of history and culture.
- Stop by a Christmas market and indulge in some Yuletide feasting.
12. Las Vegas, Nevada: celebrate the biggest night of the year on The Strip
If you’re looking for a larger-than-life New Year’s Eve party, Las Vegas is definitely one of the best places for it. The city’s famous Las Vegas Strip turns into a massive block party with live entertainment, fireworks, and performances from top artists. The countdown to midnight is nothing short of epic, with the skyline lighting up in a cascade of colours.
What to do in Las Vegas on New Year’s Eve:
- Join the massive street party on the Las Vegas Strip, where the entire boulevard shuts down for revellers.
- Catch live performances from world-renowned artists at one of the many hotel venues.
- Watch the epic fireworks show launched from the rooftops of Caesars Palace, The Venetian, and other iconic hotels.
Nearby Attractions:
- Visit the famous Bellagio Fountains for a spectacular water and light show.
- Explore the Neon Museum to learn more about Las Vegas’s vibrant history.
- Take a scenic helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon or the Las Vegas Strip.
Get ready to ring in the New Year!
No matter where you choose to celebrate, these top New Year’s Eve destinations offer something for everyone. From dazzling fireworks displays to lively street festivals and unforgettable cultural traditions, you’ll find yourself in the middle of a once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable experience as the clock strikes midnight.
So, whether you’re seeking an unforgettable NYE party or a more laid-back celebration, a visit to the best places to spend New Year’s Eve will ensure you bid goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025 in style!
