As the clock strikes midnight on 31st December, where will you be? Usher in the New Year with great travel memories by celebrating at any of these iconic cities. These cities are synonymous for epic New Year’s Eve celebrations, so save this list for next year’s planning with your loved ones, family and friends!
New Year’s Eve in New York City, USA
The New Year’s Eve celebrations at New York’s Times Square are probably the most recognisable in the world – they’ve got the quintessential countdown celebration, with performances by big-name stars on stage, capped off with that iconic ball drop.
New Year’s Eve in Berlin, Germany
Join more than a million people filling up ‘The Party Line’ for ‘Silvester’ (what the Germans call New Year’s Eve) on the last day of December. The line is actually a long celebration arena stretching from Brandenburg Gate to the Victory Column, with music stages, F&B tents serving staple German festival fare like beer, sausages and mulled wine, and the midnight fireworks show.
New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The famous Copacabana beach is where the action is on New Year’s Eve. The night starts with music shows on stage, ranging from Samba dances to rock bands rockin’ out. Cariocas, as the locals call themselves, traditionally wear white on new year’s eve, in the belief that it will bring good luck, perhaps symbolising a clean slate. The night ends with two million revellers witnessing the amazing annual fireworks show, and sprays of champagne everywhere.
New Year’s Eve in London, United Kingdom
Celebrating New Year’s Eve in London is like getting an upsized tour of the usual sightseeing landmarks of the city. On the river Thames, Londoners, tourists and their renowned street buskers celebrate the New Year together, with the midnight countdown done to the chiming of Big Ben, fireworks sprouting forth from the Eye on London, and everyone singing together to Auld Lang Syne.
New Year’s Eve in Nassau, the Bahamas
Looking for a more relaxing New Year’s getaway? Then head on to the Bahamas. Make no mistake, though. While the atmosphere is generally more laid-back, they do know how to party full-force over here, with events held everywhere from five-star hotels to impromptu beach gatherings, all with views of spectacular fireworks. The next day, watch the Junkanoo parades, which are like the Bahamian version of Mardi Gras.
New Year’s Eve in St Petersburg, Russia
Because Russians celebrate two Christmases – one on December 25th and the Orthodox Christmas on January 7, and two New Years, with the other one on January 13, the entire festive period is a major excuse to party. The biggest draw, however, is just how ethereally beautiful the city can be during this time, with white snow everywhere during the day, and lit-up buildings and Christmas trees at night. Wait for the fireworks show above Palace Square to catch amazing Instagrammable views.
New Year’s Eve in Valparaiso, Chile
If you’re looking for somewhere new for New Year’s Eve, may we suggest Valparaiso, Chile? If you haven’t been there, you’ll be awed by the biggest New Year’s fireworks display in South America over the historic harbour, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Don’t forget to place a $1000 Chilean peso bill in your right shoe for good fortune in the coming year.
New Year’s Eve in Hong Kong
The place to be on New Year’s Eve in Hong Kong is Victoria Harbour. For the best views, make sure you get a spot on one of the New Year’s Eve dinner and party cruises organised by various ferry and yachting companies. You’ll get to see a panoramic view of the daily Symphony of Lights featuring a musical show of lights over 45 buildings in Hong Kong, and at midnight, one of the world’s best firework performances over the city skyline.
New Year’s Eve in Cape Town, South Africa
Join the New Year’s Eve party on top Table Mountain, from where you’ll see all the fireworks shows happening around the city, especially at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the best choice if you opt to stay in the city for the countdown. Stick around a few days longer to catch the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival, also knowns as Kaapse Klopse, on January 2. A colourful carnival featuring competing sing-and-dance troupes, it has its history in Cape Malay culture, harking back to the days when slaves were given January 2 as a holiday to celebrate the New Year.
New Year’s Eve in Sydney, Australia
If you want to be ahead of everyone else, celebrate the New Year in Sydney, where 2018 will arrive 16 hours ahead of New York, 11 hours ahead of London and 3 hours earlier than Hong Kong. Ring in the new year at any of the waterfront establishments for a great time for the whole family, with aerial acrobatics, a water show and the Harbour of Light Parade, or from a New Year’s Eve cruise to see fireworks over the famed Sydney Opera House.
