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Things to Do for New Year’s Eve 2025: Where to Celebrate in Style

Planning a memorable New Year’s Eve? There’s no shortage of ways to ring in 2026, whether you’re more of a fireworks and rooftop drinks fan, a fireside and hot chocolate person, or someone who wants to party the night away on a beach.

2min read

Published 4 August 2025

Sophie Baker

Guest Blogger

From cruises that celebrate at sea to bucket-list city breaks and all-inclusive getaways, here are some of the best ways to welcome the new year.

In this blog

New Year’s Eve Cruises: Countdown on the Open Water

There’s something magical about sailing into a new year. Cruises are one of the easiest ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve without lifting a finger. And you’re guaranteed a real vibe and plenty of company thanks to the efforts of the cruise lines. They all offer festive sailings over the New Year period, complete with themed dinners, entertainment, parties, and midnight celebrations onboard. Whether you're departing from Durban, Dubai, or Miami, there’s a holiday cruise itinerary that delivers on ease, value, and celebration.

MSC offers a unique and festive way to celebrate New Year's, with elegant dinners, live entertainment, themed parties, and stunning fireworks at sea. It's a stress-free experience combining affordable travel and celebration in one unforgettable journey.
NCL is a vibrant and flexible way to celebrate New Year's, offering freestyle dining, lively parties, and entertainment for all tastes. Ring in the new year at sea with fireworks, countdown celebrations, and exciting destinations—all without the hassle of planning.
Royal Caribbean offers an action-packed and festive New Year's celebration with dazzling entertainment, themed parties, and a midnight countdown at sea. It's a dynamic way to welcome the new year while exploring top destinations in comfort and style.

Dubai: Fireworks, Rooftop Views & Big Celebrations

Dubai does New Year’s Eve with serious flair. It’s not hard to picture yourself enjoying fireworks exploding over the Burj Khalifa, luxury dinners along the Marina, and beach parties that go into the early hours.

It’s ideal for couples or groups looking for something a little extra. Just be sure to book early if you want those front-row seats or rooftop dining spots. If you're looking to spend New Year’s Eve in the most glamorous way possible, a Dubai holiday is hard to beat.

One of the most memorable NYE experiences in Dubai is the Ocean Empress cruise. Boarding at 9 pm in Dubai Marina, you'll enjoy a feast of international dishes, an open bar, live DJ and Tanoura dancers, while cruising past Ain Dubai, Burj Al Arab, Atlantis and JBR. At midnight, the boat stops for spectacular fireworks before returning around 1 am.
Iconic celebration at the Burj Khalifa itself. Dinner at At.mosphere, the restaurant on the 122nd floor of the famous skyscraper, offers a gourmet four-course New Year’s Eve dinner with prime views of the fountains and fireworks. Included is a glass of champagne and private access to the observation deck.

Thailand or Bali: New Year’s Eve in Paradise

For a completely different vibe, escape to Thailand or Bali.

Bangkok - treat yourself to a private dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River – you’ll glide past glittering temples before stopping for fireworks near ICONSIAM. If you’d rather stay on land, the ICONSIAM countdown features live music, food stalls and a family-friendly atmosphere.
World-famous Full Moon Party atmosphere, you can roll into the New Year with beach countdowns in Koh Phangan, Phuket, and even Krabi.
Bali offers something a little more romantic and laid back. Seminyak and Uluwatu host music-fuelled parties under the stars, while local temples hold traditional purification ceremonies at midnight—many hotels include lantern-floating as part of their NYE guest events. You might enjoy sunset cocktails in Seminyak, luxe beach clubs, and spa days to start the new year refreshed. It’s particularly amazing for couples or honeymooners looking for a mix of relaxation and celebration.

South Africa: Celebrate Close to Home

Not leaving the country? There are still plenty of ways to make it special.

Cape Town hosts one of the country’s biggest NYE events at the V&A Waterfront, with fireworks and live music.
Johannesburg’s rooftop bars, Durban’s beachfront, and the Garden Route’s boutique hotels all offer great options too.
At Zoo Lake in Jozi, ring in 2026 with the “Baskets & Beats” NYE event—food trucks, picnic zones, a kids’ play area and fireworks at midnight.
In Durbs, uShaka Beach Club's Hunter’s Paradise takes over for a beachside NYE celebration featuring DJs like Karyendasoul, VIP lounges, food stalls and a countdown right by the water.
If you prefer a family-friendly celebration, Paradise Beach Club runs a day‑long party from midday until fireworks at midnight.
For something totally different, you could look at local cruise departures over New Yeas. They’re an easy, fun, all-in-one option for families or groups.

London, Amsterdam or Sydney: NYE with a Global Spin

Looking for iconic fireworks and a big city vibe? You can’t go wrong with:

London – Beyond the fireworks over the Thames, check out the Southbank Centre Winter Festival with outdoor performances, festive food markets, and a dance party at the Royal Festival Hall that runs into the early hours.
Amsterdam – Street parties light up the canals with fireworks and outdoor celebrations.
Sydney – Sydney’s Barangaroo Reserve hosts a family-friendly NYE picnic zone with a curated food market and brilliant views of both the 9pm and midnight fireworks. Alternatively, the Coogee Sparkles family event gives you early fireworks right on the beach.

Speak to us about multi-city or stopover packages if you’re planning a longer December escape. We can plan you the festive holiday of your dreams, so you make the most of your Schengen visa.

Join a New Year’s Tour

Group tours over New Year make travel seamless. Doesn’t it sound pretty luxurious to let someone else handle the logistics while you enjoy the best views, most scenic hotels, and top experiences? If you answered with a resounding yes, you might want to look at a New Year’s tour to a dream destination.

Tours are a great option if you’re solo, travelling with teens, or want to meet new people along the way. From Italy to Turkey and even the USA, you’ll find holiday tours that include New Year’s Eve dinners, party access, or iconic celebrations in major cities.

Tips for Booking Your New Year Holiday

New Year is peak travel season—book early for the best choice of flights and hotels
Some packages offer low deposits and flexible payment plans
If you’re planning to cruise, book cabins as soon as possible (they sell out fast!)

New Year, New Destinations

Whether you want to go big or keep it easy, there’s a holiday for every type of New Year’s traveller. Cruises, couples retreats, family getaways, or city breaks...whichever you choose, it all starts with a plan.

Ready to welcome 2026 in style? Chat to a Flight Centre expert today and let us help you plan the perfect New Year’s Eve escape.

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Sophie Baker

Guest Blogger

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