35 Best Places to Celebrate New Year & Christmas in the World

As Christmas and New Year are looming around, you may be planning a fun-filled holiday to a beautiful destination. It is the best time of the year to plan a trip when everything is quiet yet seems so radiating. If you are not using this time to relish some of the best moments of your life with your loved ones, you are spoiling a festive vibe.

We cannot let it happen! So, we have curated a list of the best places to celebrate the new year in the world. You can pick any destination, as we have mentioned only the best. Skim through each point and get ready for the fun holidays.

Top Destinations to Celebrate Christmas & New Year 2025

Selecting one unique destination among many may get complex. But once you go through our top 35 picks, you will find the best only. We have curated a long list of places for the New Year & Christmas celebrations. So, have a look, pick your favorite holiday destination, pack your bags, and get on the adventure:

1. Istanbul, Turkey

Visiting this architectural marvel during Christmas and New Year is no less than a wonder. There’s so much to see and enjoy in Istanbul. From illuminating shopping streets and malls to indulging in mouthwatering Christmas delicacies to Bosphorus dinner cruises, Christmas parties at nightclubs, and whatnot. Also, the New Year light show in Istanbul is one of its kind and very popular among tourists. It is indeed one of the best places to celebrate New Year in the world.

Book Package: Istanbul Tour Package

2. Baku, Azerbaijan

During Christmas and New Year, Baku becomes one of the most magical cities in the world. It gets into the spirit of these two magnificent festivals. If you plan to celebrate your Christmas and New Year outside your country, Baku is the most inviting place offering several events. Such as Gospel Choirs, Christmas dinner & brunch, Santa Claus Gift Distribution, and many more.

Besides, the most stunning part is watching the fireworks at the end of the evening. Baku holds the best new year celebration in the world. Don’t think much and head straight to Azerbaijan to honor the best New Year.

Book Package: Baku Tour Package

3. Helsinki, Finland

Undoubtedly, the holiday season in Finland is otherworldly. There is no comparison to the spectacular winter break celebration in this country. Besides being known for Santa Claus’s Lapland home, Helsinki has something more magical about its Christmas. It is one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in the world. From sparkly lights everywhere to Finnish Christmas food to delicious Finnish pastries to everything it offers during this time of the year.

You can even indulge in fun things, like ice skating, Christmas street shopping, visiting Christmas markets, stopping by the winter circus, and more.

Book Package: Helsinki Tour Package

4. Santorini, Greece

Christmas and New year are one of the most magical times of the year when the whole ambiance is filled with love, joy, and happiness. If you are heading to Greece this New year, don’t forget to visit the Santorini. It offers the best Christmas celebration in the world, especially for lovers of nature.

Besides the New year and Christmas vibes, you can enjoy sightseeing, photography, wine tasting, etc. Greece has atypical Christmas traditions, such as Christmas gastronomy and desserts. All in all, you must consider visiting Greece this winter.

Book Package: Santorini Tour Package

5. St. Petersburg, Russia

Do you know the locals of Russia celebrate Christmas on 7th January instead of 25th December? Yes, you read that right! It's a profound religious festival in Russia. From chilled weather to delectable delicacies, St. Petersburg offers much more than that. You can stroll around the markets, visit the Orthodox Cathedral, explore Catherine's palace, and do many other things in Russia during Christmas and New Year.

St. Petersburg is among many best places to celebrate New Year in the world. So, you shouldn’t wait and head straight to this spectacular city in Russia.

Book Package: Saint Petersburg Tour Package

6. Almaty, Kazakhstan

Almaty is the biggest city and the cultural & trading hub of Kazakhstan. It is one of the well-known destinations to celebrate Christmas and New year. If you plan to visit Almaty for Christmas, you will witness a different celebration. Through their Christmas and New Year celebration, you will get an opportunity to experience Kazakh culture and traditions. It is known to be the best New Year celebration in the world, something you will encounter here only.

