Welcome back to The Velvet Runway, and our guide to the Best New Year Destinations 2026: Top Ten Places to Celebrate in Style, by Senior Editor, Hannah REES.
Whether you dream of waltzing beneath fireworks in Vienna, chasing the Northern Lights in Lapland, or celebrating barefoot on Zanzibar’s beaches, there’s no better way to welcome 2026 than by escaping somewhere unforgettable. From magical winter wonderlands in Europe to sun-soaked southern escapes, these ten handpicked destinations promise style, culture, and celebration — each offering its own unique way to ring in the New Year.
I truly believe that New Year’s Eve is the best time to go away — Christmas is over, the New Year hasn’t begun yet, and everyone is living in a state of limbo, patiently waiting for the January madness to start.
But instead of waiting at home, eating up leftovers from the 25th and seeing the Christmas tree looking bare without the presents under it, why not head off to a city where some of the festive magic remains to begin the New Year in style?
Not everyone wants the same things, and thankfully, there are plenty of destinations to choose from to suit every criterion.
So, let’s have a look at the Best New Year Destinations 2026.
Best New Year Destinations 2026: Celebrate the Start of 2026 in Style
Whether you are looking for a place to party, or a place to relax on the beach as you welcome the New Year, we’ve got you covered with these top ten Best New Year Destinations 2026 around the world !
Best New Year Destinations 2026 for Winter Magic
First, let’s look at some winter wonderland destinations for New Year 2026.
1. Dingle, Ireland — Cozy Pubs, Celtic Charm, and Coastal Beauty
A peaceful Irish escape where roaring fires, live fiddle music, and breathtaking Atlantic views make for a heart-warming New Year retreat.
This may seem like an odd choice to begin our Best New Year Destinations 2026 celebration list — Dingle is a small and relatively unknown town on the south-western coast of Ireland, in the county of Kerry. But between the warmth and hospitality of the Irish, the richness of the culture, and the deep-rooted traditions, it’s hard not to fall under its spell.
This destination is for people who like all things cozy — local pubs with live music (including fiddle!) and warm drinks by the fire (much needed during the cold weather).
Life goes by slowly and peacefully — and if you have a few days in the area, it is a beautiful part of Ireland to explore, with the Slea Head Drive offering some of the most stunning coastal views in Ireland! From Dingle, you can also head to the Blasket Islands by boat for a day trip full of history and culture — and since this is Ireland, there are plenty of old castles and ruins in the area to visit, such as Gallarus Oratory and the Dunmore Head Lighthouse!
Dingle is also known for its wild coastal walks and artisan shops selling woollen knits, handmade jewellery, and Irish ceramics — perfect for those who love slow travel and local craftsmanship. You can visit the Dingle Distillery for a tasting, take a sea safari to spot dolphins, or simply enjoy the quiet beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way.
2. Vienna, Austria — For Classical Magic and a Fairytale New Year’s Eve
Not as quiet as Dingle is Vienna. The Austrian capital beams in the wintertime, as the town is decorated with sparkling lights. There are several Christmas markets scattered across the city, as well as many ice-skating rinks — both of which can help keep the magic of Christmas alive a bit longer. And if you’re there looking for culture, you won’t be disappointed, with the Schönbrunn Palace and gardens, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and of course, the Vienna State Opera, where you can catch a ballet or just take a guided tour.
The wonderful thing about Vienna at New Year, on top of the hot chocolate and mulled wine and their scent that lingers through the elegant streets, is the world-famous Silvesterpfad (New Year’s Trail) that occurs on New Year’s Eve.
Basically, the entire city turns into a giant ballroom as the streets fill up with concerts, and people waltz to classical music under the fireworks. It honestly feels like walking into a fairytale, perfect to welcome the New Year in Viennese style.
To start 2026 in style, try the New Year’s Concert at the Musikverein — broadcast worldwide. The city’s combination of imperial architecture, art, and music creates an unforgettable festive atmosphere. And, don’t miss a walk through the Prater or a slice of Sachertorte in a cozy café as the city wakes up to 2026.
