Créé par Romane, le 11 juil. 2026
Votre guide Ryo
How to Have an Extraordinary New Year's Eve?
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There are those who, seeing Christmas fast approaching, realize that there are only a few days left for the year to end and they still haven't got the slightest idea for the evening, and those who have already booked their flights to spend New Year's Eve at the other end of the world.
But don't worry, between the two there are a multitude of ways to make your 31st unforgettable!
1. Spend the 31st in the mountains!
The basics. Nothing like getting in the mood by mixing with the crowd and dancing in the snow! Ski resorts usually organize free parties on the snow front, with DJ's, fireworks and torchlight parades! So put on your moon boots, and slip on your best snow suit to dance in the snow under the stars! Crazy atmosphere guaranteed!
With the added bonus of waking up in the middle of nature, to start the year off right, batteries definitely recharged!
Here is the top 10 best resorts to party in France
2. Rent a boat and pop the champagne on the water!
If you live by a river or lake, why not rent a small boat without a license with friends (or if you have a boat and license, even better!) and pop the champagne in the middle of the water! Perfect for watching the fireworks away from the crowds if applicable!
For the less adventurous, you can also treat yourself to the dinner dance of a cruise boat, for a gentle and romantic atmosphere on the water!
3. Hire the services of a home chef!
Want a gourmet menu at home? Why not treat yourself by hiring a home chef's services! To impress your guests without having to prepare or clean anything! Pure bliss!
Ideal for those who want quality in a small group. Chic and intimate atmosphere, with guaranteed feast!
4. Dress up (no bad puns intended) and go see a dazzling show!
We never think about it enough, but Theaters, Operas, and even Circuses or Cabarets often offer special New Year's Eve shows!
Put on your finest high heels, get out your evening gowns and your best-tailored suits and go walk the red carpet to start the year with class and elegance! Taking a fresh start by doing something we never do sets the tone for a new year full of new experiences!
Photo credit: » Get Your Guide »
5. Fly to a European capital and party with our neighbors!
This year, no way you're staying with the champagne and salmon toast evening, you want to see what's happening elsewhere and discover how our European cousins celebrate the new year!
Contrary to what you might think, booking a weekend in a capital city isn't necessarily overpriced. Many are accessible by train or a few hours by plane (try to prioritize gentle transportation modes when possible) and hotels or Airbnbs aren't necessarily fully booked in the middle of winter!
So if you want to dance with the Spanish, drink with the Polish or admire the northern lights with the Finns, wait no more and start your year as a good polyglot (spoiler alert, alcohol helps!)
Here's the top 12 cities (outside of France) to spend a crazy 31st!
6. Take the plunge and try the crazy tradition of New Year's frozen baths!
If you're not easily frightened (anywhere), it might be time to participate in this strange tradition that came against all expectations from the United States: swimming to celebrate the new year. Yes, if you live in the southern hemisphere, you can show off and tell us you do it every year (lucky bunch), but we obviously want to talk here about icy and invigorating water!
But how did such an absurd idea appear?
We find, in Russian or Scandinavian traditions, rituals of purification and renewal, generally practiced at the beginning of the year to symbolize the idea of a fresh start.
But it was in the 20th century in the United States that the tradition became popular, with events such as the Polar Bear Plunge, where participants gathered to jump into icy water to raise funds for charitable organizations.
Since then, the idea has gained momentum and made its way to many regions of the world, becoming a festive moment, under the sign of challenge, sharing and good humor, not forgetting the energy boost!
The most famous frozen baths!
- Coney Island, in New York, where the Polar Bear Club has perpetuated the tradition since 1903!
- Scheveningen Beach, in the Netherlands, where thousands of bathers gather wearing a free orange hat and then comforted by a delicious pea soup to recover from their emotions.
- Edinburgh, in Scotland, to participate in the famous Loony Dook, the winter swim inseparable from New Year's festivities.
- Saint Petersburg, in Russia, where the heritage of Orthodox Epiphany is still present, and where a plunge into frozen water remains an act of purification imbued with spirituality.
- Vancouver, in Canada, where the polar bear swim attracts crowds to English Bay Beach, the most famous in downtown Vancouver!
The best places to participate in a frozen bath in France!
- Malo-les-Bains: for over 20 years, thousands of people come to throw themselves into the English Channel for the famous "Frozen Baths"! If you go, you'll even receive a certificate!
