As the clock counts down to midnight, cities across the globe light up with celebrations to welcome the New Year. From dazzling fireworks to vibrant street parties and elegant soirees, each destination offers a unique way to ring in 2025.
Whether you're seeking a luxurious experience, a cultural festivity or a party that lasts until dawn, here are the best cities around the world to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
Sydney is one of the first major cities in the world to welcome the New Year, and it does so in grand style with its iconic fireworks display over Sydney Harbour.
Most Popular Place To Celebrate: Watch the fireworks from a prime spot at Circular Quay, or book a dinner cruise for front-row seats on the water.
Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot or opt for a ticketed event at a harbour-side venue.
Go Here With Sure: Visit our online booking platform for Sydney hotel and flight deals. Or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for latest offers.
Cape Town offers one of the most spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations in Africa, with breathtaking views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop.
Most Popular Place To Celebrate: There are hundreds of parties in and around Cape Town, but you won’t be disappointed if you head to the V&A Waterfront for a family-friendly celebration featuring live music, street performers and a dazzling fireworks display over the harbour and, this year, an incredible line-up of musical artists including: Matthew Mole, Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels, BlackByrd, Mi Casa, and more.
Insider Tip: If you want a more luxurious experience of the V&A Waterfront fireworks display, book a spot on a luxury yacht for an unforgettable experience on the water. Or take a cable car ride up Table Mountain earlier in the day for panoramic views of the city and start your celebration with a stunning sunset.
Go Here With Sure: Sure Travel has several great hotel deals for Cape Town, from 2 Nights at the Pepper Club Hotel and Spa from R3,752 pps, to 7 Nights at Old Bank Hotel with sightseeing tours included from R6,640 pps and 3 Nights at Kloof Street Hotel from R2,630 pps. Visit our online portal for more Cape Town deals, or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for more offers.
No New Year’s Eve list is complete without mentioning New York, bursting at the seams with New Years Eve parties of every description.
Most Popular Place To Celebrate: Join the crowd in Times Square to watch the iconic ball drop, or opt for a more exclusive experience at a rooftop bar overlooking the festivities.
Insider Tip: Dress warmly and arrive early, as spots fill up quickly. Alternatively, enjoy the celebration from a nearby restaurant with views of the square.
Go Here With Sure: Visit our online booking platform for New York hotel and flight deals. Or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for latest offers.
Rio’s New Year’s Eve celebration, known as Réveillon, is a beach party like no other, attracting millions of revellers dressed in white for good luck.
Most Popular Place To Celebrate: Copacabana Beach is the heart of the celebration; featuring live music, dancing and a spectacular fireworks show over the ocean.
Insider Tip: Wear white and bring flowers to toss into the sea as a tribute to Yemanjá, the goddess of the sea.
Go Here With Sure: Visit our online booking platform for Rio de Janeiro hotel and flight deals. Or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for latest offers.
Dubai rings in the New Year with a dazzling display of lights, fireworks and luxury, making it a top destination for an unforgettable celebration.
Most Popular Place To Celebrate: Witness the world-famous fireworks at the Burj Khalifa, or attend a glamorous gala dinner at one of the city’s luxury hotels.
Insider Tip: Book your accommodation and event tickets well in advance, as Dubai is a popular destination for New Year’s Eve.
Go Here With Sure: Visit our online booking platform for Dubai hotel and flight deals. Or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for latest offers.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is a three-day festival filled with torchlight processions, street parties and traditional Scottish music and dancing.
Most Popular Place To Celebrate: Join the street party along Princes Street or attend the Concert in the Gardens featuring live performances.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the Loony Dook, a New Year’s Day dip in the freezing waters of the Firth of Forth.
Go Here With Sure: Visit our online booking platform for Edinburgh hotel and flight deals. Or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for latest offers.
Hong Kong’s New Year’s Eve celebration is a mesmerising blend of fireworks and a synchronised light show over Victoria Harbour.
Most Popular Place To Celebrate: Watch the festivities from a rooftop bar in Tsim Sha Tsui or aboard a traditional junk boat on the harbour.
Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure a good spot along the waterfront.
Go Here With Sure: Visit our online booking platform for Hong Kong hotel and flight deals. Or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for latest offers.
In Reykjavik, New Year’s Eve is marked by bonfires, fireworks and a lively party scene that continues into the early hours of the morning.
Most Popular Place To Celebrate: Join the crowds and watch the fireworks from Hallgrímskirkja Church, or join locals at one of the city’s many bonfires.
Insider Tip: Warm up with a traditional Icelandic hot dog from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur before heading out to celebrate.
Go Here With Sure: Visit our online booking platform for Reykjavik hotel and flight deals. Or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for latest offers.
Bangkok’s vibrant nightlife and festive atmosphere make it a top destination for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Most Popular Place To Celebrate: CentralWorld hosts the city’s largest countdown event, while rooftop bars like Vertigo and Sky Bar offer spectacular views of the fireworks.
Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure a spot at CentralWorld, or book a table at a rooftop bar for a more upscale experience.
Go Here With Sure: Visit our online booking platform for Bangkok hotel and flight deals. Or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for latest offers.
Paris offers a chic and romantic setting to welcome the New Year, with the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées serving as iconic backdrops.
Most Popular Place To Celebrate: Watch the light show at the Eiffel Tower or join the street party along the Champs-Élysées.
Insider Tip: Book a Seine River cruise for a unique perspective of the city’s landmarks and fireworks.
Go Here With Sure: Visit our online booking platform for Paris hotel and flight deals. Or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for latest offers.
From the vibrant streets of Cape Town to the beaches of Rio and the futuristic skyline of Dubai, the world offers a myriad of ways to ring in the New Year. Whether you’re seeking adventure, luxury or cultural immersion, these top 10 cities promise unforgettable memories as you welcome 2025.
Where will you be when the clock strikes midnight? Visit our online booking platform or ask your nearest Sure Travel Agent for last-minute deals to any of these 10 iconic destinations, and many more!
