With 2025 around the corner, everyone is busy planning their holiday trip to give a perfect farewell to this year. Many people want to travel and celebrate the New Year in a different location. If you are one of them, then you should consider Azerbaijan as your next New Year's Eve destination, which promises an incredible experience. The Azerbaijan new year celebrations are combined with rich cultural traditions, joyful gatherings, and festive customs.
No matter what you are looking for in the New Year 2026-2027, there are numerous things in Azerbaijan, right from landscapes to see, thrilling activities to enjoy, and food to taste. Celebrating the New Year 2026 in Azerbaijan is an exceptional way to start the year with full enjoyment, such as witnessing the dazzling fireworks, attending the carnival at Fountain Square, or tasting the popular cuisine. Various places are there to celebrate the New Year in Azerbaijan, like clubs, resorts, and hotels, welcoming guests to have a joyful experience.
So, to explore the excitement of the New Year Celebrations 2026 in Baku, you must apply for an Urgent Azerbaijan Visa and enter the destination easily.
The guide below mentions the top places to celebrate the New Year 2026-2027, events, festive markets, travel tips, and the process to apply for an Azerbaijan visa.
Why Celebrate the New Year in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan has effortlessly attracted people with its New Year celebrations, starting with a festive ambiance and cultural traditions, offering a vibrant experience. Exploring Baku New Year 2026, the city shines with fireworks along the Caspian Sea, and exhibitions are organized with the sale of unique ornaments, and families and friends gather together to taste famous Azerbaijani dishes, like Pakhlava and Plov. Beyond this, there is a custom of celebrating Nowruz in Azerbaijan, considered as the Persian New Year. During the New Year 2026 in Azerbaijan, different things are included, such as exchanging gifts, cultural performances, and much more.
Top Cities to Celebrate New Year 2026-2027
Beginning a new year filled with excitement and surprises can be best found in Azerbaijan. There are various places to visit for the New Year 2026 in Azerbaijan. These are the following: -
-
Baku
Do you want to celebrate the New Year 2026 in style? If yes, then you must visit Baku, which gets lit up with dazzling fireworks while offering you to witness a magic. Baku New Year 2026 promises to offer the best level of experiences, making you feel both luxurious and affectionate. Start your day by exploring the Caspian Sea cruise, where you can discover the stunning Flame Towers and the sparkling skyline. If you are one of those who want to seek adventure, then you must engage in night hiking in the mountains, just before midnight. The Azerbaijan New Year celebrations in Baku should be enjoyed at Fountain Square, where you can taste various dishes at food stalls or enjoy the live music.
-
Ganja
The New Year 2026 in Azerbaijan promises to be more than a special experience, especially when celebrated in Ganja city. Unlike other destinations, this city blends an energetic atmosphere, where you will feel the real charm of the festival. Whether heading up on the hills, walking across the historical monuments, or joining near canals, Ganja impressively celebrates the New Year. Not only this, but family-friendly fireworks are displayed that are magnificent in all forms, and visitors can capture the best photographs.
-
Qabala
Qabala is one of the most stunning cities of Azerbaijan to celebrate New Year's Eve 2026. This city's ancient charm and fun activities have always kept tourists amazed. From the thrilling activities at Gabaland Amusement Park to enjoying skiing and taking the Nohur Lake tour, Qabala is a hidden gem that must be explored during the Azerbaijan New Year celebration. Apart from this, if you are a winter sports lover, you can enjoy the New Year by indulging in different activities, such as snowboarding or exploring the waterfalls.
-
Sheki
If you are looking to celebrate the New Year 2026 in Azerbaijan, consider prioritizing Sheki as one of your must-visit destinations. The Sheki cobblestone streets and markets get filled with colors, and the New Year is celebrated in both traditional and modern ways. There are various things to do in Sheki during this festival, like visiting the Sheki Khan’s Palace, going shopping on the Silk Road, or exploring the Sheki Castle Complex.
Major New Year Events in Azerbaijan 2026-2027
The New Year 2026 in Azerbaijan involves various public events at mesmerizing destinations. The New Year events in Baku are enlightened with different things, like fireworks, Ice Skating, Bonfires, and much more.
