The New Year holidays are the most anticipated travel time of the year. The problem is that everyone knows it: from mid-December, flights and hotels get expensive fast. So it pays to plan now. Below are 7 destinations that are easy to reach from Baku, from visa-free options to Europe's Christmas markets.
1. Dubai: New Year in the sun
If you want to escape the cold, Dubai is the most popular choice. In December and January the days are warm and pleasant. The New Year's Eve fireworks around the Burj Khalifa are the city's big event, but the area gets packed, so book a table or a room nearby in advance. No visa is required for citizens of Azerbaijan. More: our article first time in Dubai and our Dubai travel guide.
2. Istanbul: winter atmosphere and festive lights
Istanbul is calmer in winter than in summer, and museum queues are shorter. The Bosphorus shores, İstiklal Street and Taksim are decorated with festive lights. With no visa and a 3-hour flight, it's an easy pick for a short New Year trip. More: our article Baku to Istanbul and our Istanbul travel guide.
3. Tbilisi and Gudauri: city and skiing
Tbilisi is one of the closest foreign capitals to Baku: the flight is about 1 hour, and citizens of Azerbaijan can stay in Georgia visa-free for up to 1 year. Georgia celebrates New Year on 31 December, then Orthodox Christmas on 7 January and the Old New Year on 14 January. So the festive mood lasts until mid-January.
For skiing, Gudauri is about 120 km from Tbilisi, a 2–2.5-hour drive. The 2026–2027 season is planned to run from 19 December to 18 April. One important point: since 1 January 2026, health and accident insurance is mandatory for foreigners visiting Georgia. More: our Tbilisi travel guide and Georgia travel guide.
4. Vienna: classic Christmas markets
Vienna's Christmas markets are among the best known in Europe. The square in front of the City Hall, the courtyard of Schönbrunn Palace and the streets of the old town fill with lights and the smell of hot drinks and pastries. The markets usually run from mid or late November until the end of December or early January. On New Year's Eve there are open-air celebrations in the city centre. More: our Vienna travel guide.
5. Prague: an old town straight out of a fairy tale
The Christmas market on Old Town Square, snowy rooftops and Charles Bridge make Prague especially beautiful in winter. The city is usually cheaper than Vienna and very easy to explore on foot. More: our Prague travel guide.
6. Budapest: thermal pools and Danube views
Budapest has its own winter charm: soaking in a hot outdoor thermal pool on a frosty day is an experience that's hard to find anywhere else. The Christmas market on Vörösmarty Square and the parliament lit up at night are also well worth seeing. More: our Budapest travel guide.
A Schengen visa for Vienna, Prague and Budapest
Austria, Czechia and Hungary are in the Schengen area, so you need a Schengen visa for these trips. You can apply no earlier than 6 months and no later than 15 days before you travel, and standard processing takes 15 days. December is the busiest time, so apply as early as you can and don't buy non-refundable tickets until your visa is approved.
7. Antalya: a mild winter and a quiet break
You can't really swim in Antalya in winter, but the mild weather, quiet streets and hotels that are much cheaper than in summer make it a good choice for a relaxing break. The Kaleiçi old town, the Düden waterfalls and walks along the coast are all open in winter too. No visa needed. More: our Antalya travel guide.
How to plan a New Year trip
- Book early. Prices climb fast as the last week of December approaches. If your dates are a little flexible, a day or two can save you a lot.
- Don't leave the visa until later. Check your passport's validity even for visa-free trips, and plan your Schengen application right now.
- Get insurance. It's mandatory for Georgia and useful elsewhere too, with winter delays and the risk of getting ill.
- Think about New Year's Eve in advance. Transport may run differently on 31 December, and restaurants can be fully booked.
- Pack for the destination. Warm clothes for Europe and Gudauri; light clothes and a thin layer for the evenings in Dubai.
To find a cheaper ticket, see 12 ways to find cheap flights, and for visa-free destinations, see visa-free countries in 2026.
So which one?
For sunshine, Dubai. For a short visa-free trip, Istanbul or Antalya. For snow and skiing, Gudauri. For Christmas markets, Vienna, Prague and Budapest. Whichever you choose, the main rule stays the same: the earlier you plan, the less you pay. Compare New Year flights on AviaBazaar now.
