Where to spend New Year’s? Here are our top 5 destination suggestions.
Where to spend New Year’s? Here are our top 5 destination suggestions.
Published on
December 18, 2023 at
9:30 am
Wondering where you’ll head for New Year’s festivities this year? We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for sunshine and beaches or mountains and skiing, we’ve assembled a great variety of destinations to choose from. From incredible firework displays to mesmerising flying lanterns in the sky, all of these destinations will dazzle you in their own unique ways. If one place tickles your fancy, we recommend you book now before it’s too late!
You may not know this about Brazil, but New Year’s is a spiritual holiday. In order to invite peace and good energy for the New Year, Brazilians wear white outfits to celebrate. In other words, white, the colour of innocenceandpurity, will spiritually protect you and bless you for a newbeginning. New year, new me as they say! The Brazilians truly know how to celebrate life the right way.
Now, let’s head to Copacabana beach for a festive atmosphere that’ll blow your mind. During the evening between the 31st of December and 1st of January, this beach strip is overwhelmed with locals and tourists alike ready to toast to the New Year and watch the firework display over the water. A great way to gather and celebrate the new start of the year with your loved ones and new people.
Women dressed in white watching the fireworks from a beach in Rio, Brazil.
You may know Prague for its world renowned Christmas markets, but it also goes all in for a magical New Year’s party. Whilst the Christmas markets are open until the beginning of January, you have much more to look forward to come New Year’s Eve!
Whilst the larger firework displays take place in the second district of Prague for environmental and city hazard reasons, people still gather round and toast for smaller sized ones in the main squares of the city, such as the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Other areas for such festivities include Letna Park, Vysehrad, Petrin Hill, or by the river shore by the Charles Bridge. So, regardless of where you may be, you are guaranteed a fantastic view to watch fireworks in and around the city - and the opportunity to mingle with locals! Indeed, New Year’s Eve is a true party in Prague city.
Lastly, it is also highly recommended to go on a boat cruise on New Year's Eve to get in the beautiful night views of the city. It’s also a great place to hide out from the larger crowds when the fireworks go off! Ideal for a romantic evening with your loved one.
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Falkensteiner Boutique Hotel Prague
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3. Rome, Italy
It’s safe to say that Rome is a festive city when it comes to celebrating the New Year, and there are countless occasions to choose from.
On the night of the 31st of December, you can attend music concerts at its most famous operas located in venues such as the Church of St Paul or All Saints Church. Indeed, these are highly recommended before heading over to Gianicolo terrace or atop the Pincian Hill to watch the firework display at the Circus Maximus. Not your cup of tea? For those looking for that extra festive night out, we recommend you try out the Amore XX NYE Festival offering 10 DJ stages where artists from all over the world come to perform. You’re bound to stay awake until midnight, we’ll tell you that! Finally, the city also hosts a grand New Year’s Day parade at St. Peter’s Square for the brave still alive from the previous evening festivities.
Winter is the skiing season after all, so why not head over to the Alps for some New Year’s shredding? Whilst there are many stations to choose from, the one that caught our eye is Kitbühel in beautiful Austria.
In addition to skiing, Kitbühel offers a jam-packed program for New Year’s Eve festivities, such as light installations, torch-lit walks along the Schwarzsee lake, street artist performances, and a beautiful firework display down by the ski hills as the clock strikes midnight. But the fun doesn’t stop there - New Year’s Day village events, such as music and dance performances. Here’s the full run down on their official website.
A luxurious chalet hotel right by the slopes in Kitzbühel, Austria.
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5. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Last up, but arguably the most memorable destination, is Chiang Mai. It is no secret that the Thai people are very hospitable and thus eager to welcome you in their celebrations and traditions for New Year’s. Indeed, wherever you may be, you are guaranteed a fun and culturally enriching experience!
Whether you are looking for a fun boozy night out at a bar or simply to unwind at a local restaurant, the Thai people will fill you in on the best places to go to. But what cannot be missed is their legendary and strikingly beautiful flying lantern event on New Year’s Eve at Tha Phae Gate. Witness and take part in lighting one of the hundreds of flying lanterns released over the river and into the dark sky for all to marvel at. An unforgettable way to start the New Year! You’ll thank us later.
Lantern display for New Year’s in Chiang Mai, Thailand.