The first winter frosts are here, and it' s time to start preparing for the festive season. Santa's list, buying a Christmas tree and, of course, planning for New Year's Eve. This year, why not treat yourself to a city break in France or Europe? Or even a longer trip for an unforgettable New Year's Eve. Here are our ideas for opening the champagne in enchanting surroundings.
Where to go for New Year's Eve in France?
What better way to ring in the New Year than in Paris, the City of Light, between two must-see sights? Every year, as the clock strikes midnight, Parisians and tourists alike flock to admire the splendid Christmas illuminations , particularly those on the Champs-Élysées. Despite the cold, they stroll along the emblematic avenue linking Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, immersed in an enchanting spectacle: luminous arches, enchanting colors, multicolored bulbs, dancing flames and sparkling projections. And it's at the top of the avenue, from the Arc de Triomphe, that the New Year's fireworks will be fired. Of course, all over the capital, restaurants, concert halls and nightclubs will be packed to make sure you enjoy a very long night, before, why not, a 3-day stay in the capital to recover from the agape.
Courchevel, affectionately known as "Courch", is a prestigious ski resort that combines refinement with a warm atmosphere. Situated in the heart of the Trois Vallées, it offers an exceptional ski area and a multitude of activities, including lively bars and nightclubs. Courchevel 1850, perched at the top of the resort, embodies the ultimate in refinement and prestige. Luxurious chalets and top-of-the-range apartments attract celebrities from all over the world, who come to revel in the palaces and Michelin-starred restaurants that have forged the reputation of this exceptional resort. All in all, a dream spot for an unforgettable New Year's Eve. What's more, the Courchevel Tourist Office will be organizing a number of events, with music, artists and free drinks in the villages that make up the famous resort.
Where to go for New Year's Eve in Europe?
From the Bairro Alto, renowned for its festive nights, to the majestic antique presence of the Jeronimo de Belém, from art galleries to trendy stores and barber shops from another era, Lisbon is packed with must-sees, combining like no other city the charm of yesteryear with a creativity that's constantly on the alert. Here, New Year's Eve is celebrated on the famous Place du Commerce. There are concerts and, of course, a spectacular fireworks display to mark the stroke of midnight. Locals and tourists mingle happily, and once the show is over, the crowd spills out into the lively streets of Baixa, where the party is in full swing. To extend the evening, the more adventurous can wait outside the clubs on Pink Street. To get the New Year off to the best possible start!
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Legendary Scottish New Year! In Edinburgh, a single evening is not enough to celebrate the New Year. Every year, from December 29 to January 1, the city organizes three days of non-stop New Year's Eve festivities. The aim: to make the most of dressing up, taking part in concerts, admiring fireworks, dancing at ceilidhs and joining in parties of all kinds. The event is one of Discovery Channel's "Top 25 experiences to have in the world" and "Top 100 things to do before you die". Several parties are on the program, some of them free, others requiring a reservation. A huge and unique party in prospect!
The article to read: What to see and do in Edinburgh? The 17 must-sees and What to do and see in Edinburgh in 2 or 3 days? Itinerary tips
Where to go for New Year's Eve in the sun?
As in Scotland, New Year's Eve in Thailand is spread over three days for an unforgettable celebration... In the Land of Smiles, New Year's Eve is even celebrated three times a year! In April, Songkran, the Thai New Year, is celebrated with particular fervor, but the Thais also mark the Chinese New Year and the Western New Year. January 1st, which coincides with the peak of the tourist season, attracts many foreign visitors to the country. A wide range of festivities are organized for the occasion, including the classic fireworks display, concerts, shows and many, many late-night parties. So how about a trip to 2025, with flip-flops and cocktails on the beach?
Where to go for New Year's Eve? Always in the sun, it's a pleasure to cross the Atlantic Ocean to spend the festive season in Brazil, and Rio de Janeiro in particular. In the city of Christ the Redeemer, New Year's Eve is an emotional time when crowds of people dressed in white head for the city's legendary beaches. The New Year's Eve fireworks display on the famous Copacabana beach attracts some 2.5 million spectators every year, offering a grandiose and incomparable spectacle. It's undoubtedly one of the finest New Year's fireworks displays on the planet. Along with Carnival, this is one of the highlights of Rio's tourist season. So it's essential to book your hotels and flights well in advance, and expect high prices. But it's the guarantee of a souvenir for life!
