{"id":859185,"date":"2024-10-20T15:51:00","date_gmt":"2024-10-20T12:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/?p=859185"},"modified":"2025-03-10T15:00:22","modified_gmt":"2025-03-10T13:00:22","slug":"top-10-countries-for-an-unforgettable-new-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/top-10-countries-for-an-unforgettable-new-year\/","title":{"rendered":"\ud83c\udf89 Top 10 countries for an unforgettable New Year"},"content":{"rendered":"

How you celebrate the New Year is how you will spend it, says a popular tradition<\/a>. Do you want 2024 to be full of bright emotions and adventures? Then go listen to the chimes abroad! Snowy Finland<\/a> or hot Egypt<\/a>, bohemian Paris<\/a> or party London<\/a> – there is a celebration option for everyone. So the fabulous night from January 31 to January 1 will be truly unforgettable. We have selected the 10 best countries where to celebrate the New Year abroad.<\/p>\n

Czech<\/a><\/h2>\n

Prague<\/a> traditionally leads the list of the most atmospheric winter cities. Of course, the Czechs consider Christmas to be the main holiday, but they also treat the New Year with love. In December, the city seems to become part of a fairy tale – medieval castles<\/a> and cobbled streets are covered with garlands, and colorful fir trees appear in pubs and bars. All this creates an amazing atmosphere!<\/p>\n

On New Year's Eve, the main action will take place in the city center – on Wenceslas and Old Town Squares. Residents and guests of the city traditionally meet there to drink local beer or a glass of svarzak (Czech mulled wine<\/a>) in a pleasant, cheerful company. Local restaurants offer a hearty Czech New Year's dinner for drinks. It is worth walking throughout the Old Town to enjoy the beauty of the monuments of Prague history – the Powder Gate, the Old Town Hall, the famous astronomical clock, St. Nicholas Cathedral, Charles Bridge.<\/p>\n

We tell you what other places you should definitely see in Prague here<\/a>. And the best historical sights<\/a> have been collected in this material<\/a>.<\/p>\n

However, be prepared that it is not customary to celebrate until the morning in the Czech Republic – after one in the morning the streets quickly become empty, because local residents go home to rest.\u00a0<\/p>\n

France<\/h2>\n

Just a couple of words to motivate you to choose Paris<\/a> on New Year's Eve – festive lights on the Eiffel Tower! This incredible sculpture is<\/a> beautiful at any time of the year, but in winter its lighting is especially beautiful. Not only the tower, but the entire city is shrouded in a colorful glow of lights in December. But snow is rare here, so in some places you can see its artificial counterpart as decoration, but hypothermia is definitely not a threat!<\/p>\n

On New Year's Eve, most of the people gather on the Champs-Elysees – there is an atmosphere of a huge party<\/a> here. All the people are beautiful, treating their friend to champagne, dancing and having fun. For romantic souls,<\/a> a cruise<\/a> along the Seine to the sounds of a live orchestra or a cozy evening in one of the Michelin<\/a> -listed restaurants is suitable – establishments are open until the morning this night. By the way, here are a couple of ideas<\/a> of what to see<\/a> in the capital of France.<\/p>\n

Great Britain<\/h2>\n

Another European country on our list – and for good reason too. On the night of December 31 to January 1, more than 250,000 people gather on the banks of the Thames to see with their own eyes how the huge hands of Big Ben<\/a> count down the last seconds of the passing year. Immediately after there is a spectacular fireworks display that lasts for up to half an hour. Life hack: the best way to view it is from a ship during a cruise on the Thames.<\/p>\n

The main festivities will take place in Trafalgar Square – there are round dances, traditional sweets, and fun competitions. And, of course, the main Christmas tree of the country! Hundreds of pubs are open for party lovers – they attract amazing groups of locals and tourists. The oldest of them were described here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Celebrating<\/a><\/p>\n

And on the morning of January 1, you can go to Hyde Park<\/a> or take part in the annual London<\/a> New Year's parade through the streets of the West End. Dozens of orchestras and support groups, street performers, heads of London<\/a> boroughs, and vintage cars are all an important part of the celebration.<\/p>\n

Egypt<\/a><\/h2>\n

If you are already tired of the cold and snow, then change winter to summer – go to Egypt. Local residents do not celebrate the New Year on the night from December 31 to January 1, but they arrange a variety of entertainment<\/a> for tourists. Christmas trees are rare here, but palm trees decorated with garlands will often come across. Santa Clauses walking along the beach will also surprise you.<\/p>\n

Most holiday events are held in hotels or clubs – these are standard parties with music, drinks and competitions. But the main feature of such a celebration, of course, is the opportunity to swim in the sea at any time! But what you definitely need to see before next year, read here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Thailand<\/a><\/h2>\n

Another interesting option for a hot celebration in every sense is Thailand<\/a>. In general, this country celebrates the New Year three times – the traditional Thai in April (Songkran), the Chinese<\/a> in February and the European from December 31 to January 3.<\/p>\n

Some tourists these days gather in Bangkok in front of the Central World Trade Center. Concerts are held here, performances are held and souvenirs<\/a> are sold.<\/p>\n

The other chooses the famous Koasan Poad street. This is an ideal place for all party goers. Alcohol<\/a> flows freely, local vendors offer exotic dishes, and people around speak a hundred languages. There is also a clock here, counting down the last seconds of the passing year – a huge dial is installed in the center of the street. They celebrate here until the morning, cheerfully and noisily.<\/p>\n

