Is New Year 2025-2026 the year to start new, more meaningful traditions and rituals? We think so. And there’s no better way to discover new traditions and rituals than on a New Year’s getaway. Typically, New Year’s is celebrated with a few too many drinks at the bar or a friend’s dinner party, but the times they’re a-changin. Now, the annual event is seen less as an excuse to party, and more as an opportunity to reconnect with yourself and loved ones, and enter the new year consciously and intentionally.
Instead of another New Year’s party, this year you could be refreshing your mind and body at a retreat in the Smoky Mountains, discovering how other cultures celebrate in Oaxaca, Mexico, or reconnecting with the outdoors on a coastal escape to Mendocino, California. These are just a few of the seven best destinations we have hand-picked for celebrating New Year’s 2025-2026. Read on for inspiration on the alternative ways you could be celebrating with your loved ones this year.
The National Park: Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
If you plan to spend more time on self-care in 2026, start as you mean to go on in the Great Smoky Mountains, where luxury retreats nestle within enigmatic landscapes. Spend this transformative time of year doing soul-nourishing activities like yoga, spa treatments, and artisanal cooking in your rustic retreat, and allowing nature to be your therapist as you explore the Great Smoky outdoors. On New Year’s Eve, release the tension built up during 2025 with a massage and body scrub, ensuring you’re feeling refreshed and ready for the new year. Then dress up for a sophisticated farm-to-table gourmet dinner, but keep the evening low-key; it’s not about how you count down the new year on this trip, it’s about how you begin it. So, make sure you wake up feeling energized and head out to roam the misty mountains on horseback with your loved ones.
Where t stay: Blackberry Farm
Part of the Relais & Châteaux family, Blackberry Farm is a property that combines the luxuries and service levels of a five-star hotel with the feel of a homey, boutique stay. Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, 30 miles south of Knoxville, Tennessee, the retreat embraces the rustic Southern mountain lifestyle in everything from its interiors to its food, wellness, and activities.
The Multicultural: Oaxaca City, Mexico
For a culture-rich New Year’s, head to Oaxaca, Mexico, where ringing in the new year isn’t all about partying; it’s about gathering the community, partaking in time-old traditions, and eating good food…and partying. Start your last day of 2025 with a slow, restful morning in Oaxaca before heading up to Monte Albán, the energy-wielding pre-Columbian archeological site, to watch the sunset. Once night falls, head to Zócalo, the city’s main square, to celebrate with the Oaxacan community and join their unique traditions and rituals, which include eating buñuelos (a fried, sweet fritter), smashing the plate you ate them from, and dropping coins on the ground to sweep into the new year for good fortune. Like every Mexican celebration, you can also expect colorful street decorations, piles of food and festive treats, mezcal toasts, lively music, and lots of fun.
Where to stay: Otro Oaxaca
A member of Design Hotels, Otro Oaxaca is of of the most stylish hotels in the city. While centrally located by Oaxaca Cathedral, the hotel oozes serenity through its minimalist interiors focused on calming natural materials. This sense of serenity is only enhanced by the relaxing facilities which include a garden, terrace, rooftop pool, underground plunge pool, and spa focusing on indigenous treatments.
The Apres Ski New Year's: Jackson Hole, Wyoming
If you have dreams of skiing your way into the new year on the powdery slopes of a prestige mountain, stay at Jackon Hole in Wyoming’s breathtaking Tetons where the amenities are just as splendid as its slopes. Offering everything from gallery hopping and boutique shopping to snowmobiling and horseback riding, Jackson hole is just as much of a luxury lifestyle destination as a ski resort, mirroring the standard of Aspen, Colorado, but without the pretentious air. Staying for a few days over the new year, you’ll have the chance to wander through the wintery alpine town, prep your mind and body for another beautiful year ahead at a luxury resort spa, and embrace the great outdoors with ski sessios, and the Tetons’ other epic winter sports. For New Year’s Eve, join Jackson Hole’s annual torchlight parade and fireworks show at dusk before heading for a dinner party at your resort to count down into 2026.
Where to stay: Hotel Yellowstone, Jackson Hole
For the most immersive experience of the beauty and grandeur of this picture-postcard region, stay in one of Hotel Yellowstone’s luxurious lodge suites situated on a vast private land offering uninterrupted views of the Teton Mountains. While guests come for the five-star amenities including the indulgent spa and restaurant, they stay for the immersive curated activities. Over New Year’s, you’ll could join a winter wildlife safari, a snowmobile ranch adventure, and cross-country skiing.
The City Celebration: Montreal, Quebec
If you’re a sucker for the holiday season and all it brings, from festive food to twinkling lights, ring in the new year in Montreal, the Europeanesque city that was built for the festive period. Here, you don’t have to choose between cozy city vibes and rugged winter wonderland; you have the best of both worlds within reaching distance. The city center will keep your festive spirit ignited into the new year with ice-skating on Esplanade Tranquille in Downtown Montreal, twinkling light installations in Quartier des Spectacles, and cozy winter patios in Plateau. Meanwhile, Parc Jean-Drapeau and Mount Royal promise to fulfil your favorite winter activities like tobogganing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. For New Year’s Eve, dine at a gourmet restaurant before heading to countdown the new year with light installations and fireworks at Place des Festivals, or celebrate with an outdoor party at Igloofest Igloo Nouvel An.
