19 Best New Year’s Eve Vacations: The Complete Guide for Travelers [2023]
So many holidays are about connecting with loved ones, exchanging gifts, and eating extravagant meals. But New Year’s is a celebration that is all about looking to the future and considering your hopes and dreams for the upcoming year. It’s a moment for introspection about what you want out of life and the steps to getting there.
What better way to kickstart the way you want your life to go than by heading on an amazing New Year’s vacation 2023!
This list of the best New Year’s Eve vacations will help you narrow down your options based on your personality and desires. Everyone is different in how they like to kick back and celebrate, but there’s the perfect holiday vacation spot for you out there. Here are 19 ideas for New Year’s eve getaways.
1. New Orleans
We start our list for New Year’s vacation ideas with New Orleans. While New Orleans may bring Mardi Gras to mind, it’s also one of the best places to travel for New Year’s. It’s a city renowned for its nightlife during any holiday.
Choose between high-class cocktail bars, grungy nightclubs, and the best jazz venues your heart could desire. Very few places demand a cover charge, so you can feel free to change up locations as the night goes on. Enjoy the countdown to midnight at Jackson Square where you can see the Fleur de Lis drop.
Fun Fact about New Orleans: In 1796, New Orleans became the first city to host Opera in the United States.
Hotel Recommendation: Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans because it’s right in the heart of New Orleans, only steps from Canal Street and Audubon Aquarium of the Americas.
2. Las Vegas
When it comes to picking the best New Year’s vacation spots, you’re probably thinking about what places have the best nightlife. What city is more about extravagant nightlife than Las Vegas?
Casinos each throw their own New Year’s parties filled with games, performances, delicious food and drink, countdowns, and dancing. The strip itself is closed down so that the party can pour out into the streets.
Fun Fact about Las Vegas: Las Vegas is home to more than half of the 20 largest hotels in the world.
Hotel Recommendation: Vdara Hotel & Spa at Aria Las Vegas because of it’s cutting edge design, breathtaking views and the luxurious spa that just got a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating.
3. Telluride
If quiet vacations are more your speed, the best New Year’s Eve destination for you may be a small ski town. Ring in the New Year by hitting the slopes during the day and the hot tub at night.
There are New Year’s activities for every kind of person in Telluride – not just winter sports. You can curl up in the lodge or your slope-side accommodations with a good book and festive music, or head to one of their many DJ’ed dance parties. Take a ride on the gondola into town for a nice meal or stop at Alfred’s at the top of the mountain for a meal with a view.
Fun Fact about Telluride: The “Switzerland of America” is considered to be the first place in the world to have AC power.
Hotel Recommendation: Inn at Lost Creek , because it has the most stunning views you’ll ever see and spacious rooms with state-of-the-art amenities.
4. Atlantic City
Can’t decide between casino parties and beach views? You don’t have to! Atlantic City in New Jersey has it all.
While it may be too cold to lay at the beach, you should never underestimate the beauty of a walk on the beach, even in the winter. Plus, there’s no better time of year to catch a New Jersey sunrise over the ocean. And if you’re really brave, New Jersey beaches host polar plunges on New Year’s Day. After you party in the casinos the night before, start your year by doing something truly daring!
Fun Fact about Atlantic City: “America’s Playground” is home to the very first boardwalk (officially opened in 1870).
Hotel Recommendation: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa because of its floor-to-ceiling windows, numerous on-site restaurants, and two in-house nightclubs.
5. Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls draws in tourists year-round because of its fantastic waterfall views and history, so most people don’t even know how many extra special things the site has to offer during New Year’s celebrations. Hit the falls first during the day to get that first spectacular view, and then hit it again at night to see the falls illuminated by spectacular fireworks. It’s a sight that will inspire awe in our planet Earth for the beginning of the year.
Then you can go to the Hard Rock Cafe to see the guitar drop for a more traditional way to ring in the New Year.
Fun Fact about Niagara Falls: At 3,160 tons per second, Niagara Falls is one of the most voluminous waterfalls in North America. It’s enough water to meet the needs of a city of 1.6 million people for one day.
Hotel Recommendation: Four Points by Sheraton Niagara Falls because of it’s close proximity to the Hard Rock Cafe, within an 8-minute walk to the thunderous falls and the largest outdoor pool in the area.
6. Moscow
Did you know that New Year’s is a bigger deal in Russia than Christmas? You can read all about the history here. This is their day of coming together with family and friends to celebrate and exchange gifts. Santa even comes on New Year’s with his granddaughter, Snegurochka. It’s no wonder then that the city of Moscow really knows how to throw a New Year’s party making it the best New Year destination.
