Dreaming of ringing in New Year’s Eve in style and not in your parents’ living room while you FaceTime your friends from school? It’s not too late to plan a getaway to celebrate New Year’s Eve somewhere amazing! From the iconic Times Square celebration to all-night dance parties in Rio de Janeiro to entertainment galore in Las Vegas, these are 8 of the best destinations to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
1. New York
Of course, no list of the best destinations to celebrate New Year’s Eve is complete without New York. It’s one of the most iconic destinations for New Years and home to the famously-televised Times Square Ball Drop. Visit New York for New Year’s Eve and see the ball drop in person—or just take in the sparkle and charm of the city at the turn of the year and watch the ball drop from the warmth of your hotel room. Either way, you’ll find plenty to do in New York for New Year’s, from performances, to events and parties, cruises and fireworks and more.
2. Las Vegas
If you think Las Vegas is a fun time on any normal day, imagine how much fun it is to ring in the New Year here! In a city that’s always ready for an energetic night out and famous for it’s entertainment, it doesn’t hold back for New Year’s celebrations. From crazy fireworks displays to hotel shows and events to an enormous block-party style New Year’s celebration on the Las Vegas strip, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate New Year’s in Las Vegas. And of course, in Vegas, the celebration isn’t limited to just one night. There’s performances and entertainment every night of the week to make your trip really worth it.
3. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
For a New Year’s Eve celebration that’s unlike anywhere else in the world, head to Rio de Janeiro. Their all-night Copacabana Beach Party easily secures Rio’s spot as one of the best destinations to visit for New Year’s Eve. After the fireworks are over, everyone jumps in seven waves and makes seven wishes to ring in the new year. Even better: with many streets of the city shut down between 6pm on December 31 to 8am on January 1st, you’ll find open-air concerts, street celebrations and dance parties, all kinds of music and plenty of room on the miles-long beaches for celebrating.
4. Miami
Want a New Year’s Eve celebration you’ll never forget? Head to Miami! Whether you’re looking for a glitzy and glamorous evening out or want to live it up on the beaches with all-night parties celebrating the new year, you’ll find it all in Miami. Plus, warm weather and relaxing beach days are the perfect vibes for the new year. There’s no wonder why Miami is one of the best destinations to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
5. Sydney, Australia
While Australia is pretty much off-limits to international visitors this year, definitely add spending a New Year’s Eve in Sydney to your bucket list for the future! There’s really no city that celebrates New Year’s with quite as much style and flair as Sydney does. From the fireworks over the Sydney Harbour to wharf cruises and glamorous parties, celebrating New Year’s Eve is a once-in-a-lifetime must-do experience. Plus, it’s one of the first cities in the world to ring in the new year!
6. Los Angeles
If you’re staying stateside for the New Year, one of the best destinations to celebrate New Year’s Eve is Los Angeles. The City of Stars really puts on a show to ring in the new year. Here you’ll find multiple fireworks displays, tons of parties with live music and big names, and of course, delicious food. Catch the firework displays (yes, there’s multiple!) at Marina del Rey, then head downtown for the fancy parties. If that’s not your style, head to Universal Studios for themed celebrations, fireworks and rides to ring in the New Year.
7. Maui
What better way to ring in the New Year than on the beach? If you’re looking for a sunny, relaxing, romantic getaway for New Year’s (maybe with a special someone to kiss at midnight?) you can’t go wrong in Maui! (P.S. for the solo travelers—Maui is still just as gorgeous on your own!). Enjoy the tropical weather and a somewhat quieter New Year’s Eve without skimping on the celebration in Maui.
8. Madrid
Madrid is known for taking celebrations and festivals seriously—and New Year’s Eve is no exception! This is one of the best destinations to visit for New Year’s Eve. Whether you’re looking for something fancy and formal to ring in the new year in style, or just somewhere where you can stay up all night welcoming 2022, Madrid has something for everyone. Enjoy a traditional (very fancy!) New Year’s Eve dinner at one of Madrid’s many restaurants, then be sure to eat 12 grapes at 12 o’clock midnight sharp for good luck! After that, you can head downtown for one of Madrid’s many street celebrations and dance the night away.
Ready to plan your next getaway? Celebrate the New Year somewhere amazing, or just give yourself something to look forward to as you ring in 2022. Our student flight discounts will help you celebrate your next getaway on a budget.
