Looking for somewhere to Celebrate New Year’s Eve & sleep it off in Style? Here are some favorites
New Year’s is the perfect excuse to travel. The whirlwind of holiday obligations is finally behind you, the extended family has (mercifully) packed up, and now it’s your turn to celebrate. It’s the moment to say goodbye to the year and toast all the possibilities of the next with something a little more exciting than the same-old living room countdown.
Still, planning New Year’s Eve can be tricky. Maybe you’re tired of repeating the same plans with friends year after year. Maybe this is your first New Year’s as a married couple, and you want to mark the occasion with something unforgettable. Or maybe it’s simpler than that—you’ve got a few days off, you’re craving a change of scenery, and you’d love to ring in midnight somewhere new.
Whatever your “why,” New Year’s is the ultimate reset button. So why not make the most of it? From firework displays to lively parades, glamorous parties to cozy rooftop champagne toasts, here’s your guide to the world’s best cities for ringing in the New Year; plus the hotels where you’ll want to recover the morning after.
No matter your style, or your budget, there’s a perfect New Year’s stay waiting for you. From budget-friendly spots (save the money for champagne 🥂) or charming mid-range hotels with all the essentials, to luxurious, once-in-a-lifetime stays where you’ll wake up feeling like royalty. I’ll work with you to match the right destination and hotel to your vibe, so all you have to do is pack your party shoes and get ready to celebrate.
London: Fireworks, Parades & Posh Teas
Few cities put on a New Year’s Eve fireworks show quite like London. As Big Ben strikes midnight, the skies explode with color above the Thames, illuminating landmarks like the London Eye, Westminster, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. The best way to see it? Book a river cruise for champagne, canapés, and an unbeatable front-row view, or join the lively crowds along the South Bank for an atmosphere that’s pure electric.
But London doesn’t stop at midnight. On New Year’s Day, the city puts on one of the world’s most famous parades: an extravaganza featuring the Queen’s Horses, marching bands, dancers, acrobats, and floats winding through central London. It’s a spectacle of tradition and pomp that sets the tone for the year ahead.
In between festivities, make the most of your London getaway: indulge in afternoon tea at Claridge’s or The Ritz, stroll through Harrods and Fortnum & Mason for post-holiday treasures, or warm up with a cozy pub lunch after exploring the city’s world-class museums. Whether you’re into art, shopping, or just soaking in centuries of history, London has a way of making even January feel vibrant.
Where to Stay:
Raffles London at The OWO – Regal and historic, with daily breakfast and a $100 credit.
Broadwick Soho – Stylish and playful, with a buzzy rooftop bar.
Rosewood London – Quintessentially British, perfectly located near Covent Garden.
VIP Perks: Daily breakfast, upgrades, early check-in/late check-out, hotel credit, spa credit, and added amenities depending on property.
Cabo San Lucas: Fireworks with a Beachfront View
Cabo is a party town any time of year, but New Year’s Eve takes it up a notch. The heart of the action is Médano Beach, where fireworks burst over the water and the shoreline transforms into a giant celebration. The energy is contagious whether you’re dancing barefoot in the sand, sipping cocktails at one of the beachfront clubs, or enjoying the view from your hotel terrace.
For something extra special, book a New Year’s Eve dinner cruise—champagne in hand, dinner, and fireworks reflecting off the Pacific for an unforgettable night. Onshore, many resorts host their own festivities, ranging from elegant multi-course dinners to all-night DJ parties.
Of course, New Year’s Day in Cabo is all about recovery done right. Spend it lounging in a poolside cabana, order fresh ceviche with a margarita, or treat yourself to a spa visit. If you’re ready to rally, head out on a whale-watching excursion (prime season runs December through April) or wander into town for tacos and a stroll through Cabo’s art district.
Where to Stay:
Nobu Hotel Los Cabos – Sleek Japanese design meets Baja cool.
Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection – Private casitas and a swim-up bar.
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal – A glamorous beachside escape.
VIP Perks: Daily breakfast, upgrades, early check-in/late check-out, hotel credit, spa credit, and added amenities depending on property.
Paris: Midnight at the Eiffel Tower
No city does romance and spectacle quite like Paris, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. As the clock strikes midnight, the Eiffel Tower becomes the sparkling centerpiece of a citywide fireworks display, lighting up the skyline in shimmering bursts visible from almost anywhere in town. A glass of champagne in hand, Paris feels like the most magical place to say bonjour to the year.
