Where To Celebrate The New Year
The festive period is often a chance to shake off the past year and start anew – and how better to refresh than with a well-earned break. Regardless of religion of culture, it’s a time when destinations across the world unite in throwing a celebration to ring in the New Year. Also, as many popular destinations in the southern hemisphere reach peak summer, the choices are plentiful. For inspiration, here’s a guide to the best destinations in which to welcome 2026.
Tokyo, Japan
Japan is a travel hotspot at the moment, as the Yen makes it more affordable than ever. Plus, the 14-hour flight from the UK means an extended break over the Christmas holidays could be just the ticket.
New Year in Tokyo is extra special because of its world-class fireworks, and also because of the ritual of Joya no Kane. That’s when across the capital, Buddhist temples ring their bonshō (bells) 108 times to purify those who hear it from the 108 worldly desires. As such, you’ll find families and friends gather around their local temple to listen to all 108 bells ring out, in essence becoming a group meditation.
Then comes hatsumode: the all-important first shrine visit of the new year, when devotees start the new year in the wholesome and blessed way they mean to go on. Try taking part at the central Sensoji Temple, which is used to travellers observing and participating in its ancient traditions.
Reykyavik, Iceland
The ethereal spectacle of the Northern Lights is enough to encourage plenty to take a flight north this winter. But the capital of Iceland will become extra appealing come New Year’s. On 31st December, celebrations are a community-led affair, where Icelanders gather around brenna (bonfires) to meet and socialise, before heading back home at 10.30pm to watch the popular satirical show Áramótaskaupið.
As a tourist, this in-between time can seem a little strange – but don’t let it stop your festivities from continuing! It’s exactly the right time to find a bar, hotel and restaurant and warm up again, as the temperature will be in minus figures. Nearer midnight, locals appear again for the big countdown and to let off fireworks. In the heart of the capital, make a beeline to Hallgrimskirkja Church or along the waterfront to see the best of the fireworks.
Bologna, Italy
As the home of the Guy Fawkes traditions, we’re used to burning large effigies, so Bologna’s New Year’s Eve celebrations won’t be too strange to us. The foodie capital of Italy forgoes its culinary focus on 31st December, and instead heads to its main square, Piazza Maggoiore, for ‘Rogo del Vecchione’: the burning of the old man. His role in proceedings is to symbolise the death of the old year, and make space for the new. It’s a compelling option for those who prefer to join a cultural gathering than a rip-roaring party.
It also means you can spend the holiday season in one of Italy’s most popular spots. In size and features, Bologna is a blissfully walkable city – in the depth of winter, its Unesco-protected porticos shelter residents from the worst of the weather. So take cover as you explore the city, from the bustling Piazza Santo Stefano that leads to the Seven Church complex, to International Museum and Library of Music, a treasure trove of antique musical instruments. For a daytrip, visit the Ferrari and Lamborghini Headquarters, located an hour away from the city.
Quito, Ecuador
Another place that marks the New Year by burning effigies is Quito in Ecuador. The festivities of Ano Viejo involve creating effigies made out of anything – papier-mâché, old clothes, wood – and these ones lampoon celebrities and politicians, and burn them in the hope that next year will bring along a new set!
It adds to the convivial atmosphere: expect street parties where revellers dress in drag as widows to ask for money to party, or carry suitcases in hope of more travel in the new year, or wear red underwear if they want to be lucky in love!
Quito is also the gateway to the Galapagos Islands: this fragile and largely untouched ecosystem is most accessible via short. flights. Touch down and you’ll see the rich habitat in all its glory: this is its peak season, when marine iguanas are at their most colourful, and sea turtles begin to arrive on shore to lay their eggs.
Dominican Republic
The Christmas holidays are the time of year where work and studies slow down, and most of us can take a bit of a breather. Lean into that opportunity with a dreamy beach break in the Caribbean – it will certainly make for a memorable New Year’s Eve.
The Dominican Republic shines at this time. As an island with a myriad of landscapes and a strong culture – its Spanish colonial history links it closer to Latin America than other Anglo-Caribbean islands – it’s a popular year-round destination. At New Year’s, when temperatures a perfect 30C and the sea is around 27C, tourists flock to the beaches and make the most of its glorious sun, sea and sand. While prices are higher at this time, the competition keeps it in check, and ensures there’s a holiday here for every budget.
If you’re planning to head away to celebrate New Year’s Eve make sure to protect your travels with Switched On. Our feature packed policies provide a 24/7 emergency helpline as well as covering cancellation, medical expenses, baggage and much more. Get a quick quote via the travel page of our website.