Gay New Year's 2022: Your Bucket List of NYE Parties

Nov. 23 2022

by Lachlan

Are you ready to welcome the new year with a bang? Whether your dream New Year’s Eve involves a four-day festival of world-class DJs, or a terrace party with champagne and fireworks, we have you covered. From Sydney to Key West, we’ve rounded up the best gay NYE parties guaranteed to carry you through to 2023 feeling out, proud, and fabulous. Whether you're traveling near or far, it pays to remember to stay safe as an LGBTQ+ traveler, so you can enjoy the festive season like a pro.   

What? Celebration

Where? Sydney


When? December 31

_{©Facebook/Points of Difference}

There are plenty of reasons why Celebration should be on your gay New Year’s Eve bucket list. Firstly, it’s in Sydney, an iconic Australian city rich in LGBTQ+ history. Secondly, you get to welcome the new year in a warm climate. Thirdly, the party is the only LGBTQ+ event to take place on famous Sydney Harbour. Sold yet? From 8pm to 2am, be treated to French champagne upon arrival, and enjoy canapés, a buffet, and two world-class Sydney DJs all from the rooftop of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, on Circular Quay. The dress code is white/silver, so find your best frock and prepare for the coolest gay NYE Sydney party.

What? WE NYF  

Where? Madrid

When? December 28 - January 1

_{©Facebook/We Party}

It’s old news that Madrid is an LGBTQ+ mecca in Europe, so of course the Spanish capital would be throwing one epic gay NYE party to boot! For NYE 2022, WE Festival Madrid will return with a five-day line-up of circuit parties and DJs. Expect a Forever Tel Aviv Party on December 30, a WE New Year's Eve Party on the 31st, and for all those die-hard partygoers, a WE New Year's Day Party on January 1. If your idea of the perfect gay New Year's party involves plenty of dancing, music, hot boys, and new people to meet, WE Festival is for you.

What? Sunrise Alegria 

Where? New York

When? January 1

_{©Facebook/Alegria Events}

While it might be more commonplace to celebrate New Year’s in the evening, why not shake things up a little with a daytime rooftop party in New York? Sunrise Alegria has reached world-renowned status in terms of top gay NYE parties, and this year will be no exception to tradition. Presented by Ric Sena, the event will take place at Hudson Terrace, which is located in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen. As you dance the afternoon away to cool beats, appreciate a 360-view of New York's iconic skyline, knowing you’re starting 2023 the best way possible.

What? Industry 

Where? Puerto Vallarta 

When? December 27 - January 2

_{©FB/Industry Nightclub PV}

A gay New Year’s Eve party in Mexico? Yes please! We’re certain there’ll be a host of gay NYE parties in the capital, so we’re here to tell you about an incredible party taking place at Industry Nightclub in Puerto Vallarta instead. Industry Nightclub is located in Puerto Vallarta's gay district, Zona Romantica, and it will be putting on a jam-packed 7-day schedule of parties to help you welcome 2023 with a bang. Look forward to world-class DJs, GoGo dancers, unique performances, and more. Parties will run at Industry Club every night from 11pm to 5am, and on December 31st, there will be an after party at Manatamar Beach Club from 3:30am to 8am. By the way, there's a pool! Enough said! 

What? The Shoe Drop 

Where? Key West

When? December 31

Key West is a popular LGBTQ+ destination in the USA, so it makes sense that its gay New Year’s Eve party is larger than life. On the eve of 2023, Duvel Street will come alive with outdoor festivities and of course feature the famous Shoe Drop. As opposed to the colorful ball which drops in Times Square each year, Key West’s take on the ritual comes in the form of a large, sequined red shoe which descends into the crowd. The Shoe Drop takes place in front of Key West’s Bourbon Street Pub, and carries in it local legendary drag queen, Sushi, who has been performing the ritual since 1996. A bucket-list spectacle for this New Year’s!

What? The White Party

Where? Bangkok

When? December 29 - January 1

_{©Facebook/White Party Bangkok}

The White Party Bangkok started in 2015, and has now become Thailand’s largest gay New Year’s Eve party. It is also the official White Party of Asia. Tempted yet? You should be! For NYE 2022, there will be a series of parties across Bangkok including The White Party Countdown and The White Party Spectacular. The Countdown will be the largest of its kind in Asia, and will take place at Central World from 8pm until late. This year, the theme is underwater extravaganza, so be sure to dress to impress in aquatic style. The following day, enjoy the official White Party event, which will again take place at Central World. The theme is white, so remember to adhere to the dress code and get ready to welcome 2023 in one of Asia's most thriving, open cities. 

What? Reveillon

Where? Rio de Janeiro  

When? December 31

_{©Facebook/The Week Rio}

New Year’s Eve in Brazil is referred to as Reveillon, and the celebrations taking place each year in Rio are well worth the visit. Start your evening on Copacabana Beach with an impressive firework display that is arguably one of the best in the world. Then keep the revelry alive with a legendary gay after party at Rio’s popular club, The New World (formerly The Week). Doors open at 1am, and you can expect top-notch DJs spinning sounds well into the morning. Alternatively, other gay clubs in the city will be hosting post fireworks parties, including R:Evolution and Heaven night club. Get plenty of sleep before your celebrations in Rio kick-off because this party is going to be big - it’s Brazil after all!

What? NYD La Demence 

Where? Brussels 

When? January 1

_{©Facebook/La Demence}

When it comes to prime gay parties in Europe, La Demence in Brussels is one of the game changers. Throughout the year, event organizers put on famous parties, and its NYD edition won’t disappoint. La Demence will be doing things a little differently this time around, hosting a New Year's Day event. The party will take place at Fuse Club in Brussels, and will kick off at 9pm. As per usual, expect world class DJs, lots of dancing, and great live performances in Circuit style. If you're feeling up for a dance following your New Year's Eve celebrations, this is definitely THE party to attend on New Year's Day. 

What? Matinée Winter Festival

Where? Paris

When? Awaiting dates

_{©Facebook/Matinée Paris}

Following the success of its previous NYE editions, Matinée Winter Festival is back for its 2022 foray. For four nights, you can look forward to seven different parties which will offer a solid program of world-class DJs set to illuminate various venues throughout Paris. The line-up is still to be confirmed, so stay tuned for details. Powered by Circuit and Radio FG, Matinée Winter Festival is certain to deliver when it comes to top gay NYE events in Europe this year. Plenty of dancing a given!

If this all sounds a little too intense, and you'd like to welcome 2023 in a slower lane, check out our pick for Best LGBTQ+ Destinations to Celebrate NYE