As early as now, you’re probably contemplating whether to go on a NYE Phuket trip, to a neighbouring country, or somewhere closer to home. Considering that different locations have something different to offer, choosing just one can be challenging. Well, why not travel somewhere unique?
Japan
Considered a time for reflection and cleansing, Japanese people celebrate the New Year or Omisoka in a unique way.
- The locals prioritise visiting temples and shrines more than anything else. An important tradition that they do is to ring large bells 108 times, which the Buddhists believe symbolise 108 human sins.
- On the eve of December 31, people would eat buckwheat noodles locally known as Toshikoshi soba or year-crossing noodles. Locals believe eating the noodles will bring good luck in the coming year.
- In the morning of the new year, everyone in the family will gather in the living room to share their first meal of the year. Everyone will dress up in festive kimonos and use lacquer bowls and dishes.
Spain
A Spanish New Year celebration can be unlike any other, with all the traditions you can try with the locals.
- One of the locals’ special traditions is eating 12 grapes for every chime of the clock as it strikes midnight. It’s believed that if you manage to eat all the grapes in sync with the clock, you will enjoy prosperity and good luck for the coming year.
- Eating grapes can happen in Puerta del Sol Square, where a festive party follows. People dress up with wigs, hats, and masks and share a drink of cava, a popular Spanish sparkling wine.
- For the best experience, it is recommended to book closer to where the party happens. This is especially true if you take public transport, whose timetables can vary on this special occasion.
Thailand
New Year in Thailand is quite unique because of the variety of destinations, attractions, and entertainment different areas offer. What you’ll experience in Bangkok can be completely different from what you’ll enjoy in Phuket. So, get your tourist visa ready and party like no other.
- You can celebrate the New Year on a beautiful white sand beach in Phuket.
- For a sultrier experience, Bangla Road is the nightlife destination you can explore. Expect bars and clubs to be packed for the special occasion.
- CentralWorld in Bangkok is a mall where the New Year countdown happens. The mall and the areas around it transform into a party venue where you will be treated to lots of entertainment and performers.
Brazil
The New Year’s Eve traditions and superstitions in Brazil can be as interesting as the top 10 tourist destinations in Delhi, Bangladesh, and other parts of the world, maybe more.
- Celebrate the New Year like a local by wearing white, which is the symbol of peace, purity, and harmony.
- The colour of your underwear has specific meanings as well. Red, for example, is passion, while green means health.
- When celebrating New Year’s at the beach, locals jump seven waves in honour of the sea goddess, Yemanjá. They also offer flowers, candles, and other offerings.
Where you celebrate the New Year offers the kind of experiences that may be completely different from what you’re used to. This makes travelling to different locations to welcome the New Year worth considering. If you want to celebrate in Phuket, book your stay at the Novotel Vintage Park and sign up for the 2026 New Year celebration.