By Michele Indeed, New Year’s may be perceived as just another day, a mere way-marker in the relentless march of time. Yet, when you discover the perfect place to celebrate, it transforms into a damn good night. On December 31, people worldwide gather for a night of revelry, bidding farewell to one year and embracing the arrival of the next.
But it’s not solely about fireworks and club nights. Numerous destinations boast unique and traditional customs that make them extraordinary places to celebrate, ranging from witnessing giant falling potatoes to the quirky tradition of cramming your mouth with grapes. Here are our top picks for the world’s best places to welcome 2024. As for spending New Year’s Day nursing an epic hangover? Well, that part is entirely up to you.
Edinburgh, Scotland
While ‘Auld Lang Syne’ echoes across the globe during New Year’s celebrations, there’s an unparalleled New Year’s experience awaiting you in Scotland. Nowhere captures the spirit of the season quite like Edinburgh’s legendary Hogmanay, where the city’s festivities of dancing, drinking, fireworks, and unbridled revelry can extend for an extraordinary three whole days.
Madrid, Spain
The New Year’s Eve celebration in Madrid unfolds at the Puerta del Sol public square, where the festivities are televised nationwide. To truly immerse yourself in the authentic Spanish New Year’s experience, engage in a cherished local tradition. At the stroke of midnight, as the Puerta del Sol bell rings, Spaniards traditionally consume 12 grapes one by one. Legend has it that finishing all the grapes promises a joyful and prosperous new year. For those seeking a repeat, a second chance awaits at 1 am when, since 2018, the bell tolls again to signify midnight in the Canary Islands.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
December transforms Chiang Mai into more than just a culturally rich city basking in warm daytime temperatures of 29°C. The month unveils a truly spectacular New Year’s Eve tradition, where thousands of paper lanterns ascend into the night sky on December 31. The act of releasing these lanterns signifies new beginnings and is believed to usher in good luck. Even if you choose not to release one yourself, witnessing the sight is a truly ethereal experience.
Reykjavik, Iceland
While Reykjavik may lack an official fireworks display, it doesn’t hinder the Icelandic capital from hosting one of the planet’s most stunning pyrotechnic shows every New Year’s Eve. Practically every resident of the city purchases fireworks from ICE-SAR, Iceland’s search-and-rescue department, and ignites them at the stroke of midnight. This tradition not only contributes to funding the institution for the upcoming year but also ensures a fantastic celebration for all involved.
Cape Town, South Africa
If you’re undecided on how to spend the last night of 2023, Cape Town, South Africa’s ‘Mother City,’ has you covered. While the beaches offer a relaxed entry into the New Year, the V&A Waterfront, now featuring a newly opened market by Time Out, is the ultimate destination for a diverse celebration. Immerse yourself in carnival-themed performances, explore food trucks, and groove to live music spread across this lively area. Indulge in good food, drinks, and dance your way into the night for a well-rounded New Year’s Eve experience.
London, UK
London’s New Year’s Eve celebration doesn’t boast many eccentric or quirky traditions; instead, it is a heartwarming and visually stunning affair. The banks of the Thames and the crowded bridges become a lively spectacle, with revelers exuding the cheeriest of spirits while enjoying a magnificent view of the UK capital’s skyline. The night culminates with a countdown at Big Ben and a dazzling fireworks display around the iconic London Eye. Though simple, the event is tremendously effective in creating a festive atmosphere. Ensure you secure your ticket promptly when they become available.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney holds a distinct advantage over other major New Year’s Eve celebrations due to its easterly time zone, making it among the first significant gatherings to usher in the new year. Over a million participants assemble on boats or along the shore, eagerly anticipating the dazzling light displays illuminating the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Set against the backdrop of the Aussie summer, the festivities benefit from a decidedly warmer climate compared to the typically chilly conditions of most northern-hemisphere New Year’s Eve parties.
Mexico
Whether you find yourself reveling on the sun-kissed beaches of Cancun and Playa del Carmen or immersing in the lively street celebrations of Guadalajara and Mexico City, it’s advisable to partake in Mexico’s significant New Year’s Eve custom: vibrant underwear. The chosen color is symbolic of your aspirations for the upcoming year—red signifies love, yellow denotes wealth or luck, and white represents peace.
New York, USA
Indeed, it may be expected, but few cities globally can match the exhilarating energy of New Year’s Eve like New York. Whether you’re drawn to the iconic ball drop in Times Square or captivated by the fireworks illuminating Central Park, South Street Seaport, and Prospect Park, the city that never sleeps ensures that every corner is a hotspot for a memorable New Year’s celebration.
Tokyo, Japan
Japan offers a multitude of customs to embrace the arrival of the new year, ensuring a night filled with diverse traditions. Whether you choose to partake in the countdown festivities at Tokyo Tower, savor a meal of toshikoshi soba (special New Year’s Eve noodles), or listen attentively for the resonating toll of temple bells, chiming 108 times in the moments leading up to midnight, the country provides a rich tapestry of New Year’s experiences.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Had a challenging year and seeking an unconventional outlet for your frustrations? Denmark beckons with a unique New Year’s tradition: the opportunity to hurl plates and crockery at your neighbors’ doors. The more dishes you break, the better luck supposedly awaits you in the coming year. Plus, Copenhagen, with its waterfront fireworks display, offers a visually stunning albeit chilly setting to ring in the New Year.
Naples, Italy
Speaking of unconventional celebrations, Naples deserves a mention. Though this tradition is waning, some residents in Italy’s third-largest city engage in the curious practice of tossing household items out of their windows on New Year’s Eve. Typically, it’s pots, pans, and pillows that rain down rather than larger furniture, but it might be wise to watch your head nonetheless. Missing out on the spectacular city-wide fireworks display would be a shame, so consider heading up to the city’s hills for the best vantage point.
Quito, Ecuador
Joining the trend of ushering in the new year with a bit of destruction is Ecuador, where a unique tradition involves burning scarecrow-like dolls filled with paper at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. This ritual is designed to symbolically banish the demons and bad luck of the past year. The resulting fires, accompanied by numerous fireworks displays, transform Ecuador’s capital, Quito, into a spectacle that would captivate any pyromaniac’s imagination.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The allure of ringing in the new year at Rio’s iconic Copacabana beach during the annual New Year’s Eve celebration is quite apparent, but the experience becomes even more enchanting when you embrace local customs. Adorn yourself in all white attire and, as the clock strikes midnight, partake in the tradition of leaping over seven waves. Picture it: barefoot on the renowned sandy beach, leisurely frolicking in the warm water as fireworks illuminate the sky above—a truly remarkable way to embark on the new year.
Boise, USA
In the heart of America’s potato kingdom, Idaho boasts a distinctive New Year’s Eve tradition: the ‘Idaho Potato Drop.’ Picture this: as the clock strikes midnight, and the sky comes alive with fireworks, a remarkably large polystyrene potato descends to the ground in front of Idaho’s state capitol. This unique celebration features live music, snowboarders showcasing their skills, and tempting food stands, offering an experience you won’t find anywhere else. For the ultimate potato immersion, consider booking a stay at the Big Idaho Potato Hotel—a lodging shaped like, you guessed it, a colossal potato.