\"Celebrating<\/a><\/p>\n

A quieter option that will be of interest to tourists is going to Buddhist temples<\/a> on holidays. Local residents leave offerings and give alms to the monks, bring food and fruits to appease higher powers. Visitors can do this too.<\/p>\n

Please note that you will need a visa to travel to Thailand<\/a>. Read how to apply for it here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Finland<\/h2>\n

Let's go back to winter! Finland is great for those who are not ready for shocks – the residents of this country celebrate the New Year as close as possible to the population of the CIS. In December, Helsinki<\/a> turns into a cozy city, illuminated with lights and decorated with snow-covered fir trees. By the way, you can see the city in a day<\/a>.<\/p>\n

All ceremonial events on the night of 31 to 1 take place on Senate Square – there is a traditional concert, fireworks, and the best restaurants nearby. But on January 1, practically nothing will work, so you should stock up on everything you need in advance.\u00a0<\/p>\n

But you can only feel a real New Year's fairy tale by getting outside the capital, or more precisely, by visiting the village of Santa Claus or Joulupukki<\/a>. It is located near the city of Rovaniemi in the province of Lapland<\/a> – this place is considered the birthplace of the main winter wizard.<\/p>\n

In fact, this is a huge amusement park<\/a> in which not only children, but also adults will have fun. An Arctic zoo, dog and deer farms, meeting with elves, rides, performances and fun games are all on the entertainment program.<\/p>\n

\"Celebrating<\/a><\/p>\n

Denmark<\/a><\/h2>\n

In this list it is impossible to do without the homeland of the main winter storyteller. The story<\/a> of the Snow Queen has sunk into the souls of many, and the city in which Kai and Gerda lived could well have been Copenhagen. The bright houses on the Nyhavn embankment prompt such thoughts. During the holidays they are especially beautiful, decorated with sparkling lights. The main festivities will take place on Town Hall Square. Everything here is more or less traditional – cozy cafes, performances by musicians and artists.<\/p>\n

But you should stop by Tivoli<\/a> Park to visit the Christmas market, try a traditional treat – candied roasted almonds, ride the skating rink and be sure to visit the amusement park. It has been operating since 1843, and one of the central carousels is more than one hundred and fifty years old! All together it looks like an illustration to the most magical fairy tales. We tell you what other interesting things you can see in Denmark here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Austria<\/h2>\n

It is impossible to imagine this country without Christmas markets. They take place in the main squares of all major cities. Christmas tree decorations<\/a>, candles, handmade souvenirs<\/a> and delicious food – all this creates an incredible atmosphere. In Vienna it takes place on the Town Hall Square. The New Year's trail also begins with it – a traditional holiday route for guests and residents of the city along the streets of the Old Town, 2 kilometers long. Here, numerous establishments offer tourists hot toddy and snacks, while folk music sounds and people have fun all around.<\/p>\n

In the period after Christmas and before the New Year, colorful carnivals<\/a> take place in many cities in Austria. Their participants dress up as Christmas spirits, traditional characters from Austrian and German folklore. Seeing such a procession with your own eyes is incredibly interesting.<\/p>\n

\"Celebrating<\/a><\/p>\n

And of course, we must not forget about the ski resorts<\/a>, of which there are many in Austria. You can stay in large hotels with professional tracks, or you can rent small houses in the mountains and celebrate the holiday in the company of family or friends. In any case, you will forever remember the onset of this new year under the starry sky surrounded by snowy peaks.<\/p>\n

Iceland<\/h2>\n

The main feature of New Year's Eve in the cities of Iceland is the fireworks festivals, which begin an hour before midnight. Hundreds of light figures illuminate the dark sky, turning the celebration into a bright fairy tale. All the locals gather to see this. And after midnight they go to bars and restaurants. The plans are to drink, eat and dance, because the popular belief<\/a> in this country is that the more noise, the happier the New Year will be.<\/p>\n

USA<\/a>\u00a0<\/h2>\n

The United States of America comes to the end of our list – and there is plenty to do here. If you want a snowy New Year, go to Alaska, and hot celebrations await you in Miami. In New York, Manhattan<\/a> is considered the meeting place for all those having fun. An unusual event has been taking place on one of its streets for more than 100 years – every year on December 31 at 23:59, the ball begins to descend from a 23-meter height along a special flagpole, reaching the lowest point exactly at midnight. We've collected even more interesting Manhattan sights here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Celebrating<\/a><\/p>\n

To celebrate midnight, local residents and tourists choose numerous entertainment venues – theaters, nightclubs, restaurants and casinos. In large cities – New York<\/a>, Las Vegas<\/a>, Los Angeles, San Francisco – parties last until the morning, people walk the streets, dance and get to know each other. And for the strongest, on the morning of January 1st, festive parades are held. The most fun and numerous of them is the New Year's parade in Time Square.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Do you want to start 2024 unforgettably? Find out about the 10 best countries to celebrate the New Year. From a winter wonderland in Lapland to a beach party in Bali, choose the perfect destination for the most magical night of the year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":831463,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_wp_rev_ctl_limit":""},"categories":[1179,2519,2509],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-859185","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-miscellaneous","category-reisetipps-en","category-reisen-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/859185","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=859185"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/859185\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/831463"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=859185"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=859185"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=859185"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}