2024 is finally coming to its conclusion and this year has definitely been one to remember. From the Paris Olympics to the Coronation of King Charles and the US Presidential elections, various events have made this year memorable for the world. It would be unfair to end such an impressive year without having a proper celebration. If you are also looking for the best places to end 2024 with a bang, you are right where you should be. This article brings you a detailed list of the best New Year celebrations in the world including the best places to visit and the activities you can do.
Best New Year’s Eve Destinations Worldwide
1. Edinburgh, Scotland
New Year’s Eve is known as Hogmanay in Scottish. Scotland is famous for its midnight Hogmanay Street Festivals. These festivals are full of exciting activities you can do to end the year in the best way possible. Some of these events include torchlight processions on the 30th of December and massive fireworks on the 31st. The Scottish streets on the 31st of December have a huge crowd gathered together for the year-end countdown. The first day of the year also has a lot of traditional events taking place like Irish folk music and storytelling.
Best Places: Edinburgh Old Town & St. Giles Cathedral.
Activities: Best rendition of Scottish song, Auld Lang Syne.
2. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Are you a fan of Disney Tangled and to experience the infamous lantern festival of Thailand is on top of your bucket list? New Year’s Eve would be the best time to visit Chiang Mai, Thailand, and live your dream. Hundreds of people at New Year’s Eve gather on the banks of the river Ping and release lit lanterns in the night skies. It is a famous Thai tradition that is said to symbolize good luck and a new start. After the lantern festival, organizers arrange music fests on December 31st to make New Year celebrations even more vibrant, making it one of the best New Year celebrations in the world.
Best Places: Ping river banks.
Activities: Lantern Festival.
3. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
New Year falls in summer for Brazil and millions of people gather on the Copacabana, one of the most famous beaches in the world. Wearing white is a new tradition which is to honour the goddess of the sea, Iemanjá. On the afternoon of December 31st, a huge crowd gathers at Copacabana for the macumba rituals. At midnight, fireworks light up the sky, and vibrant Samba parties fill the streets of Rio de Janeiro, making it one of the best New Year celebrations in the world.
Best Place: Copacabana
Activities: Samba, Fireworks, Macumba rituals, and more.
4. Naples, Italy
Italy’s New Year’s Eve is famous for the Piazza del Plebiscito concert which is one of the main New Year attractions of the country. The countdown for the upcoming year is marked by fireworks at the Castel dell’Ovo making it another one of the best New Year celebrations in the world. According to the traditions, natives also throw old pots, pans, or furniture which symbolizes letting go of the past bad memories and unhappiness.
Best Places: Posillipo Hill & San Martino viewpoint.
Activities: Piazza del Plebiscito concert and fireworks.
5. Paris, France
Paris, France’s capital, is famous for having one of the most famous tourist attractions in the world, the Eiffel Tower. So, Paris making it to the list of the best new celebrations in the world is not a surprise.
Best Places: Eiffel Tower
Activities: Luxurious Dinners and Cruises.
6. Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland’s New Year’s Eve is famous for the fireworks that lit the sky at midnight as well as the ground. People of Iceland have their own New Year rituals that feature family bonfire dinners and watching Aramotaskaup, a satirical New Year spoof show. It has been broadcast at 10:30 PM every year since 1966. The year-end countdown is marked by fireworks making it another one of the best New Year celebrations in the world.
Best Places: Hallgrimskirkja Church or Perian.
Activities: Watching fireworks from the Hallgrimskirkja Church or Lake Tjornin dazzling with their reflections.
7. New York City, USA
Saving the very best for last, New York City celebrates at Times Square, where fireworks and confetti explode at midnight. The infamous Times Square ball marks New Year’s Eve before midnight. New York definitely holds one of the best New Year celebrations in the world and is a must-visit.
Best Places: Times Square
Activities: Ball, Confetti, and Fireworks.
8. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, located in Japan, is one of those unique cities that blend traditions with technology perfectly. Various New Year decorations are put up on the streets of Tokyo and people can enjoy fireworks at midnight as well. It holds a lot of cultural events as well making it one of the best New Year celebrations in the world.
Best Places: Tokyo Tower & Sensoji Temple.
Activities: Fireworks, temple visits, and countdown parties.
9. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Dubai, the Burj Khalifa, lights up with thousands of fireworks at midnight, making it one of the best New Year celebrations in the world. The city also provides endless options like luxurious dining and parties that add to the extraordinary experience.
Best Places: Burj Khalifa
Activities: Fireworks, dining, and parties.
