Fed up with over-priced, over-crowded pubs and clubs on New Year’s Eve? Thinking of doing something a little different to celebrate this year? Then why not check out our guide to some of the world’s best New Year’s Eve party destinations!
1. Edinburgh
The famous Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations attract thousands of party-goers from all over the world each year. This four-day party kicks off with a torchlight procession and includes a huge open-air ceilidh, fireworks and all sorts of live music, as well as a multitude of other events. Join 80,000 revellers in a chorus of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ at midnight, then party through the night at one of the many concerts, bars or clubs in the city.
2. Sydney
If you want to really get away from it all for New Year, the other side of the world is a good bet! Sydney is renowned for its spectacular New Year fireworks, set against the backdrop of the iconic harbour bridge and opera house. Many choose to hire a boat or join a party cruise and head out into the bay to watch from the water. Alternatively, you could celebrate in style at one of Sydney’s many bay-side bars or restaurants.
3. Rio de Janeiro
Copacabana Beach is the place to be on New Year’s Eve in Brazil’s cultural capital, with a carnival-style atmosphere among the huge crowds who gather there every year. Locals dressed in white throw flowers into the sea in a ritual offering to the sea goddess Yemanja, then a flotilla of boats set off fireworks over the ocean. Rio is a renowned party town, so be prepared to boogie with the locals into the small hours of New Year’s Day.
4. Reykjavik
Iceland’s capital city is one of the up-and-coming New Year destinations, attracting visitors looking for something a little different. Tradition is very much at the heart of the Reykjavik New Year celebrations, beginning with mass at the cathedral and followed by bonfires and singing in the streets. After the midnight fireworks, the city’s nightlife springs into action, with bars and clubs offering a unique atmosphere that you really won’t find anywhere else. With only four hours of daylight per day over the Christmas period, Icelanders really know how to party.
5. Las Vegas
Perhaps the most notorious party town in the world, Las Vegas really comes into its own on New Year’s Eve. The Las Vegas strip is pedestrianized for the evening so you can join the crowds and simply soak up the atmosphere whilst watching the amazing fireworks and laser shows. Alternatively there are plenty of special New Year shows and concerts laid on for the evening. And of course the bars, casinos and clubs will all be pulling out the stops to attract the biggest crowds. You really will be spoilt for choice for New Year entertainment.
6. New York
Times Square in New York is a fantastic way of seeing in the new year. Each year, millions of people from all over the world flock to Times Square to watch the Waterford Crystal Times Square New Years Eve Ball descend at 11.59pm. Join the crowd as they count down the final seconds of the year in unison with the balls descent, and celebrate the beginning of the new year in true New York style!