As the New Year approaches, the question of where to spend this wonderful day becomes especially relevant. Winter holidays are a real fairy tale and the perfect time for new experiences, crazy emotions, and wonders. Find out more about the countries where you can spend an unforgettable winter vacation

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When winter comes, many people think about where to spend the New Year and Christmas holidays. Such an event should create a unique atmosphere filled with vivid impressions and unforgettable moments. Some people dream of traveling to Europe, while others prefer warm countries. We have selected 6 destinations for every taste, where you can celebrate the New Year holidays in the most vivid and unforgettable circumstances.

Czech Republic, Prague

New Year's Eve in the Czech Republic, especially in the large and charming city of Prague, promises to be unforgettable. This city is known for its rich history, architectural beauty, and magical atmosphere.

In Prague, New Year's holidays are celebrated with large-scale events on the streets and squares. The huge Christmas tree on the Old Town Square makes the city look especially bright. Here you can enjoy festive illumination, fire shows and performances by street artists.

The Czechs unite on the Old Town Square under the Prague Chimes, where they count down the last 12 seconds to midnight together, filling their glasses with aromatic mulled wine. After that, they traditionally go to Charles Bridge, where they can make a wish at the statue of Jan Nepomuky. On New Year's Eve, talented local musicians perform on the streets, and a real festive disco unfolds on the Old Town Square.

Guests can enjoy fried sausages and Old Bohemian pancakes in stylized restaurants. On the evening of January 1, a spectacular fireworks display begins on the banks of the Vltava River, which is considered the most beautiful in the Czech Republic.

Prague's cozy cafes and restaurants are also ready to welcome guests in the most festive way. Prague on New Year's Eve is not just a celebration, but a real work of art that will leave an unforgettable experience and be remembered for a long time.

France, Paris

New Year's Eve in Paris is an exciting and romantic celebration that leaves an unforgettable impression. The city is lit up and decorated with illuminations, creating a fabulous atmosphere. Parisian streets are filled with festive mood, and entertainment events are organized on large squares.

Paris is preparing for the holidays in advance: Christmas trees are decorated, houses are glowing with garlands, and the Ferris wheel on the Place de la Liberté is already spinning. There is a skating rink near the city hall for those who like outdoor activities. The French, enjoying the atmosphere of pre-holiday Paris, fill their days with champagne and roasted chestnuts. Christmas markets in the Defense Quarter and on the Champs Elysees are striking in their diversity, and discounts on gifts will pleasantly surprise shopping fans. And night cruises on the Seine River will allow you to celebrate the New Year in an unsurpassed romantic setting.

The Eiffel Tower is home to an incredible light show accompanied by musical accompaniment. Parisian cafes and restaurants offer special New Year's menus, and street performers entertain guests with their performances.

One of the traditional customs is to celebrate the transition of the year at the Place de la Concorde, where a festive laser show takes place. Paris on New Year's Eve is a true miracle that combines luxury and holiday magic for an unforgettable vacation.

Germany, Munich

New Year's Eve in Munich is a time of fun and traditions that create a unique festive atmosphere. The city is decorated with light illuminations, and Christmas markets are located throughout the center.

In Munich, Christmas is celebrated in a special style, focusing on family traditions. The main square of the city is decorated with Christmas wreaths with candles, which are lit four weeks before the holiday. Houses are decorated with fir branches, candy and toys. The central Christmas tree and garlands on the streets add to the festive mood. The city comes alive with more than 20 Christmas markets, the most popular of which is on Marienplatz. Here you can enjoy gingerbread, mulled wine, and the traditional Nutcracker performance at the Bavarian Opera.

Large squares, such as Marienplatz or Odenplatz, have huge Christmas trees and attractions. Traditional Christmas markets invite guests to hot drinks, pastries, and various entertainment. Christmas concerts and festive events are also popular in Munich.

On New Year's Eve, the city is filled with fireworks that unfold in the sky, and locals and tourists alike cheerfully welcome the beginning of the new year. Restaurants and cafes offer special holiday menus, and street performances and live music make the holidays unforgettable.

Turkey, Istanbul

New Year's Eve in Istanbul, Turkey, is a celebration that combines tradition and the spirit of modernity. The city is decorated with light garlands, and the central streets turn into a festive playground.

For Turks, New Year's Eve is a time for a festive dinner, where traditional dishes appear on the table: lulya kebab, beef sauté, keftiu, as well as sweets such as lukum and baklava. In Istanbul, the winter holidays are decorated with light shows and concerts. On December 31, everyone is looking for a place on the Galata Bridge. Lovers are offered a romantic boat trip on the Bosphorus with fireworks and champagne. 

On New Year's Eve, thousands of people gather in Taksim Square to watch the most spectacular fireworks display. Restaurants, clubs and cafes offer festive parties with music and entertainment.

Turkish cuisine gives guests a real treat on New Year's Eve. People enjoy traditional dishes such as kebab, meze, and sweet desserts. It is also popular to visit Turkish markets where you can buy unique gifts and souvenirs.

India, Goa

New Year in Goa, India, is a celebration of color, rhythm, and fun. Locals and tourists gather on the beautiful beaches, where real festivals unfold. On the night of December 31, the beaches come alive with light and music. Open-air dancing, fire shows and concerts by the sea make the New Year's celebrations in Goa unique. Here you can taste local dishes, drink exotic drinks and enjoy vivid impressions that will remain in your memory for a lifetime.

Even when Goa resembles a "real summer" in winter, thousands of tourists choose this resort for the New Year holidays. People come to the coast to mark the transition to the next year and take part in local celebrations. On the night of December 31 to January 1, locals set fire to scarecrows, jump over the fire and walk on coals to symbolize cleansing from the negative past year. New Year's concerts are organized at the resort, and locals set off fireworks. Palm trees decorated with garlands become an alternative to traditional Christmas trees.

Finland, Rovaniemi

Finland is the cradle of Santa Claus himself. The residence of the jolly man, located next to the resort, becomes a real fairy tale around the New Year holidays. In Santa's Village, you can enjoy reindeer sleigh rides and try your luck at winter ice fishing. And for outdoor enthusiasts, there is the Santasport ski resort nearby, with high-quality slopes of varying difficulty, freeride slopes, a snow park and jumps for fun adventures. In Finland, everyone can feel the real atmosphere of festive joy and winter fun.

Rovaniemi in Finland is a real fairytale place to celebrate the New Year. This city is known as the home of Santa Claus and has a unique holiday atmosphere. On New Year's Eve, the streets are decorated with twinkling lights and snow sculptures are located throughout the city. Tourists have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus in person in his village, send a letter with their wishes and enjoy the atmosphere of a fabulous summer in winter. Finnish hospitality and warm, fiery greetings make for an unrivaled experience of celebrating the New Year in Rovaniemi.

Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World

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