3. Tallinn, Estonia — A Snow-Dusted Fairytale in the Baltic North
Speaking of fairytales, Tallinn is a must-see place, with its medieval Old Town and charming cobblestone streets that look straight out of a Brothers Grimm story, or at least another century.
Tallinn may not be as famous as others on this Best New Year Destinations 2026 list, but rest assured that it’s just as good ! The capital of Estonia, located on the Baltic Sea, has lots to offer from Toompea Castle which now houses the Parliament of Estonia to the Tallinn TV Tower.
If you’re feeling active, you can climb the city wall towers for an overall view of the town, including the castle on Toompea Hill and the stunning Alexander Nevsky Cathedral! And if you’re an art lover, Tallinn won’t disappoint with its Kadriorg Palace and the Kumu Art Museum! And if you’re looking for small souvenirs from your trip, you can stroll down St. Catherine’s Passage filled with craft workshops.
Tallinn’s mix of medieval magic and Nordic charm makes it one of Europe’s most photogenic winter escapes. Beyond the Old Town, you can explore the Telliskivi Creative City — a vibrant district of galleries, cafés, and design shops that bring a modern edge to the historic setting.
Tallinn’s fairytale-like Old Town, adorned with twinkling lights (and maybe snow), is a magical place to celebrate the New Year. The city hosts public celebrations in Freedom Square, where locals and visitors gather to watch the fireworks display.
On top of that, it may well be snowing at New Year, which will add to the magical, otherworldly feel of Tallinn. And if you don’t fancy standing up in the cold, you can find refuge in one of the nearby restaurants or cafés to watch the show!
The Christmas market in Town Hall Square is also a must-visit for some last-minute holiday cheer.
4. Edinburgh, Scotland — The Spirit of Hogmanay and Celtic Fire
If there is one place where it makes sense to go to celebrate New Year’s Eve, it is definitely Edinburgh — Hogmanay is, after all, where it all began, with a celebration so legendary that most countries found inspiration in it to create their own traditions.
Trust me when I write that it will be like nothing you have ever experienced before, with torchlight processions through the cobblestone streets as Auld Lang Syne echoes near and far.
Now, it will be cold — so make sure you wrap up warm as you explore the city and its many Christmas markets and ice-skating rinks. If you want to find refuge from the cold, you can always visit the castle and its museum to learn about the history of Edinburgh, as well as the National Museum of Scotland and the Scottish National Gallery. There are so many cozy cafés and pubs on the Royal Mile or in the New Town that are well worth a stop. And if you’re feeling brave, you can go on one of Edinburgh’s legendary ghost tours!
Hogmanay isn’t just a celebration — it’s a rite of passage. At midnight on New Year’s Eve, you can watch the fireworks over Edinburgh Castle and join in singing “Auld Lang Syne” with thousands of fellow revelers. On January 1st, brave souls can take a dip in the icy waters of the River Forth as part of the Loony Dook tradition.
5. Lapland, Finland — Northern Lights and Arctic Dreams
For those who aren’t done with the magic of Christmas and want to keep it going for as long as possible, Lapland is a dream come true. As the northernmost region of Finland, Lapland is supposed to be where Santa Claus lives, and you can even visit Santa Claus Village to see reindeer.
If you head over there right after Christmas, you may very well see the Northern Lights — there are even guided tours organized by husky sled if that is something that interests you! If you would rather ride a sled pulled by reindeer and learn all about Sámi culture, you can also do that through the snow-covered forests!
If you head over there for the New Year, you can stay in an ice hotel to sleep under the stars (and maybe the Northern Lights), and you can relax in a sauna before plunging into an ice hole. Whatever activity you choose, time goes by slowly, and you can toast to the New Year in a peaceful manner.
Lapland’s serenity is a reminder that New Year’s celebrations don’t always need fireworks. The natural light show of the aurora borealis paints the sky in green and purple hues, offering a magical welcome to 2026.
For Sunshine Seekers: Here are our Best New Year Destinations 2026 in the Southern Hemisphere
Now for the Southern Hemisphere and some New Year’s sunshine…
6. Zanzibar, Tanzania — White Sands, Warm Nights, and Island Beats
Swap snow for sunshine on Zanzibar’s turquoise shores, where rooftop dinners and beach parties mark the New Year in tropical style.
