Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Albania

New Year’s Eve is an important holiday for Albanians.

For some, it is even more important than celebrating Christmas.

That’s because during the dictatorial regime, when practicing religion was prohibited in Albania, people started to celebrate the New Year more, and it has now remained a tradition.

And as 2025 comes to an end, travellers are deciding where to welcome the new year, so in this guide, I’ll walk you through some of the best destinations to consider for a remarkable evening.

Best Cities to Celebrate NYE in Albania

Tirana

I’d rank Tirana first when it comes to celebrating NYE, because of its entertainment options, and the energy the city itself has. There’s also a wide choice of restaurants here, including several top-rated ones, where you can enjoy a great meal surrounded by your loved ones.

To enjoy the end-of-the-year traditional fireworks show, Head to Skanderbeg Square a little before 12:00 A.M.

Afterward, the party continues at bars and nightclubs up and down Blloku and Arena, two of the most popular areas in the city.

And if you plan to stay more than just a night, I’ve put together a list of activities you can do in Tirana during winter.

Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Tirana

• La Couronne

• Arka Rooftop

• Salt

• For a more traditional setup/something different, opt for restaurants located near Tirana, such as Dy Luanet, Vila Toscana

Korça

Korça is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Albania during this time of the year. Many people love this city (also known as “Little Paris”), due to the full-of-energy atmosphere, the great traditional music that makes you move (even if you don’t understand a thing). and the incredible food scene (try lakror, you’ll thank me later).

For a smaller New Year’s Eve that will carry over those village-like, winter wonderland dreams, consider Dardhë or Voskopojë. They’re just a short drive away from Korça.

Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Korça

• Vila Ebel

• Hani i Pazarit

• Kocibelli

Shkodra

Shkodra is one of my favourite destinations in Albania to celebrate the arrival of a new year. There’s something about this city; the music, the vibe, overall the atmosphere that feels unmatched.

New Year’s Eve here is lively but still not super chaotic, with plenty of places to enjoy good food, live music, and long conversations that last well into the night.

The area I love most is “Pedonalja”, and it’s a popular one in the city. Here you’ll find a variety of restaurants, cafés, and accommodation options; all within walking distance. My tip is to choose a restaurant that also has a hotel, so you don’t have to move around at night once the celebration is over. Instead, you can go straight to your hotel.

Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Shkodra

• Oborri Shkodran

• Visa Casablanca

• Gjuhadoli Hotel Restaurant

Saranda

Saranda’s position near the sea makes the NYE celebration much more unique compared to most other cities. Imagine the spectacular fireworks show near the sea!

On New Year’s Eve, many hotels, restaurants, and venues organize special dinners and parties with live music, good food, and a relaxed but festive vibe. It’s a great option if you want to celebrate without the chaos of bigger cities, while still enjoying music, dancing, and a beautiful setting by the sea.

Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Saranda

• Demi Hotel

• Grand Hotel Saranda

New Year’s Eve in Albania is More Than a Celebration

New Year’s in Albania is more than a simple celebration. Albanians truly go all in. From preparing the house and gathering with family to celebrating in restaurants and venues across the country, the holiday is taken very seriously.

Because of this, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and places organizing special New Year’s Eve events, making it easy to find the right way to celebrate.

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