Celebrate in style! New Year city breaks & holidays 2026 / 2027

We get bookings all through the year for New Year’s Eve breaks, but it’s a good idea to book at least 6 months ahead to secure what you want.

•  In 2025 so far, the average Thomas Cook customer booked in July for December travel - though those celebrating New Year with a city break were more likely to book in August. (September 2025)

•  If you’re looking to snap up a bargain and don’t mind winging it a bit more, you could look for a last-minute deal in October, November or early December. Just be prepared for limited availability.

•  If you have something special in mind, you’d better act fast - those bucket-list hotels get booked very early and are usually fully booked well before the end of the year.

•  Remember to book your New Year’s Eve event as soon as you’ve got your travel and hotel sorted. The best sell out pretty quickly, from parties and shows to restaurant reservations and dinner cruises.

Long haul escapes: The Caribbean islands, Mexico’s Caribbean coast (including Cancun and Playa del Carmen), Dubai,  Bali (Indonesia), the Maldives and Mauritius are all scorchio at New Year.

Short & mid haul holidays: For mild weather closer to home, try the Canaries, the Algarve (Portugal), Malta, Spain, Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt’s Red Sea Coast.

Must-see events, festivals and activities in popular New Year’s destinations include:

•  La Festa di Roma at the Circus Maximus in Rome, with its packed itinerary of DJ sets, film screenings and concerts.

•  The annual free New Year’s party in Lisbon city centre.

•  Party on Museumplein in Amsterdam with a spectacular electric fireworks display.

•  Dubai’s New Year’s Eve Expo 2025 - it’s a winner for families.

•  Celebrate in Paris with a swanky dinner cruise on the Seine, or a risqué dinner show at Paradis Latin, the city’s oldest cabaret.

•  The totally Caribbean New Year’s Day Junkanoo Parade in Nassau, Bahamas.

Santorini - Always beautiful, and much more peaceful in winter.

Paris - Snuggle up and watch the fireworks over the Eiffel Tower.

Maldives - Hot beaches. Over-water villas. Two-of-you bliss!

Copenhagen - Hygge = cosy vibes.

> Also see: Our fave New Year recommendations for LGBTQ couples

Budapest - Calmer New Year celebrations than most popular cities.

Disneyland Paris & Disney World Florida - Utter magic, made for families!

Krakow - One of the most family-friendly cities.

Barcelona - Lots to see and do, including city beaches for a change of scene.

Mexico - Start the year with an All Inclusive sunshine escape.

Phuket - Stay in the quieter areas, like Karon.

> Also see: Top family city break destinations

Berlin - Legendary nightclubs and al fresco New Year’s parties.

Goa - Chilled out beach life, parties on the sand, and gorgeous spas for the day after.

Bangkok - Rooftop bars, colourful vibes and amazing food.

Dublin - Great beer, warm pubs, a friendly atmosphere, and so close to home!

Amsterdam - Spontaneous street parties. Bars and clubs for all stripes. Or get comfy in a cosy brown cafe.

> Also see: Where to go on holiday with friends

Preparing for a New Year’s trip isn’t much different from your usual holiday, you just need to remember your party outfit for the night itself, warm clothes for chilly European cities, or pack summer gear for a hotter holiday.

Quick prep you can do right away:

•  Check you’ve booked transfers and the right luggage allowance. Can you cope with just cabin baggage?

•  Pop the dates your flight check-in opens into your diary.

•  Book your airport parking, taxi or train tickets.

•  Save our On Holiday Support contact details to your phone, just in case you need us when you’re away. We’re available 24/7 to support with any travel issues at either end of your holiday as well as during your stay.

Remember to sort these out asap:

•  Your New Year event tickets

•  Transfers (you can usually book these with your holiday)

•  Travel insurance

•  Any visas, new passports or other entry requirements - check your destination with the FCDO here

•  Vaccinations and other health recommendations - check your destination with Travel Health Pro

•  Currency and travel money card

•  Find out what else is on - it’s not just about the parties! Some Christmas markets run into the New Year. Many cities have fun winter activities like ice skating. Parades and fiestas are popular in winter sun destinations - especially Spanish-speaking countries.

•  Protect your trip by booking with an ATOL-registered ABTA member - like Thomas Cook!

•  Check if you need to renew your passport - you might need a new one even if it hasn’t expired yet.

•  If you’re travelling to Europe, be prepared for a few changes for 2025 / 2026! Read our guide to the new EES (Entry/Exit System).

•  Remember, all airports and popular winter destinations are likely to be busy over the New Year. Follow Travel Aware and the FCDO on social media for the latest safety tips and advice: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)

•  Take a look at ABTA’s travel tips, too.

•  Check out our top destinations for cheap holiday packages.

•  Cutting travel costs by staying close to the UK can pay off - but events can be expensive and the exchange rate might be against you, so check party ticket prices and local costs before settling on your destination.

•  Beach holiday? Look at different board options to get the best value for your plans.

•  Sign up to be the first to hear about New Year deals.