Representative image / AI generated

Switzerland
Who went recently: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Taimur and Jeh

When it comes to ringing in the New Year, Kareena Kapoor Khan doesn’t believe in changing things up. Ever since she started dating her now-husband Saif Ali Khan, the two have kept their annual date with Gstaad. So much so that it’s almost ritualistic for her now. Every January 1, Bebo’s ’gram is a flurry of snowy selfies, cosy family moments and that signature pout. Last year’s caption? “Can’t stop, won’t stop… last few selfies of the year. See you on the flip side.”

Now, if you’re anything like us, seeing Saif and Bebo’s snow-clad pictures while sitting in still-sweltering Mumbai isn’t exactly on our 2026 bingo list. Don’t worry — you won’t need a Pataudi Palace budget to enjoy Switzerland. You can channel your inner Main Apni Favourite Hoon vibes by booking a charming apartment in Interlaken and sipping hot chocolate by the fireplace while wearing a faux fur coat — and feel just as royal as Bollywood’s best. Bonus points if you have a squad that’ll join you for a snowball fight there.

Australia
Who went recently: Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal

As newlyweds, Sonakshi and Zaheer kicked off the year with a bang — literally — under Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge fireworks. The actress posted, “Humara Happy New Year hogaya!!! Happyyyyyyy Newwwww Yearrrrrr from @sydney,” alongside dreamy photos of skydiving and koala cuddles. Not to be petty, but who wouldn’t love to boast about ringing in the New Year before everyone else?

For this particular flex, you can head Down Under without much hassle. Sydney is a bucket-list NYE destination, and if you book an early spot near Circular Quay, or opt for a rooftop bar with views of the fireworks, your Insta feed will be just as lit as Sona’s while the rest of the world plays catch-up with 2026. Add a coastal road trip to Bondi Beach and you’ve got yourself a celeb-style start to the year, plus a gallery of photos that’ll put most vision boards to shame.

Dubai
Who went recently:
Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, R. Madhavan and Sarita Birje

The glam gang partied on a luxury yacht in Dubai, with Nayanthara sharing snippets of fireworks, laughter and love. Her Insta story read: “The best best time with the sweetest Maddy sir n Saritamammmm. Such a surreal night.”

Besides them, Dubai is a hit with much of the Bollywood brigade. Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan — both of whom enjoy immense popularity there — love the destination and are often spotted there during the New Year. Since Dubai is all about indulgence, it pairs splendidly with a New Year holiday. Book a dhow cruise dinner, explore the souks, and splurge on a desert safari. You may not have a yacht, but you can still sparkle under the Burj Khalifa’s NYE fireworks and boast about it on social media.

America
Who went recently: Tamannaah Bhatia and Vijay Varma, Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor

Swapping Bollywood glitz for Southern charm, Tamannaah and Vijay cozied up in Texas. Their low-key celebration was all about love, laughter and long drives through the Lone Star State. Meanwhile, Alia and Ranbir’s love for New York City is for all to see on their Instagram accounts. They don’t necessarily visit just during the New Year, but they certainly endorse the destination for all things fun under the sun.

If a cowboy outing is more your style, you can head to Texas and find that everything really is bigger there. But it’s more than just rodeos and ribs — you can spend the holiday exploring Austin’s music scene, sip wine in Fredericksburg, or stargaze in Big Bend. It’s the perfect blend of rustic and romantic.

Or you can take a page out of Alia and Ranbir’s book and head to the Big Apple to watch the iconic ball drop at Times Square on New Year’s Eve. #NYEinNYC — how’s that for a trending hashtag that would make your friends wish they could trade places with you?

Jamnagar
Who went recently:
Shah Rukh Khan, Gauri Khan and AbRam

This isn’t a typo — you read that right. After Shah Rukh Khan and family celebrated last New Year in Jamnagar with the Ambani clan, this Gujarat city has emerged as a hot destination and could well be India’s answer to exotic holidays.

While King Khan kept it low-key on social media, leaked snaps showed the Khans living it up in true royal fashion. And while you may not score an invite to the Ambani soirée, you can still explore Jamnagar’s palaces, beaches and bird sanctuaries for a quieter — but perhaps more enriching — NYE holiday, minus the visa hassles. Book a heritage stay and pretend you’re part of the inner circle, because delulu is the solulu.

Finland
Who went recently:
Triptii Dimri and Sam Merchant

Triptii and her beau Sam chose Finland for a magical winter escape — think snow-covered forests, reindeer rides and reels under the aurora borealis. Her viral video had fans swooning. Previously, star couple Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli also spent time there and returned raving about the striking beauty of the place.

Finland is indeed a dream for winter lovers, and NYE celebrations there would be nothing short of a winter wonderland. You can stay in a glass igloo in Lapland, chase the Northern Lights and sip hot berry juice by a fire.

Don’t know about you, but it would be the ultimate fairytale NYE celebration for us — and for once, we wouldn’t even be thinking about posting pictures on social media. Because how can you visit a place of such beauty and not feel mild disgust for all things superficial?