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10 of the Most Glamorous Places to Celebrate New Year’s Eve

From a black-tie gala in Edinburgh to a seven-course degustation in New York, these decadent events will help you ring in 2018 in style

By Stefanie Waldek
Sydney Harbour fireworks display over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, with colorful reflections on the water and boats below.
Fireworks explode over the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge during New Years Eve celebrations in Sydney. Photo: AP/Rob Griffith

New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, meaning it’s time to start making celebration plans. Read on for ten of the most glamorous places to ring in the new year, from five-star hotels to the world’s best restaurant, then get your gowns and tuxedos ready for a night of revelry. Let’s welcome 2018 in style.

La Table de L’Espadon at the Ritz, Paris

Elegant restaurant dining room with ornate décor, chandeliers, and pink velvet chairs arranged around white tablecloth-covered tables.
La Table de L’Espadon. Vincent Leroux. Courtesy of the Ritz Paris

Does anything say “glamorous” more than the Ritz in Paris? For a cool €2,018, you can dine at the hotel’s La Table de L’Espadon, which has two Michelin stars, feasting on a menu of scallops, caviar, lobster, and more. And, of course, there’s a wine pairing included. Afterwards, dance the night away at the Ritz Bar.

Eleven Madison Park, New York 

Elegant restaurant interior with tall ceilings, modern lighting, artwork on the wall, and tables neatly arranged for dining.
Eleven Madison Park recently debuted a makeover by Brad Cloepfil. Courtesy of Eleven Madison Park

The number one restaurant in the world, according to the 2017 World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, Eleven Madison Park in New York offers two New Year’s Eve options: a seven-course tasting menu at 5:30 p.m. and a nine-course tasting menu at 9 p.m. The latter seating includes a champagne toast at midnight.

Hogmanay Gala Ball at the Balmoral, Edinburgh

Elegant banquet hall with round tables, white chairs, hanging chandeliers, tall columns, and large windows with green curtains.
The Balmoral. Courtesy of Boutique Hotelier

For a black-tie affair, head to the Balmoral hotel in Edinburgh, which hosts the Hogmanay Gala Ball each New Year’s Eve. Expect Champagne and canapés, a four-course dinner, and performances by the Royal Burgh of Stirling, a jazz trio, and ceilidh musicians, not to mention grand views of the fireworks over Edinburgh Castle.

At.mosphere at the Burj Khalifa, Dubai

Luxurious dining room with elegant table setting, modern chandelier, and panoramic cityscape view through large windows.
At.mosphere in Dubai. Courtesy of Atmosphere Restaurant

Take in the views of Dubai from the tallest restaurant in the world, situated on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa. You’ve got two options for celebrations: There’s the family-friendly affair at the restaurant (for children ages ten and up), and the 21-plus celebration in the lounge. Both will feature performances by magicians, and the adults-only party will have a live DJ. At either celebration, you’ll have a front-row seat to the midnight fireworks, which are shot off the Burj Khalifa itself.

Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Berlin

Elegant restaurant with a view of a famous city gate, featuring wicker chairs, white tablecloths, and lush indoor plants.
The Adlon Kempinski in Berlin. Courtesy of Adlon Kempinski

This five-star hotel in Berlin hosts a number of New Year’s Eve dinners and parties, ranging from a seven-course dinner (and midnight buffet) at Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer, which received two Michelin stars under chef Hendrik Otto, to a gala in the ballroom. If you’d like to include accommodations with these festivities, Hotel Adlon Kempinski offers special packages.

New York Bar at the Park Hyatt, Tokyo

High-rise restaurant interior with large windows offering a panoramic city view at sunset, featuring neatly arranged tables.
The New York Bar at Park Hyatt Tokyo. Courtesy of TimeOut

The iconic bar from Lost in Translation hosts a New Year’s Eve party that offers spectacular views of the fireworks—and live jazz music. While canapés and one glass of Champagne are included in the admission price, you might want to consider starting your evening with a five-course dinner at the neighboring New York Grill.

The Belvedere/The Living Room at the Peninsula, Beverly Hills

Elegant hotel lobby with luxurious sofas, chandeliers, large windows, and indoor plants, creating a sophisticated ambiance.
The Living Room at the Peninsula Beverly Hills. Courtesy of the Peninsula Beverly Hills.

On New Year’s Eve, revelers can enjoy a six-course dinner at the Belvedere restaurant at the Peninsula Beverly Hills, followed by an evening of live music and dancing at the Living Room. If you’re staying at the hotel overnight, consider dropping by the New Year’s Day Brunch or formal tea serving.

Aqua Shard, London

Rooftop bar interior at night with cityscape views, featuring cozy seating, tables, and a well-lit counter.
Aqua Shard at the Shard in London. Courtesy of WFC Contractors

The South Bank’s pyramidal skyscraper, designed by Renzo Piano, is home to restaurant and bar Aqua Shard, which will host a series of events on December 31. Start with a five-course meal of contemporary British cuisine, enjoy a live performance by a swing band, see the Mayor of London’s fireworks, then party all night long in the atrium bar.

La Mamounia, Marrakech

Elegant Moroccan courtyard with arched doorways, central fountain, lush greenery, and intricate architectural details.
La Mamounia in Marrakech. Courtesy of La Mamounia.

Enjoy not just one night of festivities at the luxurious La Mamounia in Marrakech, but several! The lead-up begins with a party on the night of the 28th, followed by others each night through the 31st. Kick off the big day with a New Year’s Eve brunch, then enjoy live performances throughout the evening, dinner at one of four restaurants, and a celebratory midnight countdown in the lobby.

Altitude at Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney

Elegant dining setup with a stunning view of a city skyline and iconic opera house at dusk.
Altitude Private Dining Room in Sydney. Courtesy of Steph Adams

If you want an amazing view of the fireworks over the Sydney Harbor, book a window seat at Altitude at the Shangri-La Sydney. It won’t be cheap (it’s about $1,000), but you’ll get the best view of the show, not to mention a seven-course meal that includes foie gras brulee, lamb loin, and a glass of vintage Champagne.