December 2025 festivals.
December is the southern hemisphere's turn. Beyond the Valley in Victoria and Rhythm and Vines in Gisborne run the New Year's Eve corridor, while the northern hemisphere is fully dormant until April. Expect summer heat, sunburn risk and long-haul travel if you're heading south.
Top picks for December 2025
Waiohika Estate for the first sunrise of the new year. Late December NZ storms can blow in off the Pacific; it's otherwise a benign weather window.
Lardner Park, New Year's run in Victorian summer. Baking daytime heat with cold evenings; the swing catches people out every year.
Frequently asked questions
What festivals happen over New Year?
Rhythm and Vines in New Zealand and Beyond the Valley in Australia are the two big New Year's Eve festivals. Both run from late December into the first days of January.
What's the weather like at NYE festivals in the southern hemisphere?
Peak summer: hot, often dry, with occasional thunderstorms. UV levels are extreme in New Zealand and southern Australia, so SPF 50 and a hat are non-negotiable.
How far ahead should I book NYE festival travel?
At least six months. Accommodation in festival towns over New Year's is scarce and premium-priced, and flights between hemispheres fill fast over Christmas.