New Year's Eve Destinations
It is almost that time of the year, where you gather up with your loved ones and watch the clock ticking right before midnight. That time of year deserves to spent at a beautiful destination with a fantastic atmosphere. So, the annual question: Where are we going for New Year's Eve? All over the world, people celebrate the entrance into a new year. If you are in doubt on where to spend this year's New Year's Eve, keep reading to see which cities offer the most incredible street parties full of live entertainment and a unique firework show.
NEW YORK CITY - USA
Image credit: Flickr/Peter Stevens
New York City is a classic destination for New Year's Eve, and even more so if you enjoy a hectic ambiance with millions of people. If you are willing to brave the cold, millions gather at the iconic Times Square to celebrate and watch the famous Waterford crystal ball drop at the stroke of midnight as well as for the fireworks display. Apart from enjoying the magic moment of the ball drop, in Times Square artists get together to perform and celebrate the new year with the crowd. Also, the city opens up all its venues; from Lincoln Center to music halls in the Lower East Side.
According to the official Times Square website, this New Year's celebration will open differently. Due to a partnership with China, the public will be able to enjoy a Chinese cultural night as the opening will be a Tongliang Athletics Dragon Dance, which is the most famous Chinese dance. If you feel that spending new year's in Times Square is not what you most desire, Time Out magazine gives you various options and a different lineup of events.
SYDNEY - AUSTRALIA
Image credit: Flickr/Raj Singh
If you want to be one of the first people to experience the new year, Sydney is the place to go. Sydney New Year's Eve celebration is famous because of the firework ceremony by the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Millions of people watch this fire celebration as well as air and water show featuring aerial acrobats. From dinner in a fancy restaurant to a lovely gathering in the park or even at the harbor, Sydney does not let the tourists down on New Year's Eve.
To properly enjoy the firework ceremony, it is recommended to book tickets in advance. There are different spots in the city where you can enjoy the view of the fireworks: the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Botanic Garden, the Taronga Zoo, the Pirrama Park, and from the Harbour cruises. To see more information about the lineup and to book tickets, press this link.
DUBAI - EMIRATES
Image credit: Unsplash/Zoltan Tasi
Dubai is well known for its tall buildings and modernity. Even though it might not be the first destination that comes to mind for this night. But when it comes to celebration, Dubai goes all in. The fireworks light up the entire Palm Jumeirah, Downtown, and surrounding areas. There are several locations where you can enjoy the spectacle from without having to buy a ticket, but if you want to visit the restaurants, reservations are required.
The most popular places amongst many are The Dubai Fountain (free access), Souk Al Bahar ( free access/booking for restaurants), Burj Plaza (free access), and City Walk (free access). To see more information about the lineup and all the locations from where you can enjoy this celebration, press this link.
LONDON - UK
Image credits: Flickr/Chris Chabot
London's New Year's Eve celebration comes with a dazzling spectacle of pyrotechnics which lights up central London starting at 8 PM, December 31. Since 2014 a ticket is required to attend London's New Year's Eve fireworks display, but unfortunately, they are sold out. However, there are other options such as dining in the Aqua Shard, Galvin at Windows, R.S. Hispaniola floating restaurant, Wahaca Southbank or The Rooftop St James (prior reservation) that have a view of the Big Ben and the London Eye.
During the day it's recommended to visit Winter Wonderland with rides, markets, shows and more to get into the festive spirit. To see more information about the lineup, press this link.
RIO DE JANEIRO - BRAZIL
Image credit: Flickr/PortoBay Events
If you are looking for a warm place with the Latin spirit, do not miss the Rio de Janeiro New Year's Eve parties. The Brazilian city lures two million people for New Year’s Eve every year, which isn't so strange considering it is one of the biggest celebrations in the world. The firework display lights up Copacabana where everybody gathers and dresses up in white from head to toe to party until sunrise. There is no ticket required for this celebration, but it is highly recommended to plan transportation because this party goes on until sunrise.
If you enjoy a restaurant rather than the party itself, Cipriani and Pergula are great restaurant options. To see more information about the lineup, press this link.
