Far From Home for the New Year…
If you have the budget this year and want to kick off the new year in a truly different way, it's not too late. We'd say don't plan your New Year's holiday route without taking a look at our article.
As we approach the end of yet another year, the countdown to the new year has naturally begun. We researched which countries and cities host the most spectacular, most exciting New Year's Eve celebrations, for those who want to ring in the new year abroad. Let's take a look together at the most magnificent New Year's Eve parties in the world.
AUSTRALIA / Sydney: Santa in Shorts and Girls in Bikinis
If you want to be among the first to welcome the new year, how about heading to Sydney? After all, where else can you see Santa Claus in summer clothes with kangaroos pulling his sleigh?
They ring in the new year a full 9 hours ahead of us. Since it falls in summer, the contrast of snow, sleds, and reindeer may seem paradoxical — but it's actually quite charming when you think about it.
While there are shows on almost every side street in the city, the most spectacular one is undoubtedly held at Sydney Harbour. Fireworks launched from nearly 100 boats sparkle brilliantly over the Sydney Opera House, dazzling our eyes and lighting up the ocean. On this special night, many cruise ships also organize special tours for the occasion.
USA / New York: All Eyes on the Giant Crystal Ball
New York is one of the cities where the new year is celebrated most magnificently. Every year, millions of people flock to Times Square to welcome the new year. They have a tradition that has never gone out of style since 1907. A giant crystal ball is lowered from the top of a building in Times Square. New Yorkers call this tradition the "Ball Drop." As the countdown begins, the crystal ball starts descending. While it comes down, the neon lights of the old year fade in the background and the lights of the new year begin to glow. Until the show is over, nearly everyone is focused on this crystal ball.
The giant crystal ball is certainly not the only spectacle and excitement in Times Square. Every year, concerts by famous singers and bands are unforgettable. Fireworks and confetti shows continue until the first light of morning. Carrying a bottle of alcohol in Times Square is strictly prohibited! One important reminder: temperatures can drop to -10°C (14°F) by early morning… You absolutely must dress warmly.
USA / Las Vegas: The Party Never Ends!
Would you like to say hello to the new year in the entertainment capital of the world? The streets are filled with 24-hour laser shows and parties. Depending on your preference, you can either party in the streets or join one of the shows at nightclubs, hotels, and casinos. Where can you watch the fireworks? The dazzling fireworks displays can be seen from anywhere in the city.
SPAIN / Barcelona: Bring 12 Grapes With You
A Christmas holiday that starts on December 24th and continues until January 6th… The Spanish call this period "navidad." On New Year's Eve they generally prefer to celebrate with family and friends. And when the clock strikes midnight, everyone pops 12 grapes into their mouth. Surprised? You can learn about this and other New Year's traditions from around the world in our article on New Year's Eve Traditions Around the World.
The people of Barcelona gather in the Gothic Quarter or on Las Ramblas boulevard and celebrate until the first light of morning to the music pouring from entertainment venues. Of course, there are also eye-catching fireworks displays.
GERMANY / Berlin: Europe's Biggest Open-Air Party
Every year, Europe's biggest open-air New Year's Eve party is held in Berlin. The Brandenburg Gate is the right place to get swept up in performances by famous bands and renowned DJs all day and night long.
BRAZIL / Rio de Janeiro: Samba De Janeiro
After the famous Rio Carnival, the biggest event is undoubtedly the New Year's Eve celebrations held on December 31st. At the New Year's festival celebrated together by locals and tourists along the Copacabana beaches, you can both savor delicious Brazilian food along the shore and lose yourself to the warm rhythms of Samba music. And of course, when the clock strikes midnight, there are spectacular fireworks launched from boats as a bonus…
ICELAND / Reykjavik: The Magic of the Northern Lights
Even though the crowd at New Year's celebrations is not as large as Berlin or New York, the colorful fireworks displays are second to none. On top of that, the breathtaking natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights may be right behind you. If you want to enjoy a nature retreat and say "hello" to the new year against stunning scenery, Iceland's charming capital Reykjavik is just the place for you.
NETHERLANDS / Amsterdam: The City of Street Parties
They say the most exuberant New Year's Eve celebrations are in Amsterdam. It's possible to stumble upon a street party on virtually every corner. If you're looking for bigger and better-equipped entertainment, head to Dam, Nieuwmarkt, and Museumplein squares. From the bridges around the city, you can first watch fireworks and laser shows, and then choose one of the countless entertainment clubs to keep the fun going until morning.
FRANCE / Paris: A Romantic Welcome to the New Year
Just as Paris comes to mind when we think of a romantic getaway, it should come to mind for New Year's Eve celebrations too. Whether you want to welcome the new year watching the dazzling light shows at the Eiffel Tower, or join the street party on the Champs-Élysées with champagne, songs, and dancing — the choice is yours.
The city's historic buildings are decorated and illuminated a month in advance: the Eiffel Tower alone is fitted with 20,000 light bulbs. In a city that is a true visual feast, the squares are closed to traffic after 5:00 PM on New Year's Eve. When the clock strikes midnight, a magnificent fireworks display begins from the Chaillot Palace and the Eiffel Tower. Every year, approximately 2 million people gather to watch these shows. And at midnight, people kiss whoever is standing next to them — whether they know them or not :)
ENGLAND / London: The City That Never Sleeps
The only way to describe the magnificent light shows along the banks of the Thames on New Year's Eve, around the London Eye and beyond, is this: breathtaking… When the clock strikes exactly midnight and Big Ben's bells begin to toll, the crowd greets the new year by kissing one another. Fair warning — if you don't want to be kissed by a complete stranger, either make sure you have someone you know with you, or make a quick exit :)
In this city that never sleeps, the New Year's Eve fun is not limited to the night. On New Year's Day, locals walk from Piccadilly all the way to Parliament Square — and they call it the New Year's Day Parade.
RUSSIA / Moscow: Millions of Fireworks!
Although New Year's celebrations begin 20 days in advance, the real fun kicks off when the clock strikes midnight on December 31st. All at once, millions of fireworks paint the sky in vibrant colors — and this is not something that only happens in the main squares. You can even see fireworks going off in the streets. In short, every street competes fiercely with the next :) Of course, the most spectacular display is rightfully the one held in Red Square. Drinking alcohol in the streets is prohibited, but you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone following that rule.
Wherever you are in the new year, may a breathtakingly beautiful year begin from the morning of January 1st, 2019. Happy New Year...