- Dinard: the traditional New Year's bath has existed for over 50 years now and attracts more and more brave swimmers. On the other side of the bay, the neighboring town of Saint-Malo also organizes similar events attracting many curious people.
- Cabourg: in Normandy, costume is required to participate in the most refreshing bath of the year, and celebrate the new year in style!
- Marseille: Just because you go further south doesn't mean the water will be much warmer, a few degrees more than in the English Channel, yes, but it's still cold! You'll need to muster courage to dive into the clear waters of Marseille's harbor.
- Le Touquet Paris-Plage: The annual meeting is now well established in the calendar. In Le Touquet we start the year in conviviality and in cold water, before gathering around a good cup of mulled wine!
So, ready to take on the challenge this year? They say braving the cold on January 1st gives 12 months of guaranteed happiness! We'd be wrong to deprive ourselves, so Happy New Year!
7. Time travel and celebrate the arrival of 1925, 1825, 1725 and more if you like!
If you've always told yourself you were born in the wrong century, here's the chance to fix it!
Organizing a themed costume party is a great way to see your New Year's Eve from another angle. From the decorations to the music, including the costumes and the buffet, everything is there for a memorable time travel experience!
8. Spend the weekend at a Theme Park
Yes, some of you have children, or have kept your inner child! So, open your wondering eyes wide and dive into a wonderful world far from this heavy reality we'll find again soon enough!
Photo credit: Disneland Paris
The best parks in Europe for a magical 31st:
- Disneyland Paris
- Le Futuroscope
- Europa Park in Germany
- Port Aventura in Spain
- Plopsaland de Panne in Belgium
- Efteling, in the Netherlands
9. Rent unique accommodation with friends
This year, far from you the idea of mixing with the crowd! No private parties, nightclubs packed with people or trips far away. You've found unique accommodation, perfect for spending an atypical evening!
Here are some ideas if you need inspiration:
- A tipi
- A yurt
- A treehouse
- A chalet lost in the woods
- A floating house
- A lighthouse
10. Participate in charitable actions
Sometimes, doing good around us is all we need. The current world will never have enough waves of solidarity, mutual aid and moral and psychological support.
The holiday season can be very difficult times for those who are alone, for the most deprived and people who have nowhere to go.
Giving some of your time can make a real difference. Think about inquiring at your local town hall to learn about actions put in place locally.
Here are some associations you can contact:
- Les Restos du Cœur
- Les Petits Frères des Pauvres
- L'ordre de Malte
- L'Armée du Salut
- Clowns sans frontières
Find out more on the France Bénévolat and Tous Bénévoles websites to be connected with various associations.
11. Have a spiritual 31st by celebrating Yule
The holiday season has been smoothed over the centuries on our modern society models. Capitalism and Christmas movies have taken precedence over ancestral traditions. Why not go back to the roots and celebrate the pagan festival of Yule.
This festival is the sabbat of the Winter Solstice, a celebration filled with joy and hope.
In our hemisphere, the Yule season represents nature's well-deserved rest. Snow covers the ground and some animals hibernate. It's time for us to slow down. Time is for contemplation and introspection.
In Nordic societies, the 12 nights of Yule were celebrated, a period that begins around the winter solstice on December 21st and ends on January 1st. The longest night gradually gives way to lengthening days. We celebrate light and warmth. Rebirth after death.
Some little rituals to practice for a magical evening:
- Prepare the Yule log by carving your wishes into it
- Make a fire and let yourself be lulled by the crackling of flames
- Tell stories around hot chocolate
- Light candles
- Decorate your interior with elements gathered from nature after thanking it
- Meditate
- Read cards
- Write on paper everything you don't want to take with you into the new year and burn it
- Visualize what you want to see happen in your life
12. Have a Cozy evening
Not everyone wants to party until dawn! The pressure of having to have the best night of your life can be very stressful for some.
Don't panic, you have the right to do nothing and enjoy a Netflix-and-chill evening under a blanket alone or with company!
The last evening of the year can perfectly be dedicated to well-being and relaxation! Bubble bath, glass of wine, comfort food, romantic comedy or TV series marathon, it's up to you. The important thing, once again, is to do yourself good!
You now have plenty of choices...
Whatever you choose, do what you love to enter a new year on the right foot!