Ring in 2026 with Style at One of These 20 Once-in-a-Lifetime New Year’s Escapes

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Get a head start on your 2026 resolution to travel more by ringing in the new year in a dreamy destination. Whether you stay stateside to watch fireworks illuminate snowcapped mountains or trade in the snow for white-sand Caribbean beaches, New Year’s provides the perfect opportunity to explore a new locale—and to discover the holiday traditions and festive treats therein.

Think beyond Times Square in New York (we have ideas for a more elevated experience below). Dance the night away with locals in a colorful Mexican city, or recharge and reflect while enjoying spa treatments at a quiet Southern inn. Hit the slopes during the day and warm up by the fire while counting down the final minutes of the year in the Swiss Alps. Or head to a national park, where natural wonders make the night all the more magical.

Whatever your fancy, our editors have found the perfect places to ring in the new year. Read on to discover the best destinations for a New Year’s Eve getaway.

Edinburgh

Hogmanay, the Scottish word for the last day of the year, is regarded as the most important holiday in Scotland. Before Christmas was widely celebrated there, Scottish families would gather on the last day of the year to exchange gifts and enjoy festive activities. While Hogmanay technically is only one day a year, Edinburgh turns the winter holiday into a four-day affair with its annual celebrations that include a torchlight procession, a massive outdoor street party, live concerts and ceilidh dancing, fireworks, and free culture tours across the city.

There may be no better way to ring in the new year than with views of historic Edinburgh Castle from the 100 Princes Street hotel. In the heart of Edinburgh, this hotel marries traditional Scottish style—tartans, dark wood furnishings, touches of leather—with curated displays of both modern and historic art. The one-of-a-kind experiences at this hotel are not to be missed, from whisky-tasting classes and a master class with textile designer Araminta Campbell to fishing on the River Tweed and a Harry Potter–inspired tour.

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Tokyo

Shōgatsu, the Japanese New Year, occurs from January 1 through 3, with families gathering to reflect on the year past and usher in the new one to come. Rather than large parades and celebrations, New Year’s in Tokyo is a much quieter yet impactful holiday, with temples across the city opening their doors for visitors to learn about the culture and traditions. At midnight on New Year’s, you can hear the sound of bells ringing 108 times from the city’s largest Buddhist temples like Sensō-ji, each toll representing one of the 108 worldly desires considered sinful in Buddhist philosophy, all of which are cleansed away to welcome the new year.

The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo provides the optimal landing pad with its central location, impeccable service, and personalized countdown party for the big day.

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Sea Island, Georgia

Take the plunge in 2024—the polar bear plunge, that is. It’s just one of many daily New Year’s activities from Mimosas and Masterpieces (a fun twist on paint and sip) to cooking demonstrations featuring the flavors of various local restaurants to rousing games of bingo, a cherished tradition for more than 50 years, on this private island off Georgia’s southeastern coast.

Five-star accommodations await at The Cloister and The Lodge, or rent a cottage for all the comforts of home, plus full resort and beach club access and concierge service. Don’t forget to pack your clubs so you can play a round (or two) on the three championship golf courses.

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Sydney

Each year more than a million people flock to the magnificent harbor of Australia’s largest city to bring the New Year in with a bang. And you won’t find a more iconic or centrally located place to land than InterContinental Sydney, set inside the beautifully restored Treasury Building of 1851.

Opt for a harbor-view room in the Sky’s the Limit package for front-row seats to the world-famous fireworks extravaganza. After the next day’s recovery brunch at rooftop bar Aster, stroll through the nearby Royal Botanic Garden or along Manly Beach—after all it is summer down under.

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Maui

Grand Wailea is having a New Year’s Eve dinner and movie on the beach with fireworks. Ring in the new year with an invigorating E Ala E, or a wellness experience where you wade into the ocean at 6 a.m. on New Year’s Day to release any lingering negativity and past stress. Then, enjoy the hotel’s Bubbles & Bagels Breakfast featuring Petrossian caviar, Moët Champagne, and La Fête Rosé.

While you’re on property, dive deep into the native landscape and culture with exclusive experiences like a personalized tour of conservation lands with a local guide and hula or kukui nut bracelet–making lessons.

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Rio de Janeiro

You, along with about two million of your “closest” friends, are invited to Réveillon (aka New Year’s Eve) on Rio’s famed 2.5-mile curved beach. Dress is smart casual; white is suggested (for good luck in the year ahead). The soiree in front of Copacabana Palace officially begins with drinks at 8 p.m.

You definitely need to arrive by 10 p.m. so as not to miss the big-name musical acts, the fireworks, and the rush into the ocean after midnight to jump seven small waves and make a wish or give thanks with each one. Then move to the hotel pool, where DJs keep the party going ‘til dawn.

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Highlands, North Carolina

This quaint town nestled in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains is a delightful winter destination. For beautiful natural surroundings, delicious food, well-appointed rooms, luxe spa services, and true Southern hospitality, stay at Old Edwards Inn and Spa.

On New Year’s Eve, make a reservation for dinner at one of the on-property restaurants and toast the new year with Champagne and live music as the clock strikes midnight in the Hummingbird Lounge. The next day, enjoy complimentary Bloody Marys and mimosas while you watch the College Football Playoff semifinal games.

