New Year's Eve: Celebrate good times
Author: Amy Rosoman
What better way to see in the New Year, than with a big bang abroad. Flashing fireworks, illuminous clock countdowns and stylish celebrations are the ticket for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve break. Here are our top nine sizzling destinations to welcome in 2025.
Edinburgh
Be part of the biggest New Year’s party in the Scottish city with it all. Celebrate Hogmanay with whiskey in hand and Scottish shortbread treats. Join the legendary street party on Princes Street, with live music, sparkling fireworks and eccentric entertainment. Immerse yourself in a party atmosphere like no other, join the glowing torches, dance the Ceilidh at the bottom of Edinburgh Castle and go wild for one of the world’s most ultimate outdoor parties.
Catch top acts headlining at the Concert in the Gardens, with support acts still to be announced. Listen to hit songs and watch the sky burst into colour, with an unforgettable view for the fireworks. Or join the Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party with stages of performers, even more music and a Disco Zone Hosted by Silent Adventures. Keep the party going and head to the Why Not Club – a New Year’s Eve wonderland of flashing flare drinks, party booths and late-night garden.
Where to stay: Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian – Soak up the blend of old and new at this opulent hotel, close to the heart of the celebratory action. Begin your evening with dinner in one of two restaurants, designed by Michelin-starred chefs, then taste a tipple from a range of malt whiskey in The Caley Bar (or a cocktail if you prefer). With its striking backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, catch the dazzle of fireworks for bringing in 2024 with a stay here.
Amsterdam
Take a trip to the Netherlands for fabulous celebrations – think street parties, Champagne sipping and watching the sky catch fire. Get yourself along to Westerdok or Oosterdok for the midnight countdown, then dance the night away at the free party on the VOC-ship, where the DJ plays from 11pm. For the best views of the fireworks, head to Amstel River or Nieuwmarkt, for an electrifying atmosphere.
Keep an eye out for the sparkle of Amsterdam’s Light Festival over the New Year break and see mesmerising light sculptures dotted around the city. If you’re looking for a spectacular night out on the town, Awakenings at Gashouder boasts a thumping techno night and Club NYX will have international DJs playing. Or dress-up for the Great Gatsby Club at the KHL Koffieheus, with live music from the five-piece band, The Maestros.
Where to stay: Doubletree Hilton Amsterdam – for fabulous city views, celebrate in style at the SkyLounge Bar, with music and mouth-watering cocktails at the Gold, Glitter and Glamour party (book tickets to save your spot) or buy tickets to join the hotel’s other party, 50 Shades of Silver, and dress to impress. With its central riverside location and rooftop terrace, this hotel setting is one to remember. Do as the Dutch do and cycle around the sights of Amsterdam using the hotel bike rentals.
Prague
The captivating Czech Republic capital will dazzle you. Listen to the booms and see the sparks fly across the whole of the city. Arrive as early as you can to Charles Bridge, for a sensational view of the fireworks. Wine and dine in style on a river cruise along the Vltava River or book a terrace restaurant on the riverbank. Then soak up the atmosphere along the streets of Prague Castle or Petrin Hill. Discover the energy of Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, as you mingle with the locals.
Head out to KU Bar Lounge for music, dining, dancing, mesmerising magicians, an eye-catching barman show and more fireworks. If a club night is what you are looking for, choose between the lively venues of the Mecca Club and the Roxy Music Club. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a dining sensation, followed by club night (all in the same place), Club Radost FX and Obcanska Plovarna offer delicious dishes and magnetising music.
Where to stay: Cosmopolitan – enjoy a lavish boutique New Year’s Eve break, in the heart of the city. Book yourself a spot in the Czech celebrity chef restaurant, Next Door, for delicious dining. Then make your way to the nearby Vltava River and watch the flashes of fireworks brighten up the night.
Party in Prague
Check out the nightlife and bring in the New Year with your best dance moves.
Soak up the scenery
Wrap up warm for a jolly New Year's Eve, you might be lucky enough to see Amsterdam dusted in snow during the fun-filled street parties.
Smash hits in Music City
Catch big name acts and inspiring music in Nashville, for a New Year's Eve to remember.
Iceland
The Land of Fire and Ice becomes a new world for New Year’s Eve. The firework ban is lifted, blazing bonfires are lit across Reykjavik and the country soars into huge celebrations. Head up to Öskjuhlíð hill for illuminating views of the city, or head to the square by the Hallgrímskirkja Church for an electrifying atmosphere. Book well in advance into one of Reykjavik’s restaurants for delicious dining and a few drinks to get the party started.
Bars and clubs don’t tend to be open until after midnight, which is perfect. Check out the Dillon Whiskey Bar, which brings a brilliant atmosphere and tantalising tipples. Nightlife seekers can make tracks to Austur nightclub for the biggest night out, with its stylish design, classy cocktails and beautiful guests – savour an all-nighter here.
