As much as we all love heading home for the holidays, by the time New Year rolls around, the craving for a getaway has well and truly kicked in!
If you’re planning a family trip, things get a little more complicated as you’ll be on the hunt for vacation destinations that are family-friendly but still pack in all the fun that New Year’s Eve is synonymous with.
Happy new Year! © Getty Images
Whether you’re hoping to travel the world with your kids to ring in the New Year or you’re looking for somewhere closer to home, we’re certain our recommendations for the top family-friendly tourist destinations will inspire you with ideas for your end-of-year retreat.
What Are The Best Family-Friendly Travel Destinations For A Relaxing New Year’s Eve?
When kids are in the picture, New Year’s Eve is often less about all-night parties and more about cherishing these special moments as a family. For some families, this means relaxing, laidback holidays become the natural choice.
Below are some of our favorite spots for a quiet, laid back celebration, which are especially relevant for those planning vacations for kids under 10 years old or anyone flying with children for the first time.
Hawaii
Ditch the winter and escape to the sunshine with a Hawaiian sojourn.
Many of the island state’s hotspots have New Year’s celebrations that get started pretty early, so you’re little ones won’t miss out on any of the action. The likes of Maui and Oahu make for some incredible vacation destinations, but it’s the capital that really goes all out on December 31st.
Beach in Wailea, Maui © Getty Images
Hawaiian New Year’s Eve Paradise Awaits! Click to Book Your Flight to Aloha Celebrations.
Honolulu
Enjoy an authentic celebration on Waikiki Beach at the Hilton’s Starlight Luau, or head to Tiki’s Grill and Bar for a kid-friendly Hawaiian meal with live music and entertainment. During your stay, it’s also worth checking out the Gala NYE Celebration and the Honolulu City Lights.
Charley’s Taxi is a cab company you can rely on throughout your visit.
Honolulu Holiday Escape! Click to Book Flights for a Family-Friendly Getaway in the Heart of Hawaii.
Aruba
Ring in the New Year with the most heavenly backdrop in the Caribbean paradise of Aruba.
Arubans go big on New Year’s Eve, and although the island is no stranger to wild beach parties as the countdown approaches, it’s also where you’ll find a bunch of family-friendly celebrations. Your kiddos will have a blast witnessing performances by Dande, a group of musicians who travel all over Aruba to wish everyone on the island good fortune. The famous fireworks shows start on Flamingo Beach early, meaning your youngsters can still have an early night.
If you want to stop by the Butterfly Farm or Philip’s Animal Garden during your visit, Aruba Taxi Driver is an excellent cab service to call on.
Aruba New Year’s Eve Bliss! Click for Flights to Caribbean Celebrations and Island Fun.
Maldives
As this Indian Ocean nation is famously packed with adults-only resorts, you’ll need to choose your accommodation carefully. Child-friendly hotels like Coco Island hold New Year’s Eve galas every year, with mouthwatering feasts and incredible live entertainment, as does Ayada Maldives. For a unique travel experience with your kids, spend your evening at Subsix, an amazing underwater restaurant.
Speedboats and ferries are, of course, the only way to travel around most parts of The Maldives, but JR Taxi Services will get you around the capital, Male.
Maldives Serenity Awaits! Click to Book Flights for an Idyllic Tropical Getaway.
Iceland
The Land of Fire and Ice is among the best, safe, family-friendly destinations for New Year’s festivities, which all center around getting together with your loved ones.
Skogafoss waterfall flowing with a woman standing in summer, Iceland © Getty Images
Most visitors tend to spend this night in Reykjavik , which has some long-standing traditions. One of them is Áramótabrennur, the annual New Year’s Eve bonfire that usually kicks off around 8:30 p.m., followed by a dazzling firework show a little later. December and January are also some of the best months to catch the Northern Lights on display, making a visit here even more worthwhile!
Hreyfill is one of Reykjavik’s most reliable taxi companies.
Icelandic Adventure Beckons! Click to Book Flights for a Unique and Majestic Escape.
What Are The Best Family-Friendly Vacation Destinations For New Year’s Eve Parties?
