These are the best places around the world to celebrate New Year’s Eve!
See the fireworks over Sydney Harbour
New Year’s Eve sees the Sydney Harbour (above) dotted with boats full of people ready to watch the famed firework display. The Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge light up with the colours of the magnificent exhibit. Restaurants on the waterfront offer those who prefer land a nice glass of bubbly to toast in the New Year.
Countdown to midnight on Big Ben
On New Year’s Eve, London bustles with activity providing a seemingly endless list of celebration options. From themed parties to pumping clubs and fireworks over the Thames, there’s something for everyone hoping to bring in the New Year with a bang. A highlight is undoubtedly counting down the big moment on perhaps the most iconic clock in the world, Big Ben.
Dance in the New Year at the Hofburg Palace
The Hofburg Silvesterball is a more refined way to bring in the New Year, giving guests the opportunity to dress up and celebrate in this Vienna Palace. Offering opera performances, orchestras, a four-course dinner and dancing, this event provides a glimpse into Vienna’s ball traditions.
Enjoy the Hogmanay Midnight Fireworks
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay New Year’s festivities see around 150 000 people enjoying the three days of celebrations. From the Street Party to the Torchlight Procession, and family events, the end of the year is full of activity. The Midnight Moment is a highlight as Edinburgh’s skies are lit up with a number of firework displays.
Party all night on Copacabana beach
Second only to Rio Carnival, the New Year celebration in Rio de Janeiro attracts up to two million people who join each other on Copacabana Beach to bring in the coming year. Celebrators traditionally wear white, hoping it will bring good luck for the upcoming year. Expect live music, fireworks and lots of champagne at this vibrant celebration.
Watch the ball drop in Times Square
At the end of the year in New York, millions of people gather to see the Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball lowered into the crowd. The massive colourful ball is 12 feet in diameter and weighs about 11,875 pounds. Concerts, parties and an impressive fireworks display add to the city’s festivities.
Have you celebrated New Year’s Eve in any of these incredible places? What was your experience like?
And if you haven’t yet experience New Year at this level, which spot are you most keen to see the New Year in at?
by Megan Whittington