Book Package: Almaty Tour Package

7. Yerevan, Armenia

As the season of celebration is around the corner, Yerevan started to embark on its joyful stir. Streets, shops, malls, etc., can be seen adorned with creative and unusual decorations around the city. In Armenia, the locals celebrate New Year first and then Christmas on January 6, according to the traditions of the Armenian Apostolic Church. So, if you are heading to Armenia for Christmas celebration, you can satiate yourself with many things. For example, stroll around Christmas Bazaar, enjoy ice skating, run around in a Santa costume, and more.

Book Package: Yerevan Tour Package

8. Tbilisi, Georgia

Christmas in Georgia is one of the auspicious times when its Christian roots and family traditions combine with feasting, toasting, and partying. The celebration happens the entire month in Tbilisi. Everywhere you will see, there will be fairy lights. You will find differently decorated Christmas trees on the streets as you walk on them. The shops will also complement the Christmas theme. You will indeed feel that it is one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in the world.

Book Package: Tbilisi Tour Package

9. Paris, France

Paris Christmas is one of the graceful and magical seasons with so many incredible things to do. The lanes and streets near the Eiffel tower come to life with lit fireworks, street dances, light shows, and overflowing drinks. Scream the countdown for New Year's arrival along with thousands of people at Champs-Elysees.

You can head to Moulin Rouge and watch an awe-inspiring performance by different musicians, artists, and vocalists. Become a part of striking all-night parties at clubs in Paris. If you want to be a part of the best New Year celebration in the world, head straight to Paris.

Book Package: Paris Tour Package

10. Venice, Italy

Spending New Year and Christmas in Venice will be the best decision you will ever make. It won’t make you regret anything. During this season, Venice transformed into a paradisical place. The top attractions in Venice are all decked up in festival vibes, like Venetian Christmas Markets, Murano, Christmas concerts, and more. You can also head to St. Mark’s Square to celebrate New Year’s eve and witness a fairy evening. Venice is indeed one of the best places to celebrate New year in the world.

Book Package: Venice Tour Package

11. Valencia, Spain

Valencia, the city of art and science, lies on the Southwestern Coast of Spain. It welcomes a lot of tourists every year during winter for Christmas. You may not witness a white Christmas here, but you probably attend a fulfilling holiday spirit. In Valencia, you have a chance to relish Christmas differently. You can relax under the sun, stroll around Turia Garden, take a free street art tour, explore picturesque towns, and more. Experience the best Christmas celebration in the world only at Valencia.

Book Package: Valencia Tour Package

12. Brussels, Belgium

Christmas and New year are the two lively festivals in Brussels to relish with family, friends, and better halves. If you don’t have the temptation to experience what this place offers, you are wasting your holidays. Head to the sound & light show, the Winter Wonder Festival, Saint-Hubert galleries, the Carol concert, and more to make the most of your vacation. Besides, you can go to a Christmas market for some shopping and buy gifts for your loved ones. Certainly, Brussels is one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in the world.

Book Package: Brussels Tour Package

13. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Who doesn’t want to spend a New Year's week in Amsterdam? Everyone wants to book their tickets, pack their bags, and leave for winter break in Amsterdam. Especially during this time of the year when everything looks glittery and majestic. Relishing the New Year celebration in Amsterdam is indeed a dream!

From visiting museums to gulping Dutch food to witnessing the fairy lights to watching light festivals, there are many more things to do in Amsterdam. It Indeed looks like one of the best places to celebrate new year in the world.

Book Package: Amsterdam Tour Package

14. Berlin, Germany

If you are looking for a classical Christmas break, head straight to the capital of Germany that is Berlin. It is one of the best destinations to celebrate New year in Europe. The streets of Berlin will be most crowded to make the festival grander. During your vacation here, you can go sledding at Winter World, witness the most stunning Christmas lights at Ku’Damn, and get on a thrilling adventure at the Alexanderplatz fairground. For any explorer, Berlin offers the best Christmas celebration in the world.