Perhaps your kids are a little bit older or aren’t fazed by large crowds and loud music. If so, there are plenty of fabulous spots for a more action-packed New Year’s gathering.
Whether you’re hoping to travel internationally or stay a little closer to home, below are some inspirations for an end-of-year vacation you’ll never forget.
New York
The Big Apple is among the most enthralling family-friendly destinations at pretty much any time of year, but the atmosphere in the city when December 31st rolls around is nothing short of electrifying.
It goes without saying that watching the ball drop in Times Square is the quintessential New York countdown experience , but it’s certainly not the only way to toast the New Year, and certainly isn’t the most budget-friendly. RiseNY is a museum in Times Square that hosts an all-ages celebration, but many families choose to watch the midnight fireworks from a yacht party. Most of these include a buffet dinner, so your little ones will be well-fed by the time the clock strikes 12.
Travel like a New Yorker and get around using the instantly recognizable Yellow Cabs.
New Year’s Eve Lights in the Big Apple! Click for Flights to Iconic Times Square.
Chicago
Not to be overshadowed by its East Coast counterpart, Chicago more than holds its own when it comes to New Year’s Eve parties.
Theater sign, Chicago © Getty Images
Every year, Navy Pier plays host to a ton of countdown parties, all of which include mesmerizing views of the fireworks displays. If you’re not sure your kids will be able to keep their eyes open until midnight, you have a huge number of alternatives to check out, including the ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, which has hourly countdowns all day on the 31st.
Chitown Cabbie is a taxi service that will make getting around the Windy City super simple.
Chicago New Year’s Eve Spectacle! Click for Flights to Windy City Lights and Festive Delights.
New Orleans
New Orleans has a diverse mix of lively and laidback New Year’s Eve parties, and it’s among the top vacation destinations for any family with kids of different ages at this time of year.
Both Audubon Zoo and the Louisiana Children’s Museum hold early festivities for younger kids, complete with soda toasts and countdowns at noon, so even the smallest of celebrators can join in on the fun. Older children will have an unforgettable experience at the annual Allstate Sugar Bowl game and its accompanying Mardi Gras-esque parade before the fireworks kick off later into the night.
NOLA Pedicabs is a quirky bike taxi company to look out for, and you’ll also have United Cabs when you want a little more comfort.
Jet Off to New Year’s Eve in New Orleans! Click for Flights to the Heart of the Big Easy.
Sydney
Few places are more renowned for their New Year’s Eve spectacles than Sydney , and seeing the glittering fireworks light up over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
There’s no denying that this is the must-do New Year’s activity in Sydney, but that’s not all this iconic city brings to the table when the year comes to a close. The entire Darling Harbour area comes alive long before the fireworks with live music and food stands, while the marina fills up with boats from the likes of Captain Cook Cruises that host countdown parties.
Fast Maxi is among Sydney’s best-loved taxi companies.
Fly to Sydney New Year’s Eve Harbor! Enjoy the Fireworks Over the Iconic Opera House.
London
The English capital puts on one hell of a show every year and has dozens of wonderful, family-friendly activities to welcome the New Year in style.
Galaxy Clipper, Stargazer, and NYE Dinner Cruise are some of the best-loved New Year’s boat trips, sailing along the River Thames and giving guests unbeatable vantage points to enjoy the fireworks displays. Many of London’s restaurants organize their own in-house parties, too, including the Hard Rock Cafe and the glitzy Turkish-themed Sarastro.
Rear view of man with backpack standing on Regent street decorated with British flags, London, UK © Getty Images
Explore London with ease with Waterloo Cars.
London Lights on New Year’s Eve! Click for Flights to Thames Views and British Cheers.
Disney World
Say hello to the New Year in the most magical place on earth at Orlando’s Disney World theme park.
Unsurprisingly, this means that it’s also one of the busiest, so you’ll need to start your planning even earlier than expected. Far from being a cheap place to travel with kids, it’s also worth noting that the earlier you book, the better value you can expect.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT both keep the party going until midnight, but it’s the Magic Kingdom that steals the show every year. The dazzling fireworks are just one part of the festivities, as there are light shows, toddler-friendly discos, and character-led performances to look forward to.
