It’s taken a long time to shake off social distancing, but this year – finally – the world’s biggest fireworks displays, street parties and festivals have been given the green light. But while it might be easier than ever to find a good party anywhere, some places just do it better. We asked our social audience of 1.5 million people and combined the findings with data on events to create a comprehensive list of the best places to ring in the new year for families, friends and couples. From kid-friendly festivals to swish gala dinners, here are the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in 2022.
Where are the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in 2022?
50. Marrakesh – Morrocco
Best for couples
For a sophisticated knees-up, you can’t do much better than Marrakesh. Spend the day getting lost in the souks shopping for souvenirs, exploring tiled palaces and minarets and taking pictures at the Jardin Majorelle. Then join the party in Jemaa el-Fna for dancers, henna tattoos, magicians, fire performances and expert storytellers or head to one of the medina’s many rooftop bars for the best views of the fireworks.
49. Seoul – South Korea
Best for friends
The best celebrations might be reserved for the Lunar New Year, but Seoul still packs a punch when it comes to December 31st. To ring in the new year in its most literal sense, head to Jongno for the Bosingak Bell Ringing Ceremony. Sixteen people – including the Mayor of Seoul – ring the bell 33 times to bring luck and prosperity to all. Looking to dance in the new year instead? Head to Kintez Hall for the ‘Countdown Fantasy‘, featuring first-class K-pop acts like Ateez, Dreamcatcher and Surl. The Lotte World Tower is set to host another spectacular fireworks display from its 123rd storey too.
48. Reykjavik – Iceland
Best for families
In Reykjavik, they go big on bonfires, all-night parties and over 500 tonnes of fireworks for a really explosive start to the new year. Don’t leave it too late as partygoers head to the snow-covered streets to burn away their troubles on the bonfire from around 4pm. There’s also a huge display at midnight outside the Hallgrímskirkja Church followed by hours of singing and dancing too.
47. London – UK
Best for couples
The capital’s official fireworks display has had a few years off thanks to Covid, but this year they’re back with a bang. But if standing shoulder-to-shoulder all day next to the Thames isn’t the vibe you’re going for, take to your skates at Somerset House, party at the British Museum or head to one of the city’s many rooftop bars for a birdseye view of the fireworks.
46. Whitehorse (Yukon), Canada
Best for families
For a serene start to 2023, why not tick the magnificent Northern Lights off your bucket list? When the skies are clear between December and February, the lesser-known Yukon Territory offers some of the best views of the Aurora Borealis. Back at the Shipyards Park, there’s skating, sledging, snow painting and hot apple cider to accompany a fireworks finale from 8pm.
45. San Juan (Puerto Rico) – United States
Best for friends
Ring in the new year at a fiery fiesta with the party-loving people of Puerto Rico. This year, there are plans for fireworks across the city, parties at the capital’s most beloved hotels and an evening of music, art and start-studded entertainment at the recently opened El Distrito.
44. Kingston – Jamaica
Best for friends
Who wouldn’t want to start the new year sipping rum and stretching out in the sun on a sandy Caribbean island? This year, there will be fireworks on the waterfront, DJ sets on the beach and the annual Harbour Fest, a free public event with local music, street food and rum.
43. The Maldives
Best for couples
Over the past few years, the Maldives has developed a reputation for its extra-special New Years’ Eve extravaganzas. Most of the private island resorts host their own gala events, complete with dancers, opera singers and dazzling fireworks displays. Soneva Fushi on the Baa Atoll is even giving guests the chance to ring in the new year with gala dinner paired with fine wines, cocktails and champagne.
42. Hong Kong
Best for friends
Hong Kong knows how to throw a party. Over at Times Square, you can enjoy a New York-style Ball Drop, while in Kowloon there are plans for a special New Year’s Eve concert. But Victoria Harbour is the real star of the show. Every year, thousands of revellers crowd into the harbour for a ten-minute fireworks display accompanied by performances from award-winning artists and musicians.