If you want some winter sun, why not head over to the eastern coast of Africa, to Zanzibar, a group of islands off the coast of Tanzania.,Now, hearing the word “island” might bring to mind white sands, turquoise water, and a peaceful, laid-back vibe … and you would have pictured Zanzibar to a T.
Zanzibar has many beaches you can explore, be it Nungwi, Kendwa, or Jambiani. You can just chill or go diving and snorkeling to see the coral reefs! If you’re feeling more athletic, you can wind or kite surf as the waves, especially on the east coast, tend to be good — or if you just want to enjoy being on the water, you can go on a dolphin-watching tour!
To make the most of nature (especially for those of us who live in a concrete jungle year-round), head over to the Jozani Forest National Park to hopefully spot Zanzibar’s red colobus monkey!
For culture junkies, there is plenty to do as well! You can explore the old historic part of Zanzibar City, with its old forts and mosques. If you explore Stone Town, you must check out the House of Wonders!
And to celebrate New Year’s Eve, many resorts organize dinners and parties on the beach, with live music, a buffet, and lots of dancing — but you can also opt for a dinner at one of Stone Town’s rooftop restaurants overlooking the sea!
If you prefer something quieter, book a sunset dhow cruise — watching the sky turn gold and coral as you sail into 2026 is unforgettable. Zanzibar combines relaxation, adventure, and romance in one destination, making it a perfect New Year escape for couples and solo travellers alike.
7. Luang Prabang, Laos — Serenity on the Mekong River
Ring in the New Year with quiet reflection amid temples, waterfalls, and golden sunsets in this pick from our Best New Year Destinations 2026 list.
This is one for those who want a quieter New Year’s Eve this year. Luang Prabang is a gem that doesn’t get enough attention. As a UNESCO-listed town set along the Mekong River, it offers a peaceful escape from city life with many temples to explore — including the Wat Xieng Thong. If you’re feeling active, you can climb the 328 stairs of Mount Phousi for a panoramic view of the city and Mekong River. Another great thing to experience is the monks offering morning alms at dawn.
For those seeking adventure and nature, you can head over to Kuang Si Falls to see turquoise waterfalls, or head on a Mekong River cruise (could not recommend this more) to explore nearby temples, caves, villages, and elephant sanctuaries!
If you head over there for New Year, the celebration won’t be as big as in Western countries, so it would be perfect for those who want a more intimate party and those who want the start of the New Year to be a moment of peace and reflection.
Luang Prabang’s charm lies in its tranquil rhythm — and its New Year’s Eve celebrations are a gentle reflection of that. After exploring the night market filled with handmade crafts and silk scarves, you can enjoy a riverside dinner or take part in a lantern ceremony to send your wishes for the year ahead into the sky. As the Mekong reflects the lights and chants from nearby temples, you realise that this is New Year’s Eve in its purest, most mindful form.
8. Valparaíso, Chile — Colour, Creativity, and the Pacific Fireworks Show
You might have heard of Valparaíso through the song, but did you know that it is a vibrant and colourful New Year’s Eve destination? Year-round, Valparaíso is a fantastic holiday spot with its beautiful historic quarter filled with colourful houses, murals, and historic funiculars.
If you have an artistic soul, this city will speak to you with all of its street art — it truly is a place of self-expression, with neighbourhoods like Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción filled with murals and mosaic stairways! And just because art fills the streets, it doesn’t mean that it can’t be found in museums in Valparaíso, with the Museo a Cielo Abierto and the Museo de Bellas Artes. And any Pablo Neruda fans can visit his house, now turned into a museum, La Sebastiana.
The port is also a great place to walk around, and for New Year’s Eve, the waterfront transforms into one giant festival called the Año Nuevo en el Mar, offering one of the most spectacular firework displays in South America.
