Where to Spend New Year's Eve 2024: Best Cities for Fireworks, Hotels & Restaurants

1. Reykjavik, Iceland

Average Temperature: -3 to 2°C (27-35°F)

Best Hotel: Hotel Borg – Experience accommodation, at this Art Deco-style hotel situated in the heart of Reykjavik city centre—a perfect choice for immersing directly, into the lively New Year's Eve festivities of the city.

Best Restaurant: Dill Restaurant – An eatery, with a Michelin star showcasing Nordic dishes that tantalize the taste buds. Indulge in a feast, before stepping out to join in the festivities.

Why Visit:

In Reykjavik, on New Year's Eve, something happens. The residents themselves put on a dazzling fireworks display without any show, in place! Thousands of fireworks light up the city in a one-of-a-kind celebration that ends with bonfires and lively outdoor gatherings throughout the city – an experience you won't soon forget.

2. Cape Town, South Africa

Average Temperature: 16-22°C (61-72°F)

Best Hotel: One&Only Cape Town – The luxurious One& Only Cape Town stands out with its vistas of Table Mountain and convenient proximity, to the V&A Waterfront where numerous New Year's celebrations unfold.

Best Restaurant: The Test Kitchen – For a New Year's Eve meal, in Cape Town' consider visiting The Test Kitchen – an acclaimed restaurant known for its innovative culinary offerings and exceptional dining experience.

Why Visit:

New Year's Eve festivities, in Cape Town are enhanced by the surroundings that serve as a backdrop to the celebrations. The city provides options for marking the occasion. From revelries to sophisticated rooftop gatherings that cater to different tastes and preferences. One of the standout attractions is the fireworks display held at V&A Waterfront which draws crowds with its combination of live music, delicacies and a joyous ambience. For an experience, you can opt to ride a cable car up Table Mountain and witness the enchanting midnight fireworks illuminating the cityscape.

3. Edinburgh, Scotland

Average Temperature: 1-5°C (34-41°F)

Best Hotel: The Balmoral Hotel – For those seeking a stay, in Edinburgh during the Hogmanay celebrations with a view of the iconic Edinburgh Castle backdrop look no further, than The Balmoral Hotel – a luxurious five-star hotel offering optimal comfort for guests.

Best Restaurant: The Witchery by the Castle – The Witchery, by the Castle is a restaurant with a vibe that serves up delicious Scottish dishes; perfect for a special New Year's Eve meal, before hitting the streets to join in the festivities.

Why Visit:

Edinburgh is famous, for its Hogmanay festival—an exciting three-day event that ends with a street bash and a breathtaking fireworks show above Edinburgh Castle to ring in the New Year with style! The torch-lit parade through the city streets as the clock strikes midnight is truly a sight not to be missed! For those looking to continue the merriment beyond midnight stroke are ceilidh dances and lively concerts that keep the party spirit alive, into the wee hours of the morning!

4. Queenstown, New Zealand

Average Temperature: 10-15°C (50-59°F)

Best Hotel: Eichardt's Private Hotel – A lavish boutique hotel, by the lake that provides service and stunning vistas of Lake Wakatipue in the midst of Queenstowns festive scene.

Best Restaurant: Rātā – Rāta is renowned, for its New Zealand dishes. Inviting ambience that reflects local influences on its menu—making it an ideal choice, for savouring a delightful New Year's Eve meal.

Why Visit:

Queenstown is a hub, for adventure that really knows how to ring in the New Year in style! From music and lively street gatherings to firework displays above the beautiful Lake Wakatipiu. The town exudes a joyful atmosphere unlike anywhere else. After enjoying the fireworks show by the lakefront you can keep the celebration going at one of Queenstowns bars or opt for a serene night under the stars, with some lakeside stargazing.

5. Vancouver, Canada

Average Temperature: 1-6°C (34-43°F)

Best Hotel: Fairmont Pacific Rim – A luxurious waterfront hotel that offers a location to catch the city's New Year's Eve fireworks show at Coal Harbour while enjoying views of the harbour, from numerous room options available.

Best Restaurant: Hawksworth Restaurant – Hawksworth Restaurant is an option, for upscale dining with a Canadian menu in an elegant ambience—a great place for an elegant New Year's Eve dinner, before heading out to enjoy the outdoor celebrations.

Why Visit:

In Vancouver New Year's Eve festivities revolve around the waterfront at Canada Place where an impressive fireworks show lights up the harbour, at midnight. The NYE Vancouver Party stands out as an event in Canada with its music performances and outdoor food vendors leading up to the countdown to midnight. For those looking for a quieter celebration experience, the city also provides views of the coast and mountains for a picturesque start, to the new year.

6. London, United Kingdom

Average Temperature: 4-8°C (39-46°F)

Best Hotel: The Savoy – Situated along the River Thames, in London's heart, is The Savoy – an upscale hotel known for its breathtaking river views and convenient proximity, to the city's prominent New Year’s Eve fireworks show.

Best Restaurant: Sketch – If you're looking for a New Year's Eve meal experience that combines Michelin star quality, with decor and a delectable menu selection Sketch is the ideal choice for an exceptional night out, before enjoying the fireworks display.

Why Visit:

The city of London is well known for its New Year's Eve festivities and, in particular the stunning fireworks spectacle that illuminates the skyline along the Thames River at midnight with a mesmerizing display focused on the London Eye landmark. Before the fireworks show kicks off at midnight on New Year's Eve in London revellers have the option to take part in the large-scale street gatherings that span throughout parts of the city or savour entertainment offerings in Trafalgar Square. London's vibrant and diverse nightlife scene ensures that the jubilant celebration carries on long after the fireworks have concluded, solidifying its reputation, as one of the most joyous cities to welcome the new year.

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