No plans yet for New Year’s? Well, you’re not the only one. But if you have a passport (or not, for some of these destinations) then it may not take a Christmas miracle to still ring in 2024 in style. That white sand beach, luxury resort, and epic New Year’s are still within reach. Welcome to where to go for New Year’s Eve.
The Location: Vienna
Overview: A vacation to Vienna on New Year’s Eve will take you back to the time of the Hapsburg empire. Leave your mini dress at home, you’re going to a ball. The Silvesterpfad, a giant party whose name literally means “New Year’s Eve trail”, takes place across the whole city. The main event is the famous symphony orchestra performance. But if you don’t like that vibe, you can simply move on to the next stage.
To complement the music and dancing, they have huge fireworks displays, street markets, and even a giant Ferris wheel ride. By midnight, make your way to St. Stephen’s Cathedral where you can find the best views of the fireworks and partake in a large waltz on the street. If someone offers you a marzipan pig, be sure to accept it.
You’ll be out all night, but you’ll also have to rally in the morning for brunch. But this is no sweats and mimosas type of brunch. This is a fancy meal, and definitely where to go for New Year’s Eve if you have a lot of energy.
Where to Stay in Vienna: The Rosewood or The Park Hyatt
The Location: Rome
Overview: One of the best times to book a trip is after Christmas. The kids are still home, and you can go all out on a trip. If you’re wondering which place to go with a family vibe for New Year’s Eve, Rome is your best bet. The streets are festive in a way that only Italians can achieve, and everyone is happy. If you see people throwing things out of the window — they aren’t angry. They’re just partaking in a NYE tradition of getting rid of the old, and bringing in the new.
After a meal at one of the beautiful little restaurants in the city, have a stroll in the streets, and celebrate the mild weather. Make your destination Circo Massimo, where the big concert happens. Special performers are scheduled before midnight, and afterward, a DJ plays until the wee morning hours. If you have a younger cohort, stick to the fireworks, which can be seen from Gianicolo Hill (Janiculum Hill).
Where to Stay in Rome: The Hotel Eden, Bulgari Rome, or Six Senses Rome
The Location: Madrid
Overview: Madrid is where to go for New Year’s Eve if you want to party all night long. Nobody knows how to party like the Spaniards do, and the clubs, bars, and restaurants all understand the assignment. The cotillion, or Madrid’s New Year’s party, is thrown at bars all over the city and has champagne, party accessories, and the famous 12 grapes for good luck.
Like anywhere, you should have a plan, and make your reservations ahead of time. We recommend Amazonico. This year, the club is throwing a Studio 54-inspired party DJed by Natasha Higgs. There’s an open bar after 11 and a dress code that reads: Tropical disco glamour.
Where to Stay in Madrid: Rosewood Madrid or The Ritz
The Location: Dubai
Overview: Dubai may have once been just where the airline scheduled your layover, but now it’s where to go for New Year’s Eve. The warm but temperate weather makes it the perfect place to do all kinds of partying throughout the entire evening. And everything is big in Dubai. The best restaurants and clubs put on huge events and parties with a range of experiences.
The best part is that no matter where you go, you’re likely to be close to one of the unmissable fireworks shows. You could do a tasting menu at OAnjo, where you can relax until the big show over Jumeirah beach. For the wilder crowd, the big beach clubs are the best place to take advantage of the chance to party outside.
Where to Stay in Dubai: Atlantis The Royal or the Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah
The Location: Dominica
Overview: The island dubbed “Nature Island” is where to go for New Year’s Eve that’s off the beaten path. The stunning hikes, hot springs, rainforests, dives, and beaches make for the perfect place to start your resolutions early by getting into nature. And because it’s one of the lesser traveled islands, there’s tons of availability and good deals on accommodations. There will definitely be locals to party within the main towns. But it’s also a great place to bring your friends and have your own wild party.
Because everyone else in the world is traveling to more popular places, you have space to enjoy the vibrant local culture. You might even stay until February when the carnival celebrations kick off. Then you’ll never leave.
Where to Stay in Dominica: Secret Bay or The InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa
Napa, California
If you’re in doubt, wine country is where to go for New Year’s. If nothing else, ringing in the new year with some California sunshine will do you right. Wine and dine at one of the fancy restaurants, or party it up at a resort party.
The nice thing about Napa is that it’s more chill than some of the other places. You can find yourself a glitzy ball, or you can relax with a lounge vibe. It’s also a great place to be if you’re the type to wake up early for a hike on New Year’s Day to kickstart your year right.
Where to Stay in Napa: Four Seasons, Bardessono, Stanley Ranch, and the OG Auberge du Soleil
Other articles you’ll like:
FAQs
Q: Where should I go for New Year’s with my kids?
A: Dominica or Rome
Q: Which city has the best party?
A: People in Madrid know how to party.
Q: Which place has the best value?
A: Dominica
