Let’s be honest: New Year’s Eve is stressful. There’s a lot of pressure on where to go, what to wear and who you’re going to kiss at midnight. But if you plan early, it doesn’t have to feel like such hard work. Instead of staying home or finding a local party, this year you could plan a trip and ring in midnight somewhere new and fun. Whether you want to stay in the UK, have a European city break or journey to North America, there are plenty of options for your New Year’s Eve celebrations that will make the night extra special, local-style.
Here are 10 trips we suggest you start booking now, from Prague to Quebec City to Edinburgh. Just don’t forget your 2017 glasses – and a lot of champagne.
This article was first published November 19, 2016.
Vienna
Like many big European cities, every December Vienna fills with travellers for the New Year. But the Austrian city is a good pick if Paris or London feels too obvious. Vienna kicks off its party at 2pm on New Year’s Eve, inviting people to follow its New Year’s Eve Trail, where vendors serve up booze and eats, and entertainment options abound. At midnight, there are the traditional fireworks, which you can watch with the crowd on the streets or from a boat along the Danube. It’s a massive, lively going-on and will make you feel like a real part of the action as the clock chimes 12. Of course, you’re in Vienna, so make sure you’re not too hungover to enjoy the artsy city to its fullest. Book a room at the Hotel Altstadt Vienna, a stylish property that offers both traditional hotel rooms and apartments. Be sure to grab a cocktail at Puff, a trendy bar housed in a former brothel.
Prague
On New Year’s Eve in Prague, everyone gathers on the iconic Charles Bridge, crowding together with bottles of champagne and confetti poppers to ring in midnight. It’s a raucous, hilarious experience, especially since the crowd usually comprises people from all over the world, speaking a multitude of languages. The best part, though, is the rogue fireworks. Hundreds and hundreds of illicit fireworks are set off on the bridge and around the city, a prelude to the official display that takes place on the evening of New Year’s Day. Prague has plenty of nightclubs, if that’s more your style than the streets, and the city is easy to take in over a few days. Be sure to visit the Strahov Monastic Brewery for some local brews. Hotel prices are high over New Year but try the Golden Well or Domus Balthasar, both affordable and located close to the Charles Bridge and all the festivities.
Budapest
Budapest takes New Year celebrations seriously, throwing several parties over several days before midnight hits. One of the most popular is at the Szechenyi Baths, the city’s famous outdoor thermal pools, on December 30. Get started there and then move on to drink at one of the Ruin Pubs around town. On the actual day, locals gather for street concerts and fireworks along the Danube. If you’re serious about bringing in the New Year in style, book tickets for one of the many party boats that cruise the river as fireworks explode over the city’s buildings. While in town, you’ll want to stay at Brody House, an eclectic, cool boutique hotel with a members club (which you can access during your stay). There’s a lot of good food in Budapest these days but if you want a fancy meal to celebrate a fresh start in 2017, try Costes, where you can pair your food with local Hungarian wines.
Edinburgh
New Year’s Eve in Scotland is no joke. Every year, Edinburgh hosts a three-day festival called Hogmanay, which includes live music, a street party, family events and no less than three fireworks displays over the course of the evening, leading up to the main display at the “midnight moment”. It may not be as famous as the celebrations in New York or Sydney but Hogmanay is well-known and you’ll want to experience it at some point in your life. On New Year’s Day, join locals at the annual Loony Dook, where hundreds of people don costumes and immerse themselves in the freezing water at South Queensferry. If you’re brave enough to take part, it’s suggested that you register well in advance but if you’d rather stay warm, pull up a stool at The Devil’s Advocate, a cocktail bar with an imaginative menu. Try The Grassmarket Hotel, a hip spot with youthful décor and a central location.
