As the year comes closer to a wrap, many countdown parties and New Year’s Eve celebrations are clearly in the works. But rather than quiet festivities on a sofa, accompanied by countdowns on TVs, many celebrants are now leaning into the trend of ringing in the new year in style.
From sharing memorable moments with your friends and families to watching unbelievable firework shows with your partner, come with us as we discover the best places to count down to 2026 together.
Sydney, Australia
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Known for featuring one of the best fireworks shows across the world, the countdown festivities in Sydney are an unmissable feat. Many celebrations are focused around the Harbourfront, with the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge being iconic backdrops to not just one but two phenomenal fireworks displays. These happen at 9 PM and once again at midnight.
In fact, this is what sets Sydney’s New Year’s Eve event apart, as the 9 PM show is perfect for families ringing in the new year with their kids. By attending the smaller fireworks show, your little ones wouldn’t have to sacrifice their bedtime and still enjoy the lively spirit of welcoming 2026.
Family-friendly spots like Darling Harbour and Dawes Point are great if you’re looking to enjoy these early New Year’s Eve celebrations, with kids’ play areas made available to keep the little ones entertained before the big bang.
Beyond illuminating the night skies, the city also transforms into a party hub with live music and food trucks ready to serve some of the best local bites. Some of the most popular vantage points include the Observatory Hill at Millers Point, where a grand view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge can be seen from afar. If you’d prefer a closer look, however, be sure to turn up early with your picnic gear and book your spot by the Bradfield Park & Mary Booth Reserve.
Queenstown, New Zealand
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Set against the breathtaking Southern Alps by the shores of New Zealand’s Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is a city best known for adventure sports. And while adrenaline-seekers will undoubtedly make their way here, did you know that this capital city is also fantastic for their epic parties? This makes Queenstown the ultimate place to be if you’re looking to celebrate 2026 with a bang – and we’ll tell you why!
For starters, down by Earnslaw Park is where you’ll find plenty of action as the clock creeps into midnight. This includes live music to get your heart thumping and endless strings of entertainment to keep the hype up. Celebrants looking to spend some time with their friends will find plenty of space to dance and share a laugh, while the lakefront views make for a memorable and romantic time if you’re spending your New Year’s Eve with a loved one.
There are epic fireworks planned as the countdown begins, with some past participants reporting that it’s the best show they’ve seen. To keep the crowd safe, an alcohol ban will be implemented at Earnslaw Park, but surely it’s the company that makes your countdown one to remember.
Of course, if you’d like to eat, drink, and cheer your way into 2026, then a bar crawl across Queenstown is a must. Come New Year’s Eve, many of the city’s bars will keep their doors open so you can pop in for a beer or drink of choice before moving on to the next. Most bars are within walking distance from each other, and offer different personalities to suit your countdown style. You can expect great live music from local bands and DJs, along with delicious bites to accompany you through to midnight.
Kiritimati Island, Kiribati
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If you’ve ever wanted the bragging rights to be one of the first to ring in 2026, you’ll have to make your way to Kiritimati Island in Kiribati. Also known as Christmas Island to many, this beautifully secluded atoll is set off the Pacific Ocean. Its unique geographical location puts Kiritimati Island in a UTC+14 time zone, officially making it the first destination on Earth to celebrate the New Year.
But crossing into the New Year at Kiritimati Island isn’t like any other celebration around the world. Rather than loud experiences and crazy parties throughout the island, this is where you can expect authentic moments that are intimate and low-key. From sampling some of the traditional culinary specialities to sharing stories around a bonfire on the beach, this momentous occasion on Kiritimati is one that’s sure to live in your mind for years to come.
Outside of celebrating New Year’s Eve, Kiritimati Island is also known for its untouched beauty, with experiences in nature being the highlight here. Diving and surfing enthusiasts will fall in love with its clean and untouched water, while tourists who prefer a more calming time on the island may opt to join any of the cultural tours that teach you all about the authentic I-Kiribati culture.
While there are no direct flights that take you to Kiribati from Malaysia, travelling here requires no visa, and the beauty that awaits will make all your travels worth it.
New York City, USA
Another must-visit destination for an epic countdown experience is undoubtedly New York City, USA. With its festive celebrations still in full swing even though Christmas has passed, the lively vibes and city lights make for a gorgeous New Year’s Eve, especially in the city centre.
One of the most iconic events that gets locals and tourists alike buzzing just before midnight is the Ball Drop at Times Square. This annual event has been a tradition since 1907, and a brand-new crystal ball for this year’s countdown that’s covered with over 5,280 Waterford crystals will be seen. Come 11:59 PM, visitors will be able to see the illuminated ball descend from a pole set atop Times Square, officially signalling the start of the New Year as it reaches the bottom. Fireworks are set to follow, so be sure to keep your phones well-charged to capture the best of them for your social media.
