Wheels and Wonders: 7 Global New Year’s Traditions You Can Drive To

Ring in the New Year with a sense of adventure by exploring some of the world’s unique traditions—accessible by car! From plunging into icy waters in North America to offering tributes on Brazil’s beaches, these celebrations blend culture, excitement, and accessibility. No need for long-haul flights; simply hop in your car and embark on a journey filled with music, rituals, and festivities, connecting you to the world’s diverse New Year customs.

But first, check if your dream country requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) that lets you legally drive abroad. After all, there’s no better way to experience these one-of-a-kind traditions than with the freedom to explore at your own pace!

The Polar Bear Plunge is a chilly yet exhilarating way to start fresh, and well, soaked, as people dive into freezing waters on New Year’s Day. In the USA, events like the Coney Island Polar Bear Club Plunge in New York or the Maryland Plunge at Sandy Point State Park draw thousands of participants. While in Canada, the annual Polar Bear Swim, one of the oldest and largest in the world, is held by Vancouver’s English Bay.

Getting There:

These events are near major cities so you can easily get there via public transportation or a rental car. Aside from the adrenaline rush, many plunges support charitable causes, turning the tradition into a way to give back. Think of the ice bucket challenge, but you’re nose-diving into icy waters instead.

Good to Know:

• Whether in Coney Island or Ottawa, expect large crowds. It’s better to arrive early to secure a good parking spot.
• Major roads near popular plunge sites may close for events, so use GPS or Google Maps for better navigation.
• Keep a warm change of clothes in your vehicle and use heated seats or blankets.

Thinking of going on a road trip to Sweden or Finland? Schedule it on New Year’s Eve! Although not an established tradition, many locals believe starting the year with a peaceful, scenic drive sets the tone for the months ahead.

Some popular routes include the snow-covered landscapes of Lapland in Finland and the Göta Canal in Sweden, but you can always change itineraries to spice things up. New year, new you, right?

Getting There:

These routes are well-maintained, even in winter. Just remember to pack some snow gear. What’s even more fun is that you can celebrate New Year twice when you visit the Swedish town of Haparanda, which lies right by the Swedish-Finnish river. From there, you can easily cross the bridge to Tornio, Finland, in just five minutes.

Good to Know:

• Brace for icy roads and always drive slowly in snowy or slippery areas.
• Feeling spontaneous? Let the road take you off the well-beaten path. Have your vehicle be road-ready, well-fueled, and protected with comprehensive car insurance.
• Wearing seatbelts is mandatory in both countries.

In Brazil, New Year’s Eve is celebrated with vibrant gatherings on beaches, where people make offerings to Yemanjá, the goddess of the sea, for blessings in the coming year. The most famous celebrations happen at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, but smaller gatherings are held along the country’s extensive coastline.

Getting There:

Many of these beaches are reachable by car, with ample parking in surrounding areas. Dressed in white for good luck, participants light candles and release tiny boats adorned with flowers and gifts into the ocean, creating a peaceful and beautiful atmosphere.

Good to Know:

• When driving in Brazil, you’ll be on the right side of the road.
• Expect heavy traffic near popular beaches like Copacabana. Arrive early to find a good parking spot or use public transportation if possible.
• Copacabana is big on cycling, so speed limits are 30 kilometers per hour if you’re driving.

Summer season in Australia makes New Year’s Eve beach celebrations particularly appealing. Beaches become the epicenter of festivities, featuring fireworks, music, and bonfires. Sydney’s Bondi Beach is famous for its parties, while the Gold Coast and Byron Bay offer more relaxed celebrations.

Getting There:

These beaches are typically just a short drive from major cities, and many offer parking facilities or nearby accommodations for road trippers. Smaller beaches near Melbourne and Perth also attract locals for family-friendly gatherings.

Good to Know:

• On New Year’s Eve, inner-city roads are usually closed from early afternoon, making public transportation your only option for traveling.
• Roundabouts are pretty common in Australia, and one good tip is to always assume the car approaching from your right will continue around rather than exiting.
• Consider getting on a harbor cruise to get an awesome view of Sydney’s fireworks show.

Hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the New Year, is a deeply spiritual tradition that attracts millions in Japan. Meiji Shrine in Tokyo and Fushimi Inari in Kyoto are among the most visited. Smaller shrines across Japan also welcome visitors for a quieter, serene experience.

Getting There:

Driving to shrines is a common option, especially for families visiting smaller or rural locations. Parking is available near numerous shrines, but it tends to fill up quickly on New Year’s Eve and Day.

Good to Know:

• Popular shrines like Meiji Shrine often see large crowds during Hatsumode. Expect long waits if driving.
• In snowy regions like Hokkaido, equip your vehicle with winter tires and drive carefully.
• Visit early morning or late at night to avoid peak crowds.

In Colombia, El Año Viejo (The Old Year) is celebrated by creating life-sized dolls or effigies representing the outgoing year. These are then burned when the clock strikes midnight to symbolically leave the past behind. Cities like Cali, Medellín, and small towns across Colombia celebrate with these effigies, often accompanied by fireworks and street parties.

Getting There:

Many of these celebrations are in neighborhoods or town squares, making them easy to reach by car. Travelers can drive between towns to experience different interpretations of the tradition.

Good to Know:

• Get ready for detours and chaotic traffic near parades or effigy burnings.
• Heavy New Year’s Eve traffic makes public transit or ride-sharing apps a better choice in Bogotá and Medellín.
• Watch out for fireworks when driving. They may be pretty, but fix your eyes on the road.

Hogmanay in Scotland is one of the world’s most famous New Year’s celebrations, blending ancient traditions with modern festivities. Its capital, Edinburgh, hosts the largest celebration, featuring street parties, fireworks, and torchlight processions. While smaller towns like Stonehaven have unique traditions such as the Fireball Ceremony.

Getting There:

If you’re traveling to the capital, there’s no way you’ll miss Hogmanay, especially with park-and-ride options on the outskirts. Stonehaven and other smaller towns are also perfect for road trips, offering scenic drives through Scotland’s countryside.

Good to Know:

• The capital’s pretty packed during the New Year so plan your route carefully. Getting around the country should be quite easy if taking public transportation.
• Scotland can be chilly in winter so dress for the weather!
• If heading to street parties or fireworks, pre-book parking or use park-and-ride services.

Hit the road to explore unforgettable New Year’s traditions around the world, from exhilarating icy plunges to driving around burning effigies. With an IDP in hand, your next adventure is just a drive away. Don’t wait—get ready to start the year with a journey like no other!