Are you looking for the best places to celebrate Christmas and New Year in the world? Do you want to experience the festive spirit, the dazzling fireworks, the delicious cuisines, and the cultural traditions of different countries? If yes, then you are in luck, because we have compiled a list of the top 10 countries to celebrate Xmas and New Year that will make your holidays unforgettable.
Whether you prefer a snowy winter wonderland, a sunny beach paradise, a vibrant cityscape, or a historical heritage site, we have something for everyone. So, without further ado, let’s explore the best destinations to ring in the new year and enjoy the Christmas festivities.
Australia
If you want to celebrate Xmas and New Year in summer, then Australia is the place for you. You can enjoy the warm weather, the beautiful beaches, the wildlife, and the diverse culture of this country.
Sydney is one of the best cities to witness the spectacular fireworks over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, as well as the boat parade and the Harbour of Light. You can also join the party at Bondi Beach, where thousands of people gather to dance, drink, and have fun. Other popular destinations in Australia include Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Cairns.
USA
The USA is a huge and diverse country, with something for everyone. You can choose from a variety of cities, states, and regions to celebrate Xmas and New Year in your own way. New York City is the most iconic place to be, where you can watch the famous ball drop at Times Square, see the dazzling lights and decorations, and enjoy the entertainment and concerts. Las Vegas is another great option, where you can gamble, party, and watch the amazing fireworks and shows. You can also visit Orlando, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, or Washington DC for more fun and excitement.
France
France is a country of romance, elegance, and culture, and a perfect destination to celebrate Xmas and New Year in style. Paris is the most popular city, where you can admire the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Champs-Élysées, all lit up with festive lights. You can also enjoy the gourmet food, the champagne, and the fireworks at the Trocadéro Gardens or the Champ de Mars. Other places to visit in France include Strasbourg, the capital of Christmas, where you can explore the charming markets and the cathedral; or Nice, where you can enjoy the mild climate and the Mediterranean sea.
Germany
Germany is a great country to celebrate Xmas and New Year, as it offers a variety of traditions, festivities, and attractions for every taste. You can watch the spectacular fireworks on New Year’s Eve, or Silvester, in major cities like Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, or Munich, or join the locals in setting off your own fireworks in the streets. You can also try the fun and unique tradition of lead pouring, or Bleigießen, where you can predict your fortune for the new year by melting a small amount of lead and pouring it into a bowl of water.
For Christmas, you can enjoy the cozy and charming markets, or Weihnachtsmärkte, where you can buy handmade crafts, ornaments, and delicacies like mulled wine, gingerbread, and roasted chestnuts. You can also visit the famous castles, churches, and museums that showcase the rich history and culture of Germany.
Brazil
Brazil is a country of joy, color, and diversity, and a wonderful destination to celebrate Xmas and New Year in a tropical way. You can enjoy the warm weather, the stunning beaches, the lively music, and the rich culture of this country. Rio de Janeiro is the most famous city to watch the incredible fireworks over the Copacabana Beach, where millions of people gather to party, dance, and wear white clothes for good luck.
You can also join the religious ceremonies, such as the Mass of the Rooster or the offering of flowers to the sea goddess Yemanjá. Other places to visit in Brazil include São Paulo, where you can see the beautiful lights and decorations at the Ibirapuera Park; or Salvador, where you can experience the Afro-Brazilian traditions and cuisine.
Japan
Japan is a country of tradition, beauty, and innovation, and a fascinating destination to celebrate Xmas and New Year in a unique way. You can enjoy the contrast between the ancient and the modern, the natural and the artificial, the serene and the lively in this country. Tokyo is the city of choice if you want to experience magical Christmas illuminations, or “kurisumasu iruminēshon”, which brightens up its streets, buildings, and trees with vibrant lights. You can also indulge in a festive and romantic Christmas feast of fried chicken and strawberry shortcake.
For New Year celebrations, or “shōgatsu”, join the locals in their tradition of visiting shrines or temples, also known as “hatsumōde”, to pray for a prosperous year ahead. Don’t miss out on the traditional delicacies such as mochi, soba, and osechi, believed to bring about longevity and wealth. Other places to visit in Japan include Kyoto, where you can experience the rich cultural heritage and the beautiful scenery; or Hokkaido, where you can enjoy the snow and the winter sports.