Before the fireworks, the city hosts open-air concerts and street performances that fill the air with music and colour. As the clock strikes midnight, thousands of people gather on the hills overlooking the harbour to watch fireworks burst across the Pacific — it’s a breathtaking, communal celebration. The following morning, join locals at the beach for a refreshing swim and a glass of cola de mono, Chile’s festive coffee liqueur.
9. Cusco, Peru — Ancient Traditions and Andean Celebration
Celebrate surrounded by Incan history and vibrant ritual — from midnight grapes to festive dances in Cusco’s storied Plaza de Armas.
Staying in South America, Cusco is another fantastic destination, especially for those who love culture and heritage. At the heart of Cusco is the Plaza de Armas — the famous square surrounded by colonial architecture. It is the perfect place to soak in the city’s vibe before heading over to Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun, and Sacsayhuamán. As you walk around, make sure you explore the San Blas neighbourhood, as well as the San Pedro market.
And when it comes to celebrating New Year’s Eve in Cusco’s cobbled streets, that means taking part in live music and rituals that mix Incan and Catholic heritage — from running around the square with a suitcase for a year filled with travel, or eating 12 grapes at midnight for good luck, to wearing yellow underwear for prosperity… you can do it all! And at over 3,000 meters above sea level, you’ll have a prime spot to watch the fireworks.
After midnight, you can join the crowds heading to Sacsayhuamán to watch fireworks over the ancient ruins — a magical reminder of the Incan legacy that still shapes the city. The Andean music, the laughter, and the high-altitude air combine to make it a deeply emotional way to welcome 2026.
10. Dubai, UAE — Skyline Fireworks and Desert Luxury
Step into 2026 in true opulence as Dubai’s skyscrapers light up the night, with rooftop galas, marina cruises, and fireworks over the dunes.
If you are wanting something spectacular for New Year’s Eve, the UAE will deliver it. Dubai is a place where everything seems out of scale — it’s bigger, brighter, more impressive. Between going up the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, to experiencing the world’s only seven-star hotel with the Burj Al-Arab Jumeirah and its sail-shaped silhouette — you can experience the grandeur of the city!
And of course, there is the Palm Jumeirah, the iconic man-made island where you can eat out at one of its many restaurants or visit Atlantis The Palm.
Other must-sees are the museum of the future, the Miracle Garden, the Dubai Mall, the Palm Jumeriah which you can see from space. If you have some time, why not go dune buggying or even to Abu Dhabi for a day trip.
To escape the heat, you can head over to the Dubai Mall or the Mall of the Emirates, or if you would rather explore the outdoors, you can embark on a safari, riding over sand dunes on camelback — and if you are on the lookout for culture, you can explore the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve to learn about Bedouin culture. You can also explore the Al Fahidi historic district as well as the Dubai Museum to learn how it became a global metropolis!
Dubai’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are legendary, with a level of extravagance that is hard to match. The main event is the incredible fireworks display at the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, which is synchronized with a mesmerizing light and fountain show.
And if you’re in the mood for something different, you can book a cruise on the creek or marina to see the fireworks from the water — or you can even book a New Year’s Eve desert safari to see fireworks in the desert!
Whatever you want to do, Dubai offers it and thoroughly deserves its place on our Best New Year Destinations 2026 list.
Final words on Best New Year Destinations 2026: Top Ten Places to Celebrate in Style
Each of these destinations offers a unique way to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2026. Whether you prefer a lavish celebration or a simple gathering with loved ones, these locations promise a memorable start to the new year. So, pack your bags and get ready to toast to 2026 in one of our Best New Year Destinations Picks.
I hope you enjoyed this feature about Best New Year Destinations 2026: Top Ten Places to Celebrate in Style and you You may also like: “The World’s Finest Safari and Beach Getaways“, “Tips for Planning a Trip to your Dream Destination“, and “The Best Christmas Markets in Europe”
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Article By Senior Editor, Hannah Rees
Hannah Rees is a writer based in Paris. She currently divides her time between completing her second novel, writing songs on her guitar and working as a fashion designer for private clients. She has a strong fashion background, having studied fashion design in Paris, and counts Prada, Lemaire, House of Marlow, Saint Laurent and Stella McCartney among her influences. She loves discovering the world and dreams of going to Iceland.