New Year’s Eve — the one night a year when the whole world comes alive to celebrate the year just gone, the year ahead, and the people they love most.

After experiencing a promoter’s failed attempt at a Winter Wonderland theme in Brooklyn, I vowed to never subject myself to NYE in a cold place – since 2017, I have kept that vow. These islands provide a tropical flair to your New Year’s eve line up – there a multiple options of things to see, eat and do.

Participate in St. Kitts Carnival 

Do you love feathers, street parades and revelry? Then try St. Kitts Carnival better known as Sugarmas.  A month long bash of music, pageantry and culture – Sugarmas concludes with a street celebration (January 1 and 2, 2023), making it a festive option to bring in the New Year. Majesty Carnival or Ultra are some dope troupes to check out should you decide to visit.

After carnival, cool down on St. Kitts’ famous Cockleshell Beach, located on the southern coast of the island with spectacular views of Nevis, the sister island to St. Kitts. There are plenty of eateries that line the beach for snacks and refreshments. You could easily indulge in fresh seafood at one of these restaurants as small waves lap the shore, creating the ideal atmosphere for a laid-back New Year’s celebration in paradise.

Pro tip: Fly in before or on Christmas if you want to catch J’ouvert on Boxing Day.

Already been to St. Kitts? There is also Montserrat Carnival 

Celebrate Montserrat’s 60th Annual Carnival experience in 2023. The event began in 1962 as a celebration of Caribbean heritage and creativity, featuring pageants, music shows, folklore dancing, private fetes and parades.

The organizers of Montserrat Carnival are marking this huge milestone with a month-long round of festivities. The 60th-anniversary schedule starts with Calypso eliminations and of course culminates in a street parade which will bring the carnival to a close on January 1st. Carnival festivities run from December 3rd, 2022 until January 1st, 2023.

Experience Junkanoo in Bahamas 

Bahamas offers a diverse selection of activities for your New Year’s eve celebrations. You can spend your New Year relaxing on one of the island’s many unspoiled beaches, or, partaking in one of the most exciting and colorful New Year’s parades in the world – Junkanoo. From colorful costumes to exuberant dance routines, participants spend months preparing for the pageantry of this street parade accompanied by the steady beat of whistles, cowbells, horns, and goatskin drums that starts in the wee hours after midnight.

Catch this celebration of Bahamian culture and history on Boxing Day—aka the day after Christmas—as well as on New Year’s Day and many Saturdays throughout the summer. The largest Junkanoo celebration takes place on Bay Street, in downtown Nassau, but Bahamians across the 16 islands celebrate this joyful tradition.

Fireworks and Hotel Lounging in Jamaica 

Regarded as one of the top destinations in the Caribbean, Jamaica provides several resort experiences for the long holiday weekend. Beach party? Dinner under the stars? A nude beach party? Whatever your hotel fancy, Jamaica may have it. I still have warm memories from the beachfront dinner and dancing I participated in under colorful hues of fireworks. While the hotels dazzle guests with food and fireworks, event producers throw some pretty elaborate soirees in Kingston. Marquee and Frenchmen are two event producers to look out for.

All Inclusive Fetes & Fish Market Flair in Barbados 

Barbados is widely known as a popular choice for a New Year’s eve celebration, thanks to its vibrant culture and festive atmosphere throughout the island. Bajans are known to throw an incredible New Year’s party, with street shows, mouthwatering food, and plenty of fireworks.  Events like Limerz Cruise and Bliss’ Beach Party should be checked out.

Pro tip: Book your accommodations near St. Lawrence Gap to be near the action and grab a meal from Oistins Fish Market.

Unable to travel, here is a worldwide NYE 2023 Fete List.