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Eleuthera

Escape to warmer weather, white sand beaches, and crystal clear water this New Year’s Eve. Book a suite or villa at The Cove, a secluded jewel box on this Bahamian island. The intimate resort features a hilltop infinity pool, open-air dining, and a world-class spa. Whether you want an action-packed trip (think swimming with pigs, paddleboarding, kayaking, biking, or snorkeling) or something a bit more relaxed, you can certainly find it here.

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London

We’re dreaming of an English holiday this year spent with The Lanesborough as our home base. The legendary mansion turned hotel with the help of Alberto Pinto is seated right off Hyde Park and near some of the city’s best shopping and dining and seasonal festivities.

The hotel also offers a New Year’s Eve in Residence package with a seven-course dinner at the Michelin-starred flagship restaurant December 31, complimentary breakfast served to your room after a long night, and extra-late checkout to ensure you celebrate big.

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New Orleans

If you’re looking for larger-than-life fun a little closer to home, then consider spending your New Year’s weekend in the Big Easy. This historic Southern city is full of festive programming from a citywide party in Jackson Square to live music and dancing to unforgettable dining at institutions like Galatoire’s Restaurant. Maison de la Luz is one of our favorite hotels for a chic getaway with design inspiration from Studio Shamshiri at every turn.

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Anguilla

The Caribbean is always a hot spot for leisurely long weekends in the winter, and we’re partial to Anguilla’s enchanting beaches and ultrafabulous resorts. Book a stay at the Kelly Wearstler–designed Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla with its show-stopping villas, impeccable views, and fabulous amenities that offer something for everyone in your party.

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Deer Valley, Utah

This luxurious Park City, Utah, enclave is a favorite place to seek adventure, unwind, and reconnect with nature, making it a top spot for a New Year’s break. While you can’t go wrong with selecting from the incredible roster of resorts and hotels in the area, Stein Eriksen Lodge always earns high marks for its vast array of well-appointed accommodations, award-winning dining at Glitretind, and one of the best spas around.

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New York City

What a treat to ring in 2025 in New York City! Reserve a room at the thoughtfully reimagined Park Lane hotel on Central Park South to be at the center of all the city’s best activities, and spend NYE with a glass of new- or old-world wine in hand as you take in the fireworks from the 47th floor at Darling, the only rooftop lounge on Billionaire Row.

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San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Jonesing for color, inspiration, and a more temperate clime? Mexico’s San Miguel is an ideal choice for kicking off 2025. This vibrant destination is full of New Year’s Eve traditions that pull from different countries around the world. Join the citywide celebration in the famous Jardín Allende, where fireworks and dancing take place. Then retreat to Mesón Hidalgo, a converted late 17th-century house by designer Laura Kirar. And leave plenty of room in your suitcase for shopping local makers within the charming hotel.

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Athens, Greece

Athens, Greece, is a top year-end destination, as the city is full of live music and dance performances, fireworks, rooftop cocktail parties, and plenty of other festive activities. Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens hosts a famed dinner and wine pairing on New Year’s Eve, along with a party at the hotel. Those looking for a refuge from the hustle and bustle will love the neoclassical accommodations at Monsieur Didot near Neapoli, which is home to some of the city’s oldest bookstores.

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The Swiss Alps

It doesn’t get much better than a wintry Alpine getaway to celebrate the New Year. We’re fantasizing about a stay at the glorious Gstaad Palace to spend our holiday skiing, enjoying legendary Swiss wellness experiences at the Palace Spa, and reveling in the luxury hotel’s nightlife. The resort also features an annual “Last Dinner” event on New Year’s Eve with a spectacular prix fixe menu.

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Cape Town, South Africa

New Year’s in South Africa’s “mother city” means wine dinners at iconic local vineyards, celebrations at the V&A Waterfront, and watching fireworks at Table Mountain. Start the New Year in style at the glamorous Cape Cadogan, a Georgian-Victorian townhouse that has been transformed into a boutique hotel in the enchanting Kloof Street neighborhood. The hotel boasts amenities from jazz tours and safari excursions to food and wine experiences and ecotourism alongside the New Year’s festivities.

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Sedona, Arizona

Have you been missing some adventure in your life? Us, too. Get the full hiking, biking, and exploring experience in picturesque Boynton Canyon from Enchantment Resort’s Trail House. The secluded vacation spot is also home to the world-renowned Mii amo spa. Plus winter is Sedona’s slow season, so you won’t be facing big crowds while taking a day trip to the Grand Canyon or discovering the desert town’s incredible arts, culture, and restaurants.

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The Florida Keys

Feel worlds away without a passport with a New Year’s escape to the Florida Keys. This stretch of barrier islands is perfect for those looking for more laid-back options in South Florida. Find a true boater’s paradise in Marlin Bay Resort & Marina, which features 13 luxury vacation homes on the property. Grab your favorite couple or a few of your dearest friends, and spend the long weekend cruising the Atlantic.

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Palm Springs

This quirky Southern California city is a great getaway for a lively yet low-key New Year’s Eve. Lounge by the pool all day, or embark on some fun design adventures. Take a tour of the area’s famous midcentury modern architecture, visit the Moorten Botanical Garden, and explore the natural beauty of Joshua Tree National Park. Round out your stay at the retro-chic Parker Palm Springs, which will have you feeling as if you’re in a glamorous vintage postcard.

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