What are the Best Family Friendly Destinations for a New Year’s Eve Getaway

All super busy mums know that they need a holiday, but also that it’s hard to find time to research and plan one. A family getaway can be a magical experience and finding locations that cater to the kids and make sure they have plenty to keep them occupied is certainly one crucial key to success.

You know you probably need a getaway for New Year’s Eve this year, but if your schedule is also pretty stacked and you just don’t know where to start with planning, don’t worry, we’ve got a few recommendations for you.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK, and it’s even more dazzling on New Year’s Eve. The Scottish capital is highly accessible from various points in the country as well, making it a prime location for families to get to easily. Depending on where you live, you could either take the train or hop on a plane. It’s arguably more convenient to fly these days, with eDreams flights to Edinburgh available for as little as £8 from London. With the availability of these tickets, many people are choosing to discover what the city has to offer, from the medieval center to the elegant Georgian architecture.

One of the best ways to kick off New Year’s Eve in Edinburgh is with the Torchlit Procession. This is a march through the city in which people carry torches, and it’s an amazing way to kick off the celebrations. Families can also take part in Ceilidh dancing, something that has become synonymous with Hogmanay celebrations in the city. You don’t have to be an expert in Scottish dance to get involved, as there are plenty of family-friendly events that teach all the basics.

Watching fireworks light up the stunning buildings in the Scottish capital is going to be the highlight of any trip, and there are various places to enjoy these. Princes Street Gardens is a popular spot, offering the perfect opportunity to sit and chill with a picnic basket. You’ll also find loads of great street food and market stalls dotted around, spreading festive cheer with warm drinks and traditional bites.

London

We all know that flying with kids can be a bit of a challenge, so if you don’t feel up to a trip to another country there are other options available. London is one of the best places in the UK for family-friendly New Year festivities, with so many activities to choose from to suit all personalities. The annual firework displays over the River Thames are arguably among the best in the world, and a magical experience that your loved ones are unlikely to forget in a hurry. Luckily, there are two main displays on the night, meaning that you can see the 9 p.m. showing and still get the little ones to bed in time. This one is specially designed for people with children, and the festivities are accompanied by stalls selling all manner of sweets and treats.

One spot that families highly recommend hitting up on New Year’s Eve is the Southbank Centre, which is close to the London Eye. There are plenty of things to do inside while waiting for the fireworks, such as arts and crafts workshops and storytelling sessions.

You can prolong the Christmassy feel in London on the cold banks of the iconic river. This is helped by the Southbank Winter Market, which has all your favorite festive treats and warm beverages. Can you beat a turkey and stuffing roll accompanied by a glass of mulled wine? Some would say it’s hard to top. Of course, there are gingerbread shapes and candy canes for the children to enjoy as well. You can even pick up a few last-minute gifts if you forgot to buy something for someone or just need some gift ideas and inspiration.

Dubai

Las Vegas is the furthest top NYE destination and London is the closest for mums in the UK. The happy medium would be Dubai, which is only a six-ish hour flight. Some would say that the United Arab Emirates city is now making a name for itself as one of the best places in the world for families to visit at the turn of the year. There’s no denying that the stunning Burj Khalifa acts as one of the most amazing backdrops for a fireworks display.

KidZania Dubai is an awesome spot to take the kids for some interactive edutainment, and there are special activities for NYE. There are also other top attractions like the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo in the Dubai Mall, which has holiday-themed events. There are more than 300 species on display in the world-class location, including several types of sharks. For a different type of watery experience, there are also New Year’s Eve cruises around the Dubai Marina. These provide an excellent family-oriented evening with incredible food as well.

If you’ve been cooped up at home for the past few years with young children, it could be time to start packing and getting ready for a New Year’s Eve getaway this year. Jetting off to family-friendly destinations like Vegas and Dubai will provide memories for life, but London is also a convenient spot to consider.

*Post by Molly Jenkins