Planning an unforgettable New Year's Eve to welcome 2027? From the first fireworks on earth in Sydney to the Burj Khalifa light show in Dubai, these are the 10 best NYE destinations — each with a full guide so you can lock in the trip early.
1
Sydney Harbour hosts the world’s first major fireworks — an iconic countdown.
Plan a Australia trip →2
Dubai’s Burj Khalifa show is the planet’s most spectacular NYE display.
Plan a United Arab Emirates trip →3
4
5
Reykjavik’s citywide bonfires and amateur fireworks are wonderfully wild.
Plan a Iceland trip →6
Bangkok and the islands throw warm, all-night beach and rooftop parties.
Plan a Thailand trip →7
8
New York’s Times Square ball drop is the ultimate classic countdown.
Plan a United States trip →9
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FAQ
Best places for New Year's Eve 2026?
Top picks include Australia, United Arab Emirates, and Japan. The full ranked list above covers 10 destinations with the reason each is special this season, plus a guide to plan each trip.
When should I book holiday travel?
Book festive and New Year travel early — popular destinations, flights, and hotels sell out months ahead and prices climb steeply through autumn. Aim to lock in by September-October for the best choice and rates.
Is it cheaper to travel over the holidays?
No — late December is peak season almost everywhere, with the highest flight and hotel prices of the year. To save, book very early, travel a few days either side of the key dates, or pick a destination in its low season.
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.