7 Ways To Celebrate New Year’s Eve Around The World
There’s more than just one way to ring in the New Year. Sure, you could pay too much for a flute of lukewarm Champagne at an overcrowded nightclub party. Or, you could celebrate the arrival of a new year in one of these special destinations, where cultural and distinctive traditions ensure particularly memorable festivities.
Whether you want to head to Sydney Harbour for up-close fireworks views, frolic on Rio de Janeiro’s beaches, celebrate in pagan style in Edinburgh, or watch the ball drop in New York, here are seven New Year's Eve travel ideas to help you celebrate the stroke of midnight around the world.
1. Admire the fireworks in Sydney, Australia
Start the New Year off with a bang down under.
Sydney’s southern hemisphere location makes it one of the best New Year’s Eve destinations. Not only is it one of the world’s first major cities to witness the arrival of the New Year, but down under, the holiday falls in the middle of summer.
More than a million visitors attend the celebrations at Sydney Harbour each year, and for good reason: Thanks to a grand fireworks show illuminating the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, it’s a truly larger-than-life spectacle. Book a cruise to beat the crowds (and enjoy some of the best, unimpeded views of the event).
2. See the ball drop in New York City, New York, US
Celebratory kisses are optional when celebrating the New Year in New York.
Arguably the most iconic New Year’s Eve celebration in the world, the ball drop in New York City’s Times Square attracts more than a million people in person (and a staggering billion TV viewers around the world). Revelers begin to arrive by midday and wait for long hours to enjoy New Year’s Rockin’ Eve live musical performances, celebrity appearances, and the coveted descent of the crystal ball at midnight. If you plan to attend in person, get there early to secure your spot at this street party (and bundle up in lots of warm layers).
4. Drink Champagne in Paris, France
Ring in the New Year with some Parisian elegance.
Oceans of mediocre bubbly are served on New Year’s Eve around the world—but not in Paris. Whether you attend a traditional réveillon dinner in Paris complete with all manner of gourmet delicacies (from oysters to foie gras), watch the fireworks over the Eiffel Tower, or even enjoy a risqué night out at one of the city’s storied cabaret theaters, French Champagne is an essential and traditional part of the holiday.
Still haven’t quenched your thirst? Book a side trip to the nearby Champagne region to head straight to the source. Between the fêtes at the hotels and Champagne houses, you'll have no problem finding the top New Year's Eve parties in town.
4. Hit the beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Samba and salsa the New Year's night away in the sunny southern hemisphere.
As one of the largest cities in the southern hemisphere, Rio de Janeiro marks New Year’s Eve during the height of its sultry, steamy summer. That makes the beach the perfect place to celebrate the occasion, and nowhere else quite rivals the scale of Copacabana's festivities. One of the best New Year's Eve fireworks shows takes place over the water while more than 2.5 million visitors hit this sandy stretch to see them in all their glory.
Insider tip: Do like the locals do and wear all white—and get ready to gulp (and spray) Champagne, before taking a celebratory splash in the sea.
6. Celebrate Hogmanay in Edinburgh, Scotland
Immerse yourself in a different kind of New Year tradition.
For centuries, the primary December holiday in Scotland (it didn’t help that Christmas was long banned) was Hogmanay. And it’s still one of the most celebratory events in the Edinburgh calendar today—and one of the more distinctive New Year's Eve traditions around the world.
Now a 3-day festival that begins on December 30, Hogmanay sees torchlit processions of Viking-dressed revelers parade through the streets; fireworks over Edinburgh Castle on December 31 (followed by rousing renditions of "Auld Lang Syne," penned by Scotland’s own Robert Burns); and a New Year’s Day ceilidh (dance). Might we suggest a warming dram for your hair of the dog the day after?
6. Attend a classical music performance in Vienna, Austria
Enjoy a traditional New Year's experience in wintery Vienna.
Vienna is a must-visit destination for classical music lovers all year long, but even more so on New Year’s Day. True to form, this cultural hub has hosted classical music performances over the holiday for decades. Traditionally, the Vienna Philharmonic performs a number of beloved works—including Strauss’ "Waltz of the Blue Danube"—in the Musikverein concert hall.
But if you can’t get your hands on a hot-commodity ticket, other orchestral performances are held in atmospheric venues around the city on New Year’s Eve and Day, so you don't have to miss out on live entertainment.
7. Take in a sparkly Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai goes all out to ring in the New Year.
Few destinations rival Dubai when it comes to a glitzy, glamorous New Year’s Eve. In terms of newer New Year’s traditions, Dubai is now home to both the world’s largest New Year’s fireworks show and the world’s tallest skyscraper (the Burj Khalifa, from which many of the celebratory fireworks are launched). Take in the action from the water’s edge—then, afterward, dance the night away at one of the city’s lavish parties with family and friends.
Related: Know Before You Go: Visiting the United Arab Emirates
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