bright colorful fireworks for New Year's Eve

City or Country? 5 Places to Go for New Year's Eve

Are you looking for places to go for New Year’s Eve?

I know there can be so much pressure when it comes to making a plan for New Year’s. But don’t freak out if you haven’t got your plans sorted yet.

From snowy climes and wine country to the tropics and the Arabian Desert, there are plenty of places to go. And there are plenty of deals to be had, even if you’re booking a last-minute trip.

According to Kayak, you can typically get some of the best travel deals for New Year’s Eve in the first two weeks of December.

So, get packing! All you need to decide is if you want to spend the holiday in your bathing suit or your winter boots.

And for more inspiration, check out the list below for my top 5 places of where to go for New Year’s Eve.

5 Places To Go For New Year’s Eve:

1. Edinburgh, Scotland

Did you know the song “Auld Lang Syne” was written by the Scotsman, Robert Burns? That alone would be reason enough for me to ring in the New Year in this city. But what truly sets the Scots apart is Hogmanay, their 3-day-long celebration for ringing in the new year, and the line-up of events they have this year is no joke. The only thing you’ll be lacking by the end of this holiday celebration in Edinburgh is sleep!

2. Napa & Sonoma, California

Another great place to go for New Year’s Eve is wine country, specifically, Napa and Sonoma Valley. There’s the wine, of course, the beautiful countryside and the temperate climate. But the most important reason I can think of for ringing in the new year in wine country is that the region needs our help. After suffering devastating losses with the California wildfires over the past few years, every tourist dollar will go towards helping these communities recover. It’s pretty cool when you can celebrate the new year and put your money towards a good cause at the same time!

Hit up some of my favorite vineyards, including Landmark in Sonoma and Silverado in Napa. And if you need the hair of the dog after all the celebrating, check out one of my go-to spots in Sonoma for brunch, The Girl and The Fig.

3. Cartagena, Colombia

When I first visited this Colombian port city on the Caribbean Sea, it captured my heart. It’s the perfect mix of food, culture, design, and nightlife. With so much to do, Cartagena is one of the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

Splurge and stay at Casa San Agustin in the walled Old Town, and wander the cobblestone streets full of colorful colonial buildings. Feast on ceviche and paella at La Cevicheria, or splurge on a decadent dinner at Restaurante 1621, at the Sofitel Legend. When you’re ready to dance the night away, head to Cafe Havana. Need a day at the beach to recover after your New Year’s festivities? Hop on a boat to the Isla de Barú, where you can soak up the sun on white-sand beaches and swim in the turquoise sea.

Related: Check out my full Cartagena Travel Guide.

4. Park City, Utah

If you’re looking to splurge and want to fit in some skiing or snowboarding over the holidays, Park City is a great option. Conveniently located about 35 minutes from Salt Lake City, the Park City area boasts many mountains to choose from, including the posh Deer Valley (skiers only), as well as Park City Resort and Canyons Village. Better yet, if you can rent a car (or an SUV if you have your own gear), you’ll have access to some of the most challenging skiing terrain in the country, with mountains like Alta and Snowbird a short drive away.

After a day on the slopes hit up Main Street in Historic Park City for some great restaurants and bars, including my favorites Yuki Yama Sushi and Riverhorse on Main. Just keep in mind that things are pricey in Park City. One tip on keeping costs down – ask if the restaurant you’re heading to allows you to bring your own bottle of wine for a corkage fee. That will be significantly cheaper than the markups they charge for bottles on their wine lists.

5. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Okay, you might need more time than a long weekend for this destination, but it is well worth it. The architectural marvels of this city, including the Burj Kalifa and Burj al Arab, are incredible to see in person. And there’s no shortage of activities, including skiing in a mall, driving dune buggies in the desert, swimming with sharks, shopping for jewelry in the souks and taking a traditional dhow cruise.

Up for a party on New Year’s Eve? Remember that Dubai has strict laws when it comes to booze. So if you want to drink that bubbly or other alcoholic drinks, head to one of the city’s licensed restaurants, hotels or bars where it is legal to serve alcohol. For a fun, laid-back scene, check out Barasti Beach Bar or Beach Lounge at sunset. If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind views and a European vibe, then I suggest the Four Seasons’ rooftop bar, Mercury Lounge.

Places to Go for New Year’s Eve – Which Will You Pick?

I hope this list gave you a bit of inspiration for how to ring in the new year.

If you have a favorite destination where you celebrate the new year, please share it in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear how you plan to spend the holiday!

And if you’re already thinking about where you want to go in 2020, check out my travel bucket list for some great ideas.

Happy (almost) New Year!

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About

Merry Lerner is an Emmy Award Winning TV Showrunner and Executive Producer with a passion for sharing travel, wellness, and lifestyle tips. She is a certified yoga teacher and graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition health coaching program.