The star-studded event will also see celebrities performing prior to the countdown, with big names such as Jonas Brothers, Rita Ora, and Carrie Underwood marking the headlines last year. While this would mean that the crowds surrounding Times Square are set to be massive, the atmosphere makes this countdown experience one that will stay with you forever.
Optionally, you can also watch the ball drop and fireworks from the comfort of your hotel room. The Langham in New York is Langham Hospitality Group‘s luxury hotel set on the prestigious Fifth Avenue. As one of the tallest buildings in the city, the hotel offers stunning views over the Empire State Building and New York’s gorgeous skylines. This makes The Langham the perfect spot for anyone who wants to ring in 2026 in the heart of the city and still be kept away from the crowds. And with exclusive deals when you book with Holiday Tours, perhaps it’s time to make your dreams of counting down to 2026 in New York City come true!
Madrid, Spain
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Over in Spain, New Year’s Eve brings a touch of unique tradition said to manifest good luck for the year to come. So, if you’d like to be a part of a countdown party that’s unlike your typical feast, you’ll have to make your way to Madrid to ring in the year the Spanish do.
Known as the “Twelve Grapes of Luck”, this interesting tradition involves eating one grape at every stroke of the twelve-clock bell at midnight. Each strike and grape signifies the twelve months in a year, and those who manage this feat are said to be granted good luck in the coming year. While many families will tune to their TVs to scramble grapes into their mouths, recent celebrations also see locals and tourists come together at iconic town squares to share bunches of grapes.
Madrid’s most popular tourist spot, Puerta del Sol, is one such destination where you can try your bite at the “Twelve Grapes of Luck”, with lively music, confetti pops, and lively vibes everywhere you turn. Locals will also take the opportunity to dress up in costumes and wigs, turning the countdown event into a fiesta to remember for the whole family. But you’d best arrive at the square early, as big crowds are to be expected, and the parties in Madrid are known to last all the way until dawn.
Before calling it a night (or day) after partying, you’ll want to wind down as the locals do. This is traditionally done with a hearty cup of hot chocolate that’s accompanied by churros, marking a sweet start to your 2026.
Tokyo, Japan
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For a countdown experience that blends modern parties with high-energy music and traditional cultures of peaceful celebrations, look no further than to spend your New Year’s Eve in Tokyo, Japan.
Younger travellers will fully enjoy the buzz across busy areas such as Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Square, where lively crowds and exciting activities are known to build. As the clock moves closer to midnight, the surrounding streets are often closed to avoid unwanted accidents and allow for a better party atmosphere as a pedestrian-only zone. From street performers to aspiring DJs spinning their best to keep the energy high, the countdown experience here is often compared to those of Times Square in New York City.
Alternatively, temples across the nation are known to ring their bells 108 times as midnight strikes. It’s a traditional practice called Joya no Kane, with each chime believed to represent humanity’s earthly desires per Buddhist traditions. If it’s your first time welcoming the new year in Tokyo, we recommend visiting the Zojoji Temple near the Tokyo Tower. Boasting a gorgeous view of the classic temple beside the iconic modern tower, this shrine is said to be one of the most photographed New Year scenes in Tokyo.
To complete your New Year visit to the temple, be sure to try the sweet fermented rice drink distributed by temple staff. Known as amazake, this warm beverage often feels like a comforting hug as you brave the winter cold and makes for an authentic Japanese New Year celebration experience.
Other shrines, such as the Meiji Shrine near Shibuya, will also see crowds making their first shrine visit of the year. This practice sees many devotees praying for a smooth sailing year ahead, so expect big crowds starting just before midnight and lasting until the next day. Plenty of street stalls will also be present, and the best thing you can do is treat yourself to some freshly grilled mochi to complete your countdown visit with a sweet end.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Finally, we believe there’s no place like home to welcome 2026 into our lives, and Kuala Lumpur undoubtedly has some of the best ways to make it memorable. Think rooftop parties and countdowns at iconic destinations across the city centre, and Kuala Lumpur simply delivers.
Top places that come to mind include KLCC Park, where the wide-open space allows for friendly gatherings amid the building excitement that leads up to midnight. The mesmerising fireworks that go off as the clock strikes 12 are a great way to welcome the new year, with the bright lights illuminating not just the skies but also the view of the Petronas Twin Towers. For a perfect experience, we recommend bringing a picnic mat along with your favourite bites just after sunset to also enjoy the fountain show from Lake Symphony.
If crowds and loud noises are not your cup of tea but you’d still like to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style, then why not book a luxurious staycation? Perched on the top floors of the iconic Merdeka 118 is the newest addition to the Hyatt Hotels and Resorts portfolio, Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur. With floor-to-ceiling windows adorning each of their luxury hotel rooms, this is one of the best vantage spots to soak in the endless fireworks shows and celebrations across the city.
Guests are also welcome to join a special countdown event at Cacao Mixology & Chocolate, Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur’s very own chocolate-themed lounge. Offering a free-flow of champagne and selected spirits that are carefully paired with delicate canapes, fruits, and chocolates, this is a unique way to ring in 2026 in an unforgettable style.