The article to read: What to see and do in Rio de Janeiro? Top 19 places to visit
Where to spend New Year's Eve as a couple?
Krakow? Who wouldn't be immediately seduced by its cobbled, pedestrian streets, its huge Market Square or by the resounding trumpet blasts sounded every hour by the city's guardian from the top of a tower? Krakow, a city thousands of years old, can look back on a flamboyant past and is still a delight for lovers from all over the world. New Year's Eve promises to be festive too! With concerts and fireworks on the Grand-Place, gourmet restaurants concocting special menus, festive cruises on the Vistula, vodka bars, wine and champagne cellars and underground nightclubs, the night's program is bound to be packed. Get your strength back!
From a DJ mixing electro-house in a "ruined" bar to a Sunday classical concert at the MUPA or the Liszt Ferenc Academy, there's something for everyone on New Year's Eve in Budapest, one of Europe's best cities for partying. In Budapest, several major musical institutions mark the transition to the New Year with gala concert-spectacles on December 31st or January 1st, often conducted by renowned figures. It's the perfect opportunity to dress up in your finest attire and marvel at exceptional performances. Every year, MÜPA offers a variety of New Year's concerts - the program can be found on their official website. A perfect way to celebrate the New Year in music, while exploring one of the most beautiful cultural venues in a city with no shortage of must-sees. So where to go for New Year's Eve? All over the Hungarian city, restaurants, bars and nightclubs guarantee a warm atmosphere until the first morning of 2025.
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Where to spend New Year's Eve with your family?
Winter is certainly the most magical season in New York, and always delights young and old alike, with its superb Christmas decorations, the traditional giant Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, which has been delighting crowds since 1933, and the famous open-air skating rinks at the same Rockefeller Center and in Central Park. And to ring in the New Year, nearly a million people gather in Times Square for the famous Ball Drop. At 11:59 p.m., a ball of light descends from the top of the mast on the roof of the One Times Square skyscraper, traveling 43 meters in 60 seconds. By the time the ball reaches the bottom, it's midnight, marking the start of the New Year with a magnificent fireworks display. An unforgettable experience, even if you'll have to be patient with the crowds.
Read more: What to do in New York in 4 days Itinerary tips
London is always buzzing at night, and New Year's Eve is no exception. Always brimming with energy, Europe's largest city offers almost endless nightlife possibilities and exceptional Michelin-starred restaurants, in addition to its many must-do Christmas activities. And, after a long night of festivities, the traditional New Year's Day parade attracts night owls and early risers alike. On this first day of the year, from Piccadilly to Parliament Street, the streets come alive with circuses, clowns, animals and brass bands, in a festive, carnival atmosphere. More than 10,000 participants parade in this impressive spectacle through the heart of the British capital. Reputed to be the biggest parade in the world, it is broadcast live on all the major TV channels and is sure to delight the whole family.
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Where to go for cheap on New Year's Eve?
Where to go for New Year's Eve? Prague knows how to party! It has to be said that few cities offer such an intensity of festivities throughout the year, and so many must-see sights. So for a festive New Year's Eve that won't break the budget like New York, London or Rio, why not opt for the Czech capital? There are plenty of good, inexpensive restaurants, you can party all night long at low prices and, in this city of exceptional architecture, the fireworks are superb. And with the added bonus of snow, it's sure to be a truly magical New Year.
Read more: What to do and see in Prague in 2 or 3 days? Itinerary tips
Where to go for New Year's Eve? Just two hours by plane from Paris, and with many low-cost flights making the rotation, Madrid remains an accessible getaway that's always very festive during the festive season. On December 31st, as midnight approaches, thousands of people gather at the Puerta del Sol, the beating heart of Madrid. According to tradition, when the clock in the famous square strikes midnight, everyone eats a grape at each stroke, a ritual supposed to bring good luck for the coming year. While most Madrilenians start the evening with dinner with family or friends, often at home, they join the festivities in the streets around 2am. At midnight, however, the Puerta del Sol is undoubtedly the most vibrant spot in the Spanish capital. A great start to a long night of partying in Madrid's clubs.
Read more: What to do and see in Madrid in 2 or 3 days? Itinerary tips
