June 1, 2020
Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after
Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after
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A new year provides a fresh start and opportunity to reflect on the previous year. In many cultures, it’s an auspicious time to celebrate with family and friends and is marked by centuries of tradition. Of course, not every culture celebrates the new year on Jan. 1.
Here’s more about New Year celebrations across the world, where to travel to enjoy the festivities, and tips for joining the fun.
Determined by the new moon between late January and late February, Lunar New Year in 2026 will take place on February 17. Lunar New Year is marked by festive lion and dragon dances, bright red and gold decorations for luck, fireworks and more. Families also exchange red envelopes of money and take extended time off of school as this is China’s most important holiday of the year.
How to celebrate: If you plan on celebrating Lunar New Year in China, you must plan many months in advance. Travel for the holiday, known as Chunyun, or Chinese New Year Migration, slows transit systems. Your best option may be to celebrate stateside in major cities with vibrant Chinese American communities.
The first and largest Chinatown in North America is located in San Francisco, and hosts one of the largest Lunar New Year parades outside of Asia. The celebration is held over multiple days, with festivities including a flower market, street fair, beauty pageant, a run and more. In New York, multiple parades and celebrations take place in Chinatowns across the city. Celebrations begin with a Firecracker Ceremony and Culture Festival in Sara D. Roosevelt Park.
The most important holiday in Japan, Shōgatsu, is celebrated with family and friends from Jan. 1-3. The new year brings a fresh start and a sense of accomplishment. “Bonenkai parties ("year forgetting parties") are held with the purpose of leaving the old year's worries and troubles behind,” writes Japan Guide.
For a prosperous start to the year, people also visit their local shrine to celebrate Hatsumode. Shrines in Tokyo and Kyoto are particularly packed. Visitors are welcome to join and observe. Before you go, learn about Hatsumode practices and etiquette.
How to celebrate: Visiting Japan during the new year gives you the opportunity to take part in Japan’s biggest holiday, but many shops, restaurants and tourist attractions will be closed. In the U.S., Shōgatsu is celebrated in many major cities. You may want to celebrate in the U.S. due to the closures.
The Portland Japanese Garden brings in the new year with performances and kadomatsu, or traditional arrangements of pine, bamboo, and plum branches. Other cities with big Shōgatsu celebrations include New York, San Francisco and Houston.
Celebrated on Dec. 31, Hogmanay is Scottish New Year’s Eve. “Its origins are steeped in Viking and Celtic history, and it marks the end of the old year and the beginning of a fresh, prosperous one,” writes Highland Experience.
Celebrations often last through January 2, and are marked by fireworks, torchlight processions, bonfires, parties and more. Before Christmas was celebrated in Scotland, Hogmanay was to country’s largest winter festival.
How to celebrate: Edinburgh is a fantastic destination for celebrating Hogmanay, and is well worth the trip if you book early. Many businesess remain open and there’s plenty of revelry. The Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party is a must.
If you are in Scotland anytime in January through February, visit Shetland for the Up Helly Aa Fire Festivals. “Inspired by Shetland’s Viking past, communities across the islands come together for a night of guizing (wearing disguises), carrying burning torches through the streets and dancing the night away to traditional Shetland music,” writes Shetland Islands of Opportunity.
Held during the Thai new year from April 13 - 15, Songkran marks the calendar with massive public waterfights, as water is a symbol of purficaition and good luck. Get ready and arm yourself with a super soaker! “Traditionally, water would be poured over statues of Buddha and water would be sprinkled on loved ones’ heads in display of respect, gratitude and blessings,” writes Travelbud. “These days, Songkran is celebrated by three days of an all-out water fight.”
How to celebrate: Songkran is an amazing time to visit Thailand, if you like big gatherings, fun and cultural immersion. But if you want a relaxing beach vacation, pick another time. It is also the hottest time of the year and accommodations fill up quickly, so book early. But if you love fun, put this one on your travel plans.
Visit Bangkok for an incredible experience. During the day, hit the streets with your super soaker and prepare to get drenched. Tourists are encouraged to join the fun and many hostels hand out protective eye wear, water guns and dry bags. During the night, observe cultural parades, music festivals and more. If you love a party, this one’s for you!
Celebrated on July 10, Matariki is the Maori new year, marking the rising of the Pleiades star cluster in mid-winter. The Pleiades, known to the Maori as Matariki, is apparent in the eastern horizon in the crisp, mid-winter sky. In New Zealand, this public holiday is spent feasting with family a friends, reflecting and remembering. Cities across the country also hold shows, cultural events more.
“Matariki is more than just a beautiful celestial event, it’s traditionally a time that brings people together to remember those who have passed, give thanks for the harvest, and set intentions for the year ahead,” writes Hiking New Zealand.
How to celebrate: Visit Wellington, Rotorua and other major cities for Matariki celebrations such as light shows, markets, storytelling, concerts and more. Matariki is a festive time to visit New Zealand.
Consider vacationing in a natural area, with low light pollution for the best views of Matariki. Some good options for stargazing include Aoraki Mackenzie, Steward Island and Great Barrier Island.
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