41. Edinburgh – UK
Best for families
For a truly traditional knees-up, head to Edinburgh for Hogmanay – a three-day festival involving a Viking-style torchlight parade, midnight fireworks at Edinburgh Castle and parties under the stars. Celebrations continue on New Year’s Day with a fancy-dress dup in the freezing Firth of Forth. In Scotland, most businesses get to enjoy two bank holidays to recover from the street parties too.
40. Byron Bay – Australia
Best friends
New Year’s Eve is always a little different in Australia’s beloved Bohemian beach town, but it’s never quiet. This year, the centre of town will pack out with food vendors, market stalls, circus performers and musicians for a huge family-friendly street party that lasts until after midnight. The annual Falls Festival features an epic lineup this year too, with the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Lil Nas X and Jamie XX descending on the town to ring 2023.
39. Maputo – Mozambique
Best for friends
Mozambique’s charismatic capital is arguably one of the most beautiful cities on the continent. Ring in 2023 in style at one of the many parties taking place at dance clubs, nightclubs, restaurants and resorts around the city. The infamous White Pearl Resorts throws the best beach bash, with as much traditional Tipo Tinto rum as you can stomach along with live music and lots of sparklers.
38. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Best for couples
Amsterdam is always up for a party – and never more so than on 31 December. The entire city transforms into one huge street party, with everything from fireworks over Magere Brug to black tie events to warehouse raves. Gobble up a pile of oliebollen (deep fried dough balls) and wash it all down with several glasses of bubbles to ward off any evil spirits.
37. Tokyo – Japan
Best for friends
Tokyo’s NYE calendar is crammed full of celebrations, from countdown parties to gourmet dinners. Shibuya Crossing hosts the biggest street party in the city, with entertainment and live music from 9 pm and dancing into the early hours of the morning. Some of the city’s biggest theme parks, including Disney and Hanayashiki, host their own fireworks display, but hotfoot to Tokyo Tower for the most famous firewoks.
36. Brisbane – Australia
Best for families
It’s all about the fireworks in Brisbane. The biggest of the bangs take place on the banks of Byron river, with two displays: one for families with young children followed by the main event at midnight. Over on Brunswick Street, there are plans for a four-hour street party with live DJ performances, while Victoria Park will host a five-hour party with one rule – you need to wear all-white. Start the new year off on the right foot with the New Year’s Eve Story Bridge Climb, then head down to enjoy the fireworks.
35. Buenos Aires – Argentina
Best for friends
New Year’s Eve in the Argentine capital might be a family affair for locals, but most of the city’s bars and clubs throw open their doors after midnight for those looking to party into the new year. Head to Palermo and Recoleta for the best street parties, or to one of the city’s many rooftops for the best views of colourful, chaotic fireworks launched from every street corner and house across the city.
34. Chicago – United States
Best for couples
The Windy City takes New Year’s Eve seriously, with a packed calendar of soirees, street parties and rooftop parties. For the best views of the fireworks, get yourself and your beau a ticket for a party on the pier. Or why not get your glad rags on and head to a drink and dance with 2500 guests at the Congress Plaza Hotel. This year, there will be DJ sets from DJ Dolo & Strategy Show, DJ Lambo and DJ Chibass Mafia, as well as a buffet and bar.
33. Salinas – Ecuador
Best for families
New Year’s Eve is one of Ecuador‘s favourite events of the year. In Salinas, local communities celebrate in high style, setting off fireworks, wearing yellow underwear for good luck and burning effigies of the past year across the horseshoe bay. Merry revellers spill out almost every restaurant and bar in the city, while street vendors set up along the Malecon. As the countdown begins, everyone heads to the beach for a free concert to mark midnight.
32. Valparaíso – Chile
More than one million people head to Valparaiso for one of South America’s biggest fireworks shows– five times its population. The entire city switched its lights off for maximum impact when fireworks launch from 15 different locations across the coast. For the best views, head to the hills, then follow the crowds to Plaza Sotomayor for an afterparty.