Book Package: Berlin Tour Package

15. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is a phenomenal destination to indulge in Christmas festivities and welcome the New Year. You can witness one of the best fireworks from Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square. If you want to avoid the crowd, head to Petrin Hill or Charles Bridge to capture stunning views. Also, you can party while cruising to celebrate Christmas. Prague offers Jazz cruises, dinner cruises, boat parties, and more to various tourists for a fun-filled Christmas and New year week. Plan a whole week's trip to this popular European destination to witness the best new year celebration in the world.

Book Package: Prague Tour Package

16. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is a prominent destination for summer and spring vacations because of its sunny weather. But during winter, it becomes Christmassy. If you are someone who likes to welcome the New Year with great excitement, then Lisbon should be your place. You can enjoy the best New Year's Eve events at Terreiro do Paco with the local people with artists performing live shows.

If you want to be part of exciting New Year parties, there are different clubs at Pink Street and Bairro Alto. For a quiet New Year celebration, you can attend Fado to relish the traditional singing of the Portuguese. Now, you will agree that Lisbon is one of the best destinations to celebrate new year in the world.

Book Package: Lisbon Tour Package

17. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro's New Year celebration will blow your mind with its world-famous Copacabana Beach Party. Every year on New Year’s eve beach receives around 20 lakhs people who gather to witness the magical celebration and ring the arrival of the New year. People make wishes and float the candles to Goddess lemanja. Rio de Janeiro is one of the best places to celebrate new year in the world and offers everything that can make your heart happy.

Book Package: Brazil Tour Packages

18. New York, United States

New York is probably the first place that comes to everyone’s mind when it's about New Year. Thanks to every other Christmas Hollywood movie associated with New York City. Celebrating Christmas and New Year in a city that never sleeps is a thrill. There are so many exhilarating things that you can do in New York. The list begins with Christmas Spectacular, Holidays shows, Tree lighting, Ice skating, a countdown ring at Times Square, and more.

Can you afford to miss this soul-filling celebration in New York? You sure not! So, get ready to have the best New Year celebration in the world.

19. Miami, United States

Miami is known as one of the craziest party destinations in the world. Not to mention, it is also the most charming place. It offers lively beaches that host crazy parties all night. Also, the fireworks in South Beach and Bayfront Park in Miami Downtown are something to watch. You can indulge in a fancy dinner at the Wharf Miami, which is situated along the Miami River.

To enjoy a stirring DJ night, splendid hospitality, and exotic drinks, book a yacht at Biscayne Bay. Visit Miami for an extravagant time to have the best Christmas celebration in the world.

20. Las Vegas, United States

Las Vegas, the most enchanting place on the earth, is known to be a fascinating destination to celebrate New Year and Christmas. Although there is always a party-like atmosphere in Las Vegas, however during New Year, the atmosphere becomes even more pleasant. To become part of Las Vegas’s lively celebration, you can visit casinos, nightclubs, and hotel events.

You can also stroll through the Las Vegas strip and witness the best fireworks. Your trip to this action-packed city will be a memorable affair. It is among the many best places to celebrate Christmas in the world.

Book Package: USA Tour Packages

21. Goa, India

Goa is one of the best destinations to celebrate Christmas and New Year in India. If you are looking for a budgeted festive vacation, Goa is the ideal choice for you. With many New Year events, clubs, and beach parties, Goa offers a fulfilling holiday. From intimate parties to maddening crowds, it is brimmed with energy. Bonfire and Barbeque are a part of Goa’s thrilling celebrations. You can have the best New Year celebration in the world in Goa.

Book Package: Goa Tour Package

22. Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown is known as the first city to host a New Year celebration in the world. This vibrant city of New Zealand has every kind of party for everyone. If you are someone who likes quiet new year parties, then head to Lakefront. There you can enjoy fireworks, picturesque landscapes, and live music. For the best fireworks in Queenstown, head to Earnslaw Park, where the glorious new year festivities happen.

