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As 2025 approaches, it’s time to plan the perfect New Year’s getaway.
As 2025 approaches, it’s time to plan the perfect New Year’s getaway. Whether you’re looking for vibrant city celebrations, serene escapes, or unique cultural experiences, there are plenty of amazing places to ring in the New Year. With so much choice, you might be unsure of where to go, so let’s take a look at some great destinations to visit for New Year’s 2025.
We’re sure you expected to see New York City on this list! As one of the USA’s most popular cities to visit, it’s well known for its New Year celebrations. Home to the world-famous Times Square Ball Drop, millions flock to NYC to witness this iconic event, along with dazzling fireworks over the skyline. The city’s energy is unmatched thanks to a variety of parties, concerts and festivities to attend.
Don’t miss out on ice skating at the Rockefeller Center which is also home to the iconic Christmas tree which is scheduled to be lit up on 4 December 2024. During your stay in NYC, you can also visit the Christmas markets or attend a show on Broadway. For a more luxurious experience, book a rooftop party with a spectacular view of the city or an NYC river cruise where you can witness the colourful fireworks first hand.
For a unique mix of traditional and modern New Year’s celebrations, Tokyo offers an unforgettable experience. In Japan, New Year’s Eve is a time for reflection and renewal. A popular tradition in Japan is hatsumode which means you’ll see Shinto shrines and temples buzzing with visitors offering prayers for the year ahead. There are many shrines and temples to visit in Tokyo to take part in hatsumode, but one of the most popular to visit is Meiji Shrine which stays open throughout the night. At midnight, temples ring bells 108 times as part of the Buddhist tradition known as Joya-no-kane. For a more festive atmosphere, head to Shibuya Crossing, where revellers gather for countdown parties.
Another option is to watch the skies light up above you by floating on a traditional yakatabune at Tokyo Bay. These long boats cruise along the rivers, decorated with lanterns and offer up a feast – perfect for a New Year’s celebration in Tokyo. Or if you prefer a more cosy outing, book a restaurant at one of Tokyo’s finest to eat a traditional toshikoshi soba dinner, it symbolises good luck for the year ahead and is often eaten on New Year’s Eve by the Japanese.
One of the first major cities in the world to welcome the New Year, Sydney is renowned for its incredible fireworks over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. With warm summer weather, it’s the perfect place for outdoor celebrations. You can enjoy picnics by the harbour, boat cruises, or beach parties. Bondi Beach is perhaps one of the most recognised beaches in Sydney, so the parties here are naturally buzzing with live music, DJs and entertainment. Plus, Sydney’s iconic landmarks serve as a stunning backdrop for the festivities.
Why not check out the Harbour of Light Parade, where selected vessels get dressed up in colourful lights for all to see? The vessels navigate a stretch from Cockatoo Island, under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, to Clark Island.
Cape Town offers a spectacular New Year’s celebration with warm sunny weather and exciting parties, all complemented by beautiful natural scenery. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is the heart of the festivities, with live music, entertainment, and a stunning fireworks display. On New Year’s Eve, many flock to Cape Town’s beaches, including Clifton Beach and Camps Bay to ring in the New Year with a beach party. Complete with picnic baskets and blankets, a vibrant atmosphere filled with joy and laughter, plus a cool ocean breeze… what more could you want?
After the countdown, the city’s beaches and Table Mountain offer the perfect backdrop for a New Year’s Day adventure. Many will want to conquer the challenge that is Table Mountain by taking a hike or for a more relaxing experience, take the cable car!
Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate is the site of one of the largest open-air New Year’s Eve parties in Europe. More than a million people gather for live performances, DJ sets, and a midnight fireworks show. Berlin’s clubbing scene is legendary, so after the fireworks, you can dance the night away at some of the city’s world-famous nightclubs.
If partying at Brandenburg Gate or Berlin’s nightclub scene isn’t up your street, then perhaps you could head up Berlin’s TV Tower for a cosier experience, also complete with live music, DJs, food and drink. Plus, as you’ll be high up in the sky, you’ll quite literally have a bird’s eye view of the fireworks across Germany’s capital.
Give yourself a New Year to remember by heading out to one of these destinations and enjoying the festivities. Make sure to check in advance that these events will actually take place, as with any event, they are subject to changes. If you’re interested in experiencing a New Year abroad, look for the ABTA logo and book with an ABTA member to travel with confidence.