-
Fireworks at Baku Boulevard
The New Year 2026-2027 in Azerbaijan is best celebrated by displaying fireworks at Baku Boulevard. Without the stunning fireworks, the New Year seems incomplete, as this event at Baku Boulevard is considered efficient to welcome the New Year. By watching the sky lighten up, the Baku New Year 2026 will be the most amazing celebration. As the clock strikes midnight, you will get to see the spectacular fireworks along the Caspian Sea.
-
Countdown at Fountain Square
When it comes to celebrating the New Year in Azerbaijan, you must visit the Fountain Square, a lively location for creating a festive environment. People gather together for the New Year celebration and engage in different activities, and explore the fireworks that light up the night sky.
-
Winter Festival and Ice Skating
Exploring the New Year events in Baku, one of the best things is the Winter festival and Ice Skating. Different locations are there where the celebration is done with these activities, such as you can visit the Baku Boulevard or the resorts. Visiting these destinations during the New Year 2026, you will be constantly entertained while offering an unforgettable experience.
Apart from this, if you wish to begin the new year with an adventure, Azerbaijan offers ice skating activities to enjoy winter. What makes the New Year events in Baku more special is the winter festival that is adorned with lights, fireworks, and festive cheer.
-
New Year Concerts and Light Shows
Immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of Azerbaijan by indulging in the live performances and concerts that take place at the New Year event. Have a visit to the Heydar Aliyev Center to enjoy the concerts and live performances. Additionally, on New Year's Eve, a celebration is also held through fascinating light shows at midnight. The light and firework shows are worth exploring, as they showcase the beauty of the city.
Traditional Azerbaijani New Year Foods and Drinks
One must not miss the New Year 2026 in Azerbaijan without tasting the traditional foods and drinks. Some of the famous dishes are: -
-
Plov
-
Levengi
-
Kebab
-
Piti
-
Ayran
-
Buza
-
Qutab
-
Dolma
-
Baklava
Shopping and Festive Markets in Baku
Baku is one of the best shopping destinations that matches every taste and preference for both the locals and the tourists. If you are a shopping enthusiast, you will definitely get attracted to the city, as it is combined with traditional markets and malls, featuring modern facilities. Here are some of the shopping markets in Baku: -
-
Yashil Bazaar
Looking for the best culinary experience during the New Year's Eve celebration, you must visit the famous traditional market of Baku, which is the Yashil Bazaar. Visiting this destination, you will get to explore numerous Azerbaijani tastes and aromas, including seasonal fruits, homemade sweets, and pickles.
-
Ganjlik Mall
Enjoy the Baku New Year 2026 by visiting the largest shopping center, the Ganjlik Mall, combined with a diverse range of local and international brands, such as Mango, Zara, and Adidas. Beyond this, you can celebrate your day at cafes, play zones, and state-of-the-art complexes present inside the Ganjlik Mall.
-
Port Baku Mall
Visiting Baku for New Year's Eve 2026, you must explore the Port Baku Mall, popular for its luxury shopping experience. There are various brand stores in the mall, like Burberry, Balenciaga, and Alexander McQueen, featuring high-end fashion. Apart from this, the Port Baku Mall offers gourmet food, temporary art, and boutiques of home decor, which is attractive to all the shoppers.
Family-Friendly Activities for New Year’s Eve
Traveling with your family for the New Year 2026 in Azerbaijan, different activities are involved, which are appealing to all individuals. The guide below mentions some of the family-friendly activities: -
-
New Year Fireworks
Traveling with your family members for the New Year celebrations in Azerbaijan, one activity that you should not miss is exploring the New Year Fireworks, lighting up the sky. Different places are where fireworks are displayed, like the Fountain Square, Baku Boulevard, Flame Towers, and the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center.
-
Carnival at the Fountain Square
The Baku New Year 2026 can be best enjoyed with your family members after visiting the Fountain Square, where you can witness a diverse range of events, such as exhibitions, events, food festivals, and much more. Celebrating the New Year at this destination, you will get the best lifetime experience, with shops decorated with colors and serving local food and ornaments.