From Red Square and the Kremlin, you can view amazing fireworks displays. Arbat Street boasts the best nightlife options while the parks offer free concerts, performances, and light displays.
Our insider tip? Be careful when ordering hot chocolate while in Russia for the holidays. If you want what you think of as hot chocolate, order hot cocoa. If you want to try a thick, muddy, and very rich Russian chocolate drink, order hot chocolate.
Fun Fact about Moscow: The Moscow Kremlin is the world’s largest medieval fortress.
Hotel Recommendation: Lotte Hotel Moscow because of its luxurious accommodations combined with ultra-modern facilities as well as its spa with more than 300 different therapies.
7. Paris
“Maybe it’s much too early in the game… Oh, but I thought I’d ask you just the same… What are you doing on New Year’s Eve?”
If romance is at the top of your priorities for the best New Year’s Eve destination, what place could be better than the city of love; Paris? Enjoy a special meal at an unbeatable restaurant with your lover and follow it up with views of the Eiffel Tower lit up with midnight fireworks.
Wake up the next morning to stroll through the picturesque streets with a croissant, coffee, and your loved one to start the new year right.
There’s also plenty of opportunities for clubbing, seeing performances, and immersing yourself in art and culture. This bucket list has it all.
Fun Fact about Paris: The famous “Bloody Mary” cocktail originated in Paris at the Ritz Hotel.
Hotel Recommendation: Five Boutique Hotel Paris Quartier Latin because it’s situated in a peaceful and quiet neighborhood and the rooms are beautifully decorated.
8. Nashville
Nashville is a fun destination for New Year’s Eve because there’s plenty to see and do downtown. Nashville is a major party town, but it’s especially good if you’re a fan of country and blues music. Every bar downtown boasts live music, and they’re sure to be putting on their best shows for New Year’s Eve.
Jump from bar to bar to experience it all or research who’s playing ahead of time and choose the concert you don’t want to miss for the world.
The city’s main celebration is Jack Daniel’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville Big Bash. A five-hour show with performances by Dierks Bentley & Zac Brown Band as well as other artists like Sam Hunt and The Fisk Jubilee Singers! Be sure not to miss this great event on CBS titled New Year’s Eve Live: The Night of Music City Celebrations in addition there will be fireworks at midnight so you can ring in the new year while watching your favorite singer or band perform free live music right before our eyes!
Fun Fact about Nashville: Elvis Presley recorded more than 200 songs at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio B.
Best Place To Stay for New Year’s Eve: Sheraton Nashville Downtown Hotel because it is within walking distance to Nashville Broadway and Ryman Auditorium. It also hosts the Turning Back Time New Year’s Eve Party.
9. Washington, D.C.
At this point, fireworks are almost synonymous with America. So why not celebrate the New Year in the nation’s capital with a massive firework show that can be seen throughout the city.
The fireworks will be shot off from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument. The best place to watch the fireworks is on the National Mall.
The Capitol Riverfront hosts a family-friendly party with face painting, music, and food!
Another fun idea is joining the 10th Annual Ultimate Tropical New Year’s Eve 2022 party at the Renaissance Downtown DC Hotel.
Fun Fact about Washington, D.C.: Washington, D.C. used to be covered by an ocean.
Best Hotel for New Year’s Eve: Renaissance Downtown DC Hotel because it’s in the heart of the city, only steps from shopping, dining, nightlife.
10. New York City
“I want to be a part of it…” New Year’s Eve in New York City!
The Big Apple boasts one of the biggest New Year’s celebrations in the world. Thousand of people every year tune into the performance and the ball drop on TV every year in the City That Never Sleeps. This year, why not join the action head-on?
Take a look at some of the festivities planned for this year and start making your arrangements right away. Times Square gets packed quickly, and you want to make sure you have the best possible views and room for partying.
Fun Fact about New York City: More than 800 languages are spoken in New York City.
Hotel Recommendation: Millennium Times Square New York because the modern rooms have amazing views of Times Square.
11. Siem Reap
Are you on a budget this year? That doesn’t mean you can’t travel!
Go to an unexpected yet beautiful vacation destination by hitting Siem Reap in Cambodia. This is a budgeter’s dream vacation with four-star hotel rooms at $27 a night and meals averaging about $5. Don’t be fooled by the prices, though. There’s plenty of amazing accommodations and natural beauty to satisfy your world traveler’s heart.