For a night as dazzling as the lights, book a Moulin Rouge dinner and show, cabaret, feathers, and glitter leading up to a midnight toast. Traveling with kids? Head to Disneyland Paris, where fireworks mix with Mickey-shaped confetti and the whole family can ring in the new year.
Stroll along the Champs-Élysées, where Parisians gather in festive crowds, or head to Montmartre for views of the city’s fireworks from the steps of Sacré-Cœur. New Year’s Day is made for buttery croissants, wandering the galleries of the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay, and maybe indulging in a little retail therapy at the Galeries Lafayette before the holiday lights come down.
Where to Stay:
Hôtel Providence Paris – Bold, vibrant, and close to Le Marais.
Kimpton St Honoré Paris – Chic and playful with panoramic rooftop views.
Château Voltaire – Understated luxury steps from the Tuileries.
VIP Perks: Daily breakfast, upgrades, early check-in/late check-out, hotel credit, spa credit, and added amenities depending on property.
New Orleans: Where the Party Never Stops
If there’s any city born to host a party, it’s New Orleans. The Big Easy thrives on celebration year-round, from Mardi Gras to Jazz Fest, so you can imagine what happens when New Year’s Eve rolls around. The streets fill with energy, from the anything-goes atmosphere of Bourbon Street to live jazz pouring out of tucked-away courtyards.
At midnight, all eyes turn to the annual Fleur de Lis drop in Jackson Square, followed by a fireworks display over the Mississippi River. Whether you’re elbow-to-elbow in the French Quarter or sipping cocktails with a view from a rooftop terrace, NOLA is fun….simply fun.
The beauty of New Orleans is that the party doesn’t stop at midnight. Stick around a few extra days and dive into the city’s irresistible mix of food, music, and culture. Indulge in beignets and chicory coffee at Café du Monde, munching on po’boys, or let a jazz band lead you in a second line parade (that uniquely NOLA tradition where everyone is welcome to dance in the streets).
Where to Stay:
Virgin Hotels New Orleans – Rooftop pool, Warehouse District vibes, and easy French Quarter access.
Hotel Monteleone – French Quarter legend with the iconic spinning Carousel Bar.
The Eliza Jane – Industrial-chic design in historic warehouses, plus a brasserie and courtyard.
VIP Perks: Daily breakfast, upgrades, early check-in/late check-out, hotel credit, spa credit, and added amenities depending on property.
Los Angeles: City of Stars & Fireworks
Champagne in Beverly Hills? Fireworks off Santa Monica pie? Los Angeles gives you the freedom to design your perfect New Year’s Eve. Want glitz and glamour? Head to West Hollywood, where clubs along Sunset Boulevard host over-the-top themed parties, DJs spin until dawn, and the champagne flows as freely as the confetti. Prefer a more relaxed night? Marina del Rey offers both early (9pm) and midnight fireworks over the harbor—perfect if you’re traveling with kids or simply want to be in bed before the clock strikes twelve.
For a true local experience, follow Angelenos to the rooftop of The Grove’s parking garage, where you’ll have panoramic views of fireworks popping across the entire city, from Downtown LA to the Santa Monica coastline. It’s an underrated spot to soak up the spectacle without the crush of the crowds.
The beauty of celebrating in Los Angeles is the variety. Spend New Year’s Day strolling the Santa Monica Pier, shopping in Beverly Hills, or hiking up to the Griffith Observatory for those iconic city views. And if your celebration leaves you needing a reset, you can always book a spa treatment or lounge poolside—because in LA, even winter feels like a sunny vacation.
Where to Stay:
Kimpton Everly Hotel – Contemporary Hollywood style with rooftop views.
Palihouse West Hollywood – Trendy, retro-inspired and perfect for rooftop cocktails.
The Peninsula Beverly Hills – Elegant, upscale, and effortlessly classic.
VIP Perks: Daily breakfast, upgrades, early check-in/late check-out, hotel credit, spa credit, and added amenities depending on property.
New York City: The Classic Countdown
Few places scream New Year’s Eve quite like New York City. Times Square is the epicenter—complete with live performances, a sea of confetti, and of course, the iconic ball drop at midnight. It’s one of those bucket-list moments everyone should experience at least once.
Leading up to the big night, NYC offers plenty of festivities. Lace up your skates and glide across the ice at Rockefeller Center or Bryant Park, both framed by sparkling holiday lights (catch them before they’re taken down in early January). Wander Fifth Avenue and Midtown to see the last twinkles of the season’s elaborate window displays, or stroll through Central Park with hot cocoa in hand for a quieter, more romantic vibe.