Where to stay: Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Celebrate New Year’s in Quebec’s most iconic hotel, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, the 19th-century castle-like landmark that overlooks the city from atop Cape Diamond. The beauty of staying here, besides the regal interiors, is that you’ll want for nothing. The hotel has everything one could need from renowned gastronomy at restaurants like Champlain and Hôtel de Glace, to world-class spa and wellness facilities, and private luxury experiences that will make your new year one to remember.
The Cozy Coastal: Mendocino, California
If your idea of the perfect New Year’s celebration involves skipping the events altogether in favor of a quiet, private celebration with loved ones in a scenic spot on the coast, retreat to Mendocino, California. An upscale neighborhood known for its quaint 19th-century buildings, arts and culture scene, and evocative coastal scenery, it is a busy stop on summer Route 1 road trips, but in the winter, it feels like you’ve got the entire coast to yourself. With highs of around 55 degrees fahrenheit, Mendocino is mild enough for cosy winter sweaters and pumpkin spiced lattes in cute cafes, but warm enough for long, calming coastal walks — the idyllic New Year’s Day activity. For New Year’s Eve? Go for a long drive along the California coast, and return to your rustic private holiday home for a family dinner and board games. It doesn’t get more quaint than that!
Where to stay: The Inn at Newport Ranch
At The Inn at Newport Ranch, the privacy and comfort of a luxury holiday home blends with the convenience of upscale hotel-style services and facilities, giving you the best of both worlds on your calm coastal getaway. The suites, stylishly rustic, feature cozy lounge areas with fireplaces for the family to gather and spend quality time together throughout the stay. Meanwhile, acres of private land awaits for you to explore on your own terms, or on a guided activity.
The Winter Sun Celebration: Miami, Florida
Few places do celebrations better than Miami, where winter warmth, sunshine, and a sprinkle of glamor are guaranteed. Spend the last days of 2025 poolside at a boujie hotel, cocktail in hand, enjoying a well-earned rest after another busy year, or enjoying the ocean’s activities like et-skiing, paddleboarding, parasailing, and boat tours along Biscayne Bay. By the end of December, Miami is well into the dry season and temperatures balance out at around 75 degrees fahrenheit by day and 60 by night; the ideal temperatures for enjoying everything this stunning city has to offer, from beaches to rooftop bars. For the big night, take your pick from an abundance of hotel bars, Latino clubs, and luxury yachts, many of which are hosting private New Year’s parties that’ll undoubtedly live up to Miami’s stylish party scene. The Mondrian’s NYE 2025: Fire & Ice party is sure to be a show-stopper, while the Midnight Mirrorball at Nikki Beach promises elevated beach club vibes with dinner, bottle service, live performances, and a fireworks display at midnight.
Where to stay: The Standard Miami Beach
If you’re looking for a fun and glamorous stay in Miami, make it The Standard, which is undoubtedly the coolest address on Miami Beach. Set in tropical gardens, The Standard Miami Beach is a tranquil escape from the bustling beach with exceptional spa facilities described as “recovery center, part new-age ashram”. Yet, you can turn on party mode, enjoy artisanal cocktails and gourmet food any time at its charismatic bars and restaurants.
The truly memorable: Alaska’s northern lights
From major Miami parties to refreshing mountain retreats, there are many ways to have a memorable new year, but our top pick has to be watching the northern lights in Alaska. Forget fireworks, the northern light’s is nature’s own light show, and the green waves rippling in the clear night’s sky are more mesmerizing than any light made by man. Although sightings are never guaranteed, Alaska’s long and dark nights peak during the festive period, making it one of the best times to catch the show. The brightest Northern Lights are often seen just north of Fairbanks, so make this your base during your stay where you can immerse in the city’s festive spirit during the day and search for the lights at night. Regardless of Northern Light sightings, this small but compelling wintery city will show you a good time nonetheless.
Where to stay: Panorama Glass Lodge
Maximize your Aurora experience by staying in a private lodge that allows you to witness it from the warmth and comfort of your bed or hot tub. Each eco-friendly lodge is designed with opulent features like king-size beds, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, custom furnishings, and private mirrored saunas for a stay that will be forever imprinted on your memory.
Book your New Year’s 2025 getaway now
Now that you’ve read all about our top picks for a destination New Year’s 2025-2026, get in touch and tell us where you’d like to celebrate and Tripsby.ai Travel Planner will take care of the details. All you have to do is give us a rough summary of your travel style and preferences, and in a matter of minutes, we will provide a bookable itinerary. Extraordinary travel has never been so effortless! Get started now.