Thailand
Thailand is a country of beauty, culture, and fun, and a fantastic destination to celebrate Xmas and New Year in an exotic way. You can enjoy the tropical weather, the stunning beaches, the lively nightlife, and the rich cuisine of this country. Bangkok is the most popular city to see the amazing Christmas illuminations, or kurisumasu iruminēshon, that decorate the streets, buildings, and trees with colorful lights. You can also shop for gifts and souvenirs at the various markets, such as Pratunam Market and Chatuchak Market.
For New Year, or Songkran, you can join the Thai people in celebrating the traditional water festival, where you can splash water on each other, visit the temples, and make merit for the new year. You can also watch the fireworks and countdown events in most towns and cities. Other places to visit in Thailand include Phuket, where you can sail and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters; or Chiang Mai, where you can experience the cultural heritage and the natural beauty.
Canada
Canada is a country of diversity, beauty, and culture, and an ideal destination to celebrate Xmas and New Year in a cozy and festive way. You can enjoy the cold weather, the stunning landscapes, the friendly people, and the multicultural cuisine of this country.
Canada has numerous traditions and customs related to Christmas and New Year celebrations, including Christmas tree adornment, gift-giving, enjoying a roasted turkey meal, and popping Christmas crackers. You can also take advantage of the massive Boxing Day sales, the largest shopping day of the annual calendar, as stores drastically lower their prices to entice holiday shoppers.
As for New Year’s, you can witness the spectacular fireworks and countdown events in many urban and rural locations, or partake in a tour to observe the Northern Lights, a natural spectacle that illuminates the heavens in shades of green, purple, and blue. Other places to visit in Canada include Vancouver, where you can see the beautiful Christmas illuminations and enjoy the mild and wet climate; or Quebec City, where you can experience the French-Canadian heritage and the winter carnival.
South Africa
South Africa is a country of diversity, beauty, and culture, and a wonderful destination to celebrate Xmas and New Year in a tropical way. You can enjoy the warm weather, the stunning landscapes, the wildlife, and the rich cuisine of this country. South Africa has a blend of both diversity and tradition in its festive celebrations, as it reflects the influences of various cultures, religions, and ethnic groups.
You can see the colorful decorations, lights, and markets in the cities and towns, or join the carolers and church services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. You can also taste the delicious food, such as roast turkey, mince pies, plum pudding, and braai (barbecue).
For New Year, you can watch the incredible fireworks and countdown events in most places, or join the traditional water festival, where you can splash water on each other, visit the temples, and make merit for the new year. Other places to visit in South Africa include Kruger National Park, where you can see the Big Five animals and other wildlife; or Cape Town, where you can admire the Table Mountain and the Cape Point.
New Zealand
New Zealand is a country of adventure, nature, and culture, and a fantastic destination to celebrate Xmas and New Year in a different way. You can enjoy the mild weather, the stunning scenery, the wildlife, and the diverse cuisine of this country. New Zealand has a blend of both British and Māori traditions in its festive celebrations, as well as some local customs.
Experience the vibrant decorations, illumination, and holiday markets in various cities and towns, or partake in caroling and church services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. You can also savor appetizing dishes, such as baked turkey, minced meat pies, plum pudding, and pavlova, a dessert made of meringue, topped with whipped cream and fruits.
For the New Year, you can witness amazing pyrotechnic shows and time-reducing events in most areas, or participate in a tour to see the auroras, the natural spectacle that paints the sky in shades of green, purple, and blue. Other locales to visit in New Zealand are Auckland, where the Sky Tower shines in Christmas colors, or Queenstown, where you can indulge in extreme sports and take in the views of the lake.
Bottom Line
We hope you enjoyed reading our list of the top 10 countries to celebrate Xmas and New Year in the world. These are the countries that offer the most amazing and memorable experiences for the festive season, according to various sources. Whether you prefer a snowy winter wonderland, a sunny beach paradise, a vibrant cityscape, or a historical heritage site, we have something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets now and get ready to have the best holidays of your life.
