New Year in Baku: Celebrating on the Caspian

31 December is a double holiday in Azerbaijan — it's also World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day. The city is decorated well in advance, and Baku becomes one of the most festive cities in the region.

What to see

• The main tree and festive fairs in the centre, with hot drinks and souvenirs.
• Lights on Nizami Street, Fountain Square and the Boulevard.
• Fireworks over the bay at midnight — best seen from the Boulevard or Highland Park.

How to celebrate

• New Year's Eve dinners at restaurants and hotels — book weeks ahead.
• Street celebrations on the Boulevard and Fountain Square.
• A quieter option: dinner in the Old City and a walk at midnight.

Holidays in the mountains

After New Year many head to the ski resorts of Shahdag and Tufandag in Gabala. The winter break is peak season, so book accommodation and transfers early.

Tips

• Dress warmly — the sea wind can be strong.
• On 1–2 January many museums and shops keep shorter hours.