Christmas and New Year's Eve mark a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. This season invites opportunities for picnics, travel, and cherishing moments with family and friends. Around Dhaka, numerous picturesque spots offer ideal settings for day trips and vacation celebrations close to home. Discover the best places near Dhaka for day tours and staycations to make your festive season memorable.

Top Locations Around Dhaka for Christmas & New Year Vacations

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The Cottage House

Nestled in the rustic area of Savar, Cottage House is a stunning guesthouse spanning an impressive 28,800 square feet. This state-of-the-art villa, located just an hour from Dhaka, boasts a 1,300-square-foot swimming pool, perfect for relaxation. Guests can unwind in two spacious air-conditioned rooms and enjoy amenities like barbecue facilities, open dining, and a badminton court. The lush green lawn, thoughtfully designed garden, and an artistic swing at its center elevate the aesthetic charm of this retreat.

For those seeking luxury blended with tranquility, the Cottage House offers an ideal escape. The resort’s address is Plot 93B, Badda Bhatpara Road, Savar, Dhaka. The place is reachable through Savar's Bazar Road.

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Mawa

Thanks to the operational Bhanga Expressway, this busiest area has become a tourist hotspot. Known for its vibrant ferry ghat and the iconic Padma Bridge, the locality is ideal for day trips. 

Visitors can savor freshly cooked Hilsa, enjoy boat rides on the Padma River, and return to Dhaka by evening. Sunset seekers are drawn to the captivating views of the mesmerizing and mighty Padma River, which add a touch of magic to the experience.

One standout destination in Mawa is Project Hilsha at Louhajang, Munshiganj. This architectural marvel shaped like a Hilsa fish is more than a restaurant. It’s an attraction offering local and international cuisine alongside child-friendly rides.

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Shilbarir Heshel

Located in the idyllic village of Nandankana, Sirajdikhan, Heshel of Shilbari is a unique venue that embodies rural elegance. Spread across 105 katha, this property features a charming courtyard surrounded by trees, a traditional wooden house inspired by Bikrampur's architectural style, and a serene pond. Dining here is an extraordinary experience, with food served on banana leaves placed over copper plates. All ingredients are locally sourced, and the meals are prepared by village women using clay stoves, giving guests an authentic taste of rural life.

This resort remains open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The trip to this place requires booking in advance for groups of 10 or more. The journey involves taking the Mawa-Bhanga Expressway, exiting at Abdullahpur, and continuing through Nimtala Bazar and Birtara Road.

Boat Trip on Shitalakshya 

For those who enjoy the serenity of rivers, a day-long tour over the Shitalakshya River and adjacent tourist spots can be an idyllic escape. Departures from Shimulia Ghat or Brahmankhali Ghat in Purbachal Sector-4 include trawlers and cruises for hourly rentals. Nearby attractions include Noapara BSCIC Jamdani Palli, renowned for exquisite handwoven sarees, and Murapara Zamindar Bari, a historic mansion in Rupganj of Narayanganj.

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Visitors can also explore the Kanchan Marina and Ostrich Harbor, home to the vintage paddle steamer PS Ostrich, a relic of Bangladesh's maritime history.

Jal Kachari Resort

Located at Hazratpur in Keraniganj upazila, this blissful hideout offers an unparalleled riverside retreat. Its most enchanting feature is the sweeping view of the Dhaleshwari River. 

This resort boasts vibrantly painted red-and-white tin-roofed Praneshwari Cottage and two elegantly designed sunrooms. The Gangchil platform, a floating structure right on the river, provides an intimate space to experience the tranquil surroundings.

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Guests can indulge in local cuisine enriched with authentic techniques on earthen stoves, savoring traditional flavors amidst the pristine greenery. What’s more? The boat rides allow visitors to enjoy the river's magnificent beauty more joyously.

Jal Kachari Resort is just an hour’s drive from Mohammadpur via Kalatia Road. This place is perfect for those seeking a peaceful yet culturally rich getaway.

Matir Maya Eco Resort

Situated in the lush greenery of Sreepur, Gazipur, this eco-resort represents a magical ambiance of sustainable living. This oasis features artistically designed mud houses that harmonize with the natural surroundings. These earthen structures are ornamented with bamboo groves and glass elements, creating a rustic yet modern aesthetic. Its eco-friendly ethos is evident in every detail from its architecture to its locally sourced culinary offerings. 