Even though the Cambodian New Year is celebrated in April, Cambodians also celebrate “our” New Year’s Eve in imitation of Western countries.
Fun Fact about Siem Reap: The towering, awe-inspiring Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious monument.
Best Cheap Hotel in Siem Reap: Reveal Angkor Hotel because it has clean and modern rooms for an unbeatable price.
12. Copenhagen
Copenhagen, Denmark is known for its cozy holiday vibes year-round (ever heard of hygge?) but they really turn it up a notch in the winter. The picturesque Christmas markets stay open through the New Year so you can keep your Christmas cheer going on.
Finish out your trip with trips to Danish castles, Hans Christian Anderson’s house, and the oldest theme park in the world, Tivoli Gardens!
New Year’s Eve celebrations in Copenhagen usually happen at Tivoli Gardens and the restaurants have special New Year’s menus. At 11 pm Tivoli’s big New Year’s fireworks display begins. Danish tradition calls for people to gather on the Town Hall Square at 12 pm and hear their clock tower chime in with a celebration ring out across Denmark!
Fun Fact about Copenhagen: 55% of Copenhageners commute to work by bicycle.
Hotel Recommendation: Scandic Palace Hotel because of its amazing location right in the center of Copenhagen. No need to rent a car!
13. Memphis
There are two great reasons to visit Memphis during the New Year. Number one is if you’re a country music fan. You’ll find amazing live country music playing in all the bars.
The second reason is its proximity to Dollywood. This theme park is full of wholesome fun, country vibes, and attractions for the whole family. Split your vacation between the city and the theme park to get the most out of Tennessee.
One of the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Memphis is Beale Street, also known as Home of Blues.
Fun Fact about Memphis: Mark Twain once called Memphis the “Good Samaritan City of the Mississippi.”
Hotel Recommendation: The Westin Memphis Beale Street because it has the best location in Memphis to enjoy the Beale Street music scene.
14. Hawaii
Is your New Year’s resolution all about finding your zen, reconnecting with nature, and finding a healthier lifestyle for yourself?
If that sounds like you, Hawaii is the best New Year’s vacation for you. Keep things calm and reflective during the day with beautiful nature walks, sunbathing on Hawaii’s beaches, and amazing fresh food ingredients. Don’t worry, there’s definitely a party atmosphere at night (New Year’s luau anyone?) but wouldn’t you rather nurse the hangover the next morning on a tropical resort?
Our insider tip for a perfect activity on your New Year’s Eve getaway to Hawaii is the Star of Honolulu New Year’s Eve Midnight Celebration Dinner Cruise.
Fun Fact about Hawaii: Hawaii Was the First State to Ban Plastic Bags.
Hotel Recommendation: Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort because it’s situated in a prime location in Waikiki and offers guests beachfront access and views
15. Venice
Venice is a perfect choice for a romantic New Year’s Eve Getaway. During the day you can enjoy a gondola ride with your sweetheart, and at night you can enjoy a gourmet Italian meal with a view of fireworks over Venice’s iconic canals.
Every inch of Venice is full of history and beauty that just taking a romantic walk will fill your souls with romance and inspiration.
The most popular New Year’s Eve party is the one organized at Piazza San Marco where you can watch the fireworks. When the sky is clear, the fireworks over the Grand Canal and the snow-covered Doge’s Palace are a fairytale and truly unforgettable sight.
Fun Fact about Venice: Venice is home to one of the narrowest streets in the world (Calle Varisco, 21 inches wide).
Best Hotel for New Year’s Eve: Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace because of its prestigious rooms decorated in Venetian style and the free breakfast served on a charming veranda.
16. Dubai
Does your dream for the new year involve riches and extravagance beyond your wildest dreams? Dubai was literally designed with these ideals in mind. This paradise puts on a real show when it comes to the New Year.
There are of course New year’s Eve fireworks, but you’ll also find the music-water show at the Dubai Fountain. It’s a display that cannot be beaten. There are even restaurants where you can reserve a table with a view of the show.
Fun Fact about Dubai: Due to its constant development, a quarter of the world’s cranes are located in Dubai.
Best Hotel To Celebrate New Year’s Eve: Sofitel Dubai Downtown because Burj Khalifa, the focal point of celebration in Dubai is only 0.4 miles away and you can watch the fireworks from your room.
17. Rio De Janeiro
Okay, we hear you. You’re looking for the best possible party on earth for this New Year’s Eve 2021. We’ve all had a couple of tough years. It’s time to let loose!
