Ringing in the New Year is a tradition worldwide, with many places putting their own spin on the festivities. Whether it’s a party on the beach, fireworks over an ancient city or a cruise around a harbor, there are lots of different ways to mark the occasion.
Travel somewhere new to bid farewell to 2024 and ring in 2025 with this guide to the best cities for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
1. Hit the beaches in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
With warm, sunny weather, panoramic views and a seductive samba beat, New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro is life-affirming. Festivities here are (almost) on par with the city’s famous Carnival, and the ultimate celebration – one of the best in the world – is at Copacabana Beach, where an estimated two million revelers congregate each year for music, swimming, football, barbecues and a massive fireworks display.