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Guests can enjoy traditional Bangladeshi cuisine prepared with fresh, organic ingredients. Recreational activities abound, with facilities for football, cricket, badminton, and more. Evening entertainment includes bonfire nights, live music performances, and cultural programs, making it an ideal destination for families and groups.

The resort is accessible via Shishu Palli Road from Maona in Gazipur. The Matir Maya Eco resort offers a holistic retreat of relaxation, eco-conscious living, and cultural immersion.

Shorol Bari Resort

Placed at Rajendrapur in Gazipur, this is an artistic endeavor by celebrated musician and artist Anusheh Anadil. This picturesque retreat is defined by two charming two-story houses, each equipped with a cozy living room on the ground floor and a relaxing bedroom upstairs. These structures, set amidst an expansive green courtyard, create an inviting atmosphere for relaxation and rejuvenation. 

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The resort's design is minimalistic yet warm, with features like a bamboo and wood ghat by a pond, tin-roofed dining spaces, swings, and scattered seating areas. The cuisine is a highlight, with meals prepared using fresh, locally sourced vegetables and poultry, ensuring every bite reflects the region's rich agricultural heritage.

Take the Faugan-Dhaladia road through Rajendrapur Cantonment, following the route leading directly to this peaceful lodge.

Meghna Village Holiday Resort

Situated at Gazaria in Munshiganj, this recreational place bestows a vibrant mix of relaxation and adventure. Spanning 30 bighas, the spot features cottages, a theme park with thrilling rides, a mini zoo, and a 3D cineplex. Tourists can enjoy local and international cuisine, fishing, or explore the souvenir shops. The resort’s Nepali-style cottages and expansive playgrounds make it a perfect getaway for families with kids.

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The resort can be accessed by crossing the Meghna Bridge from Jatrabari and turning on the left road from the Balukandi bus stand.

Seagull Resort and Picnic Spot

Spread across 42 bighas at Singardighi village of Sreepur upazila in Gazipur, this tourist spot combines natural beauty with a range of modern amenities. The sprawling grounds are covered with lush greenery, forests, medicinal plants, and fruit trees. The place also boasts a mini zoo, a kids' zone, a lake with boating facilities, playgrounds, a conference hall, and a restaurant.

The place is easily reachable through the Maona-Dulivita road from the Maona intersection on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway. Drive towards Singdighi Karwan Bazar, then turn right and follow the road further inward to arrive at this serene retreat.

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Bishnandi Ghat

Located in Araihazar upazila of Narayanganj, this place offers a unique experience on the sandy banks of the Meghna River. Known as “Mini Cox's Bazar”, this picturesque location captures the essence of a seaside getaway, with sandy shores. 

The natural beauty of this place becomes most enthralling during sunset when the vibrant hues of twilight are reflected over the river water. The golden rays of the setting sun present a pristine view, ideal for taking videos and photographs with family and friends.

Visitors can explore the river through regular ferries while rented boats or speedboats add to the charm of this destination.

From Kuril Bishwa Road in Dhaka, Ferry Ghat can be reached directly via Madhabdi or Bhulta Gauchia.

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Sabdi Village

Winter transforms Sabdi village in Narayanganj into a yellow sea of mustard flowers. Known as the “village of flowers,” it features stunning landscapes. The majestic views of the sunset can give visitors unforgettable memories. The most popular spots of Sabdi village include Premtala, the Laxmanbande riverbank, Siraj Shah’s shrine, and Sonakanda Fort.

The village is reachable via the Kanchpur Bridge and Madanpur, followed by a left turn toward Bandar of Narayanganj. While passing through this route, the road to Sabdi village branches off to the left.

Summing Up

These best places to celebrate Christmas and New Year's Eve nearby Dhaka brim with vibrant festivities. ‘Cottage House’, ‘Jol Kachari’, ‘Matir Maya’, and ‘Shorol Bari’ provide the perfect setting for comfortable day trips. ‘Shilbarir Heshel’, ‘Meghna Village’, and ‘Seagull’ deliver exceptional experiences. Mawa, Shitalakshya River, Bishnandi Ghat, and Sabdi Village are ideal for nature lovers, presenting a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

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Together, these destinations create a perfect way to welcome the new year, blending tranquility, adventure, and a fresh start.