31. Lagos – Nigeria
Best for friends
Lagos is the ultimate New Year’s Eve destination for big partyers (and big spenders). For the best club nights and alcohol-fuelled revelry, head to Victoria Island to the likes of Quilox, Spice Route and Sip.
30. Auckland, New Zealand
Best for families
Head to Auckland this New Year’s Eve and you’ll be one of the first people in the world to toast to the New Year. As well as being the most populated city in New Zealand, Auckland is in the second time zone, which means you can hurtle into 2023 before most of the rest of the world. The city’s blockbuster fireworks displays take place over The Harbour Bridge and Sky Tower, but for the best views take to the water and head to Devonport.
29. Barcelona – Spain
Best for friends
Like most places in Spain, the party doesn’t really get going until around 11 pm, but it lasts until the sun rises. For the best views, head to Plaça d’Espanya to watch the midnight pyrotechnics on Montjuïc.
28. Goa– India
Best for couples
If you dream of ringing in the new year with salty hair and sand between your toes, you can’t do much better than Goa. The coastal city’s beach parties are infamous and the NYE celebrations are even better, with fireworks and music through the night. For best beats head to Anjuna, to venues like the Kingfisher New Year Beach Party.
27. Nassau – Bahamas
Best for friends
The Bahamas host some of the liveliest New Years’ parties in the Caribbean, but for the biggest, you’ll need to head to Nassau. The annual Junkanoo is a multi-day party parade that kicks off after the countdown with elaborate costumes, sparkles and horns. Start your year with all the bells and whistles.
26. Las Vegas – United States
Best for friends
Every year, for one night only, the entire strip shuts down to traffic to make way for a huge street party for as many as 300,000 revellers. Come midnight, people spill out of Sin City’s most beloved clubs and bars for choreographed fireworks displays and dancing into the early hours.
25. Koh Phangan, Thailand
Best for friends
They’re no strangers to partying on Kohn Phangan. The full moon parties are considered a rite of passage for starry-eyed young backpackers, but the parties on New Year’s Eve are the wildest. The best action takes place over at Sunrise Beach in Haad Rin – think alcohol-filled buckets, flaming rings of fire and dancing until mid-morning the next day.
24. Adelaide – Australia
Best for families
After a few years of cancelled and mellowed-down parties, Adelaide’s NYE parties are set to be bigger than ever. Spread across the whole city, there’ll be fireworks, songs, dancing, and more. The manicured gardens of Elder Park will transform into a free family-friendly festival, with fireworks from award-winning Foti International, live music, DJ sets and South Australia’s favourite festival food vendors.
23. Venice – Italy
Best for couples
Venice is irresistible at any time of year, but it’s at its most magical on New Year’s Eve. Most crowd into St Marco’s Square to count down the final moments of the year, but you’ll find the best views from across the lagoon in Giudecca. For a more refined start to the new year, the Teatro della Fenice and Teatro Goldoni will both host classic New Year concerts. Or, you could do as the locals do and start the year with a chilly dip in the Lido: it’s guaranteed to blow away the cobwebs.
22. Queenstown – New Zealand
Best for friends
As the party capital of New Zealand, Queenstown deservedly takes the crown when it comes to New Year’s Eve. Celebrations in Earnslaw Park start early, right by the lakefront, and include a whole lineup of live music and entertainment. Hundreds of restaurants, bars and clubs will be ramping up the glam factor to ring in 2023 too.
21. Oahu (Hawaii) – United States
Best for couples
If you’re longing for sunshine and sensory scenery this New Year’s Eve, Oahu is bound to fulfil your tropical island fantasies in one swoop. Waikiki’s infamous beachfront fireworks are back with a bang for the first time since the pandemic, while the New Year’s Eve Countdown at Kewalo Basin Harbor offers a whole evening of dancing, fireworks shows, a champagne toast and DJ performances.
20. Cartagena – Colombia
Best for friends
The best fireworks show in Cartagena kick off the Parque de la Marina, but you’ll want to get here well before dark to secure your spot. Families set up sprawling picnics with tables, chairs and impressive feasts early. If that’s not lively enough for you, head to San Diego Square for a traditional street party, with BYOB, live music and dancing.
