Planning your winter holidays in 2025 and don’t know where to start?
We’ve put together a curated list of 10 bright destinations around the world where Christmas and New Year’s Eve turn into a true city-wide celebration — from fairytale Christmas markets in Europe and Canada to iconic New Year’s fireworks in Sydney, Singapore, Rio, New York and more.
In this selection you’ll find:
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Names, dates and locations of each event
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A short description and what makes it special
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Whether it’s an open public celebration or ticketed
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And a simple 3-star rating (2–3⭐ only — no weak picks)
If you’re looking for atmosphere, not just “another party”, this guide will help you choose the right city to celebrate the end of 2025 and welcome 2026 in style.
1. Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
Location: Nuremberg, Germany
Dates: 28 November – 24 December
Feature: Historic square, traditional Christkind opening, classic “storybook Europe” feel.
Paid or not: Entry is free; you only pay for food and shopping.
Events Syampya Rating (ESR): ⭐⭐⭐
2. Strasbourg Christmas Market (Strasbourg, Capitale de Noël)
Location: Strasbourg, France
Dates: 26 November – 24 December
Feature: Consistently ranked among the top Christmas markets in Europe and worldwide.
Paid or not: Entry is free.
ESR: ⭐⭐⭐
3. Prague Christmas Markets
Location: Prague, Czech Republic (Old Town Square & Wenceslas Square)
Dates: 29 November 2025 – 6 January 2026
Feature: Markets stay open through New Year, so you can experience both Christmas and New Year in one trip.
Paid or not: Entry is free.
ESR: ⭐⭐⭐
4. Québec City German Christmas Market
Location: Quebec City, Canada (around the City Hall / Old Town)
Dates: Weekends and selected days from 20 November – 23 December
Feature: Very “European” Christmas feel in North America, with lots of free cultural programming.
Paid or not: Entry is free; you pay for food and goods.
ESR: ⭐⭐⭐
5. Tokyo Christmas Market 2025
Location: Tokyo, Japan (Jingu Gaien & Shiba Park)
Dates: 21 November – 25 December 2025
Feature: Two different venues with distinct atmospheres – more “fantasy” in one and more “traditional German” in the other.
Paid or not: Paid entry; shopping and food inside are extra.
ESR: ⭐⭐
6. Vienna New Year’s Eve Trail (Silvesterpfad)
Location: Vienna, Austria (historic city center)
Dates: 31 December 2025, ~14:00 – 1 January 2026, ~02:00
Feature: At midnight, people dance the waltz to “The Blue Danube” in the streets – a very Viennese way to start the year.
Paid or not: Entry to the trail is free; you pay for food and drinks.
ESR: ⭐⭐⭐
7. Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2026
Location: Marina Bay, Singapore
Dates: Evening 31 December 2025 – early hours of 1 January 2026
Feature: Very futuristic, tech-forward atmosphere with lots of visual art and family-friendly zones.
Paid or not: Public waterfront areas are free; some specific venues and programs are ticketed.
ESR: ⭐⭐⭐
8. Sydney New Year’s Eve Harbour Fireworks
Location: Sydney, Australia (Sydney Harbour)
Dates: 31 December 2025
Feature: Different vantage points all around the harbour – parks, promenades, and viewpoints – plus boats and paid viewing areas.
Paid or not: Watching from public areas is free; cruises and special zones are paid.
ESR: ⭐⭐⭐
9. Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
Location: New York City, USA (Times Square)
Dates: Evening 31 December 2025 – early hours of 1 January 2026
Feature: One of the most recognizable New Year’s icons in the world; huge energy and atmosphere.
Paid or not: Standing in the public viewing areas is free; restaurants, bars, and private parties nearby are paid.
ESR: ⭐⭐⭐ (note: very crowded, long waiting times)
10. New Year’s Eve on Copacabana Beach
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Copacabana Beach)
Dates: Night of 31 December 2025 – 1 January 2026
Feature: One of the world’s biggest open New Year’s beach parties; people traditionally wear white and bring flowers to offer to the sea goddess Iemanjá.
Paid or not: Access to the beach is free; hotels, clubs, and private areas are paid.
ESR: ⭐⭐⭐
