New Year’s Eve Bucket List: 9 Must-Visit Destinations to Welcome 2025

The new year brings new hopes, goals, and a fresh start. As the calendar turns into a fresh year, the excitement of New Year’s Eve 2024 provides unmatched global energy. It is a time for celebration, self-reflection from the last year, and setting intentions for the year ahead for a better year. Whether you dream of fireworks illuminating the night sky, dancing in vibrant street parties, or enjoying a quiet moment in a serene setting, there are lots of the best places to visit for New Year’s Eve. With this blog, let’s explore 9 must-visit locations that promise unforgettable experiences to welcome 2025.

• Queenstown, New Zealand
• Paris, France
• Sydney, Australia
• Dubai, UAE
• Tokyo, Japan
• New York, USA
• Maldives
• Reykjavik, Iceland
• Bangkok, Thailand

Queenstown, New Zealand

Nestled in the center of New Zealand’s South Island, Queenstown offers a captivating New Year’s Eve festivity. It is among the earliest cities apart from Sydney to greet the new year. Set against stunning mountains and Lake Wakatipu, the city’s waterfront boasts live music, street food, and a midnight fireworks display. If you love adventure, consider welcoming the new year with bungee jumping or skydiving in New Zealand and make lasting memories. Pickyourtrail’s New Zealand trip packages for New Year’s Eve feature access to top events, gala dinners, and exciting activities.
Why Visit: Experience a unique blend of natural beauty and high-energy celebrations.
Pro Tip: Book a lakeside spot early for the best views of the fireworks.

Paris, France

Undoubtedly, Paris throws one of the best New Year’s Eve celebrations. The City of Light changes into the City of Fireworks on New Year’s Eve. The Eiffel Tower shines with a brilliant light display, as the Champs-Élysées turns into the heart of festivities, highlighting street celebrations, champagne cheers, and a united countdown. For a more intimate experience, you can embark on a serene Seine River cruise, where you can fully immerse yourself in the New Year’s celebrations while enjoying the festivities from the water. Right at midnight, you can witness the grand gesture of the city of love with the majestic New Year’s Eve fireworks at the Eiffel Tower, making your Paris tour package more magical!
Why Visit: Revel in Parisian elegance and romance.
Pro Tip: Make dinner reservations well in advance, as restaurants fill up quickly.

Sydney, Australia

In terms of New Year’s Eve, Sydney always ranks on the top, and quite rightly so. The pyrotechnic display of the fireworks that takes place over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House is one of the finest seen around the world. The celebration is an open-air and larger-than-life event, pulling over a million people along the waterfront. The New Year’s Eve occasion is more like a platform for live performances, cultural exhibitions, and a grand display of fireworks. To make your New Year’s Eve 2024 even more special, book a location on the boat in Sydney Harbour and watch the events from the water.
Why Visit: Be among the first in the world to welcome the new year and help celebrate with an exciting fireworks display.
Pro Tip: Preferably travel early in the day to secure the best viewing spots or book tickets to exclusive events like the Opera Gala.

Dubai, UAE

Dubai’s New Year’s Eve celebrations truly emphasize opulence and magnificence, effortlessly exceeding all your expectations. The Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world, undoubtedly serves as the centerpiece for a breathtaking fireworks and laser show that spectacularly brightens the entire city. From lavish festivities at opulent hotels to serene desert adventures, Dubai offers choices for every kind of traveler. Travellers book their Dubai tour packages way in advance to ensure they get to experience one of the finest New Year’s Eve nights!
Why Visit: Witness one of the most extravagant NYE celebrations on the planet.
Pro Tip: Opt for a rooftop dinner reservation for an uninterrupted view of the spectacle.

Tokyo, Japan

In Tokyo, New Year’s Eve is called “Ōmisoka”. It is a mix of lively celebrations and deep-rooted traditions of Japan. People here have a tradition of “hatsumode”, the first visit to a Shinto shrine on the new year. Millions of people visit Meiji Shrine in Japan to observe the ceremonial bell ringing, where 108 chimes symbolise the cleansing of earthly desires. This is one of the most unique and traditional experiences for New Year’s Eve. You can also enjoy the countdown parties in Japan in Shibuya or Odaiba for a more contemporary vibe. You must add this experience on your Japan travel package and create a beautiful memory!
Why Visit: Combine spiritual rituals with modern festivities for a unique experience.
Pro Tip: Savor local delicacies like soba noodles, which symbolize longevity and good fortune.

New York City, USA

New York’s Times Square is closely associated with New Year’s Eve festivities. Each year, millions get together at this legendary spot to observe the renowned ball drop at midnight. The thrilling ambiance is intensified by live shows from international performers, bursts of confetti, and the synchronized countdown of countless partygoers.
Why Visit: Experience a quintessential New Year’s Eve moment surrounded by the glitz of NYC.
Pro Tip: Dress warmly and arrive early, as streets close hours before the event begins.

Maldives

If you are one of those who wish to experience a quieter yet luxurious New Year’s Eve, then Maldives offers a tropical escape. Book a Maldives package for the New Year’s and take a back seat while enjoying the luxury at its best. The resorts in Maldives host private beach parties, featuring gourmet dinners, bonfires, and fireworks by the ocean. Imagine welcoming 2025 along with your loved ones with your feet in the sand and the sound of waves crashing nearby.
Why Visit: Escape the crowds for a serene yet celebratory ambiance.
Pro Tip: Book an overwater villa for a truly unforgettable experience.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik might sound like an offbeat destination for spending New Year’s Eve. But, it is truly one of the best places to spend New Year’s. In Reykjavik, New Year’s Eve festivities combine warmth and wonder. Residents ignite large bonfires representing the incineration of the previous year’s difficulties. As midnight nears, around 500 tons of fireworks illuminate the winter sky in a spectacular show that beautifully contrasts with the frosty scenery. Spending New Year’s in Reykjavik on your Europe trip can turn into a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you!
Why Visit: Experience a cozy and unique New Year’s Eve in the heart of Icelandic winter.
Pro Tip: Stay late to catch the mesmerising Northern Lights after the festivities.

Bangkok, Thailand

The city that never sleeps, Bangkok is a great option to spend the New Year’s Eve. It is a vibrant city that comes alive on New Year’s Eve. Famous locations such as Iconsiam and Asiatique The Riverfront showcase breathtaking fireworks above the Chao Phraya River, along with live music and cultural shows. Party enthusiasts can experience the exhilarating atmosphere of Khao San Road or participate in the grand countdown at CentralWorld. For an extravagant experience, rooftop lounges which provide stunning skyline vistas. To experience the best New Year’s Eve experience, let us plan a Thailand tour package for you with the best of all that is offered by the city.
Why Visit: Immerse yourself in a high-energy celebration in Southeast Asia.
Pro Tip: Explore local markets for festive street food before the countdown begins.

Tips for Planning Your New Year’s Eve Bucket List

1. Book Early: Popular destinations and events sell out months in advance, so plan to secure tickets and accommodations.
2. Consider Time Zones: If you’re a travel enthusiast, aim to celebrate NYE in multiple locations by chasing time zones.
3. Pack Wisely: Dress appropriately for the destination’s weather and activities, whether it’s a tropical beach or a snowy city.
4. Embrace Local Traditions: Participate in cultural practices to make your experience more authentic and memorable.

Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant energy of major cities or the tranquil beauty of remote locations, there’s a destination to suit every traveler’s bucket list. Start planning now, and welcome 2025 in a way that you’ll cherish for years to come.
Which destination tops your New Year’s Eve bucket list?