To relish a musical new year's night, you can visit Rhythm and Alps. Well-known musicians from New Zealand and other parts of the world come to entertain people there. All in all, New Zealand offers the best New Year celebration in the world.

Book Package: Queenstown Tour Package

23. Sydney, Australia

Ready to welcome the New year dazzlingly? Well, if not yet! Head straight to Sydney. It hosts the most magnificent new year festivities in the town. Go for the cruise ride in the Harbour for unparalleled nightlife and be a spectator of the phenomenal fireworks from close. Also, don’t forget to watch the ships parade in the harbor filled with lights around. Undoubtedly, Sydney is among the many best places to celebrate New Year in the world.

Book Package: Sydney Tour Package

24. Dubai, UAE

Christmas and New Year in Dubai offers different celebration, away from white snowy holidays. Dubai offers a perfect luxury celebration among the tallest buildings in the world, lit up with dazzling colorful lights. How can someone forget the laser and light show with the perfect backdrop of the Dubai fountain? Don’t miss that. With the music fest and other events organized at the Burj Khalifa, we told you that Dubai offers a luxury getaway.

Book Package: Dubai Tour Package

25. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam is another destination where you can spend Christmas and New year's week in happiness. To spend a beautiful Christmas in Vietnam, you can visit Notre Dam Cathedral, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Ben Thanh Market, Diamon Plaza, and Saigon Chinatown.

Ho Chi Minh City is known as one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in the world because of the Tet Vietnam festival. In this parade, you will witness lion dance performances, colorful bell ringing, drums & gong sounds, and delicious Vietnamese street food.

Book Package: Ho Chi Minh City Package

26. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is one of the notable destinations to visit for the best New Year celebrations in the world. It may be less known among travelers, but it has so much to offer. With lively vibes and an excited ambiance, Cape Town welcomes many visitors around this time of the year.

There are carnival-themed parties, live music, stunning beaches, picnic spots, spectacular fireworks, food trucks, and much more to enjoy in Cape Town during the new year. New Year in Cape Town is about buzzing parties and lavish dinners you will enjoy throughout the trip.

Book Package: Cape Town Tour Package

27. Kakheti, Georgia

Kakheti is the most beautiful wine region in Georgia. It remains pleasant throughout the year. It is one of the best places to celebrate New Year in the world, offering white landscapes with green contacts, wine experiences, and winter activities. Georgians celebrate the New Year with families and friends, having a good feast, glasses of wine, and loud laughter.

The other things you will witness here in New Year are cozy street markets, festive events, live Georgian folk music, and festive homes. When the clock strikes midnight, everyone comes out to watch the enchanting fireworks in the sky.

Book Package: Kakheti Tour Package

28. Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg is one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in the world. Every nook and corner of this city is adorned with festive lights and decorative items, making these streets thing to see. The beautiful setting of the Old Town of Salzburg is a perfect backdrop for your Instagram-worthy photographs of Christmas break.

In Salzburg, you can enjoy Christmas and New Year by watching fireworks and attending concerts & ball parties. The streets of Salzburg don’t sleep during this time; they always bustle with people wandering around, exploring the Christmas markets, and eating festive sweets.

Book Package: Salzburg Tour Package

29. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is one of the must-visit destinations for New Year celebrations around the world. It has many unique and fun things to do and see during this time of year. From fascinating fireworks to lavish dinner cruises to exotic beach parties to spectacular festivals, Bangkok has everything a New Year should have.

The party starts weeks before the New Year arrives, and it stays weeks after the New Year’s Eve ends. Every street you walk into offers celebration settings, festive gatherings, nightlife vibes, and social events. The famous parties you can attend in Bangkok are White Party, Beam NYE, Meta Music Festival, and Glitter & Glam.

Book Package: Bangkok Tour Package

30. Moscow, Russia

Moscow, amidst the chilling snowy weather, offers a perfect setting for New Year celebrations. It is one of the best places to celebrate New Year around the world, where every landscape is enhanced with beautiful decorations. Moscow looks pleasantly magnificent during this time. For a stunning fireworks show, you can visit Red Square and Kremlin. There are free concerts and events happening around the city, which you can attend.