Berlin
It may be freezing in Berlin in late December, but it’s still an ideal city to visit over the holidays. The German capital takes New Year’s Eve very seriously, throwing a giant party over a 2-kilometre stretch between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column in the centre of town. Live music, midnight fireworks and no official bedtime attracts nearly a million people every year. If you prefer a club vibe, Berlin is home to dozens of multi-level nightclubs that throw ticketed New Year celebrations. Check out Kulturbrauerei, a huge events space that plays host to an insane annual party. Book a room at the trendy Michelberger Hotel and explore the surrounding area, which includes the East Side Gallery, a segment of the Berlin Wall covered in colourful graffiti. Don’t forget to try the city’s famous currywurst at Curry 36 and grab a burger and fries at BurgerMeister to sop up your New Year’s Day hangover (and you’ll have one, trust us).
Reykjavik
The Icelandic city of Reykjavik doesn’t have an official New Year’s Eve celebration. Most of the locals enjoy the evening at home with their families but around midnight everyone comes outside and releases hundreds of unofficial fireworks. Culminating in a massive explosion on the stroke of 12, this is truly a sight to behold. After the ruckus, partygoers head into pubs and bars, which stay open until the early morning. Take this opportunity to experience everything the capital has to offer. If you have a bigger budget, book a room at the artsy 101 Hotel; otherwise grab a private room at the hipster KEX Hostel and befriend some fellow travellers. Be sure to imbibe at the classy Loftid cocktail bar, which asks its guests to dress up for their drinks.
Grand Cayman
Ready to splurge in the sunshine? Head to Grand Cayman, which enjoys Caribbean weather all year round and is the perfect place to relax over the holiday break. Make the brand-new Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa, located along the famed Seven Mile Beach, your base from which to explore the island. After you’ve soaked up enough sun and sipped rum punch by the pool, prepare for the New Year’s Eve festivities, which include two fireworks displays, one along Seven Mile Beach and the other at The Harbour at Camana Bay. While on the island, be sure to visit Rum Point, a beach area where the mudslide was supposedly invented (keep an eye out for Taylor Swift, who has been spotted there). There are plenty of water sports and beach activities on offer on Grand Cayman but make time to visit Hell, an actual tiny town on the island. There you can send a postcard to your parents that says “Hello from Hell”, which will make the entire trip worth it.
New Orleans
New Year’s Eve in New Orleans is predictably manic. The city is known for its partying, so it makes sense that they’d take it up a notch at year’s end. The big event takes place in Jackson Square where Baby New Year drops at 12 (instead of a ball) and a massive fireworks display is held over the river. The celebration continues on Bourbon Street, where you can carry drinks to and from the bars and revel in the streets. If you’re looking for live music, check out the lineup at venues like House of Blues or Tipitina’s, which often offer a flat-rate ticket for an open bar and a show. Have dinner at Commander’s Palace and grab a cocktail at the historic French 75. The Ace Hotel New Orleans is a popular booking, so plan early and grab a room before they sell out. The new, well-appointed hotel’s downtown location will ensure easy access to all the fun.
Newcastle
If you want to stay in the UK over the holidays, Newcastle is a good option for the year-end celebrations. The city throws an annual Winter Festival that has dozens of events throughout December, so we suggest arriving a few days early to revel in the holiday spirit. For the midnight countdown, you can either hit up a ticketed New Year’s Eve party or take to the streets for merriment and fireworks along the quay. Explore the historic city, including its 12th-century fortress and Great North Museum. Have a cocktail (or several) at Pleased To Meet You, a chic bar whose menu includes the intriguing-sounding “Martini Lunch”. You might also want to check out Lola Jeans for dinner and drinks during your visit.
Quebec City
Quebec City celebrates New Year for almost an entire week, transforming the Grande Allée into a days-long party featuring live music, a ferris wheel and outdoor bars, culminating with a massive shindig and – of course – fireworks. This year is particularly special, as 2017 marks the 150th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation. While in town, follow the Festi Lumière, an outdoor circuit illuminated by more than 500,000 LED lights, and embrace the city’s annual traditions, which include an outdoor Christmas market. There are tons of beautiful hotels around Quebec City, but pick the centrally located Hotel du Vieux-Quebec, which has a modern yet historic feeling and free breakfast. There is also no shortage of good bars; we recommend funky hole-in-the-wall Bar Sainte-Angèle, which sometimes has live jazz, and Fou-Bar, for its low-key vibe and extensive selection of beers.
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