As the year winds down, travellers everywhere begin asking the same question: Where should I go to make my final trip of the year unforgettable? The end of the year is when cities sparkle brighter, cultures open their doors wider, and the air itself feels charged with anticipation. From dazzling fireworks in the Middle East to centuries-old traditions in Europe and South Asia, this is the perfect season to plan your next adventure.
Here are three of the most spectacular end-of-year events around the world that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list.
Diwali
Where: India (also celebrated around the world)
When: Monday, October 20, 2025
Imagine entire cities glowing with the shimmer of a thousand oil lamps, the crackle of fireworks lighting up the night sky, and families gathering in joy and prayer. That’s Diwali in India, one of the most vibrant festivals on earth.
Diwali isn’t just about light — it’s about renewal. Homes are cleaned and decorated, temples are adorned, and the streets come alive with music, food stalls, and colourful markets. For travellers, it’s a feast for the senses: sweet treats like ladoos, intricately patterned rangoli art, and processions that fill the air with both spirituality and celebration.
Consider planning your trip to India around the festivities. Diwali offers an unparalleled chance to experience culture at its most heartfelt and festive.
European Christmas Markets
Where: Germany, Austria, France, the Czech Republic, and across Europe
When: Late November – December 2025
If your travel dreams lean toward mulled wine, twinkling lights, and the scent of roasted chestnuts, the Christmas markets in Europe are a must-experience. Germany leads the way with its world-famous markets in Cologne, Dresden, and Nuremberg. But Austria’s Vienna, France’s Strasbourg, and Prague in the Czech Republic offer equally magical settings.
Each market is a feast of sights, sounds, and flavours. Wooden stalls overflow with handmade ornaments, choirs sing traditional carols, and medieval town squares glow with festive lights. For travellers, it’s an experience that blends holiday cheer with centuries of tradition.
Whether you’re strolling through Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik or sipping glühwein in Berlin, Europe’s Christmas markets are the ultimate December travel destination for anyone craving charm and culture.
New Year’s Eve in Dubai
Where: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
When: December 31, 2025
When it comes to New Year’s Eve celebrations, few destinations can rival Dubai. Each year, the city stages one of the world’s most breath-taking spectacles, with the iconic Burj Khalifa becoming the centrepiece of fireworks, laser displays, and light shows that are broadcast worldwide.
But it’s not just about fireworks. Dubai transforms into a playground for luxurious experiences, from rooftop galas and yacht parties to desert safaris infused with festive spirit. Families can enjoy beachside shows, while thrill-seekers can toast the New Year from high above the city in exclusive lounges.
The weather is mild and perfect, the hospitality is world-class, and the atmosphere is electric. For those looking to start 2026 with glamour, Dubai New Year’s Eve should be at the top of your list.
Planning travel for the end of the year isn’t just about ticking destinations off a list; it’s about choosing experiences that leave lasting memories. Diwali lets you feel the joy of renewal, Europe’s Christmas markets wrap you in old-world charm, and Dubai invites you into a world of luxury and fireworks.
So, if you’re wondering where your next adventure should take you, these events promise more than just a trip. They offer a story you’ll tell for years to come.
