As the end of 2024 approaches, there’s no better time to plan a memorable trip to some of the best new year destinations outside India.
Thanks to the emerging trend among Indian travellers to ring in the New Year abroad, these destinations offer exciting experiences - from the beach to dazzling fireworks displays and cultural events.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, overseas travel has peaked, with 27 million Indians travelling abroad in 2023 alone, and this figure is likely to increase within the holidays of the New Year.
Wondering where to go for New Year’s? Here are 18 best places to spend New Year’s that promise an unforgettable start to 2025.
18 Best places to spend new years
1. Dubai, UAE: Luxe Desert Celebrations
Dubai is among the best New Year destinations outside India, especially for those who enjoy grand festivities.
Fireworks at Burj Khalifa, luxury dinners, and cruises along the Marina make New Year in Dubai pretty spectacular.
Famous for its vibrant cityscape, this is an excellent option if you are looking for a place that guarantees a lively atmosphere within a luxurious setting.
2. Paris, France: The City of Lights Sparkles on New Year’s
If you’re wondering where to go for New Year’s with a romantic twist, Paris is a top choice.
The night lights of the Eiffel Tower; intimate cruises along the Seine River; and the harmonisation of romance, culture, and spectacular fireworks make it one of the greatest places to usher in the new year.
Whether friends or dear ones, there is a classic way of saying "Bonne Année!" in Paris making it one of the best places to spend New Year’s.
3. Sydney, Australia: The First Fireworks of the New Year
Sydney is among the first cities in the world to welcome 2025, making it one of the best New Year destinations outside India for travellers who want a unique experience.
World-famous fireworks at Sydney Harbour and beach parties at Bondi make this an ideal spot for a vibrant celebration.
Pro tip: Visa2Fly can help with your Australian visa to make planning easier.
4. Bangkok, Thailand: A Blend of Parties and Tradition
Bangkok is among the best places to spend New Year’s on a budget as this city has lively street festivals and serene temple ceremonies.
There's a major countdown at CentralWorld and riverside dinners if you want more subdued celebrations with the added benefit of a great view.
Bangkok is among the best New Year destinations outside India for a mix of festive vibes and traditional customs.
5. New York, USA: Times Square's Legendary Ball Drop
No list of the best New Year destinations outside India can be complete without New York City.
The iconic Times Square ball drop accompanied by fireworks and rooftop parties makes New York one of the best destinations to ring in New Year's for a great time.
Warm clothing is a must because winter in NYC can be rather cold.
6. Tokyo, Japan: Welcome the New Year with Tradition and Technology
The New Year in Tokyo is a great blend of past and present with an unbeatable backdrop from anywhere else in the world, ranking it among the very best New Year destinations outside India.
From ringing temple bells to vibrant light shows in Shibuya, Tokyo offers a unique experience for travellers looking where to go for New Year’s with a cultural twist.
While you are there, don't forget to try traditional Toshikoshi soba noodles for good fortune in the New Year.
7. Cape Town, South Africa: Sunny Celebrations on the Waterfront
For a warmer New Year's celebration, one of the best places to spend New Year's is in Cape Town. Cape Town boasts beachside festivities and fireworks against Table Mountain, giving off a lively yet laid-back feel, making it a great pick for where to go for New Year’s if you’re looking for sunny weather.
8. London, UK: Fireworks on the Thames
London's Thames fireworks and winter festivals make it one of the best New Year destinations outside India for an iconic celebration.
With river cruises and more, London's New Year celebration holds a festive spirit that will excite anyone of any age.
Due to the limitation of tickets for fireworks, book in advance to get a beautiful view of this fabulous display.
9. Istanbul, Turkey: Where Europe Meets Asia
The New Year's Eve of Istanbul is an experience to behold, undoubtedly one of the best places to spend New Year’s.
With boat parties along the Bosphorus and fireworks lighting up the city, Istanbul carries a certain mystique of the exotic that makes it a perfect destination for your list of where to go for New Year’s if you’re looking for a mix of history and modernity.
