Celebrating New Year's Eve abroad? Here are the best countdown parties in Asia to welcome 2024
For many Filipinos, the holidays are synonymous with cozy gatherings at home. Families gather for Media Noche after watching the fireworks, kids leap wildly when the clock strikes midnight, and friends continue the merrymaking until the wee hours of the morning. But for those looking for a change, celebrating abroad can be an exciting alternative.
If you're on a vacation in Asia and you're looking for places to usher in 2024, these parties will keep you in the holiday spirit while enjoying the festivities away from home.
Hong Kong: New Year Countdown Firework Musical
Celebrating New Year's in Hong Kong with its iconic skyline is as magical as it gets.
This year, Hong Kong is going big with a large-scale countdown clock and synchronized fireworks and light show along the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).
A pre-show wish-making session will also occur every 15 minutes from 11 p.m.
Pyrotechnics will shoot from the rooftops of three prominent harbourfront high-rises on Hong Kong Island, illuminating the sky in four different colors symbolizing love, health, happiness, and wealth for the year 2024.
Those celebrating from their homes may stream the countdown on Discover Hong Kong's Facebook and YouTube pages.
Singapore: Marina Bay Countdown
Touted as "the mother of all New Year countdowns," Marina Bay Singapore Countdown returns with a series of events and a big celebration at the iconic hotel.
On Dec. 31, come gather for Let’s Celebrate 2024, Mediacorp’s annual countdown show, with performances from a star-studded line-up of home-grown and regional talents. A 12-minute firework display that changes colors awaits.
Gates will open at 7 p.m. and admission is free.
According to reports, large crowds are expected this year (last year, they welcomed over 500,000 guests.). Partygoers are advised to make use of the Crowd@MarinaBay live map that provides information such as real-time crowd levels, closures around Marina Bay, and available routes to the area before the festivities.
Japan: Happy New Year Tokyo Countdown
You don't want to miss this kawaii event! Celebrate the new year with your favorite Sanrio characters at this light show at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Plaza in Shinjuku.
The event kicks off with a projection mapping light show, followed by an appearance by singer-songwriter Pikotaro. The highlight, however, is the release of hundreds of lanterns into the sky. Those who were able to register ahead will be able to send their wishes for 2024 in the lantern, but others can still enjoy the show from viewing areas that do not require reservation.
Korea: New Year's Eve Countdown in Seoul
K-pop fans, gather (and brave the cold) along Bosingak to Sejong-daero streets in Seoul this Dec. 31 to celebrate the coming year with your favorite artists.
40 minutes before midnight, Seoulites will be treated to various street performances and parades such as message flag displays, mask dances, Bukcheongsa nori (lion dance), and Nong ack music, which is a celebration of Korea's unique energy and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, like Arirang.
Watch the skies light up as the clock ticks down to midnight when the gigantic shining orb gets lit.
Following the countdown, there will be performances featuring Ambiguous Dance Company, ZEROBASEONE, ENHYPEN, The Boyz, Oh My Girl, and more. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Kristel Fulgar and other global influencers will also grace the event to ring the bell 33 times to greet the new year.
Thailand: Amazing Thailand Countdown 2024
Ring in the new year not once but thrice in Bangkok!
The Amazing Thailand Countdown 2024 will be a three-day celebration from Dec. 29 to 31—the first time luxury mall ICONSIAM celebrates the new year on a large scale.
The event features an assembly of top Thai and international artists on the exclusive 360-degree stage at ICONSIAM in Bangkok. GOT7's BamBam, a Thai artist, will also join the celebration.
Aside from performances, the longest fireworks display in Thailand—with over 50,000 fireworks—curated by a professional Thai team and a world-renowned, expert fireworks director, and a drone show with 2,000 drones will illuminate the city.