Moscow also has an array of bars and clubs offering the best nightlife. You can relish the drinks and snacks, dance through the crowd, and enjoy live music here. Overall, Moscow should be on everyone’s list of places to visit for New Year celebrations around the world.

Book Package: Moscow Tour Package

31. Tokyo, Japan

If you haven’t decided where to go for a Christmas and New Year celebration, Tokyo is the place you must consider. It may be a lesser-known destination among tourists celebrating New Year and Christmas. But rarely do people know that every part of Tokyo revels in the joy. Tokyo is slowly making its way into the list of one of the best places to spend Christmas in the world.
 
Tokyo has its traditions and customs for celebrating New Year and Christmas. There are some must-visit places in Tokyo to experience the best festive vibes. These are Shibuya, Akihabara, Shozoku Inari Jinja Shrine, Asakusa, and Senso-ji Temple.

Book Package: Tokyo Tour Package

32. Athens, Greece

Athens is known for its ethereal beauty, pleasant hospitality, and grand celebrations. Every year, Athens braces itself to throw the best New Year celebration with electrifying music at every corner, magical fireworks in the sky, vibrant markets, crowded streets, and delicious cuisines on every lane.

Athens has plenty of things for everyone to enjoy, such as bars & clubs for partygoers, a vast selection of food for those who enjoy quiet sit-down meals, and big party events for fun-seekers. If you love open-air parties, Athens has it too. There is nothing that Athens cannot offer to travelers. You can be a part of the best New Year parties in the world in Athens.

Book Package: Athens Tour Package

33. Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik offers a one-of-a-kind New Year party. It has a whole new definition of a New Year party. With bonfires, fireworks, NYE events, and midnight party scenes, Reykjavik draws the attention of all travelers across the globe. Reykjavik is among the best places to spend Christmas and New Year in the world.

One of the best parts about visiting Reykjavik during New Year is its snow-covered landscapes, which seem like scenes straight out of heaven. You can enjoy a soaking session at Sky Lagoon, rejuvenate your soul at geothermal pools, and experience serenity at Hvammsvik Hot Springs.

Book Package: Reykjavik Tour Package

34. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is a spectacular destination for enjoying the best Christmas celebration in the world. One of the most highlighted attractions in Copenhagen on New Year’s Eve is a grand fireworks display. It is an out-of-the-world spectacle to witness at least once in your lifetime.

Some must-visit places for celebrating New Year’s Eve in Copenhagen are the Wallmans New Year’s party, Dorsia’s New Year’s SHOWTIME, ARCH’s New Year’s celebration, and New Year’s Eve at Sopavillionen. Moreover, the entire city is adorned with beautiful lights and decorative items which look like a stunning painting.

Book Package: Copenhagen Tour Package

35. Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is one of the best places to celebrate New Year in the world. The streets and houses in Bruges look like portraits from a fairytale, decked up with fairy lights, Christmas decor, and beautiful markets. Do you want to join the people walking around the streets, wearing warm coats, exploring the shops, and munching on snacks? Then, Bruges is the perfect place to visit at this time of year.

The things you can buy at Christmas markets in Bruges are- Belgian chocolates, Artisanal cheese, Christmas tree decorations, and more. Other activities to enjoy in Bruges are ice skating, Belgian beer tasting, making Belgian chocolates, etc.

Book Package: Bruges Tour Package

Book New Year & Christmas Tour Packages with Dook International

Nothing can beat the celebration of the going year and the arrival of the New Year in a different country with new people. If the above list has opened your travel buds, you must look at Dook International’s tour packages. Dook International offers various New Year and Christmas tour packages at pocket-friendly rates.

Our packages will convince you to take that much-awaited trip and fill your heart with an entirely new experience. So, don’t wait, and look forward to celebrating Christmas and welcoming the New year in a new country.

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