10. Vienna, Austria: Ring in the New Year in Style with Opera and Balls
For those seeking elegance, Vienna’s New Year celebrations are among the best New Year destinations outside India.
The land of balls, waltzes, and classical music, Vienna presents a classy and upscale New Year's Eve experience that gives travellers an elegant option about where to spend New Year's.
11. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Copacabana Beach Extravaganza
Rio is one of the best places to spend New Year's with an all-out New Year's celebration at Copacabana Beach so psychedelic and full of life, samba, live music, and fireworks. With samba, live music, and fireworks, it’s an ideal choice where to go for New Year’s if you’re looking for an unforgettable beach party.
12. Hong Kong, China: Harbour Lights and Celebrations
The spectacular fireworks over Victoria Harbour make Hong Kong one of the best New Year destinations outside India.
From rooftop bars to harbour cruises, Hong Kong offers various ways to celebrate, making it a top choice for going to New Year with family or friends.
13. Moscow, Russia: Celebrate New Year like a winter wonderland
Moscow's New Year celebration in Red Square is a really magical, snowy experience decorated festively and just one of the best places to spend New Year's in winter.
Moscow combines ice skating, fireworks, and Russian culture for an unforgettable New Year's Eve experience.
14. Bali, Indonesia: Tropical Beaches and Cultural Vibes
Bali’s beach clubs and sunset parties make it a top-best New Year destination outside India for those who prefer warm weather and a relaxed vibe.
From Seminyak to Uluwatu, Bali promises a laid-back start to 2025 with unique celebrations infused with local cultures.
15. Edinburgh, Scotland: Hogmanay Street Festival
Edinburgh's Hogmanay is one of the world's largest New Year's street festivals, making it an excellent option for where to go for New Year’s.
There is a festive, spirited celebration with torchlight processions, ceilidh dancing, and fireworks over Edinburgh Castle in Scotland's capital.
16. Singapore: Marina Bay Fireworks and Countdown
One of Asia's most lavish New Year countdowns can be found in Singapore at Marina Bay, which also makes it one of the best places to spend New Year's.
With a mix of luxurious sky-high parties at Marina Bay Sands and family-friendly celebrations by the beach clubs at Sentosa, Singapore offers one of the most exciting blends of luxury and family fun around.
17. Athens, Greece: Ancient Ruins and Modern Festivities
Ring in New Year's Eve in Athens, this is a place that beautifully blends old-world charm with modern-day celebrations.
The Acropolis is dramatically lit up, and city squares boast live performances and street festivities.
For history enthusiasts, Athens is an unforgettable Best New Year destination outside India.
18. Las Vegas, USA: Extravagant Parties and Fireworks on the Strip
End the year with the grandiosity of Las Vegas, which celebrates New Year's Eve grandly with bombardments of fireworks all over the Strip and other live performances and much more events.
It is famous for its energetic nightlife, so Las Vegas would be one of the places you should go to celebrate New Year's Eve if you love parties and casinos.
Tips for a Seamless New Year Celebration
No matter where you would like to spend your holiday, Visa2Fly takes care of even the minutest details to make your travel process hassle-free.
If you are headed for Australia, the UK, or Russia, you can be guaranteed that Visa2Fly will provide excellent visa services.
It will save you a lot of headaches in planning to have a wonderful time on your holidays.
From the lavish Dubai parties to the Tokyo cultural rituals and the Sydney fireworks which never fade from the pages of memory, these best new-year destinations outside India offer unique experiences to the travelling crowd.
Be it an elegant affair in Vienna, a romantic getaway in Paris, or a beachside celebration in Rio - all promise a thrilling start to the New Year.
Let Visa2Fly take care of your visa so you can enjoy the best of your holiday overseas with little or no fuss.
Start planning, pack your bags, and get ready to experience the best that 2025 has to offer across the globe.