On New Year’s Day, fuel up the local way, with a bagel (and don’t skip the schmear). Then keep the celebration going with a Broadway show, a museum visit, or a brisk walk on the Brooklyn Bridge to take in those iconic skyline views.
Where to Stay:
The Plaza Hotel – Iconic New York glamour right on Fifth Avenue.
The William Vale – Brooklyn cool with sweeping skyline views of fireworks.
The Peninsula New York – Fifth Avenue elegance with a rooftop bar perfect for toasting 2025.
VIP Perks: Daily breakfast, upgrades, early check-in/late check-out, hotel credit, spa credit, and added amenities depending on property.
Rio de Janeiro: Samba, Fireworks & the First Sunrise of the Year
Rio!! —where celebrations are as vibrant as the city itself. Each December 31st, millions gather on Copacabana Beach, dressed head-to-toe in white (a Brazilian tradition meant to bring peace and good fortune for the year ahead). The beach becomes a glowing sea of candles, flowers, and champagne toasts—punctuated by a jaw-dropping fireworks display launched over the Atlantic.
It’s Rio… the party doesn’t end at midnight. Live samba bands and DJs keep the music going well into the morning, and locals head straight from the sand to sunrise swims or to watch the first dawn of the year rise over the ocean.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro – A sleek beachfront hotel that’s right in the heart of things.
Belmond Copacabana - A legendary name in Rio, this historic grande dame sits right on Copacabana Beach and has been an icon of Brazilian luxury since the 1920s.
Emiliano Rio - Located on Copacabana Beach with a stunning rooftop infinity pool, minimalist architecture, bright airy rooms, and a welcoming, modern feel.
VIP Perks: Daily breakfast, upgrades, early check-in/late check-out, hotel credit, spa credit, and added amenities depending on property.
Sydney: Fireworks Before Anyone Else
If you’re the type who loves being first in line, Sydney is your spot. Thanks to its time zone, this harbor city is one of the first major destinations in the world to welcome the New Year. And it does so with a bang—literally. The fireworks over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House are some of the most iconic, reflected in the waters of Circular Quay. Book a harbor cruise for champagne toasts with unbeatable views, or grab a picnic basket and stake out a spot in the Royal Botanic Gardens.
The next morning? Sleep in, then reset with a swim at Bondi Beach, brunch at a breezy café, or a coastal walk with ocean views. January is summer in Australia, so expect sunny skies and plenty of outdoor fun to start your year. You’ll go back to work with a tan.
Where to Stay:
Park Hyatt Sydney – Waterfront luxury with unbeatable Opera House views.
QT Sydney – Funky, playful design in the heart of the city.
Shangri-La Sydney – Sky-high rooms and a rooftop bar that’s perfect for a midnight toast.
VIP Perks: Daily breakfast, upgrades, early check-in/late check-out, hotel credit, spa credit, and added amenities depending on property.
Reykjavik: Fire Meets Ice
For a New Year’s that’s equal parts cozy and otherworldly, head to Reykjavik. Here, the locals keep traditions alive with massive community bonfires that light up the winter darkness, paired with neighborhood fireworks that seem to come from every direction at once. The atmosphere is festive, welcoming, and unlike anywhere else in the world.
But what makes Reykjavik truly magical is what happens after midnight. With a little luck (and clear skies), you might catch the Northern Lights dancing overhead—fireworks courtesy of Mother Nature herself. Add in the city’s geothermal pools (yes, you can warm up outside in January), lively bars, wild horses, and striking views, and you’ve got the perfect blend of tradition, relaxation, and adventure.
Where to Stay:
ION Adventure Hotel – A modern retreat in the countryside, ideal for Northern Lights viewing.
The Reykjavik EDITION – Sleek, stylish, and right on the city’s scenic harbor.
Hotel Borg by Keahotels – Art Deco charm in the heart of downtown Reykjavik.
VIP Perks: Daily breakfast, upgrades, early check-in/late check-out, hotel credit, spa credit, and added amenities depending on property.
Not able to jet off this year? You don’t have to miss out on the fun. There are plenty of ways to make New Year’s memorable without leaving your own city. From booking a boutique hotel staycation with VIP perks, to snagging reservations at that hard-to-get-into restaurant, to planning unique experiences like cooking classes, wine tastings, or rooftop countdowns—I can help you discover creative ways to celebrate closer to home. Email me at Danielle@itinerariesbydesign.com and let’s design a New Year’s that feels anything but ordinary.