-
Cultural Events
Celebrate the New Year with your family by discovering the culture and traditions of Azerbaijan. Enjoy street parades, live performances, concerts, and theatrical performances. These are entertaining for all family members and people of all ages.
Travel Tips for the New Year in Azerbaijan
-
Best Time to Visit Azerbaijan
The perfect time to visit Azerbaijan for the New Year celebration is between mid-December to early January. Traveling during these months, you will get the best experience, as you can explore the festive markets of Baku, enjoy the fireworks, or attend the live concerts.
-
Weather in December to January
The weather between December to January is cold, and you may see snowfall during these months. Whether you will be visiting the mountains or other areas, there is cold weather, especially in early mornings and late evenings.
-
Transportation and Accommodation
There are various transportation and accommodation options, inviting people to celebrate a new year. Getting around different locations, you can travel by metro, bus, or taxi. For Azerbaijan's New Year celebrations, the city offers a wide range of accommodation options, such as the Fairmont Baku, offering spectacular views of the Caspian Sea, or the Parkside Hotel and apartments, featuring shopping centers and business centers.
How to Apply for an Azerbaijan eVisa
Planning to celebrate the New Year 2026 in Azerbaijan? If yes, you must apply for an Azerbaijan eVisa online by following a few of the steps mentioned below: -
-
Visit the Azerbaijan eVisa website.
-
Among the three visa options, standard eVisa, urgent eVisa, and superfast eVisa, choose one of them based on your preference.
-
After clicking on “Apply Now”, the screen will present an Azerbaijan visa application form. Fill the form with accurate details.
-
Along with the form, you are required to upload certain documents, like a passport copy and a passport-sized photograph.
-
Finally, pay the Azerbaijan eVisa fees.
Safety and Local Etiquette During Festivities
To enjoy the festivities, it is significant to take care of safety precautions and follow local etiquette. Here are some of them: -
-
If you are planning to enjoy the festive culture at religious sites, you must dress modestly, as it shows that you are respecting the culture of the city.
-
At the fireworks shows at the Baku Boulevard, stay safe by keeping a distance from the fireworks and staying aware of all the surroundings.
-
Travel by using safe transportation options, like using safe ride-hailing apps, such as Uber.
-
If you are invited to celebrate the New Year at home in Azerbaijan, then you should carry some sweets.
Conclusion
Celebrating the New Year 2026-207 in Azerbaijan offers an efficient and memorable experience, filled with rich festive culture, activities, and warm hospitality. Whether you are discovering the beauty of firework displays at Baku Boulevard, shopping at traditional markets, or tasting the popular dishes, Azerbaijan has something attractive for everyone. From the adventurous activities at Qabala to the real charm of Sheki, the New Year 2026 will be filled with joyful experiences. So, what are you waiting for? Begin the new year with your family or friends in Azerbaijan and make your vacation worthwhile.
FAQs
Q1. Is New Year’s Eve celebrated widely in Azerbaijan?
Ans. Yes, the New Year is widely celebrated in Azerbaijan, featuring different events like the firework displays, traditional dinners, light shows, and thrilling activities.
Q2. Where can I watch fireworks in Baku for the New Year 2026?
Ans. You can watch the fireworks at the Baku Boulevard during the New Year 2026, along with the Caspian Sea.
Q3. Do I need a visa to visit Azerbaijan for the New Year celebrations?
Ans. Yes, all citizens must apply for an Azerbaijan eVisa before they visit the country. They can easily apply for the visa, whether they have made a plan at the last moment or a few days before.
Q4. What is the weather like in Azerbaijan during the New Year?
Ans. There is winter weather in Azerbaijan during the New Year, from December to January. In the early mornings and late evenings, you may even see the snowfall at some of the locations.
Q5. Can I get an urgent Azerbaijan eVisa during the holidays?
Ans. Yes, you can get an urgent Azerbaijan eVisa during the holidays. You can apply for this option through the Azerbaijan eVisa, offering the urgent eVisa in 24 hours.