19. Los Angeles–United States
Best for friends
You can count on LA for a pyro-filled party to see off 2022 in style. From prohibition parties and a Dita Von Teese Gala Show to a kitsch festival and underground house and techno festival, you’re sure to find your jam. For the biggest and best-looking fireworks, head to down to the Marina del Ray waterfront.
18. Berlin – Germany
Best for friends
Berliners are renowned for going hard when it comes to partying, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. Every year, the mile between Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column transforms into a long street party, with live bands, DJs and a spectacular fireworks display until 3 am. It’s one of Europe’s largest outdoor celebrations, with around one-million revellers every year.
17. Orland0 – United States
Best for families
Where better to toast in the new year with the little ones than the Magic Kingdom? With spectacular fireworks displays, gourmet dining events and special events with your favourite characters, it’s guaranteed win over tiny hearts for a memorable start to 2023.
16. Rio de Janeiro – Brazil
Best for friends
Unlike most of the Northern Hemisphere, temperatures in Rio at New Year’s average a steamy 30 C, so most people head to the beach to ring in the new year. As the largest coastal city in Brazil, there are a lot of beaches to choose from, but Copacabana is the place to be seen. Street celebrations kick off with samba, forro and hip hop at around 6pm and culminate in the biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations in the world — the open air concert. After a two-year hiatus, organizers have confirmed it’s back and bigger than ever this year.
15. San Francisco – United States
Best for couples
San Francisco’s sweeping bay looks its most romantic when fireworks dance across the sky and into the water. Do as the locals do and head to Dolores Park for a afternoon picnic and sunset champagne toast, then head to the Embarcadero Fireworks Show. If it’s a special occasion, take to the water on a midnight cruise with dinner aboard the San Francisco Belle or Comodore New Year’s Eve Fireworks Dinner Cruise. Or, for a more intimate New Year’s Eve, hike up to the Twin Peaks, one of the highest points in the city, with a blanket and a bottle of bubbly for sparkling views of the fireworks.
14. Bangkok – Thailand
Best for friends
Thailand’s colourful capital is one of the best places in the region to enjoy New Year’s Eve. This year’s most-anticipated countdown parties will take place at Asiatique Riverfront, Centralworld and ICONISIAM, with thousands of fireworks, light projections and live performances from A-list Thai pop stars. The White Party, Asia’s largest LGBTQ New Year’s Eve festival, draws thousands of visitors each year too.
13. Atlanta – United States
Best for families
Times Square might have its ball drop, but in Atlanta they have a 362 kilogram “peach drop” that falls from above Underground Atlanta at midnight. Tens of thousands of people flock to the city centre for the high-energy, entertainment event, which begins hours before the big moment. Expect local food and drinks, big-name entertainment and non-stop dancing.
12. Lisbon – Portugal
Best for friends
Europe’s capital of cool hosts a huge New Year’s Eve blowout in the main square on the Tagus River that starts at 10 pm and lasts long into the early hours. Expect fireworks and lots of live music, and don’t forget to bring a bottle of bubbles for the occasion too.
11. Denpasar – Bali
Best for couples
You could spend the final moments of 2022 at a high-octane beach party, but for a more spiritual experience head to the island’s capital. As dusk approaches, locals offer prayers at the city’s grandest temples. Then, they move on to colourful parades and lively celebrations that culminate in a sparkling fireworks display. For a truly authentic experience, do as the locals do and shake hands with those around you at midnight and wish them “Selamat Tahun Baru” (happy new year!).
10. Taipei – Taiwan
Best for friends
It isn’t hard to see why so many revellers head to the heart of Asia’s party scene for New Year. Taipei launched the first-ever fireworks show from the top of a skyscraper back in 2005 and the spectacle now incorporates eye-popping LED light shows from the bottom to the tippy top of the 90th floor too. Afterwards, you can dance into the early hours at one of the city’s hundreds of pumping parties.