Combine a party vacation with a beach vacation with Rio De Janeiro’s massive Copacabana Beach Party!
While there’s plenty of music and dancing to go around, there’s also a beautiful cultural aspect to this celebration. Watch the locals make offerings of flowers and candles to the goddess, Goddess Iemanjá, and join in the tradition of making seven wishes and jumping seven waves.
Fun Fact about Rio De Janeiro: Rio de Janeiro used to be the capital of Brazil.
Hotel Recommendation: Ritz Copacabana Boutique Hotel because of its one of a kind rooftop terrace with a pool and views of Copacabana Beach
18. Bangkok
“One night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster.”
Bangkok has recently reopened for U.S. visitors, so there’s no better time to plan a New Year’s Vacation there!
This trip is for the real free-spirited travelers among us. If your New Year’s travel goals are to see exotic places far beyond your imagination, Bangkok is the place for you.
You absolutely must check out the Grand Palace, zip line through a rain forest, and lots of other fun activities. Worried you’ll miss out on something? Check out our list of must-see attractions.
Fun Fact about Bangkok: It’s the longest city name in the world: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit … and, breathe!
Best Hotel To Celebrate New Year’s Eve: Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 because of its very own sky bar located on the 26th floor.
19. Madrid
You know how it’s a tradition in Spain to take a nap in the afternoon so that you can stay up later at night? Doesn’t that seem like a great recipe for a group of people who really know how to party?
As a matter of fact, Madrid is infamous for its parties, and they only go harder on New Year’s Eve. There’s a fun tradition of eating 12 grapes when the clock strikes midnight, but other than that it’s what you’d expect from a party scene; music, countdowns, amazing food (lamb and seafood!), and awesome dancing until the night end.
Fun Fact about Madrid: The Palacio Real is the largest royal palace in Europe by floor area.
Hotel Recommendation: Hotel RIU Plaza España because it’s in a hip area with cool bars and music venues and it has a rooftop bar with a great view of the fireworks.
Best New Year’s Eve 2022 Vacations for Every Celebration Style
No matter what your budget or vacation style is, you should be able to find the perfect spot off of this list of the best New Year’s Eve Vacations. Consider how you want to set the tone for the rest of the year. Is it relaxing on a beach, partying the night away, marveling at the earth’s beauty, sharing time with a lover, or experiencing a culture you haven’t been introduced to before? There’s a vacation idea for New Year’s 2021 for everyone!
Best New Year’s Eve Destinations For Couples
New Year’s Eve is one of the most special times to get away with your significant other. It’s a time to reflect on the year that has passed and make resolutions for the future. It can also be an opportunity to make memories as a couple-to-be or reminisce about those from years past. New Year’s Eve is all about celebrating love, so why not spend it in paradise? Whether you’re looking for a romantic couples’ retreat or want to party somewhere new this year, there are plenty of amazing places waiting for you!
Many factors go into picking the perfect destination for your New Year’s Eve Vacation. You may want to choose a place where you can experience fireworks without any crowds. Spa resorts that offer romantic New Year’s Eve dinners are a perfect choice because you can relax in a jacuzzi or enjoy a massage before you start celebrating New Year’s Eve.
New Year’s Eve Trip On a Budget
If you have a tight budget, an all-inclusive resort is a good way to go. You can save time and money with this type of New Year’s Eve vacation because it includes airport transportation, food, drinks, and everything else that you’ll need during your stay.
It’s not always the case that budget-conscious people can’t experience beautiful, memorable New Year’s Eve. All-inclusive resorts are a great way to spend your time without worrying about replenishing supplies or spending the extra money to dine out. This type of New Year’s Eve trip includes airport transportation, food, drinks, and everything else that you’ll need during your stay.
Best New Year’s Eve Destinations For Party People
As a party animal, you might want to make sure that the location of your New Year’s Eve celebration has good bars and restaurants for you. Top Places To Celebrate New Years’ Eve In the USA are New York City, Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, New Orleans, Nashville, and Miami.
If you’re looking to celebrate New Year’s Eve in a place where the party never stops, these destinations are perfect for you. Fireworks displays and street parties will keep you dancing until sunrise.
No matter what your budget or vacation style is, you should be able to find the perfect spot off of this list of the best New Year’s Eve vacations. Consider how you want to set the tone for the rest of the year. Is it relaxing on a beach, partying the night away, marveling at the earth’s beauty, sharing time with a lover, or experiencing a culture you haven’t been introduced to before? There’s a new years eve idea for everyone!
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