Where to stay: Canopy by Hilton – savour a stay here, with its beautiful rooms. Start your evening in the cocktail lounge and have reservations ready at one of Reykjavik’s tantalising restaurants. Then wander to the nearby Hallgrímskirkja Church for an incredible atmosphere, to bring in the New Year.
New York
Gather with the masses from all over the world, for the biggest party in Times Square. Watch the ball drop come midnight and dance in the flurry of confetti. With so many fabulous events, you’ll need to keep an eye-out for early offers and tickets before you arrive. From the sparkling Brooklyn Bridge walking tour, to a concert at the Lincoln Center, book a New Year’s night to remember.
The New York Harbor guarantees a night of glitz and glam – take a boat party cruise and witness the magic of the city skyline. Watch a comedy show on Broadway and welcome the New Year with laughter, or enjoy a family-friendly feast and check out epic movie memorabilia at Planet Hollywood. Alternatively, get your tickets ready for a night out at Marquee for a night of top DJ’s, party flavours and celebrity spotting.
Where to stay: Hotel Indigo Lower East Side New York – start your celebrations on cloud nine, with tantalising culinary dishes at the Mr Purple restaurant – then sit up at the rooftop cocktail bar with panoramic views of the city. Situated on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, you can enjoy a show of fireworks across the New York skyline from the rooftop. If you want to venture beyond the hotel, you can join the biggest party in the city in Times Square.
Nashville
Head to the music city of Nashville, Tennessee, for your New Year’s Eve break. Join the biggest annual celebration in the city – the sensational Jack Daniel’s Music City Midnight event, with top headliners (to be announced soon). Watch the sky flare in colour come midnight, hear the note drop and dance in the fluttering confetti, as everyone cheers in 2024.
If you fancy something on a smaller scale, book yourself a table at a rooftop party. Make tracks to The George Jones, for a lively atmosphere, Smokehouse bites, tantalising drinks and awesome music. Alternatively, find your way to Printer’s Alley for karaoke bars and blues bars with live music. Or venture to the famous bars filled with country music along the nightlife district of Lower Broadway – step inside Legends Corner for music city flavours.
Where to stay: The Hutton Hotel – a music lifestyle hotel. This place has its own music and entertainment venue, Analog, a cool space to socialise in – start your New Year’s Eve celebrations here, then drift into happy hour at the hotel’s main bar for signature cocktails. With plenty of local bars nearby, as well as the famous Music Row, stay here for a rhythmic New Year break.
Las Vegas
If a party is what you are after – Las Vegas is the ultimate place to be for New Year’s Eve. The strip shuts down to traffic, the casinos create a firework extravaganza and the nightlife here is bigger than ever. For the best views of the city, get ahead and book onto The Linq’s High Roller observation wheel, go to the Bellagio for a black-tie affair, or hit it hard at the MGM Grand for a night at Hakkasan.
Make a move to New York New York for the New Year’s Eve Bridge party, or catch one of many shows on, including of Cirque du Soleil. Celebrate the beginning of 2024 with an epic night in the XS nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas, for a collaboration of celebrities and DJ’s, within an epitome of glamour. Or spend a night with comedy duo John Oliver and Seth Meyers as they team up for a New Year's performance at Caesars Palace or catch top residency Bruno Mars at Park MGM Las Vegas.
Where to stay: Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino – for a luxurious stay with tantalising restaurants and show-stopping entertainment. Book a spot at Koi for a sensational dining experience and at the Koi Ultra Lounge for stylish party vibes and bottomless bottle service. Shake off any New Year’s Eve hangover, with a treatment or two in the tranquil Planet Hollywood Spa by Mandara.
Celebrate like a local
Join the lights of Bangkok, from the flavourful food to the fantastic fireworks – this city makes for an exciting New Year's Eve break.
Dubai
Discover an exotic New Year’s Eve celebration, like nowhere else in the world. With its array of events in a mesmerising setting, you’ll be blown away bringing in the New Year. Watch lights ignite all over the Dubai cityscape, in a whirl of colours, as fireworks rise high. Catch the best of them at the Burj Khalifa, the Burj Al Arab, Atlantis the Palm and the Palm Islands.
If you’re looking for a celebratory night out, head to the thrilling urban scene at Soho Garden and dance away at this super sleek open-air party hub. Watch your cocktails shake-up as the sky lights up, all in a Dubai city oasis. Alternatively, keep your eyes peeled for an epic New Year’s Eve party at Zero Gravity for one of the world’s biggest beach parties, bursting with blends of tropical beats and electronic soundtracks.
Where to stay: Le Royal Meridien Dubai – Close to the famous Dubai Marina, overlooking the glistening Arabian Gulf, this beachfront hotel is a treat for a New Year’s Eve break. Start with a breakfast or brunch tipple, then relax by day on the sandy shores. Dress up ready to welcome in 2024 and relish a night of middle eastern cuisine, tasty drinks and superb views outdoors for the fireworks extravaganza.