9. New York – United States
Best for couples
True, Times Square may not be the most original suggestion on our list, but when it comes to archetypal New York experiences, you just can’t beat it. As many as one million people are expected to attend this year’s show, which begins at 6 pm and culminates in the iconic ball drop. This year’s lineup is yet to be announced, but based on last year’s offering (which included a performance from Ashanti and Ja Rule), we’re expecting big names.
8. Singapore
Best for families
After a two-year hiatus, the Marina Bay Countdown will return this year, and it’s set to be bigger and better than ever. At the stroke of midnight, Singapore’s most spectacular fireworks display will light up the sky, accompanied by the much-loved Share the Moment light projects that illuminate the facade of The Fullerton Hotel Singapore and the Merlion. This year, Marina Bay will also host the Great Bay Fiesta, a carnival funfair with carousels, carnival games and food stalls.
7. New Orleans – United States
Best for friends
New Orleans party scene is always strong, but never more so than on New Year’s Eve. Join the rest of the revellers for the Fleur de Lis drop on Jackson Square and fireworks over the Mississippi River, then party long into the night at the clubs and bars on Bourbon Street. Some of the city’s biggest names will throw huge parties this year, including Tipitina’s, the House of Blues and the Joy Theater.
6. Paris – France
Best for couples
The whole of Paris puts on a good show for New Year’s Eve, but the city’s blockbuster fireworks spectacle is undoubtedly the display on the Champs Elysee. Every year around 300,000 people descend on the famous street for live DJ sets, video projections and one of the world’s best-choreographed fireworks displays. Those who prefer to avoid the rabble should head to Sacre-Couer for a more cinematic view of the celebrations.
5. Sydney – Australia
Best for friends
The Pacific’s answer to New York City’s Ball Drop, Sydney hosts an annual fireworks extravaganza attended by more than a million people every year. For the past few years it’s looked a little different, but this year it’s back in tip-top form, with more capacity and vantage points. Observer Hill at Millers Point is one of the city’s most popular spots to soak up the party atmosphere and it looks straight over Sydney Harbour Bridge too.
4. Nashville – United States
Best for friends
Nashville’s Big Bash really is a blowout affair, with hours of live music, fireworks and the signature night Music Note Drop, featuring a lineup of some of the best musicians in the city and many, many confetti canyons. This year’s marathon country special will feature the likes of Kelsea Ballerini, Brooks & Dunn, Zac Brown Band and LittleBig Town.
3. Cape Town – South Africa
Best for friends
Cape Town’s biggest bash takes place right on the V&A Waterfront. After a pared-down 2022 celebration, organizers will be going all out for 2023 with live entertainment, circus performances and dancers from 6.30 pm, followed by showstopping fireworks above the water. Hang around for the Cape Minstrel Carnival (Kaapse Klopse) on the 2nd January: the whole city comes alive with bright colours, brilliant costumes and around 13,000 ghoema drum, banjo, trumpet-playing minstrels in their troops.
2. Toronto – Canada
Best for families
Parties will be raging all across Toronto this New Year’s Eve, but the city really excels at wholesome family-friendly fun. The Nathan Phillips Square will once again transform into a wintry wonderland with a sprawling ice-skating rink, live musical performances and spectacular fireworks. Over at Brampton Square, there are plans for a free evening of kid-friendly activity, street food and even more fireworks.
1. Melbourne – Australia
Best for friends
For the first time in three years, Oz’s capital of cool is welcoming 2023 with open arms – and no Covid-19 restrictions. Some of the city’s biggest venues will be hosting club nights, raves and rooftop fireworks and there are dozens of brand-spanking new events to choose from too, from a new family-friendly festival to the much-awaited mega-venue Her Bar’s first-ever NYE party. Celebrations are billed to be the biggest yet, with fireworks from 30 CBD rooftops and celebration zones at Docklands, Flagstaff Gardens, Treasury Gardens and Kings Domain. How’s that for starting the new year with a bang?
