As the year 2025 draws to a close, Kigali is alive with festive spirit. Music pulses from bars and restaurants, laughter echoes through the neighbourhoods, families busily plan their perfect New Year celebrations, and all streets and public spaces shine with lights. For many, it’s not about loud parties or late nights but about spending time together, enjoying good food and marking the moment in a way that feels easy and joyful. Across the city, hotels, restaurants and open‑air spaces are offering relaxed, family‑friendly options to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new one. WATCH: Kigali at Night: A Festive City Street Tour with The New Times Whether it’s an afternoon meal, an early outing with children, or a relaxed New Year’s Day lunch, Kigali offers plenty of places where everyone feels welcome. In a tour of some of the city’s dining spots, The New Times presents a variety of venues where you can celebrate the New Year in style with friends or family. Food, music and family time Upon Rebero Hill, Villa Kigali remains a favourite for families who enjoy celebrating in a calm, scenic setting. The venue offers a peaceful atmosphere, good food and sweeping views of the city, making it a comfortable option for those looking to welcome the New Year at a relaxed pace. The experience is by reservation only. ALSO READ: Let’s remember to celebrate together this festive season In Nyarutarama, The Manor Hotel is welcoming families for a New Year Celebration Buffet on January 1 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The setting is elegant without feeling formal, featuring live music, festive décor and a buffet designed for easy sharing. Children are well catered for, with face painting, a playground area and small amusements that allow parents to unwind while the little ones enjoy themselves. At Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, guests have plenty of choices. Options include the BCL Dinner Buffet, the Larder BBQ Buffet or the Italian‑inspired Filini Dinner Buffet, complemented by pizzas, wines, champagnes and sharing platters. There is also a children’s menu and discounts for kids aged 6 to 10, making it ideal for family outings. ALSO READ: Kigali: What Radisson Blu has lined up this festive season At Zaria Court Hotel, celebrations stretch throughout the day. Solia Pool Bar is hosting an all‑day New Year brunch starting at 11 a.m. with international dishes served across four food stations, live band performances and DJ sets keeping the atmosphere lively but relaxed. For those who prefer a more formal evening, Mansela’s Restaurant at Zaria Court Hotel is hosting a New Year’s Gala with a gourmet dinner buffet and live music, perfect for guests looking to dine and dance into the night. Familiar favourites around the city Not every restaurant is going big on themed celebrations, but many of Kigali’s popular spots are extending their hours for the holiday. Located at Kigali Heights in Kimihurura, 360 Degrees Pizza joins the list of restaurants ready to help families and friends celebrate the New Year in style. Guests can enjoy a wide range of delicious pizzas, Italian wines and other delicacies. To accommodate New Year festivities, the restaurant, which normally closes its kitchen at 10 p.m, will operate 24 hours on December 31 and January 1, giving diners flexibility for both early meals and late‑night celebrations. Other reliable choices include Chinese Great Wall, Alink Chinese and Korean Restaurant and Inka Steakhouse, all known for good food in relaxed, family‑friendly settings. Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant, near the Kigali Convention Centre, continues to draw families with its shared platters, vegan options and traditional coffee ceremony. Meals here are unhurried, encouraging conversation and togetherness. For something distinctly local, Nyurah Restaurant, on the mezzanine floor of Alliance Towers on KN 67 Street, serves modern Rwandan cuisine using carefully sourced ingredients. The space feels polished yet comfortable, making it a good choice for a quiet New Year outing. Wine lovers can head to Select Boutique Restaurant and Wine Club, known for its curated selection of wines from southern France and beyond. It’s a relaxed spot for families and friends who prefer a quieter celebration. In Nyarutarama, Chillax Lounge lives up to its name with good music, cocktails and a menu that caters to both vegetarians and non‑vegetarians. For a taste of Italy, SoleLuna in Remera serves fresh Mediterranean dishes with views of the city, while Khana Khazana, also in Nyarutarama, offers open‑air garden dining and popular Indian favourites such as tandoori chicken, butter chicken and palak paneer. At The Retreat in Kiyovu, Fusion Restaurant blends farm‑to‑table dining with international flavours in a calm, poolside setting, ideal for families who want to start the year quietly. For those who enjoy hearty meals, Sundowner remains a favourite for its goat specialties (nyama choma), and signature fresh juices, making it a comfortable place to welcome the New Year. As Kigali steps into the New Year, the city’s dining and leisure spots reflect what many families value most – shared meals, relaxed settings and time together. Whether it’s a brunch buffet, lunch, or dinner, these spots will offer you and your loved ones a warm and welcoming way to start the year.
