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Celebrating New Year's Eve abroad is something truly special. Whether you're looking for dazzling fireworks, buzzing cities, or atmospheric little villages, there are places around the world where midnight feels extra magical.
Here's your guide to some of the very best and most memorable spots to ring in the new year.
1. Sydney, Australia – First Into the Future
Standing in the summer warmth at Sydney Harbour as the clock strikes midnight is an experience you won’t forget. The city puts on one of the world’s most spectacular fireworks displays, with the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as the backdrop.
The atmosphere is electric, with crowds gathering along the waterfront from early in the day. Sydney is also one of the first major cities in the world to enter the new year – and it does so in style.
Travel Tip: Arrive early at one of the best viewing spots like Mrs Macquarie’s Chair or Observatory Hill. And leave the winter coat at home – this is a warm-weather celebration.
2. Edinburgh, Scotland – Hogmanay With Historic Flair
Edinburgh transforms into a multi-day outdoor celebration during its legendary Hogmanay Festival, one of the world’s most famous New Year traditions. Expect live concerts, torchlit processions, street parties, and fireworks over Edinburgh Castle.
It’s a cultural twist on New Year’s Eve – a blend of Scottish tradition and modern celebration that makes for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Travel Tip: Join the dramatic torchlight procession the night before New Year's Eve, and be sure to book tickets for concerts and street party areas in advance.
3. Berlin, Germany – Europe’s Biggest Street Party
Berlin knows how to party, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. Thousands gather between Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column for one of Europe’s biggest open-air celebrations. Expect live bands, DJs, food stalls, and a high-energy vibe all night long.
As midnight approaches, the sky explodes with fireworks, and the party rolls on into the early morning hours – often at one of Berlin’s legendary clubs.
Travel Tip: Dress warmly and be ready for large crowds. The atmosphere is festive and inclusive, making it one of the most welcoming places to celebrate.
4. Reykjavik, Iceland – Fire, Ice, and Unfiltered Energy
New Year's in Iceland is wild, beautiful, and unlike anywhere else. There’s no central fireworks display – instead, thousands of locals light up the skies with their own fireworks across the city in a stunning display of chaos and color.
Add to that giant bonfires, warm mulled drinks, and perhaps a dip in a geothermal hot spring the next day, and you’ve got a celebration that’s both memorable and unique.
Travel Tip: Head to a high viewpoint like Perlan or Hallgrímskirkja for a panoramic view of Reykjavik at midnight.
5. Madeira, Portugal – Fireworks by the Atlantic
Madeira might be an unexpected choice, but this Portuguese island in the Atlantic offers one of Europe’s most impressive New Year's fireworks shows. The harbor in Funchal lights up at midnight, with cruise ships sounding their horns as the sky fills with color.
The display has even earned a spot in the Guinness World Records for its scale and impact.
Travel Tip: Combine the New Year's celebration with a few days of hiking in Madeira’s lush, mountainous landscapes before or after the festivities.
So, Where Should You Celebrate New Year’s Eve?
The short answer: it depends on what you're looking for. Want summer warmth and a world-class show? Choose Sydney. Culture and tradition? Head to Edinburgh. Raw energy and big crowds? Berlin is your place. Or go off the beaten path with something more intimate like Reykjavik or Madeira.
Wherever you decide to go, New Year's Eve is a perfect time to travel – to celebrate what’s been and dream about what’s to come.
Want more travel inspiration? Follow @globefellas for guides, ideas, and stories from every corner of the world.
Where will you be when the clock strikes twelve?