If the park and hotel shuttles can’t get you where you need to go, you can rely on cab companies like Orlando Taxi 24.
Fly to Disney World for New Year’s Eve Magic! Click to Book Your Enchanting Flight.
Disneyland Paris
Experience all the fun and enchantment of Disney from the City of Love with a New Year’s Eve spent at Disneyland Paris , a European bucket list spot.
From the dance parties and late-night amusement rides to the light displays and spectacular fireworks, Disneyland Paris is even more captivating at this time of year. Because of France’s chilly winter temperatures, the whole park feels like a picture-perfect winter wonderland.
Paris Private Cab is a great way to get around if you’re feeling overwhelmed at the thought of having to travel with toddlers on public transport.
Disneyland Paris Magic! Click to Book Flights for a Fairytale New Year’s Eve Celebration.
What Are Some Underrated Family-Friendly Destinations For New Year’s Eve?
Whether you’re staying local or hoping to do some international travel with your kids ahead of the New Year, you’ll quickly find that there are very few hidden gems when it comes to family-friendly destinations that go all out for the countdown.
We’ve compiled some lesser-known spots for a New Year’s vacation. Though these locations are popular in their own right, they’re often shockingly underrated for their festive get-togethers.
Boston
Best known for its rich history and charming colonial architecture, Boston rarely gets the credit it deserves for its New Year’s Eve offerings.
There’s no place better to soak up the excitement for the night ahead than at the First Night Boston festival. A treat for all the senses, the First Night is a free party for all the family, filled with parades, live music, delicious food, and their signature ice sculptures. Head straight to the waterfront at Christopher Columbus Park before midnight, the finest vantage point in town.
Take the stress out of traveling around the city with taxi companies like Boston Airport Cab.
Boston New Year’s Eve Getaway! Book Flights to Historic Celebrations and East Coast Cheers.
Austin
Immerse yourself in some classic Southern hospitality for New Year’s in the Texan capital.
Texas State Capitol Dome and Flags, U.S.A. © Getty Images
Some locally loved New Year’s Eve activities in Austin include visits to Zilker Park’s Trail of Lights and catching the fireworks displays from Auditorium Shores, both of which are super family-friendly.
When you’re selecting your hotel, keep an eye out for the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort. This is a fantastic lodging for kids all of ages, and their New Year’s Eve grand buffet and New Year’s Day brunch are so much fun.
Whenever you need a cab, Pronto Rides is your best bet.
Austin Countdown Getaway! Find Flights to Live Music and Texan Cheers.
Wisconsin Dells
Much more than just a summer vacation spot for families with young kids on a budget, Wisconsin Dells is one of the most happening spots in the Midwest for a New Year’s Eve celebration.
The Grateful Shed is a firm favorite among locals and tourists alike, as this venue fills up with its usual food trucks, plus live performances and activities for any and every age on December 31st. Wisconsin Dells’ much-loved Kalahari Resort will be your go-to location for a slightly fancier New Year’s gathering, and their annual buffet ensures you have plenty of fuel before the child-friendly glow party kicks off.
Discover the area with your little ones with Dells City Taxi.
Edinburgh
The Scottish capital is home to some of the most gorgeous winter markets on the planet, but their 3-day Hogmanay festival is every bit as enjoyable and is the only way to count down the New Year in Edinburgh.
Though the concerts and street parties are generally reserved for revelers over the age of 12, the torchlight procession and midnight fireworks are both open to all visitors, little and large. If you fancy a spot of ice skating or a creamy cup of hot chocolate, you’ll be glad to know that the markets are operating until early January.
Edinburgh from ‘Arthur’s seat’ at sunset © Getty Images
Make your way around Edinburgh comfortably with affordable taxi services like Capital Cars.
Discover Edinburgh’s Charm! Book Flights for a Cultural Journey in Scotland’s Capital.
Conclusion
Kick off the New Year in style in any of these fabulous, family-friendly destinations. With a bunch of domestic and international vacation spots to pick from, you’ll have no shortage of options for a lively or chilled-out New Year’s Eve experience.
Get your family decked out in their most sparkling attire, and let the countdown begin!
Want more interesting tips on how to travel with your kids ? Read more Travel with children articles!
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